Voting is underway for Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors seats in Ninth, 17th, and 11th circuits – The Florida Bar

Voting is underway for Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors seats in Ninth, 17th, and 11th circuits

Voting is now underway for Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors seats in the Ninth, 17th, and 11th circuits.

Members in the circuits with contested races may vote by accessing the MyFloridaBar Member Portal on The Florida Bar’s website. All voted ballots must be received by midnight (EDT) on March 17. As in previous years, Bar members will have the option to return a paper ballot or cast their vote online. Paper ballot return instructions are included with that ballot, should a member have requested that format.

Here are the platform statements for the 2025 candidates for The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors. The winners will be sworn in during the June Annual Florida Bar Convention.

Ninth Circuit, Seat 3

Melissa A. Bryan

I’m  Melissa Bryan and humbly seek your vote as the Ninth Circuit representative on the YLD Board of Governors. As a non-immigrant, first-generation attorney, and proud Jamaican, I have a  perspective I believe will resonate with many young lawyers. I understand the various journeys many of us share and I’m proud to leverage my experiences and accomplishments to help guide and support young attorneys. With a passion for advocacy and a commitment to fostering connections, I am dedicated to addressing the challenges young lawyers face, including mental health, wage disparities, and professional development. My mission is to empower young attorneys to thrive while cultivating a collaborative environment. I recognize many young lawyers share similar career trajectories, values, and challenges and I’m excited to use my background to serve and uplift.

As a Lead Associate at HAWM Law, owned by two dynamic women of the Ninth Circuit, I have experience navigating the demands and complexities of practice. This role has reinforced my commitment to service that earned me recognition as one of the “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” during my second year of practice. These experiences fuel my drive to represent the voices of young lawyers.

 I have served as Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Section of the Orange County Bar Association and Chair of an OCBA Committee, roles where I worked to increase engagement and create opportunities for professional growth. Representing the Seminole Florida Association for Women Lawyers at the Annual Affiliate Outreach Conference, I showcased my dedication to progress and collaboration. I’m leading efforts to revamp the Central Florida chapter of the Caribbean Bar Association, alongside active participation in the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association as the co-chair for all special events coordinated by PCPBA. 

I believe in crafting solutions to address unique challenges young lawyers face. My vision includes expanding mentorship opportunities and developing initiatives such as:

• Workshops on Client Management, Trial Preparation, and Professional Development Programs that bridge the gap between law school education and real-world practice

• Resources that equip young lawyers to hit the ground running

These will help create a foundation for professional growth while fostering relationships.

The profession, while rewarding, often places immense stress on young attorneys. As a mental health advocate, I am committed to creating safe spaces for open dialogue, increasing access to resources, and promoting well-being. Mental health is fundamental to career satisfaction and longevity.

From volunteering on pro bono immigration cases to organizing scholarships and mentorship programs, I have strived to uplift others. Strengthening partnerships between the Bar and voluntary associations will remain a priority, as these relationships amplify our collective influence and create stronger communities.

As your representative, I will bring unique experiences and innovation to the Board. My approach is solution-driven, ensuring voices of all young lawyers are valued. Together, we can shape a brighter future.

Contact me at [email protected] with any questions. I respectfully ask for your support. Let’s work together to create meaningful change and elevate our futures.

Thank you for your consideration.

XiXi Li

Greetings! My name is XiXi Li, I am seeking to represent the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors, Seat 3, for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

I presently serve as the President-Elect of the Greater Orlando Asian American Association, Chairwoman of the Insurance Law Committee of the Orange County Bar Association, and a mentor for the mentorship committee of the Young Lawyers Section of OCBA. I have been active in presenting many CLEs regarding practicing law as a young lawyer, fundraising for charities and organizations throughout our state, and mentoring law students in Central Florida and bar examinees throughout Florida.

I have truly loved serving our circuit and getting to work with colleagues who share the same passion and commitment. If elected, I want to advocate for:

1. The ease of use of the platform for Basic CLEs that all young lawyers are required to complete;
2. Creating “Practice Tip” webinars in short formats for young lawyers to access and reference on the Young Lawyers Division website;
3. Adding required CLEs at a reduced rate or at no cost on the YLD website;
4. Developing additional grant opportunities for all YLD Affiliates to obtain funding for programs and scholarships; and
5. Establishing a database of pro bono opportunities available in our circuit.

As your YLD Governor, I look forward to working together with other governors across the state to implement these ideas and provide resources that will benefit all young lawyers. Additionally, I want to hear from you, my constituents, and advocate on your behalf.

I am excited to represent our circuit and to continue to enhance the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar.

I respectfully ask for your support for Seat 3 of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors. Thank you for your consideration.

Don’t forget to vote online or by mail!

11th Circuit, Seat 2

Brittany Herndon

My name is Brittany Herndon and I am seeking to serve the 11th Judicial Circuit on the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors. I am passionate about this opportunity and would like to take the time to discuss my vision and desire for serving this division.

I began practicing law in 2016 in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. While I was still a resident of Jacksonville, I had the opportunity to become a founding member of the Board of Directors for a charter school serving the urban youth in Northwest Jacksonville. I currently sit on this Board as the Chair of the Governance Committee My experience serving on this Board of Governance will allow me to jump right in with serving the YLD Board of Governors. Serving on the board and committing myself to activities outside of the day-to-day legal practice is part of the reason that I have developed a desire to commit myself to serving more organizations within the industry in which I practice.

In the past few years, I have taken on more leadership responsibilities within the organizations I work for and have had the chance to mentor and train many young lawyers within those organizations. The opportunity to mentor and train has become one of my greatest joys outside of practicing law. I would love to bring that passion and assistance to the mentoring program that was recently launched by YLD which pairs young lawyers and law students with mentors from the legal community.

My desire is to engage with our Miami-Dade community more and strengthen my professional network here. I have been a South Florida resident for 5 years and would love the opportunity to serve the community that has embraced me and that I in turn am so very appreciative of.

I respectfully ask for your vote for Seat 2 of the 11th Circuit of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors. It would be an honor to serve. Thank you!

Magbis Sanchez

United in Diversity, We Thrive. If there is one word to describe the 11th Circuit, it would be “diverse.” Born in Cuba, raised in Costa Rica, and of Spanish heritage, I have navigated multiple cultures and embody the diversity that defines our circuit. It would be an honor to have your support and represent you.

I’m a maritime and civil litigation attorney committed to service and advancing the profession. During law school, I received an award for my contributions to the Community Lawyering Clinic. After graduation, I continued my commitment by volunteering at Camillus House and Dade Legal Aid. My leadership journey expanded through participation in Leadership Miami, where I partnered with a nonprofit to fund, organize, and bring a community project to life. As part of this program, I engaged in structured lectures, seminars, and discussions on leadership and community issues with local universities.

In 2023, I was selected to join the Bar’s Leadership Academy, designed to train and inspire effective leaders within the Bar. I also participated in L.E.A.D. with CABA, the Cuban American Bar’s leadership training program. These programs allowed me to work with bar leaders in Miami and across Florida and gain insights into the needs of our legal community.

I’m now a member of the Bar’s Admiralty Law Committee, co-chair of the L.E.A.D. with CABA Committee, and a member of the Miami-Dade and Miami Beach bars, as well as the Anti-Defamation League’s Advocacy, Engagement, and Civil Rights Committee. I’m also involved in the Federal Bar Association’s Admiralty Section and other maritime organizations.

Having worked in large and boutique firms, I understand the challenges each poses for young lawyers. From navigating a competitive job market and managing student debt to transitioning from school to practice, the pressures are immense. Public service and solos face additional hurdles, including limited resources and support. The emotional toll of high-stakes work, compounded by a lack of mentorship and maintaining work-life balance, leave many isolated and unsupported.

I commit to addressing these issues by supporting existing and new programs, including:

• Mentorship: Enhance mentorship opportunities to connect young lawyers with attorneys who can guide their growth.

• Promote Mental Health/Wellness: Normalize discussions around mental health and provide tools for managing stress, anxiety, and burnout.

• Equip Lawyers for the Future: Support practical CLEs and promote awareness of AI to help members harness transformative technologies while navigating professional responsibilities.

• Encourage Professionalism in the 11th Circuit: Advocate for programs that emphasize professionalism. My practice, which extends to national and international cases, has shown me the importance of having professionalism as a universal standard.

• Promote Community Engagement: Advocate for projects that build bridges between our profession and our communities.

I would be honored to earn your vote and represent you. Reach out to me at  [email protected] with ideas, concerns, or questions. I will be your advocate, your resource, and partner in this journey. Together, we can shape a YLD that serves its members and addresses evolving challenges in our circuit and profession. United in Diversity, We Thrive.

11th Circuit, Seat 3

Blake Bierman

My name is Blake Bierman, and I am seeking to represent the 11th Judicial Circuit as a governor of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Board of Governors.

I aim to bring fresh perspective to the YLD Board of Governors by modernizing and expanding key tools and resources for fellow YLD practitioners. If given the honor of representing the 11th Circuit, I plan to use the engaged legal community and fantastic programming of our local voluntary bar associations as a model to mirror for serving young lawyers across the state.

Born and raised here in South Florida, I graduated from the University of Florida before attending law school in Boston. Returning to my local roots and the international business hub Miami is known for, I graduated from the University of Miami School of Law White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. program. During my time at UM Law, I continued my emphasis on community through my involvement in the Cardozo Legal Society and through the Spanish for Lawyers Program, which emphasized the importance of cross-cultural communication in the legal field. Moreover, I proudly served my cohort as a student senator in the Student Bar Association. Currently, I am involved in the Young Miami International Arbitration Society and volunteer on The Florida Bar International Law Section’s Planning Committee for the annual Richard DeWitt Memorial ‘Vis Pre-Moot’ Mock Trial Competition.

Working with the other YLD Board of Governors for the 11th Circuit, I want to focus my advocacy on developing the resource toolbox most critical to our membership in the successful transition from law school to law practice in two key areas: practical career/skills guidance and mentorship.

I plan on achieving that by first, advocating for training resources through additional practical skills webinars and CLE opportunities. Following the success of the “Legal Fuel” series, YLD can expand the topics offered based member-directed input. Similarly, YLD can offer additional “How To” style lecture series to bridge early knowledge gaps, such as the too-often “unspoken rules’ of practice, alternative career exploration, and other skills tangent to the practice of law such as IOTA compliance, business development, and law firm management.

Secondly, I would work to expand the success of the Florida Bar Counsel-to-Counsel Mentoring Program to a YLD peer group mentoring program. As a mentee in the current cycle of the Counsel-to-Counsel Program, I have witnessed the value of mentorship outside of the firm for young attorneys. Utilizing the IT infrastructure The Florida Bar already has in place, YLD can implement a peer group mentoring program that matches young practitioners based on practice area and compatibility to create space to openly discuss and build community within their practice areas.

If granted the opportunity to serve our Circuit, I aim to bring the bold ideas and Miami flavor that represent our strong legal community to the YLD Board of Governors. I respectfully ask for your vote for Seat 3 of the 11th Circuit of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors.

Joshua Peter Padron

My name is Joshua Padron, and I am seeking to represent the 11th Judicial Circuit as a governor of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Board of Governors.

As a dedicated advocate for our profession and an active member of Florida’s legal community, I am honored to announce my candidacy for this vital role. My passion for service and commitment to fostering professional growth among young lawyers drives my desire to represent you and work toward a brighter future for our profession.

From my earliest days in law school, I recognized the power of mentorship and the importance of fostering connections within our legal community. As Vice President of the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) in law school, I coordinated mentorship programs that paired law students with practicing attorneys, providing guidance, encouragement, and insight for navigating the challenges of legal education and practice. These experiences shaped my dedication to uplifting others and inspired my continued work with CABA, where I now serve as a board of director. In this role, I have spearheaded initiatives to promote diversity, equality, and access to justice while enhancing resources for young attorneys.

My professional journey began as a prosecutor, where I not only advocated in the courtroom but remained engaged with local law schools to inspire the next generation of lawyers. I spoke to students about the perseverance and dedication it takes to become an attorney and mentored many through law school and their bar passage journey. These moments reinforced my belief in the transformative power of guidance and education.

Now, as a personal injury attorney, I understand the challenges young lawyers face, from balancing personal and professional responsibilities to developing lasting professional and personal relationships. I also know the immense rewards of advocacy and community impact. If elected, I will focus on:

• Expanding mentorship opportunities to connect young lawyers with seasoned professionals across diverse practice areas.

• Advocating for mental health and well-being initiatives to support our profession’s future leaders.

• Enhancing resources and training programs to meet the demands of modern legal practice.

• Strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to ensure every lawyer feels empowered and represented.

Our profession is stronger when we support one another and invest in our collective future. I bring a wealth of experience, a passion for service, and a vision for progress to the YLD Board of Governors. I am committed to being a voice for all young lawyers across Florida and to creating meaningful change for our legal community.

I respectfully ask for your vote to represent the 11th Judicial Circuit on the Florida Bar YLD Board of Governors. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and inclusive legal profession.

11th Circuit, Seat 6

Melissa Victoria Jordon

My name is Melissa Victoria Jordon, I am a Partner at Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel LLP. It is my honor and privilege to submit to you my candidacy for Seat 6 for The Florida Bar Young Lawyer Division Board of Governors. Originally hailing from Connecticut, I transitioned to making Miami my home while attending the University of Miami and completing their “3+3” Honor Program in Law. I have the distinction of being the University’s first female graduate of the program, and am especially proud of this designation as I am also the first attorney in my family. From the moment I took an oath as an attorney, I’ve taken this oath seriously and hold myself to the highest standard of ethics and professionalism to which this profession demands. One of my desires of becoming an attorney, has been to be an advocate and make a difference not just for my clients, but in any other way possible. Our goal should all be to leave this world better than we found it. This is why, from even the early stages of my legal career, I’ve been dedicated not only to the zealous representation of my clients, but also to protecting and improving the legal profession and our community as a whole. For the past 9 years, I’ve been a member of the Miami-Dade Bar Board of Directors and currently serve as the Association’s Vice President. Through this role I have had the opportunity to watch and learn from several leaders and interact with sister and brother bar associations to learn how we can collectively add value to our legal communities. The work doesn’t stop there. In my spare time I sit on alumni boards for the University of Miami to figure out ways to engage our young professionals and graduates. Additionally, I currently serve as the chair of Nextgen, a young professionals group supporting Chapman Partnership, which is a Miami-based charitable organization whose mission is to champion the fight against homelessness.

All of these endeavors have prepared me for this next step. If elected to The YLD Board of Governors, my goal is to better the legal profession and resources available to the young lawyers. Throughout my legal education and career I have benefited so much from the help and guidance that my mentors, friends, and colleagues have provided me along the way, but this didn’t come without significant homework and research on my end. For a generation that was impacted in professional development from the pandemic in a world that is much more remote and online, I want to reinvent the way we communicate and make the resources available to young lawyers more easily accessible. The way I plan to achieve this is to create more opportunities for knowledge/education to be provided to young lawyers on how to network, get involved, the importance of getting involved, and connecting them with their local community and attorneys in their practice areas. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Brittney Polo

Yes, we can! Si, se puede! From Atticus Finch to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the practice of law is a noble profession, and it is up to those who comprise it to protect it.

My name is Brittney Polo and I humbly seek your support to have the privilege of representing you again on The Florida Bar YLD Board of Governors, Seat 6, 11th Judicial Circuit. I firmly believe it is the duty of our generation to safeguard standards of our profession, and I am eager to continue to embrace this responsibility.

Over the past year, I have volunteered my time serving as YLD Governor for the 11th Circuit. This opportunity has been an honor and a profound source of inspiration fueling my desire to serve again in this capacity while equipping me with a deep understanding of the dedication required for the role I now seek formally as an elected YLD Governor. My commitment to exceeding expectations is unwavering. During my tenure, I focused on enhancing our mentorship programs, providing invaluable guidance to both young lawyers and law students.

As a member of the YLD Law School Affiliates (LSA) Committee, I had the honor of supporting the swearing-in ceremony of new attorneys statewide. My involvement with the CLE committee has been pivotal in updating and enhancing the mandatory basic legal skills CLEs, ensuring that young lawyers receive the most current and relevant information to support them in their early years of practice. Additionally, I played a key role in organizing the YLD’S Inaugural Law School Symposium, a statewide groundbreaking event that brings together law students from all Florida law schools. I also volunteered to assist executive leadership with several important initiatives, including grading grant presentations, reviewing affiliate award applications, and nominations.

Aside from my service as YLD Governor, this past year while ethically and professionally advocating for my clients as a civil litigator, I also served as a Committee Chair for Miami-Dade County Florida Association of Women Lawyers facilitating the “Women’s Making History Event” promoting established attorneys and law students. As a graduate of MDFAWL/GSC’s Inaugural Women’s Leadership Academy, I learned to pay it forward and became a chair for this unique program focusing on women leaders in South Florida. I support the endeavors of all Miami-based organizations by attending as many events as possible.

My passion for community involvement led me to also volunteer in other circuits by serving on the Board of Directors of the Broward County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section. This year alone, BCBA YLS raised over $45,000 for charity during our annual golf tournament while also volunteering in community events like mock trials, literacy programs for elementary students, and local holiday charity events.

I am deeply honored to have been nominated once again to represent our esteemed 11th Circuit. Serving as YLD Governor this past year was a true honor, and I am eager and ready to continue devoting my time and effort into the preservation of our noble profession, if given the opportunity.

17th Circuit, Seat 3

Lair Hall

I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors for the 17th Circuit, and I ask for your vote in the upcoming election. It would be an honor to represent an organization that succeeds in promoting the common goal of advocating for the future of our legal profession and assists in the development of young lawyers.

In 2016, I graduated from Florida State University College of Law. Upon being admitted to The Florida Bar, I became a Duval County Assistant State Attorney, where I handled a variety of criminal cases. I am currently an Assistant County Attorney for Broward County in the Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Practice Groups.

Based on my own experiences I can relate to the struggles that young attorneys face. Issues such as work/life balance, student loans, learning to become an effective attorney, competitive job market, and more. As a YLD governor, I hope to assist with initiatives that address these issues and provide more resources for voluntary bars. In addition to that, I hope to assist with current programs of the YLD surrounding their goals of providing continuing legal education courses and promoting bar service and community activism.

I have participated in multiple programs which I found helpful in my development as an attorney. One of those programs is the Advanced Trial Advocacy Course, a four-day seminar where legal professionals teach trial skills to hundreds of lawyers. Programs such as that I found truly helpful and would love the opportunity to promote similar programs and others to help fellow and future young lawyers.

If elected, I will dedicate my time and effort to continuing and advancing the dynamic programing and partnerships with voluntary bar organizations the Young Lawyers Division is known to provide. It would be an honor to represent the 17th Judicial Circuit as the elected governor for Seat 3.

I appreciate you taking the time to learn about my experiences and what makes me a great candidate and hope to receive your vote in March.

Please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [email protected].

Shawn Shaikh

As a passionate advocate for the legal profession and a dedicated member of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD), I, Shawn Shaikh, am seeking election to the YLD Board of Governors for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. My commitment to addressing the challenges young lawyers face today and my vision for a more supportive and inclusive legal community make me an ideal candidate for this critical role.

One of the most pressing issues confronting young lawyers is the overwhelming burden of student debt. Many of us graduate from law school with significant financial obligations that can impede our ability to pursue meaningful public interest work or engage in pro bono initiatives. If elected, I will advocate for programs that provide financial literacy resources and strategies for managing debt effectively, fostering a culture of giving back to the community without being stifled by financial constraints.

In addition to financial challenges, young lawyers often face difficulties in finding mentorship and networking opportunities. Early in our careers, we may feel isolated and lack the connections necessary for growth and development. To combat this, I propose creating robust mentorship programs within the YLD, pairing seasoned attorneys with younger members. This initiative would foster an environment of collaboration and support, enabling young lawyers to gain valuable insights and navigate the complexities of the legal profession.

Work-life balance is another crucial concern for young attorneys. The rigorous demands of our profession can lead to burnout and mental health challenges. I firmly believe that advocating for wellness initiatives and encouraging flexible work arrangements is essential. As a Board member, I will work to implement policies prioritizing mental health support and promoting work-life balance, helping young lawyers manage their professional responsibilities while maintaining their well-being.

Moreover, the rapid evolution of technology in the legal field presents both opportunities and challenges for young lawyers. While many of us embrace these advancements, we also require guidance on integrating new tools into our practices effectively. I envision developing educational programs focused on legal technology within the YLD, equipping us with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.

I possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of the challenges facing young lawyers, and a commitment to promoting mentorship. My experience in advocating for wellness initiatives and effective use of technology positions me to address key issues within our profession. I am dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for all young attorneys, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.

In conclusion, my understanding of the challenges young lawyers face today, coupled with my dedication to addressing these pressing issues, positions me as a strong candidate for the YLD Board of Governors. I am eager to collaborate with my peers to create a supportive and empowering environment for young attorneys. Together, we can tackle student debt, enhance mentorship opportunities, promote work-life balance, and embrace technology in our profession. I humbly seek your support in this endeavor to make a meaningful difference for the future of young lawyers.