Every year, The Jacksonville Bar Association puts on numerous events for our members and community, and the last six months have been no exception.
This year, I have had the privilege of sharing these events alongside you as president and it is my pleasure to count down the most celebrated events of the last six months.
Were you there? If not, you missed out in 2015 and I hope you take the opportunity to be there for JBA’s Top 10 of 2016. Here we go:
The State Attorney’s Office joins our 100% Club
We are thrilled to have the SAO as a member of the 100% Club. Since the office joined, this elite club has continued to grow. If your firm is not a part of the club, I invite you to reach out to the JBA to learn how to join.
Bar Bulletin and our electronic newsletter get a new look
These key communication tools were refreshed by our Bar Bulletin Committee and JBA staff, and members are saying, “I’m reading them,” “looking forward to them” and “enjoying the President’s messages.”
Conversation-style members’ luncheons and Meet & Greet
Our conversations with Florida Bar President-elect Bill Schifino and Chief Justice Jorge Labarga, were unique, personalized and valuable. Our members described them as the “best ever.” The Dueling Deans–Florida vs. Georgia–Luncheon also continues to be a favorite among members.
Celebrating our 100% Club members
Because we know life’s biggest challenges can be cured with love, gratitude and chocolates, we brought love, gratitude and chocolates to over 40 of the 100% Club members. We look forward to continuing to bring joy and sweetness to these members in 2016.
Yoga for Legal Warriors on the Courthouse Lawn
Dan Nevins, director of Warrior Speaks, and the Honorable Eleni Derke led the first-ever yoga class on the courthouse lawn. Participants shared a renewed focused on mindfulness and centeredness, and were inspired and re-energized. If you are looking for more happiness and less stress in 2016, be on the lookout for upcoming Yoga for Legal Warriors opportunities brought to you by the Health & Wellness Committee.
Signature educational events
The Family Law Seminar presented by the Family & Children Section, the Marshall M. Criser Jr. Transactional Seminar by the Transactional Law Section and the Cuba: Then & Now Panel Discussion by the Governmental Relations and Hispanic & Latino Interest Committees were highly rated. For 2016, plans for the Ehrlich Trial Advocacy and new Technology Seminars are underway.
Legal Services Appreciation Days
A strategic partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars allowed our members to attend a one-of-a-kind private tour of EverBank Field, in conjunction with tickets for a Sunday game. In 2016, the Health & Wellness Committee is planning similar events with the Jacksonville Armada FC and the Jacksonville Suns. Be on the lookout for more information on these exciting opportunities.
Trivia Night
Members showed off their trivia, social cohesion and collaborative skills in the first trivia night hosted by the JBA.
Bench & Bar Holiday Party
This year marked the 36th annual Bench & Bar Holiday Party. This traditional festive event helps us solidify friendships, network and build collegiality among our members.
Holiday Project cheer
This project was a true celebration of the spirit of the holidays — giving back and creating deeper connections. Our members and the Senior Holiday Project Committee, in conjunction with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, spread cheer and donated gifts to almost 400 Duval County senior citizens.
Our events over the last six months have helped Maximize the Presence, Health and Wealth of our members and our community.
If you have not been a member or active in the JBA, I strongly encourage you to do so. Those who have find it to be a life and career changing experience.
Adam B. Edgecombe, Young Lawyers Section board member, in his December 2015 Bar Bulletin article, “Reflections of a Reformed YLS Slacker,” says, “I can truly say my decision to get involved with the YLS was one of the best I have made in my career as an attorney. My satisfaction with my professional life and career has increased exponentially.”
My JBA Top 10 does not include our fantastic YLS events, because Adam covered them very nicely in his article. The JBA is fortunate to have a superb, dynamic and innovative YLS, led by President Lindsay Tygart and her board. I’m grateful for all they do and for the remarkable work and leadership of many JBA members.
I was in New York City for the holidays and visited the Guggenheim Museum. While there, I read this comment by a N.Y. resident: “It looks so small next to the skyscrapers … but, then again, most of Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations are. They are not meant to dominate or intimidate, but to fit and invite.”
Similarly, the JBA is not large compared to other professional organizations, but we are meant to fit and invite you. I look forward to continuing to work together to make the JBA the Best It Can Be.