Richard Sicking spearheaded the three-day E. Earl H. Zehmer Moot Court Competition consisting of teams from numerous law schools. This competition has become a tradition at the convention and provides practical experience to students who have demonstrated themselves to be premier representatives of their institutions. Consistent with years past, Richard wrote the problem and the bench brief for the competition. Richard then presented the problem and solution to the esteemed panel of 75 judges which included Florida Judges of Compensation Claims as well as workers’ compensation judges from several other states and from Florida’s First District Court of Appeal. The competition was a huge success, and Richard remains entrenched as one of the leading appellate experts and scholars in the field of workers’ compensation.
Mark Touby kicked off his multiple roles at the convention by speaking on the topic of mediating workplace issues other than workers’ compensation related matters in a panel discussion for the Professional Mediation Institute. His skills as a litigator and negotiator were highlighted during this presentation, and the discussion was very insightful for those in attendance. Mark is serving the second year of his term as President of the Florida Workers’ Advocates (FWA). In that capacity, he presided over the FWA Board of Directors meeting which was attended by over 40 Board members from around the state. FWA remains vital to the ongoing legislative process, as workers’ compensation reform remains a hot topic in the Florida Legislature. Mark further established himself 
to be the type of steadfast leader required for this upcoming challenge. Any legislative changes will have an impact on the entire workers’ compensation system, and FWA, through its leadership, is fully committed to protecting the rights and remedies of injured workers. Mark sits on the Workers’ Compensation Board Certification Committee for the Florida Bar, and his input during this meeting was vital. Mark continued his leadership role and commitment by attending the Executive Council meeting for the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar. He also attended the meeting of the Friends of 440 Scholarship Committee.
Mark would like to congratulate Kim De Arcangelis for receiving this year’s Richard A. Sadow Achievement Award. Mark was last year’s recipient of this award. He received a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
Richard Chait attended his 30th annual Workers’ Compensation Convention (in a row). He remains one of the more prominent leaders in the Workers’ Compensation Industry and demonstrates his influence and leadership skills as a member of numerous committees. During the meeting of the Florida Bar Workers’ Compensation Rules Advisory Board, he spearheaded healthy dialogue amongst the members and made every effort to ensure that favorable changes to the Rules of Procedure were considered. Richard holds a seat on the Board of Directors for the Florida Workers’ Advocates (FWA) and is a Past President of the organization. During the FWA Board Meeting, Richard maintained his longstanding leadership role by contributing on numerous levels which included initiating preparation for the upcoming Legislative Committee Weeks and the 2018 
Legislative Session. Richard also attended the Annual Judicial Luncheon where he hosted a table for several Judges of Compensation Claims and engaged in proactive dialogue focused on improving the workers’ compensation system and protecting the rights of injured workers. He concluded an active convention by attending the meeting of the Executive Council of the 
Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar. Richard is a Past Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section and continues to serve a vital role on the council where he holds a District Seat. During this meeting, Richard was presented an award for his outstanding legislative efforts over the past year. He was honored and humbled to be recognized by his fellow leaders of the Workers’ Compensation Bar in such a manner.