Sia Baker-Barnes, Member of The Florida Bar Board of Governors, Past President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association

“For over 30 years, Gary Lesser has led in our great profession by example.  As a lawyer, he has practiced the utmost professionalism and civility.  In his law firm, he has led with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.  As a Past President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and a past Chair of its Committee for Diversity & Inclusion, I know that Gary has consistently hired diverse interns to work at his firm, has hired diverse lawyers to work at his firm and has supported the programs financially for many years.  He has led by example in his commitment to the community, a strong tradition taught by his grandfather and father.  And he has led with by example as a member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors for nearly 10 years, enhancing the respect and support of our profession.  I proudly endorse Gary Lesser for President of the Florida Bar because his personal example of leadership, commitment and service exemplifies excellence.”

Dave Aronberg, State Attorney for Palm Beach County, Florida and a former member of the Florida Senate

Gary Lesser has the experience, knowledge and temperament to be an outstanding Bar President. He has already been a leader in our profession and will excel in this important role. Gary will be a Bar President for everyone.

Carl B. Schwait and Jay Cohen, who both served on the Florida Bar Board of Governors, Bill Schifino, Florida Bar Past President, Gary Lesser and Mike Tanner, Florida Bar President-Elect

Gary with Jervonte Tae Edmonds, Executive Director at West Palm Beach Police Athletic League and Michael Hoffman, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Jervonte received the 2020 Tikkun Olam (“Healing the World”) Award from the Jewish Federation

Scott J. Welner 

This is the part where folks insert statements about a candidate that seem hollow and largely unhelpful.  If you want to know about Gary Lesser, do some research.  Look online.  Ask your fellow lawyers who work with him, especially the ones across the aisle.  The man is solid.  He doesn’t join associations and groups to promote his business.  He takes an active role in the community because he cares.  He’s not like many of us.  Most of the time, I would rather go home after work and relax, watch tv, catch a game, etc.  Gary attends board meetings, volunteers his time, and seeks out opportunities to make a difference.  This is the type of person we need as the next Florida Bar President.  I am not saying that Gary is the only one who is capable of doing this.  That would be naive.  What I am saying is that the decision to support Gary in his efforts to serve is a no-brainer. Support Gary and sleep like a baby.  It’s really that simple.

Andrew Comiter

President of the Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council

Gary is a tremendous leader; he is passionate about the law, cares for his clients, and knows how to effectively communicate in difficult situations. He possesses all the requisite character traits to be our Florida Bar President.

Sarah Cortvriend – Past President FAWL PBC

Gary has worked tirelessly in our legal community, and the community at large, throughout his career. I know he will continue that tradition as Florida Bar President-Elect.

Melanie Griffin

President-Elect President of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers / Former President of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (2011-12) / Former President of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD)(2013-14) / Orange County Bar Association, Executive Board Member (2008-14)

I have known Gary for several years since serving with him on The Florida Bar Board of Governors from 2012-14. Beyond his dedicated service to The Florida Bar, and more generally, the profession, Gary’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, relationship-building, member programming, and professionalism is impressive. He is thoughtful, visionary and deliberate in his approach to difficult issues and a thought-leader with new ideas about how to adapt to our changing practices and circumstances. For these reasons, and many more, Gary is the leader we need at the helm of The Florida Bar, and I am proud to support him in his candidacy.

Patti Leonard

Gary is someone who cares deeply about the legal profession and the people it serves. He has a long and proven history of being proactive to find ways to support and improve the Bar, and the community as a whole. He has my full and enthusiastic support.

Robin Bresky, Florida Bar Governor; Michelle Suskauer, Past President, The Florida Bar

 Ellen Leibovitch, Past President, South Palm Beach County FAWL

Bill Schifino, Past President, Florida Bar

“Gary and I served together on the Board of Governors for many years, including  when I was President of The Florida Bar. There is no one more passionate about serving our profession than Gary.  He is thoughtful, considerate and someone we would all be proud to call our President. One of Gary’s many strengths is his ability to work not only with  the leadership of the Judicial Branch, but with the leadership of the  Legislative and Executive Branches as well.”

Florida State Senator Lori Berman

Jamie BIllotte Moses, Past President, Young Lawyers Division, Florida Bar, Past President Orange County Bar Association, Past President Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association

“I have known Gary for a long time. He is an accomplished lawyer, dedicated Bar servant, and compassionate friend and family member.   He cares deeply about the lawyers of this State and will work hard as President to make sure the profession is accessible to all, inclusive for all, and enjoyable for all.  I am confident Gary would be an exceptional leader of The Florida Bar.”

Jonathan Chane

“I have known Gary personally and professionally for more than 30 years and I am proud to support him in his candidacy for Florida Bar President-Elect.”

Michelle Diffenderfer

“Gary is someone I trust to do a good job as President-Elect of The Florida Bar. He will listen to all perspectives and make sure that all Florida lawyers have a voice.”

Gunster Managing Partner, Bill Perry and Former Senate President Bill Galvano

“It is without reservation that I endorse Gary Lessor for President of the Florida Bar! Gary and I met in law school over 30 years ago. He was a leader then and is a leader now. For over three decades Gary has given of himself to support and enhance the legal profession in so many ways. As a member of the legislature and ultimately as President of the Florida Senate, I have worked closely with Gary in this regard. Gary is tireless in his efforts. He is highly respected throughout the state and is a man of vision. I have learned much from him. As a member of the Florida Bar, I am eager to see Gary bring his skills, experience, work ethic and love of the law to its presidency.” – Former Senate President Bill Galvano

Jeffery P. Wasserman, Former Chair, Family Law Section, Florida Bar

“I have known Gary for nearly 20 years and can think of no one more qualified to represent Florida’s lawyers. I am in my 49th year of practice and have served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, Chair of the Family Law Rules Committee of the Florida Bar; and President of Council of Sections of the Florida Bar. I believe I have earned my stripes to highly recommend Gary. He is fair, considerate and has empathy for all, including members of the Bar. I am proud to endorse him as our next President-Elect of the Florida Bar.”

Brian Seymour

“I have known Gary Lesser for over two decades, personally and professionally. He is the model of skill, thoughtfulness, care, and professionalism. Also important for current times, he is forward thinking. As we look to ensure our best practices serve our members we will be well-served with Gary as our Bar President.”

Scott Brook, Mayor of Coral Springs

“I have known Gary since we attended law school together. He is a consummate professional with strong communication skills and a huge heart. Gary has been heavily involved in the community while running a very successful law practice and being a dedicated family man. He will make an excellent President!”

Former Senate President Joe Negron

South Palm Beach County FAWL Past Presidents Taryn Sinatra and Ellen Leibovitch

Rebecca Brock, President, Palm Beach County Chapter, ABOTA

“As an attorney who has litigated against Gary, I can attest to his compassion, integrity, and civility. The combination of these qualities and his proven leadership is why I proudly endorse Gary Lesser for President-Elect of the Florida Bar.”

Grasford Smith, Past President, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter

“We face many challenges as a Bar and as a country. I have no doubt that Gary Lesser is the leader we need to take the Bar to the next level during these challenging times. I have known Gary for more than a decade. He is dedicated to Bar service and is widely respected in all communities.”

Grasford with Gary and Mr. Shepard “Shep” Lesser

Christian George, Past President, Young Lawyers Division, Florida Bar

“Gary genuinely cares about all lawyers in the state and everything that affects our profession. Gary went out of his way to assist me with issues affecting the Young Lawyers’ Division during my presidency and remains in touch about issues that affect those entering our profession. There is no one more qualified to be President of The Florida Bar.”

Zack Zuroweste, Past President, Young Lawyers Division, Florida Bar

“Gary has an incredible way of bringing people and getting things done. He will make an excellent President of The Florida Bar.”