But given the stresses of our everyday lives, it has been difficult at times to find the

time or energy to express that commitment to our communities, our family, and even to

our own well being. Our days are often filled with client’s problems, staff issues, constant

interruptions, trying to adapt our law office to new technology, and trying to have some

semblance of balance with our personal lives.

In April 1999, Howard Coker, the immediate past president of The Florida Bar was

quoted as saying the following, “Like attorneys from around the country, our members

are experiencing greater stresses at the office and finding less time to spend with their

families or personal issues.” Howard Coker, along with Jack Harkness, the Executive

Director of the FL BAR, and especially leaders of the Practice Management and

Development Section, Walter Aye and Greg Hearing took decisive action in response

to those critical needs.

The undersigned are writing this letter to thank you, the leadership of the Florida Bar

and PMDS, for listening to our frustrations, providing guidance and direction, and for

finding creative solutions to our challenges.

In particular, we would like to thank you for bringing Atticus to the members of the

Florida Bar. Although this is only the first anniversary of that relationship, many of us will

tell you that our lives have been changed for the better. There is an excitement about our

future, and the future of the legal profession. Because of Atticus, we are taking back

control of our law practices, increasing our revenues, decreasing our work hours, focusing

more on our personal health, and learning how to achieve a greater balance in our lives.

In closing, thank you for listening to our professional concerns and thank you for being

responsive to our needs.

Respectfully,