John Tucker has been an attorney with Foley & Lardner for six years.
WHAT’S YOUR SPECIALTY?
“I do commercial litigation with a great deal of corporate, construction and employment matters. I also help people with business contracts — it is a carryover from litigating for them. The next time they sign something, they want you to review it so they don’t have the same problem.”
WHAT CLIENTS DO YOU SERVE?
“It’s a combination of businesses, professionals, developers and contractors. The diversity we represent and the type of matters I handle makes my job interesting.”
WHAT’S MOST REWARDING ABOUT IT?
“Helping people find solutions to their problems. It’s very gratifying when you’re able to provide that help.”
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE?
“Figuring out how to convince people that you’re correct when your position is opposed by generally smart and clever adversaries.”
COMRADES
Previously a partner in Caven, Clark, Ray & Tucker, the firm merged with Foley & Lardner a few years back. Carlton Fields (formerly known as Kent, Watts & Durden) had him on the payroll before that and for three years he was with Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans and Gentry. At the start of his career, Tucker clerked for Judge Gerald Tjoflat with the U.S. Court of Appeals.
EDUCATION
He has a law degree from Duke University.
WHY GET A LAW DEGREE?
“I got a traffic ticket when I was 16 and thought it was unfair so I represented myself in court and had it tossed out. I thought it seemed like a fairly easy, fun way to make a living. I’ve since learned differently.”
EVER WORK IN ANOTHER FIELD?
“As an undergrad, I majored in accounting. I interned with one of the larger accounting firms, which confirmed I didn’t want to do accounting for the rest of my life.”
AFFILIATIONS
Tucker is a member of the Chester Bedell Inn of Courts and chair of the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Judicial Relations Committee. Previously, he was the counsel for The Players Championship, the president of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and a board member of the Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center. Currently, he coaches his children’s basketball teams.
WHAT IS THE JUDICIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE?
“It’s a liaison between the Jacksonville Bar and the state and federal judiciaries to deal with issues to lead to better relations. It’s a forum to get together with the judges on issues that need to be addressed.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
BIG FAMILY
Tucker and his wife Julie reside in San Marco with their children, Kate, Elizabeth, Fritz, Andrew and Patrick. His father, John Tucker III, was president of Florida Publishing Company (which published the Times-Union) until it was sold in 1983 to Morris Communications. His father-in-law, Arthur Hills, is considered one of the nation’s top golf course architects. He designed the Windsor Parke and Palencia courses here.
JUST FOR HIM
“When I’m not running after my kids, I try to run regularly with my friends early in the morning or at lunch. Occasionally, I’m able to sneak off for a little golf.” For entertainment, he enjoys a Tom Clancy novel, watching “The Godfather” or surfing the dial for “The Three Stooges.” When dining out, it is The Tree Steak House.
STRANGE TWIST OF FATE
“I recently met and desposed a witness on a construction case who is the author of several books I have read. His name is Michael de Mercurio.”
—by Monica Chamness