Gooding honored by state
Circuit Court Judge David Gooding received the “2006 Award of Excellence” last week from the Florida Adoption Council. The state agency consists of adoption specialists and legal professionals dedicated to the distribution of information pertaining to the adoption of children. Gooding was recognized for work in “cutting through the red tape and speeding the adoption process.” His efforts are working — adoptions in Duval County were up 400 percent in 2005.
Bishop, Tanner form firm
Former Holland & Knight attorneys Tom Bishop and Michael Tanner have partnered to form their own commercial litigation, trial and appeals firm effective June 1. “It’s an exciting, interesting time,” said Bishop, who was in the running a few years ago for the U.S. Middle District job. Tanner is the husband of County Court Judge Sharon Tanner.
JALA launches fund raising campaign
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is launching its “10-4” campaign today. The campaign is designed to increase area attorneys’ participation in JALA’s annual fund raising by 10 percent a year over the next four years. Jacksonville attorneys should be on the lookout for a letter from JALA asking them to perform 20 hours of pro bono legal service or contribute $350. Despite overall lackluster contributions from the legal community, JALA boasts an impressive roster of supporters. The “Leadership Firms” with 100 percent participation from their attorneys include Liles, Gavin, Constantino & George; Terrell Hogan; and Spohrer Wilner Maxwell & Matthews.
JALA attorney announces run for Council
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid attorney Jimmy Midyette, a candidate for the District 9 City Council seat, addressed the Downtown Democratic Women’s Information Network Wednesday at the University Club. Midyette got off on the right foot when he announced that he “was from the democratic wing of the Democratic Party.” Midyette’s message certainly couldn’t be termed middle-of-the-road politically. He called for increased funding for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, transportation planning based on public transit and the automatic restoration of civil rights for released convicts. Midyette also promised to be a public voice against limits on abortion and said he’d push for “responsible growth” legislation. “Growth for growth’s sake is the philosophy of a cancer cell,” he said. Midyette got off a couple of shots at the City’s existing leadership, saying the public needed access to the mayor’s office e-mails to “keep an eye on the scoundrels while they plot their strategy and spin their misinformation.” Midyette also criticized the Council for attempting to give a half million in City money to a politically-connected church.
Johnson backed by incumbent in District 4 Council race
Attorney Earl Johnson Jr. received incumbent Suzanne Jenkins’ endorsement in the District 4 City Council race. Johnson announced Thursday night at an event in the SunTrust Building and was introduced by attorney Jim Rinaman. Johnson said he hopes to build on Jenkins work advocating for neighborhoods surrounding downtown. In particular, he wants to see the City provide funding or small business incentives to get its Town Center initiative moving.