from staff
City Council member and Foley & Lardner attorney Kevin Hyde is the recipient of this year’s Equal Justice Award. This is the eighth year Jacksonville Area Legal Aid has recognized a local attorney for their work to provide legal assistance to those who can’t afford it.
A staunch advocate for access to justice for all, Hyde has worked hard for JALA as a member of Council. His commitment to regulate the payday loan industry that preyed on Jacksonville citizens by charging triple digit interest rates is an example of that commitment.
Hyde — who will be recognized during a ceremony and reception tonight at The River Club — spearheaded the effort to regulate pay day loans by sponsoring an ordinance that would cap interest rates. Although the courts later overturned it on appeal, Congress eventually followed Hyde’s lead. This fall, Congress passed a federal law capping pay day loan interest rates for military members at 36 percent.
Since 1999, JALA has honored the individual or organization that has most assisted JALA staff in accomplishing their mission of serving low-income people in Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties. The Equal Justice Award is the highest honor given by JALA.
In addition to the Equal Justice Award, seven others attorneys will receive pro bono service awards and eight local law firms will be recognized for having 100 percent attorney participation in JALA’s 2006 fundraising campaign.