Nicole L. Goetz Facilitates Publication of New ‘Bounds of Advocacy’ Professional and Ethical Practice Guidelines for Florida Family Lawyers

During her tenure as 2017-2018 Chair of The Florida Bar Family Law Section, attorney Nicole L. Goetz created the ad hoc Bounds of Advocacy Committee and appointed members from throughout Florida to update the “Bounds of Advocacy” practice guide to reflect recent and significant changes that impact the practice of Florida family law. The “Bounds of Advocacy” outlines goals for family lawyers in Florida, and guides Florida lawyers through the quagmire of professional and ethical dilemmas that are unique to the practice of family law. The publication offers goals for professional cooperation, competence and advice, conflict of interest, fees and children. It suggests a higher level of practice than the minimum baseline of conduct required by The Florida Bar rules—and spells out guidelines for situations that often arise in family law where the rules don’t provide sufficient guidance.