At The Florida Bar’s recent 50-Year Member and Senior Counselor Luncheon, former presidents Edward R. Blumberg and Miles A. McGrane III delivered poignant reflections on the dramatic evolution of the legal profession over the past five decades. Their addresses offered a unique perspective on the profound changes and enduring principles that have shaped the Bar and its members.
Blumberg, in his remarks, highlighted the staggering technological transformation that has swept through the legal landscape, fundamentally altering how attorneys practice law. He also pointed to the remarkable growth in The Florida Bar’s membership, which soared from approximately 17,000 to an impressive 117,000 members during their collective time in the profession. A significant shift noted by Blumberg was the transition from a legal community predominantly composed of white males to one that is now far more diverse and inclusive. Despite these digital advancements and demographic shifts, Blumberg stressed the critical importance of maintaining personal connections and upholding the tradition of mentorship, arguing that these human elements remain vital in an increasingly digital age.
McGrane echoed many of Blumberg’s themes, acknowledging the radical changes in legal tools and the increasingly diverse composition of the profession. However, he powerfully underscored that amidst all these transformations, the fundamental commitment to justice, unwavering ethics, and serving the public good has remained constant and paramount. Both speakers celebrated the significant progress made towards greater inclusivity within the legal field, recognizing it as a positive and ongoing development for the profession’s future.
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