by Kent Jennings Brockwell
Staff Writer
ORLANDO — Hank Coxe has been a leader in the Jacksonville legal system for many, many years and on Friday he will become a new leader of the Florida Bar.
But while he has more than proven himself locally over the years, what do lawyers around the state think of their soon-to-be president-elect?
“Coxe who?” joked one out-of town attorney at a Wednesday night social gathering of past, present and future members of the Florida Bar leadership, which was held during the annual convention here this week.
Besides the many funny anecdotes and outlandish jokes circling the room about Coxe, all seemed to have nothing but admiration and high praise for the new Florida Bar leader.
“Hank Coxe is an excellent choice to represent not only lawyers in Florida but the citizens of Florida,” said Lake City attorney Tom Brown. “One of his strengths is the diversity of the clients that he represents and the respect of his peers. That is very important for any leader of the Florida Bar. Besides that, he is a funny guy.”
Coxe is widely known for his sense of humor which Brown said is another trait that will help him successfully lead the Bar.
“I think we all need a sense of humor to get along in society today and Hank Coxe definitely wasn’t shorted on a sense of humor,” said Brown.
One person who better get used to Coxe’s brand of humor is incoming Florida Bar president Alan Bookman. Luckily, the two have been friends for many years and Bookman said he will be able to handle any shenanigans Coxe throws his way.
“It’s funny about Hank. When it is time for business, it’s business. And when it is time for shenanigans, it’s shenanigans,” Bookman said. “Hank is very, very perceptive and very bright. He likes to look at the big picture, which is good. We will make a good team because I am pretty much a details person and he is sort of an overview person, so this will be good for the Bar. But there will be shenanigans after hours.”
Outgoing Florida Bar president Kelly Overstreet Johnson also had many glowing remarks regarding Coxe but added the next year will be full of challenges, especially regarding the issue of judiciary independence and ongoing public attacks of the judiciary.
“(The attacks on the judiciary) are constant and they are unrelenting,” Johnson said. “The public doesn’t understand our system. I don’t see it changing and I think that is a huge issue for the next year.”
But while Coxe and Bookman already have problems mounding on their plate, Johnson said the two are more than equipped to handle any problem that arises.
“These guys can handle anything that comes their way,” she said. “It is going to be a seamless transition. They have been long term board members, they are very good friends and they are very capable.”
As for Coxe joining the ranks of State Bar leadership, Johnson said she couldn’t be more thrilled. She said his placement at the top has been a long time coming.
“I think it is outstanding,” said Johnson. “He has been a long term board member and he is one of those board members that the other board members look to. When he speaks on an issue, everyone really pays attention.
“We have tried to get him to run for Bar president years ago and he always said ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I have got something coming up’ so the board members that he has served with for the last 10 years are truly excited that he is finally getting his opportunity. He really is a great guy.”
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• Though it seems as if the Florida Bar’s annual meeting would attract only attorneys from the state of Florida, there are a few out of state plates in the parking lot of the World Center Marriott in Orlando. Frank Neuner and wife Tracy came all the way from Lafayette, La. to attend. He is the incoming president of the Louisiana Bar and said he attends several out of state bar meetings around the southeast. He said he attended a Georgia Bar function not long ago with outgoing Florida Bar president Kelly Overstreet Johnson.
• The usual computer and legal research vendors are set up again in the Lawyers’ Marketplace swap meet this year at the annual meeting but there are a few new tables that definitely catch the eye. Here’s, one: a tailor set up near the entrance that is fitting new customers on the spot for custom made suits.
• Wednesday’s headline about Hank Coxe said he “prepares to lead Florida Bar” and got a laugh as some said it implied he was taking over as president; he’s actually being inducted as president-elect. Coxe was seen autographing copies of the issue at the convention and even signed one for Bookman. Bookman’s copy read: “To Alan Bookman, I will appreciate any help you can give me this year. Love, Hank.”