Understanding LGBTQ+ Law in Florida is an introductory overview of legal issues impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Floridians, and those who interact with them. The overview will include brief review of LGBTQ+ history, a real-world exploration of why we care about LGBTQ+ issues and bias elimination, a survey of the emergence of constitutional law regarding LGBTQ+ individuals, and an exploration of federal and state developments with a focus on legislative and executive decisions. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the rapidly evolving legal landscape for LGBTQ+ issues and the ways in which legal and legislative decisions impact the community. This event is open to ALL who are curious about the changes our state is currently undergoing. There will be plenty of time for a Q & A.
NOTE: Florida attorneys, the Tallahassee Bar is sponsoring David’s lecture for 1 hour of CLE (continuing legal education credit).
Outline with Times:
Speaker Biography:
David is a bow tie clad attorney who has called Tallahassee his home for most of the last two decades. He presently serves as the Staff Director for the Florida House of Representatives, Minority Office, administering the office and advising the Democratic Caucus in the areas of appropriations, rules, redistricting, and the constitutional prerogatives of the House. Prior to that, while Deputy Staff Director, David was the chief advisor in the areas of finance, taxation, elections, and justice. He previously served as an Assistant Attorney General specializing in civil rights and constitutional law defense with the Florida Office of the Attorney General.
David is originally from Homestead and Key Largo. He received his bachelor’s degree and J.D. from Florida State University, graduating law school cum laude. He has been actively engaged in the civic life of the community since his days in undergrad with a special focus on LGBTQ+ issues and civil rights. He was the inaugural recipient of the Tallahassee Women Lawyers Diversity & Inclusion Award, the David W. Grimes Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Government Bar Association, and received the Thomas M. Ervin Distinguished Young Lawyer Award from the Tallahassee Bar Association in 2024.
David currently serves as a Governor for The Florida Bar Board of Governors representing the Second Judicial Circuit including Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla, Franklin, and Liberty counties. He also serves on the Board of Legal Services of North Florida and the Florida State University Pride Alumni Network. He was an elected Governor of the Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar. He was previously a board member and President of the Florida Government Bar Association. He also served on the board of the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center which works to end human trafficking in the Big Bend. David coached the Chiles High School Mock trial team for a decade with great success. He is an active member of St John’s Episcopal Church. David is also a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class 39.