Allison Stocker received The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Service Award for helping the firm reach a settlement for a local nonprofit that sued the city. She’s a member of the 4th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono and Grievance committees and former board member and legal counsel for the Junior League of Jacksonville.
Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to go to law school and become a lawyer. I think it may have had something to do with the fact that no one in my family is a lawyer.
One person (other than your spouse) who inspires me:
My mom. As a nurse, she actually saves lives every day, puts all others before herself, and is the best mom and friend I could ask for. I hope to be half as good a mother and friend to my child as she has been to me.
How do you relate your undergraduate degree to your practice of law?
A business degree is incredibly helpful as a commercial litigator. Every case I deal with has some element of business economics that we need to consider when resolving disputes or advancing litigation.
How did you decide your practice area? And why have you chosen that?
After law school, I was hired as an associate at Smith Hulsey & Busey in the litigation department. Very early in my career, I had some exposure to transactional work, and while I enjoyed the work, the complexity of the issues and the common goal of getting a deal done, I always felt drawn to litigation. I enjoy the dynamics of arguing my client’s position before a judge, as well as the variety of business disputes and issues that I see as a commercial litigator.
What has been the biggest change in your practice area since you passed the Bar?
Mandatory e-filing. Now I feel old.
What do you think will be the next biggest change in your area of law?
An increasing demand for alternative fee arrangements. While I don’t think the billable hour will disappear anytime soon, I think alternative fee arrangements will start to play a bigger role in legal services and how we deliver value to our clients.
If I could change anything in the legal system, I would:
Make it more accessible. Most individuals cannot (or think they cannot) afford a lawyer to help resolve their legal issues. Some actually can afford a lawyer, but don’t know where to look to find the right lawyer for their needs. Many others truly cannot afford to pay someone and have incredibly worthy causes.
What community service have you pursued and why?
Last year, my community service efforts were dedicated to pro bono legal services. Akerman was asked to represent a local nonprofit in its efforts to provide permanent supportive housing for veterans with disabilities. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and was asked to work on the case and devote my time to our client’s very worthy cause. I’m grateful to the firm for giving me the opportunity to work on that case and to our client for allowing me to play a key role in their successful outcome.
What’s your advice for new lawyers?
You will make mistakes; we all do. It is how you respond to those mistakes that will shape what kind of lawyer you become. And when you do inevitably make a mistake, ask for help. The best lawyers were once new to the profession and in your shoes. Lawyers rarely become excellent at their craft without help from others.