by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Throughout Christine Milton’s 28-year law career she has almost always been involved in extracurricular activities the pertain to her career. Her appointment last week to the JEA Board of Directors represents an opportunity for Milton to volunteer her time and energy for the entire Jacksonville area as opposed to a relatively small professional sect.
“I have practiced law longer than I can believe, since 1974,” said Milton. “I’ve done a lot of Florida Bar and Jacksonville Bar Association work over the years. I’m on the board of governors of The Florida Bar, but I go off that at the end of the month.
“I was wondering what I would next. I decided I wanted to really focus my efforts on the Jacksonville community. The opportunity came along and I’m thrilled. I want to be involved with the Jacksonville community and the future and this is a great opportunity for me.”
A partner with McGuire Woods, Milton graduated from the University of Florida’s law school in 1974. She followed her husband-to-be, John, who is also an attorney and the CFO of Florida Rock, to Jacksonville shortly thereafter and started her law career with Milam & Wilbur, which eventually merged with Mahoney Adams. In 1998, the firm merged with McGuire Woods. Through the changes, Milton has continued along the same legal path as a trial attorney, focusing on commercial and employment litigation.
In joining the JEA, Milton admits she’s entering a whole new realm of volunteerism; one in which she’s not very familiar.
“I don’t know what to expect. Talk to me in a month,” said Milton. “I want to meet with Walt [Bussells, JEA president and CEO] and talk to the other board members.”
Milton is already serving the City in an official capacity. But, unlike her work with JEA, she’s getting paid. Milton is one of three attorneys the City has retained as outside counsel in the lawsuit filed by the Utility Contractors Association against the City. Milton said she has considered her role in the suit — which is set for trial in federal court in May 2003 — but
doesn’t see any conflict of interest. Rather, she believes both positions represent interests consistent with improving Jacksonville and its various communities.
Outside of the JEA board, Milton is also on the board of directors for the YMCA and is a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network.