Bar leaders find connection, innovation, and inspiration in Charlotte Harbor
In a legal landscape where everything moves at lightning speed, this year’s Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference (VBLC) struck a balance between innovation and human connection.
Held July 11–12 at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, the 2025 VBLC was all about “tech with heart” — embracing new tools while staying grounded in relationships that power the voluntary bar community.
Florida Bar President Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes delivered the keynote address reminding attendees that leadership begins long before the spotlight hits. Her message: build meaningful, real relationships making people a priority, do the hard work, be flexible and willing to take on the unexpected, and never forget to lift others as you climb.
Baker-Barnes was joined by Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division President Arti Hirani, YLD President-elect Reno Pierre, other members of The Florida Bar Board of Governors and over 150 voluntary bar leaders from across the state.
Over two days, leaders from bar associations large and small leaned into high-impact education sessions, made vendor connections, and soaked up fresh ideas to bring back home.
“Networking wasn’t just a side benefit — it was front and center, with ‘power-half-hour’ breaks that turned the bustling sponsor exhibit space into a hub of activity, ideas, and of course free swag,” said Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee Chair Lauren Baugh of the Lee County Bar Association in Ft. Myers.
The conference allowed 30 minutes between sessions for attendees to network with one another and make connections with exhibitors.
“More than 25 powerhouse sponsors made #VBLC2025 a standout success, fueling the event with resources, giveaways, and valuable contacts,” said Baugh, who also served as conference co-chair in charge of sponsorships. “Attendees took time to snap photos, tag sponsors, and shout them out on social media — proof that meaningful partnerships don’t stop at the exhibit table.”
New this year, the VBLC Connection mobile app brought attendees even closer. With real-time updates, speaker information, and sponsor highlights, it kept everyone plugged in and in the know.
“The programming delivered too. From tips on leveraging Florida Bar tech and communication resources and creating CLE-worthy programs, to strategies for involving judges and forming impactful partnerships with legal aid organizations and The Florida Bar YLD — sessions were packed with practical tools and inspiration,” said conference Co-Chair Carleen Leffler of ShuffieldLowman in Port Orange. “Leaders left with new skills, tools, and resources to enhance their local and specialty bar associations.”
And what is a bar conference without a little local flair? A VBLC tradition, the basket giveaway brought plenty of charm. Each attendee was invited to contribute a basket or item representing their region — from handcrafted chocolates and coffee kits to wine-tasting bundles, and chili cook-off swag.
Plans are already underway for the 2026 conference.
Jeff Doran is the voluntary bar services manager at The Florida Bar.