Collett P. Small, a Jamaican-born attorney, has been elected the new chair of the Florida Bar Elder Law Section. Small is the first woman of color and the first woman of Jamaican heritage to be installed in the position. Small, who lives in Weston, has practiced law for 12 years, having previously worked as a banking executive and raising a family. A Board Certified Elder Law Specialty, Small is one of just 105 attorneys in Florida to have this certification. She currently practices law in Pembroke Pines, and in her free time, she enjoys marathon running, reading to young children, and traveling. Small plans to focus on several things during her tenure: increasing the use of technology in the elder law section, increasing both the size and diversity of the sector, using a public relations strategy to aid consumers in understanding the benefits of creating a family plan for elderly relatives that can lessen the burdens that may accrue without a plan, and working with legislators to improve quality of life for Florida’s senior citizens. Small says she is looking forward to improving the image of the Elder Law Section and moving it to the next level of efficiency and service. She also said she was “humbled and honored” to serve as chair and wants to make sure families understand the value of engaging an Elder Law attorney before their relatives become incapacitated.
The Elder Law Section exists to:
- cultivate and promote professionalism, expertise, and knowledge in the practice of law regarding issues affecting the elderly and persons with special needs;
- advocate on behalf of its members; and
- perform such other activities as may be necessary and appropriate to fulfill this mission statement.
Source: The Florida Bar Elder Law Section
