The Jacksonville Bar Association closed out the 2016-17 year with a flurry of outstanding events.
Special thanks go to Ashley Greene of the Bedell law firm, her committee members and the staff of the association for coordinating an outstanding professionalism conference May 10 overlooking the 16th and 17th greens at the world-renowned Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. This event was a sellout and a great way to start the 2017 Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach.
On May 16, the membership of The JBA was honored to hear the legendary Senior U.S. Circuit Judge Susan Black share a historical perspective of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to cap off the Law Week festivities.
As part of the Law Week luncheon, Alan Pickert of the Terrell Hogan law firm was recognized as the Lawyer of the Year. Congratulations to Alan for all of his good work outside of the courtroom for endeavors such as Evan’s Hope to raise funds to find a cure to ALS, and the HEAL foundation serving people and families living with autism.
Alan is a great lawyer and he has made a lasting impact on this community.
May was capped off by an election featuring 12 candidates vying for only five open seats on The JBA Board of Governors. Thanks to all of the candidates for their time and effort.
Congratulations to the new members of The JBA board: Christian George of the Akerman law firm, Brian Coughlin of the Bedell law firm, Asghar Syed of the Smith Hulsey law firm, Blane McCarthy of the Blane McCarthy law firm and Michael Bateh of the Public Defender’s Office.
To recognize the newly-elected JBA board members and to honor the local judiciary, the JBA hosted its annual judicial reception and swearing-in ceremony May 23 at the Jessie Ball duPont Center.
Circuit Judge Jim Daniel administered the oath to the JBA’s new President Tad Delegal, President-Elect Katie Dearing and our Board of Governors.
Trusted sources reported that the incoming president was almost as excited as the outgoing president.
As the outgoing president of The JBA, it has been an honor to work alongside the board this past year.
They dedicated a significant amount of time to develop a strategic plan that will operate as a platform for accomplishing short-term and long-term goals for the JBA.
The board worked hard to maintain important programming while The JBA experienced staff changes. Overall, The JBA is poised to continue its positive trajectory set in motion by prior JBA leaders.
The future of The JBA is full of talented leaders who will take the organization to greater heights — that is if the organization can survive a year of “The Tad.”
For those of you who do not know Mr. Delegal, you soon will. If the stars align, I am modestly optimistic that The JBA can endure our raw uncensored leader whose expensive tastes strike fear into any budget. If you think I am kidding, you are right — for the most part.
Your new JBA president will be outstanding and certainly entertaining. Have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you at the next JBA event.