by Rose Marie Preddy
Jacksonville area attorneys will have the opportunity to participate in a unique seminar Sept. 18 at the Omni Hotel following the Bar luncheon. For the first time in their histories, The Jacksonville Bar Association, The D.W. Perkins Bar Association and The Christian Legal Society will team up to sponsor this seminar. The seminar is titled “Working Together: Race Relations Within Our Legal Community.”
The seminar will address minority participation, recruitment and retention and examine obstacles impeding progress toward greater diversity in local law firms. With the use of thought-provoking videotaped vignettes approved by The Florida Bar, a distinguished panel representing a broad spectrum of the legal community will participate.
One panel member, Circuit Court Judge Brian Davis, said he has benefited from pioneers in race relations in the legal community who paved the way for him to serve on the bench. “I agreed to be involved as matters of race continue to affect and be affected by the legal community, including the bench, and the bar in particular,” he said.
Joining Judge Davis on the panel are Judge Karen Cole, State Attorney Harry Shorstein, and attorney Stephen Hanlon of Holland and Knight in Tallahassee. Shorstein said much work in race relations has been done, but there remains more to do. “In the criminal justice system we continue to be plagued by the disproportionate representation of minorities.” he said. “We must continue to address this issue.” Shorstein said this seminar should help attorneys gain a greater sensitivity and a greater awareness of the problem.
Attorney Christopher Hazelip of Rogers, Towers will moderate the discussion. Hazelip comments that while the local bar has been a “statewide innovator” in Florida with respect to professionalism and civility, more progress is needed with respect to the goal of diversity. “This seminar represents a concrete step in pursuit of that goal and is also consistent with the missions of the Christian Legal Society and D.W. Perkins Bar Association.”
This seminar is set for one day after the scheduled release of the intensive seven-month study on race relations in Northeast Florida by the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. (JCCI). Judge Davis is co-chair of the JCCI committee commissioned to making the study.
The seminar starts at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, immediately following the monthly bar luncheon at the Omni Hotel. For registration, use the form in the August 19 Bulletin or the registration form found on the Jacksonville Bar Association website, www.jaxbar.org or contact the Bar Office 399-4486.