By Kent Jennings Brockwell
Staff Writer
Though many long term members of the Jacksonville Bar Association received awards and accolades at the Florida Bar’s annual meeting two weeks ago, several newer members also made their mark.
The JBA’s Young Lawyers Section was recognized at the annual meeting for their yearly Afternoon in the Courthouse event, which gives newly licensed lawyers in Jacksonville a first hand introduction to the inner workings of the Duval County courthouse.
Afternoon in the Courthouse project chair Ann Bittinger was thrilled to learn that the JBA’s Young Lawyers Section was receiving this year’s Most Outstanding Member Service project award, but said all of the thanks should go to the judges and other organizers that made it happen.
“All of the thanks should go out to the individual young lawyers who helped organize it and the judges, lawyers and judicial assistants who spoke at the event,” Bittinger said. “They did so much work.”
About 75 new lawyers attended this year’s event, which featured a mock hearing where different judges played the character roles to show attendees what to do and not to do in court. For instance, Judge Linda McCallum chewed bubble gum and blew bubbles while Judge Gregg McCaulie played a lawyer who showed up to court in a ball cap and golf shoes.
“It was not only informative but also very entertaining,” Bittinger said. “It was hilarious to watch and it was nice to see the judges in an informal, entertaining environment.”
Tammy Butler, counsel for CSX and member of the JBA’s Young Lawyer Section, accepted the award on behalf of the group.
“This program is very important for new lawyers or young lawyers to get themselves familiar with the courthouse and the process of deadlines and filing procedures,” she said. “The program is fun and it introduces them to the proper process and procedures they need to know.”