Local Ford & Harrison office adds to staff
Lindsay Connor has become an associate with the law firm Ford & Harrison, which has offices all over the country including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver and Tampa. Also announced: Jerry Glass has returned to Ford & Harrison and will head J. Glass & Associates, a consultancy division of the firm. Glass previously was with US Airways as its executive vice president and chief human resources officer.
Lawyers become judges... of barbecue
David Peek of Peek, Cobb, Edwards & Ashton and Robert Meek of Foley Lardner served as judges Saturday for the 20th Annual Northeast Florida Antique Engine Show and Cook-off in Starke. The pair judged chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket. Both are certified by the Florida Barbecue Association.
Local firm opens Big Apple office
Akerman Senterfitt LLP announced the opening of its New York office in midtown Manhattan at 335 Madison Ave. The firm, which is the largest full-service law firm in Florida with more than 400 attorneys and consultants, has a Jacksonville office in the Bank of America Building.
“New York is a natural market for the firm,” said Akerman Senterfitt Chairman and CEO Tom Cardwell. “Our lawyers and our clients have many connections with New York. It is logical for the largest law firm in Florida to have a presence in the nation’s financial and business center.” The firm will develop its New York office with lawyers whose practices are consistent with the focus of the firm. These include the corporate, real estate, litigation and Latin American areas. The office will open with seven lawyers.
Lenders want records
The City Council may have passed legislation regulating the local payday loan industry, but that hasn’t stopped a local company from filing suit against the City. On behalf of Advance America, Cash Advance Centers of Florida Inc., the Tallahassee-based law firm Gray Robinson has requested all documents related to any grants the City has awarded Jacksonville Area Legal Aid since Jan. 1, 2003. The recently passed ordinance dramatically reduced the amount of interest payday lenders may charge.