Between bites of salad, baby carrots, beef tips and rice pilaf, the attorneys and judge past and present talked about the big issues of the day.
The Chicago Cubs winning the World Series. Cars from today and yesteryear. And maybe a passing observation about the historic presidential election that took place the day before.
The discussions weren’t held in the courtroom or law offices where many made their careers. Instead, they were at a Southside restaurant known more for its buffet bar rather than sidebar talks.
Really, the Vintage Lawyers Association is just a low-key opportunity for some of the most experienced members of the legal community to catch up and share a story or a joke with friends and acquaintances.
On this day, just six members dined and discoursed — well below the couple of dozen the group once was able to attract to any given lunch meeting.
Former 4th Judicial Circuit Judge Bernard Nachman retired in 2009 but still does some mediation work at 80 years old. He does miss his time on the bench.
People were a lot nicer to him when he was a judge — they laughed at all his jokes, he said with a smile.
He looks across the table to attorney Albert Datz and has a question: Does Datz use Westlaw or pull books for issues that crop up?
A little of both, said Datz, who at age 90, still practices some. It’s nothing that would interfere with fishing for trout, redfish and flounder twice a week.
The group was started by Homer Humphries, who wanted a chance for elder attorneys to stay connected and meet some of the younger generations within the legal community. He ran it until his death in 2012, with The Jacksonville Bar Association then taking it under its wing.
“It’s a chance to see people you used to see all the time,” said Bob Warren, who attended the recent lunch.
Robert Harris, one of the younger attorneys of the bunch at 65, agrees. The Harris Guidi shareholder said he’d like to see more people take part in the group to catch up, share stories and just become involved.
Like talks about the World Series. One diner said broadcasters pegged the Game 7 match-up between the Cubs and Cleveland Indians as being outright in favor of Cleveland because of bullpens, home field advantage and the like.
The game, however, took a 180-degree turn from that prediction.
“Just like the election,” cracked one of them, generating some laughs.
Another suggested they’d like to be paid the same as some ball players for their success — making millions with a .250 average. More laughs.
There was some legal talk, group members asking about the latest in the Kelly Mathis case. Others discussed work-related matters.
But nothing heavier than the pies and cakes they ate for dessert.
No, the group isn’t delving into the hottest topics of the day or writing white papers on legal practices. For many, that type of responsibility or task came years ago.
For this group, it’s just a matter of dining out, catching up and relaxing — that’s mission enough.
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