by James Moseley Jr., Jacksonville Bar President
As the holiday time approaches, I hope that each of us can take some time with our family and loved ones and celebrate those who are truly important to us. It is also important to remember at this time of year those who are less fortunate than us and those in our community who need our assistance. Our profession is one of service — service not only to our clients but also to our community as a whole. It is important to remember that during this special time of the year.
Our holiday Bench and Bar party was again a success. Almost 400 people made reservations and attended. As our Bar continues to grow, it is important that we continue to socialize with each other. It was also a pleasure to see many members of our federal and state judiciary participating at this event.
It is only fitting that we begin the new calendar year with a meeting recognizing the importance of Legal Aid. I hope that you will make your reservations for the Jan. 22 meeting at the Omni.
Our featured speaker that day will be Jacksonville Bar Association member and General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville, Rick Mullaney. We look forward to his speech concerning one of our city’s largest law firms — the General Counsel’s Office.
The Bar says goodbye to two special members
Recently our Bar Association lost two valued members, Judge Ralph “Buddy” Nimmons, Jr. and Jim Pearthree. Their presence in our legal community will be greatly missed.
Judge Nimmons certainly lived a life of public service. He had served in Jacksonville as an assistant public defender, deputy general counsel, circuit court judge, appellate court judge with the First District Court of Appeals, and finally as a United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. In addition, he worked as a private lawyer with the Jacksonville firm of Ulmer, Murchison, Ashby & Ball. As members of The Jacksonville Bar Association, we were privileged to have him serve in our community. He will certainly be remembered as a manwho not only loved the law but, more important, his family and church.
We will truly miss the Judge and wish his family well.
We were also saddened to see the passing of James Pearthree after a long illness. He was a longtime contributor to The Bar and was a former aide to our longtime representative Charlie Bennett. Jim leaves behind a young family, and our thoughts are truly with them as well.
Congratulations are in order
On a far more upbeat note, our Bar Association is proud to announce that one of our senior board members, Alan M. Pickert of the law firm of Brown, Terrell, Hogan, Ellis & Yegelwel has received The Florida Bar Pro Bono Award of the Year. Alan has been a valuable and longtime member of our Board of Governors and has also found time to donate his services to those in need. His service is truly exemplary, and we applaud Alan on this well-deserved award.
Congratulations are also in order for Lanny Russell who has been elected as the Middle District of Florida representative to the 11th Circuit. Lanny was elected by members of The Florida Bar Board of Governors within the Middle District of Florida. It is truly an honor for Lanny Russell of the law firm of Smith, Hulsey & Busey. Lanny has also contributed to our Bar Association by chairing the Judicial Relations Committee and has worked diligently over the last few months on issues relating to the judicial poll. The Bar certainly appreciates Lanny’s hard work and congratulates him on his new election.
In closing, I hope you and your families enjoy this special time of year and have a prosperous and productive new year.