by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Imagine being able to tap into more than 1,000 years of judicial knowledge, experience and advice.
That’s exactly what will be available to members of the Jacksonville Bar Association at this year’s judicial symposium following the Nov. 17 Bar luncheon. In addition to many federal, state and local judges, former Florida State University President Sandy D’Alemberte will moderate the symposium — a fact that has Fourth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Donald Moran looking forward to this year’s symposium, which will focus on creating a better relationship between the bench and the Bar, as well as building better inter-attorney relationships.
“I am real excited,” said Moran. “I have a great deal of respect for Sandy D’Alemberte. He’s a past president of the National Bar Association, past president of the FSU Law School and the past president of FSU. He has led a constitutional revision commission that only convenes once every 10 years and he’s led that commission twice.
“He has graciously agreed to come and help us with our professionalism. I can’t imagine someone not wanting to come to this event.”
In addition to D’Alemberte’s moderation, the symposium will feature a judicial panel discussion that will include a question-and-answer session. Also on hand will be Florida Coastal School of Law professor Susan Daicoss, who will speak on civility and attorney personalities. According to Steve Combs, who is organizing the symposium, Daicoss is a national expert in the emerging field of lawyer personalities.
By the end of the day, Moran hopes everyone leaves with a better appreciation for how each side of the judicial system thinks and works.
“I feel everyone coming out of this will say, ‘Gee, I’m glad I went,’” said Moran, explaining that often the courtroom setting and the nature of the industry invariably create a naturally-combative atmosphere. “We operate in an adversarial system. But, while we are adversaries, it’s important to remain professional. We come in contact every day with people and we have to be aware of the different temperaments and personalities. We have to remain respectful of the profession.”
Moran is not on the panel, but will attend the symposium and participate in a variety of capacities. The following judges are scheduled to either speak or serve on the panel:
Federal Court (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit)
Gerald B. Tjoflat
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Timothy J. Corrigan, Joseph H. Moore, II, Senior Judge and Harvey E. Schlesinger
Magistrate Judges
Marcia Morales Howard and Thomas Morris
State Court (First District Court of Appeal)
Robert Benton, Peter Webster, Philip J. Padovano and Joseph Lewis
Fourth Judicial Circuit
Charles W. Arnold*, Karen K. Cole, McCarthy Crenshaw Jr., Henry Davis, Brian Davis*, Peter L. Dearing*, Peter J. Fryefield, David M. Gooding, W. Gregg McCaulie, E. McRae Mathis, Charles O. Mitchell Jr.*, John H. Skinner, Waddell A. Wallace and David C. Wiggins
Seventh Judicial Circuit
Wendy Berger*
Duval County Court
Tyrie W. Boyer, Mallory D. Cooper, Pauline Drayton and Gary Flower
* pending the end of jury trial