A Tribute to a Wonderful Colleague Gone Too Soon...

Up Close with Beranton J. Whisenant Jr., Esq.

October 2016 Interview 

I had the wonderful pleasure of connecting with distinguished colleague and fellow William Reece Smith, Jr., Leadership Academy alum, Beranton J. Whisenant, Jr. Beranton is a partner in the Miami office of Foley & Mansfield who focuses his legal practice in civil litigation. During this interview, Beranton discussed his motivations, experience as a Leadership Academy Fellow, post-fellowship updates, as well as offered invaluable tips for aspiring leaders.  

Beranton attended law school to help others resolve conflict and advocate for justice. While considering law schools, a very close, family friend suffered a horrible family loss due to another’s criminal act. This solidified Beranton’s desire to attend law school and pushed him towards becoming a prosecutor who advocated on behalf of citizens and crime victims. This experience gave Beranton a deep personal commitment to serve others, which continues as a civil trial attorney. 

“I transitioned to the civil side in 2008, about three years after serving as an Assistant State Attorney. I was in my 11th year as a practicing attorney when I applied to Class III of The Florida Bar’s William Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy. I applied because I was at a point in my career where I wanted to become more engaged in The Florida Bar, the judicial branch of our government, as well as help lead and shape the future of the legal profession. Additionally, I was motivated to apply after speaking with other Leadership Academy alumni about their experiences–I wanted to enhance my personal qualities and be a better leader.”

Beranton had a positive Leadership Academy experience. He met and networked with outstanding lawyers in his class and Florida Bar leaders, including current and past Bar Presidents. “I enjoyed meeting young and experienced lawyers from across the state and learning more about them, their paths through law school, their experiences as lawyers, as well as their reasons why they wanted to join the Leadership Academy and become leaders in The Florida Bar and voluntary bar associations. I also learned about The Florida Bar’s structure and its influence on the judicial branch of our government.

There were a lot of memorable experiences that included really getting to know each of the Fellows. Whether it was a random joke or embarrassing moment, receiving a phone call from one of the Fellows asking for legal advice or my opinion on how to handle something, all of these collective experiences were memorable. We were very engaged as a group. Looking back on my experience, it went by quickly. It was great meeting other ambitious, extremely smart lawyers who wanted to be bar leaders and did not get bored talking about the law. The program definitely lived up to my expectations.

Also, Nora Bergman’s DISC assessment workshop was invaluable because it really forced me to focus on who I am and how I lead. Once I received the results of the assessment and reviewed how experts described my personality and my leadership style, it is something that I remembered and took seriously because it impacts my interactions with others.”    

Since graduating from the Leadership Academy, Beranton has been appointed to serve on the Florida Supreme Court’s Commission on Professionalism and The Florida Bar’s Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee. Professionalism in the practice and administration of law is important to him and our community. Professionalism reduces the cost of litigation, minimizes stress associated with being an attorney, and allows attorneys to focus on resolving disputes (whether it is through settlement or trial). As a Bar member, he strives to enhance professionalism through his ongoing service as a Chair for The Florida Bar’s Grievance Committee, a member of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit’s Professionalism Panel, community engagement, and his actions as an attorney. He has also been involved with many voluntary bar associations in South Florida, teaches paralegal students at the University of Miami, and presents continuing legal education courses as the opportunity arises because this is something that he truly enjoys.   

Beranton modestly adds, “I have been blessed to have my peers recognize some of my work and contributions in the community” as he has been recognized a Rising Star by Florida Super Lawyers, a Rising Star by the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association, and Top 40 Under 40 by National Black Lawyers. He was also appointed to serve as a Co-Chair of Foley & Mansfield, PLLP’s Diversity Committee.

“I do think that the Leadership Academy played a substantial part in my appointments. The Leadership Academy allowed bar leaders to observe my work ethic and my capacity to serve The Florida Bar. The Leadership Academy also enabled me to work with bar leaders and gave me the opportunity to better understand the different subcommittees and commissions; this allowed me to make an informed decision as to where I wanted to invest my free time. I would not have applied if I was not willing and able to put 100% into it. I am honored that Bar President Bill Schifino appointed me to those two positions.”  

According to Beranton, the Leadership Academy gave him the chance to network with other ambitious and strong leaders within our profession as well as enhance his self-awareness of his leadership style and personality. The Leadership Academy also enabled him to become more aware of how he deals with conflict and how his personality is viewed by others. “The Leadership Academy is successfully designed to encourage new leaders and innovative thinkers to get involved with The Florida Bar. One benefit is that those who complete the Leadership Academy are more informed about the inner-workings of The Florida Bar and are able to use their network, influence, and leadership skills to enhance the profession through community engagement and bar leadership. The Florida Bar is in need of diversity, youth, and fresh ideas. Based upon Past-President Eugene Pettis’s vision and hard work in developing the program, the Leadership Academy has motivated and increased the number of diverse, young, and innovative lawyers that have a common interest in enhancing our profession and more importantly, the judicial branch of government through bar leadership.” 

When asked about tips for aspiring leaders, Beranton indicated, “I generally tell aspiring leaders that effective leadership and networking is not about ‘who you know,’ but it is about ‘who knows you.’ Thus, aspiring leaders should attempt to be involved and engaged in organizations or committees for the right reasons and have the patience to allow others to get to know them.” As he reflected upon his career so far, he noted that “there are many things I would tell my younger self but the one thing I would demand is to ‘find knowledgeable mentors who are genuinely interested in your future and success.’ 

I would also tell my younger self to be more patient and take the time to understand someone else’s perspective before going through the entire litigation process. Additionally, I would tell my younger self that it is important to try as many cases as possible because now that I am on the civil side, I do not try as many cases as I did when I was a criminal prosecutor. I would also tell my younger self to pick up the phone and tell your friends and colleagues how important their influence has been on you. I started doing this later in my career where I would tell lawyers what I liked about their litigation style and how I appreciated their professionalism. I have been able to form very long and lasting friendships and professional relationships with the colleagues I have called. When you get those types of phone calls from opposing counsel, it makes the practice of law less stressful and so much better.”   

At the end of the day, Beranton is a husband, a father, a brother, a friend who loves his country, his state, and his community profoundly. He hopes that our civilized government works well for everyone. Beranton wants to be known as an attorney and a citizen who tried very hard each and every day to change the planet for the better, one step at a time. Finally, he wants to be a person who left the world in a better place than it was when he got here. So far, he most certainly has and we look forward to seeing the continued, positive impact of Beranton’s leadership!