By John F. Kynes
Carter Andersen’s enthusiasm for the law and for helping others is contagious.
And it’s Andersen’s enthusiasm ― along with his leadership, professionalism, and ethics ― that will help him carry on the “long and storied leadership” of the HCBA, said Jeff Warren, president of Bush Ross, P.A., as he introduced Andersen as the new president of the HCBA at the Installation of Officers & Directors in June.
“He’s one of those special people I call ‘direction changers,’” said Warren, referring to his law partner’s ability to positively influence and change the lives of others. In his introduction, Warren said Andersen’s background and experience will help him succeed as HCBA president.
Andersen was raised in Tampa and Alexandria, Va., and is a double Gator, with an undergraduate and a law degree from the University of Florida. He began his legal career with a large law firm in Washington, D.C., and four years later, he moved to Tampa and joined Bush Ross in 2003.
Andersen has served on the HCBA Board since 2009, and he served as chair of various HCBA and YLD committees over the years. In addition, Andersen is a past chair and continues to serve on the Thirteenth Circuit’s Judicial Nominating Commission, and he previously served on The Florida Bar’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee.
In his remarks, Warren highlighted Andersen’s commitment to his family — his wife, Dana, and their four children ― as well as his commitment to community service beyond the legal community, including Tampa Bay Little League and Christ the King Catholic School.
Referring to Andersen’s passion for coaching youth sports and mentoring young people, Warren joked that he has met a lot of people over the years, but he hasn’t met many people whose children Andersen hasn’t coached in one sport or another at some point (I must say my son falls in this category).
In his remarks, Andersen talked about leading the HCBA this year and some lessons he has learned from Bar leaders before him. He said what helps set the HCBA apart is the relationships Bar members share with one another.
“We strive to serve each other and the profession, and we strive to serve the community,” Andersen said.
Concluding his remarks, he emphasized the importance of taking time to mentor other lawyers, and he acknowledged some colleagues who have mentored him during his career. He cited Warren, retired Chief Judge Manual Menendez Jr., and longtime friend Bill Schifino Jr., among others, as examples.
Further, he praised Schifino for his past service to the Bar and congratulated him on becoming president-elect of The Florida Bar this year.
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The fall season and a new Bar year also bring new opportunities for HCBA members. So stay connected with your colleagues, and take advantage of the numerous educational and CLE programs offered throughout the year. And consider joining the HCBA’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service to help grow your practice through case referrals.
Plus, make it a point to attend the HCBA’s 19th Annual Bench Bar Conference & Judicial Reception, which always is a highlight during the year.
Meanwhile, the HCBA and legal groups across the country must grapple with numerous changes in the legal profession and evolve in order to stay relevant. Newly installed Florida Bar President Ramón Abadin talked about the challenges facing the profession and also the work of the Vision 2016 Commission at The Florida Bar’s annual convention in June.
The commission is studying the future of legal education, technology, Bar admissions, and access to legal services. “We have to accept that we are no longer a monopoly. We are now part of a legal marketplace,” Abadin told convention attendees.
Looking to the future, this is something we all should follow closely.
See you around the Chet.
