08/31/2009
Name: Maggie Jo Hilliard
Age: 28
Family: My only “family” in Jacksonville is my friends. All of my other family lives back in Kentucky. Mom, dad, one brother, no sisters, 20 cousins, probably hundreds of distant cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles and more. Hey, I’m from Kentucky. The list can’t be short.
Pets: Two Chihuahuas — Lula Bea and Mickey Joe. Both of my lil’ friends turned 5 years-old this year. (No Legally Blonde jokes, please. I’ve heard them all.)
Education: B.A. from Western Kentucky University (Go Hilltoppers.) Double major, (Print Journalism and Graphic Design/Print Advertising), J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law
Admitted to the Bar: April 20, 2006
Employed by: Myself. (I love saying that.) The Law Office of Maggie Jo Hilliard, P.A.
Field of practice: state and federal criminal defense, adoption and family law cases, landlord-tenant issues, wills, business law, real estate, media law and personal injury.
Professional organizations:
Florida Bar Association, Florida Bar Animal Law Committee, Jacksonville Bar Association, American Bar Association, Democratic Professionals Council (Jacksonville Chapter), President, Phi Alpha Delta, Legal Fraternity Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Community involvement:
Jacksonville Urban League, Board of Directors; First Coast No More Homeless Pets, ART unleashed winner 2009 and fundraiser; North Florida School Annual Auction, raffle chair and volunteer art teacher; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Single Greatest Night honoree (2009); High Heels and Hearts, founder/president (www.highheelsandhearts.com); Guardian Ad Litem, volunteer (www.merrycharity.com), Sulzbacher Center, fundraiser; Special Olympics, volunteer and fundraiser; pro bono work for various animal causes; speaker at Community Connections
How did you get involved?
I have been involved with donating my time to various causes since I was very young. My parents did a great job teaching me that there are many less fortunate people that can use my help. When I moved to Jacksonville, it was a great way to meet new and inspiring people. It’s an unbelievable feeling to hang out with friends and make positive changes in the community!
How can someone else get involved?
Contact me. I can find something for everyone to do. There are so many great organizations in need. Log on to www.beachesattorney.com or via e-mail at maggiejohilliard@gmail.com. I could definitely use help right now with raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Single Greatest Night. Giving can be so simple and easy. I am amazed at the kindness and gratitude expressed with just a hello to a homeless person. It’s all about the little things we can do. (It’s like grains of sand — they’re tiny, but a lot of them make a beach)
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
It makes my life beautiful. I take nothing for granted. Ever.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
It wasn’t the last book I read, but I read it over and over again — Gordon Livingston’s “Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart.” I share it with my clients, coworkers, friends — it’s real advice.
