Age: 36
Family: Married to Liana Rothstein Hood. Our five-year anniversary is right around the corner.
Pets: None at this time.
Education: Florida State University College of Law, 2002; Emory University, Bachelor of Arts, 1999; Oxford College of Emory University, Associate of Arts, 1997.
Admitted to the Bar: Florida Bar, 2002; North Carolina Bar, 2006; U.S. District Court, Middle District, 2007.
Employed by: Boyd & Jenerette
Field of practice: Workers' compensation defense.
Professional organizations: E. Robert Williams Inn of Court, 2011-13; Chester Bedell Inn of Court, 2006-07; The Jacksonville Bar Association — Workers' Compensation Section, co-chair, 2007-12.
Community involvement: For the past few years, I have been involved with Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund, which is a charitable organization composed of professionals whose primary employment is connected within Florida's workers' compensation system. The group raises scholarship funds for students who lack the economic ability to continue their education beyond high school or to further their college education.
How did you become involved?
I began attending various Friends of 440 events in our area early in my legal career. At the end of 2010, I was nominated along with my partner, Heather Byrer Carbone, to serve as co-chair of the Jacksonville Division. We recently turned over the reins to the new co-chairs for the division, Holley Akers and Michael O'Rourke. Good luck, guys!
How can someone else become involved?
Everyone is welcome to attend any of the group's events throughout the year. The group has regular meetings, usually held on the first Friday of every month. We also host fundraising events at a Jacksonville Suns game in the summer, a softball game and barbecue in the fall and a holiday party in December. Please check out the local division's Facebook page under the title "Friends of 440 Northeast Florida Division" for updates and events.
For those who think they know someone who may qualify for a scholarship, the application is available online at 440scholarship.org. To qualify, one must be a dependent of a worker who was injured in the course and scope of employment and receive benefits under the Florida Workers' Compensation Law or be a dependent of an individual who is primarily engaged in the operation and/or administration of the Florida Workers' Compensation Law.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have learned to appreciate just how difficult it is to attend college these days, both academically and financially. Being associated with Friends of 440 and providing some financial support and peace of mind to a few students has been a thoroughly enriching experience.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
"Pale Fire" by Vladimir Nabokov.