As a young lawyer in the beginning of her career, Walbolt intently watched her mentor and UF Law alumnus William Reece Smith, Jr. (JD 49), who is known as Mr. Pro Bono throughout the country, provide legal counsel for the less fortunate. Seeing the difference he made in individuals’ lives and the satisfaction he received from his experience, Walbolt was motivated to do her part as a lawyer.

A proud “Double-Gator,” Walbolt’s motivation to help the poor stems from her strong belief that lawyers are very privileged to have the opportunity to practice law and have the obligation to uphold their oath of office by assisting the oppressed. “There are so many unmet legal needs of the true disadvantaged,” she said.

Although Walbolt has spent 44 years in the private sector at Carlton Fields in Tampa, Fla., she said she considers her pro bono work as the “single most satisfying part of her law career” and has the full support of her firm.

Carlton Fields prides itself as an advocate for pro bono causes by providing the same caliber work for pro bono clients as billable clients. Walbolt said her pro bono work is very gratifying because cases are not only won for individuals but also for the justice system itself. “It truly shows that the system works no matter whom the case involves,” she said.

As a lawyer at a law firm that is dedicated to helping the poor, Walbolt has represented individuals in various pro bono cases, including representing migrant workers, the mentally ill and individuals on death row. Defending individuals on death row is a challenge but a “sobering experience,” Walbolt said. These cases are especially difficult because the clients are often not nice people, but the justice process still ought to work, she added.

Walbolt challenges all lawyers to use their licenses to practice law to do their part in helping the poor. She also emphasized that trial lawyers are not the only lawyers who can do pro bono work. All lawyers regardless of their specialty can do some sort of pro bono work. It’s all about making a difference in an individual’s life, whether it involves going to retirement communities on Saturday mornings to help senior citizens file for social security or volunteering with guardian ad litem, Walbolt said.

In addition to her achievements as a shareholder of Carlton Fields, the demonstrated champion of pro bono causes has won numerous awards for her work, including the 2007 Florida Bar Presidents Pro Bono Service Award, ABA Section of Litigation 2006 John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award, and Stetson University College of Law 2005 Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Public Service Award.

Although she enjoys her significant role in her pro bono cases, Walbolt said balancing her private firm work and pro bono caseload is no easy task. “But, if you want something done, give it to a busy person,” Walbolt said.

The event typically draws more than 100 students and dozens of local attorneys. This year’s keynote presentation will be delivered by Edward M. Waller Jr., an attorney with Fowler White Boggs Banker in Tampa. Waller received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in 1964 and his J.D. from the University of Chicago in 1967. His presentation is entitled “Professionalism: The Legacy of Atticus Finch—Higher Standards For New and Experienced Lawyers Alike.”

Waller practices in the areas of business litigation, class actions, health care litigation, lender liability, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights generally. He also leads the firm’s class action litigation team. Waller is the former chair of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Professionalism (1995-97) and former chair of the ABA’s Ethics and Professionalism Committee (1992-96). Waller is also a former member of both The Florida Bar Professionalism Committee and the Florida Supreme Court’s Commission on Professionalism.

Local judges, lawyers and faculty members will offer their advice on a variety of topics. The symposium begins at 9 a.m. with Waller’s presentation in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom (180 Holland Hall). Breakout sessions will begin at 10:30 a.m. on various topics including commercial transactional law, criminal law, estates & trusts, family law, and personal injury insurance defense.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and open to all UF Law students, faculty and staff. This event is closed to the general public due to space considerations.

Albright was the 64th Secretary of State of the United States. In 1997, she was named the first woman Secretary of State and became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. She is expected to discuss topics such as the qualities and skills needed for the next president, the global challenges that the next president will face, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, peace negotiations in the Middle East, and restoring America’s reputation. Following her presentation at the law school, Albright will head to main campus to speak at the grand opening of the Graham Center for Public Service. The center—spearheaded by and named for former Gov. Bob Graham—will help provide students training to become future policymakers and political leaders.

Albright is visiting the Levin College of Law upon the invitation of UF Law Professor and Dean Emeritus Jon Mills (JD 72), director of the Center for Governmental Responsibility.

“Secretary Albright’s visit is an excellent opportunity for our students to learn from the experiences of someone who has been on the world stage as a long-time, major participant in solving the challenges of a global community. It is a great honor for our law school to host her,” Mills said.

Albright is a principal of The Albright Group LLC. She is the first Michael and Virginia Mortara Endowed Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. She chairs both the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and the Pew Global Attitudes Project, and serves as president of the Truman Scholarship Foundation. Albright co-chairs the UNDP’s Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor, serves on the Board of Directors of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Board of Trustees for the Aspen Institute and the Board of Directors of the Center for a New American Security.

UF Law alumni Carol M. Browner and Janet R. Studley were instrumental in arranging the visit. Browner (UF Law JD 79) is a principal of The Albright Group LLC , a global strategy firm, former head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a member of President Bill Clinton’s cabinet for eight years. Studley (UF Law JD 76) is a partner with Holland & Knight in Washington D.C. and past chair of Holland & Knight’s Government Law Section. Studley also served as chief counsel to the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Practices and Open Government of the United States Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by the late Senator Lawton Chiles.