RE: BENCH/BAR COMMITTEES

Pursuant to the Amended Administrative Order of the Supreme Court of Florida, dated April 28, 1998, the chief judge of each judicial circuit is required to enter an administrative order establishing a local bench/bar committee or committees; and

In establishing such committees by administrative order the undersigned recognizes that local Bar Association bench/bar committees have been in existence in this circuit for many years and have been quite productive. However, in light of the directive of the Supreme Court of Florida and after consultation with local bar associations, it is hereby

ORDERED:

1. The following bench/bar committees are hereby established in the Sixth Judicial Circuit:

a. Clearwater Bench/Bar Committee, which shall consist of members of the Clearwater Bar Association and members of the judiciary serving in North Pinellas County.

b. St. Petersburg Bench/Bar Committee, which shall consist of members of the St. Petersburg Bar Association and members of the judiciary serving in South Pinellas County.

c. Pasco County Bench/Bar Committee, which shall consist of members of the West Pasco Bar Association, East Pasco Bar Association, and members of the judiciary serving in Pasco County.

2. The Chief Judge or his or her designee shall chair the Committees and appoint the judicial members. The President of each bar association or his or her designee shall Vice-chair the respective committees and shall appoint the lawyer members.

3. The mission of each Bench/Bar Committee is to enhance communication, constructive problem solving, respect, and courtesy between judges and lawyers, and the Chair of each committee should convene regular meetings accordingly to accomplish this mission.

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida this 7th day of July, 1998.

/s/Susan F. Schaeffer
Susan F. Schaeffer, Chief Judge