2026 Annual Seminar

Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.

Description:

DUI – recent changes in the law and then sharing lessons from a DUI not guilty last month.
Transition to a discussion about burdens of proof and some basic principles on appellate review in criminal and civil cases along with how to properly preserve appellate issues.

A final transition to how to be a prepared and happy paralegal in any endeavors using a combination of psychological, motivational and leadership principles that will improve levels of performance and joy at work.

Session # 1:

DUI – recent changes in the law and then sharing lessons from a DUI not guilty last month.
Transition to a discussion about burdens of proof and some basic principles on appellate review in criminal and civil cases along with how to properly preserve appellate issues.
Fla. Stat. 316.193
Enhanced Penalties
BAC
0.15: Enhanced fines and mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) for at least 6 months.
DUI with Injury/Property Damage: Misdemeanor or felony depending on severity.
DUI Manslaughter: Second-degree felony, with new law strengthening penalties for repeat offenders as of Oct 1, 2025

Session #2: An Overview of Human Trafficking

Brief Description: Presentation and Discussion regarding Human Trafficking – types of trafficking, victims, and reporting.
Capital Punishment/Severe Penalties: HB 1283 allows for the death penalty or life in prison for trafficking children under 12, effective 2025.
The Safe Harbor Act: F.S. 409.1678 allows law enforcement to treat minors found in prostitution as victims (dependency) rather than criminals (delinquency), though studies suggest many still end up in jail.
Mandatory Signage:
Certain businesses, including massage parlors, strip clubs, and transportation hubs, are required to display human trafficking public awareness signs.
RICO Prosecution: Florida Statute §787.06 allows trafficking to be prosecuted as organized crime under the RICO Act, with high-level penalties.
No Limitation on Child Sex Crimes: Florida Law allows for no statute of limitations on prosecuting sexual battery involving a child under 18

Learning Objectives:

Define and Recognize human trafficking and its types;
Recognize the dynamics of human trafficking – trafficker strategies, targeted victims;
Know how to take action – reporting, and resources for victims.

Session #3: (Multiple)

Cristina Blunt- Why Mediation Matters: Setting the Stage
• Over 90% of civil cases in Florida settle before trial, and the majority settle during mediation.
• Florida courts actively promote mediation as a tool for reducing docket congestion and protecting litigant autonomy.
• Mediation success rates in Florida hover between 70–80% across civil and insurance disputes.
• Key Authorities
• Fla. Stat. § 44.102 (court-ordered mediation)
• Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.700 (rules common to mediation and arbitration)
• Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.710, 1.720, 1.730 (mediation rules)
• Florida Mediation Best Practices Handbook, Third Edition (revised Apr. 10, 2025),
Fla. Bar ADR Section & Hillsborough County Bar Association

Lindsey Guinand-
Title: Ethical Issues Surrounding AI Applications In Florida’s Legal Profession
The presentation is anticipated to address the following Rules of Professional Conduct and Florida Bar Ethics Opinion:
Rule 4-1.1 (Competence)
Rule 4-1.4 (Communication)
Rule 4-1.6 (Confidentiality of Information)
Rule 4-3.3 (Candor Towards the Tribunal)
Rule 4-5.3 (Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants)
Rule 4-8.4(c) (Misconduct)
Florida Ethics Opinion 24-1

The presentation will focus on the ethical issues that surround the use of AI in the legal profession, with emphasis on AI use by paralegals and other legal staff. The presentation will address the Bar’s 2024 Ethics Opinion on the use of AI; the Rules and how they are applied in practice; and recent cases wherein attorneys have been disciplined for improper use of AI.
Nash, Peek & DiFiore – Panel discussion on best practices related to Florida Tort Reform, House Bill 837, Updates to Florida Rules of Civil Procedure
Kirstin Davis – Generative AI and the Paralegal’s Work: What You Need to Know Now
Understand advancements in generative AI and how these evolving technologies are affecting the paralegal profession.
Learn about ethical guidance that governs lawyers’ use of generative AI tools and how paralegals can comply with or violate that guidance.
Explore genAI’s practical strengths and weaknesses for paralegal work

CLE Hours = 6 (1-Legal Ethics, 4-Substantive, 1-Technology)