Three University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Fresh Take Florida student journalists have been selected to attend the invitation-only Florida Bar Reporters’ Workshop on Nov. 6-7 in Tallahassee, Florida. Journalism seniors Alexa Herrera, Sandra McDonald and Silas Morgan will learn about legal reporting and covering the state courts from lawyers, judges and experienced journalists.

The 32^nd annual Reporters’ Workshop is an intensive two-day course designed for 24 print, online, TV and radio journalists new to the courts and legal reporting or new to Florida. Workshop topics include understanding the Florida Bar’s discipline system for attorneys, learning about libel law and privacy, covering Florida elections from those on the front lines, reporting on public records, understanding the First Amendment and court cases, learning about problem-solving courts, and reporting on high-profile cases.

Traditionally, the workshop is only intended for professional journalists. However, the Florida Bar allows UFCJC students to participate because they are already producing news coverage about Florida’s criminal justice system that matches what professional newsrooms in the state are publishing or broadcasting. Attendees are selected by the Bar through a nomination process.

Participants will also receive a tour of the Florida Supreme Court and have dinner with Florida Supreme Court justices and other judicial dignitaries.

Herrera, McDonald and Morgan are part of Fresh Take Florida, a program where a select group of students cover Florida government issues. Stories are published on wuft.org and are available for publishing by any news organization.

Posted: October 31, 2023
Category: College News, Student News
Tagged as: Alexa Herrera, Florida Bar Reporters' Workshop, Fresh Take Florida, Sandra McDonald, Silas Morgan, Ted Bridis