by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association named Public Defender Lois Ragsdale the 2006 Woman Lawyer of the Year at their annual reception, “An Evening of Judicial Jive,” last week at the Hyatt.
“She exemplifies the kind of lawyer we all can be,” said Patricia Dodson, new JWLA president. Dodson read a letter from one of Ragsdale’s clients.
“Words can’t express how thankful I really am,” the client wrote. At that point, Ragsdale said she knew her name would come up shortly. She remembered the letter that, according to Public Defender Bill White, is just one of many.
“She’s one of the hardest working lawyers we have,” he said. “Her file is full of letters from clients just thanking her for the personal touch and the assistance that she’s provided. She’s very meticulous about letting the clients know what’s going on.”
White said Ragsdale is humble about her dedication to helping others. Between Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and the Public Defender’s Office, she’s worked in public service for 21 years.
“I was totally floored,” Ragsdale said of her win. She said many clients appreciate her efforts and empathy, which she’s quick to extend. “I am probably too empathetic at times.”
Still, Ragsdale said all public defenders get some flack from clients. Like many of her kind, she said she’s been called a “public pretender” and falsely accused of sleeping with the enemy prosecutor.
White said Ragsdale has only had one Bar complaint filed against her, a rarity among public defenders. Most of those complaints have little to no merit, White said, but he thinks Ragsdale has avoided them by communicating frequently and honestly with clients.
Ragsdale’s parents always supported and encouraged her, she said. Ragsdale said that upbringing has driven her to help others through her work.
She said she relaxes with gardening, antiquing, and going to art shows with her husband. The couple has two dogs, Zulu and Mojo, that Ragsdale loves to walk and cuddle. She has a rule to keep her work from stressing her home life: strict separation.
“I want my home to be my refuge,” she said. “I just don’t discuss my work when I leave here.”
Dodson, a prosecutor, called Ragsdale both “an adversary and friend.” Dodson also announced the 2006-2007 JWLA board of directors at the reception. The new board will include president-elect Susan Haag, vice president of professional development Jodi Seitlin and vice presidents of membership and events Theresa Hunnewell and Rita Nichols.