Hatchett living the dream
Judge Joseph W. Hatchett will receive the “In Remembrance of the Dream” Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award in recognition of his pioneering efforts with the U.S. Judicial System. The award is presented by the country’s first African-American Chamber Ensemble - The Ritz Chamber Players Saturday in the Terry Theater of the Times-Union Center. The benefit reception will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Hicks Gallery followed a concert in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at 8 p.m. Hatchett was the first African-American appointed to the Florida Supreme Court, first African-American appointed to the United States Court of Appeals in all the southern states and first African-American to be elected to a statewide post in Florida. He graduated from Florida A&M University and has received four Honorary Doctorates, including one from Howard University. Hatchett is also in the National Bar Association’s Hall of Fame.
New partner at McGuire, Woods
Neera Mahajan Shetty (above) has been elected partner of the firm McGuireWoods LLP effective Jan.1. This promotion boosts the partnership ranks firmwide to approximately 400. Shetty practices within the firm’s Labor and Employment Department, focusing her practice on defending, representing and counseling management in employment-related issues and disputes under state and federal law. She received her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin and her bachelor’s from Duke University.
Young Lawyers celebrate the holidays in January
The Young Lawyers Section of the Jacksonville Bar Association is partnering with the Florida Department of Children and Families for the Holiday in January Project. The project brings a holiday celebration to area foster children who did not have foster parents during the December holiday season. This year’s event, scheduled for Jan. 21, will bring gifts, food, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus to about 100 area foster children. Currently, the Young Lawyers is soliciting funds and volunteers from local law firms. The needed budget is expected to be around $5,000 or $50 per child. Donations should be made payable to The Jacksonville Bar Association - Young Lawyers Section, and should be delivered to the JBA office at 1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Suite 730. Donors will be recognized at the event and in the Daily Record.
NE Florida Paralegals to present at national conference
The National Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals has invited the Northeast Florida Paralegal Association to present at this July’s national conference in Tampa a workshop on how to develop a Certified Legal Assistant Review Course. The 45-minute presentation will be made by Elaine Puri, Legal Studies Program director for Florida Community College Jacksonville, Mary Greenhill and Margaret Costa. Greenhill, Costa and Puri worked together to develop NEFPA’s CLA prep course, which is offered at FCCJ to those preparing to take the NALA CLA/CP examination. The course provides the sole source of funding for NEFPA’s Professional Development Scholarship program.
IMPACTjax discusses judicial nominations
The “VOICE your opinion” segment of IMPACTjax will host a political forum Thursday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., titled “The Judicial Nominations Process and How it Impacts You.” The forum will feature Jon L. Mills, Dean Emeritus of the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law and former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, as well as John S. Mills of Mills & Carlin, P.A. Mills will discuss the judicial nominations process and the impact of judicial appointments on young professionals’ lives, public policy and the practicing Bar. The event is free for IMPACTjax members and $10 for non-members. RSVP, required, at (904)366-6684 or [email protected]