Symantha Juneau works with Judge Mallory Cooper at the Duval County Courthouse. She’s been there 14 years, but the mother of two shows no signs slowing down.
THE DRIVE TO WORK.
Juneau is an Orange Park native and she still lives there with her husband and two sons, Cameron and Dalton. “The commute can be pretty hectic, but I still like working downtown. It’s really nice being able walk down by the river on my lunch break and to see all the things happening down here. When I think about the new arena, Berkman Plaza and now The Shipyards, I realize how much downtown has evolved in the 14 years since I’ve been here.”
WHAT BROUGHT HER TO THE COURTS?
“I originally started in the State Attorney’s Office. My friend told me about an opening and thought it would be really interesting to work in the criminal system. I started as a receptionist and then I was doing some secretarial work before I moved over here 14 years ago. It’s a great job.”
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
As the judicial assistant to Cooper since 1997, Juneau describes herself as a jack-of-all-trades. “I handle all kinds of administrative issues at the court from working with civil court and even traffic fines. Probably the biggest thing is that I’m the liaison between Judge Cooper and the public and attorneys.”
THE NEW COURTHOUSE
“It will be nice working in a newer, more up to date building and the parking will be a big bonus. It will be a little strange not being in this building after so long, but I’m looking forward to it.”
SPORTS FANATIC.
Juneau grew up playing softball and now enjoys watching her sons. “I love watching them play. That’s probably my biggest hobby. I’m their score keeper and their equipment manager.” In addition to being a baseball fan — Juneau is a big supporter of the Atlanta Braves — she’s also a Jacksonville Jaguars fan. “We had season tickets from the beginning, but we didn’t renew this time because we were getting frustrated like everyone else was. That was before Jack Del Rio was hired, though. Now, we’re thinking about buying tickets again.”
HER IDOL.
“My aunt Judy, who just passed away. She was into everything and she knew something about everything. She was also a nurse so she was like our family doctor too. She was a very sweet person.”
BEST PART OF THE JOB.
“My judge is definitely the best part. She’s been wonderful to work for. I love my co-workers over here, too.”
THE WORST PART.
“That would have to be the sad stories that we hear. Everyone has one and they’re never easy to listen to.”
— by J. Brooks Terry