The American Board of Trial Advocates Jacksonville Chapter had its annual meeting and awards dinner Nov. 15 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.
More than 100 members and guests attended, including judges from Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties, National ABOTA President Michael Maguire and his wife Cindy, President of the Tampa Bay ABOTA Chapter President George Nader and Florida ABOTA Chapter President Scott Costantino, founder of Costantino Law Firm in Jacksonville.
The chapter presented awards to a judge and three members:
• Duval County Judge Gary Flower was recognized as Jurist of the Year.
• Marks Gray shareholder Jeptha Barbour was selected Trial Lawyer of the Year.
• The Civility and Professionalism Award was presented to Tad Delegal of Delegal & Poindexter.
• Attorney Ray Reid of Pajcic & Pajcic received the President's Award from 2019 ABOTA Jacksonville President James D'Andrea.
Four new chapter members were inducted: Michael Glass of Stone, Glass & Connolly; Chelsea Harris of Coker Law; Trevor Hawes of Cole, Scott & Kissane; and Holly Howanitz of Wicker Smith.
In addition, 2020 President Corinne Hodak was sworn in and outlined her plans for the upcoming year, including a three-day Trial Academy at the end of January and a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, next year's theme for Law Day selected by the American Bar Association.
