The Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section’s annual Chili Cook-off is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at Riverside Arts Market at 715 Riverside Ave. under the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Cooking teams from up to 40 law firms will prepare their best chili and cornbread recipes and compete for prizes and bragging rights.
The public is invited for free samples of chili and the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Proceeds from entry fees and sponsorships will benefit two organizations this year.
GameFace 4:13 is a nonprofit that uses basketball as a tool to create better outcomes for youth in kindergarten through 11th grade.
The program offers students physical training and academic development through sports camps, private training and basketball leagues.
GameFace 4:13 also encourages spiritual growth by teaching character leadership through service outreach.
The JBA YLS Ribault Future Lawyers program partners attorneys with students at Jean Ribault High School who are interested in a career in law.
Throughout the school year, students and their mentors meet for lunch to learn the basics of trial practice.
The students are given a mock trial packet and learn to analyze the case and practice advocating for the prosecution or plaintiff and the defense.
The program concludes each year in a mock trial against Ribault’s rival, Raines High School, hosted in the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse with local judges presiding and acting as jurors.
The program has been recognized by The Florida Bar for its impact on the students and the connection it creates between the JBA and local youth.