Gerald “Jerry” Weedon is an attorney and president of Marks Gray law firm.
THE STATS
Weedon joined the firm four days after graduating law school in 1976. He became a partner in 1980 and has served as the firm’s president since 1993.
WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS YEAR?
“To build our new building in Riverside. Another goal is to provide a family-friendly place for our attorneys. It’s important to me that we’re sensitive to our employees, that we all make a good living, that we meet the budget and have a vision for the future. We’re also looking into some different markets. We’re looking to react to industry and the business climate in Jacksonville and provide the services our clients would need.”
WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?
“I represent some medium-sized businesses, franchisers, insurance companies, and individuals.”
WHY NOT GO SOMEWHERE ELSE?
“I really like the people here. Those senior to me were very good mentors and they taught me how to practice law. When I started there were only eight lawyers. I was in on the growth. I do a lot of volunteer work and the firm is supportive of those that are involved in the community.”
IF IT AIN’T BROKE . . .
Starting out in medical malpractice, Weedon quickly switched gears to a practice including civil litigation, real estate, banking law, product liability, estates and trusts, business torts, contracts and insurance. He’s stayed with those areas ever since.
HOMETOWN
Baltimore.
WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL?
Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va. and the University of Florida for his law degree.
IN THE MEANTIME
Weedon was in the U.S. Navy between college and law school. Once he graduated with his juris doctorate, Weedon down-shifted his military career to be a weekend warrior. He is now retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve. “In active duty I was on a destroyer in the Middle East as an intelligence officer. We were trailing Russian submarines and ships in the Indian Ocean.”
WHY GO INTO LAW?
“Because I was an English major. What else are you going to do? I thought that I wanted to be a newspaper man. I worked for the Jacksonville Journal for three summers in their college intern program. I worked on the sports desk and I thought it was great but I realized I didn’t want to be a journalist. I realized I liked dealing with people and solving their problems.”
WHAT’S REWARDING ABOUT IT?
“We see people when they really do need some guidance. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from being able to help people make a decision or be supportive to them when they’re in a situation that they’re unfamiliar with.”
WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE?
“Keeping up with the deadlines and planning to have enough time to do what needs to be done.”
HOME AND HEARTH
Grenada is where Weedon and his wife Kathy live. They have two sons, Jamie and John, and a daughter, Lauren.
HOBBIES
Reading on the Stairmaster, snow skiing or family trips to the beach are his favorite leisure activities.
AFFILIATIONS
Weedon is a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, American Board of Trial Advocates and the Catholic Lawyer’s Guild. He is also on the board of JCCI, The University Club, San Jose Country Club and Ronald McDonald House.
—by Monica Chamness