by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
Howard Coker has hunted leopards in Africa, argued million-dollar lawsuits and presided over organizations ranging from The Florida Bar to the Jacksonville Zoo board. Throughout the last 30-plus years of assorted triumphs, Coker’s nickname – “Humble” – has remained the same.
“That goes back to when I was in college. I guess I was fairly cocky back then,” he said with a smile. “The difference between cocky and confident is the ability to get it done.”
Coker admittedly thrives on competition, and his workspace is designed to allow him the comforts of home while he puts long hours in on a case. A sitting area, paintings and rich-hued red rug give Coker’s office a “homey” feel. He keeps a closet packed with spare clothes, and the firm, Coker, Schickel, Sorenson & Daniel, has a small fitness center, showers and kitchen area just down the hall .
“That’s really the way I view an office should be,” said Coker. “If you’re going to be there 10-12 hours a day, you should be comfortable.”
Coker doesn’t have a lot of spare time between his long work hours and volunteer involvement in the community, both legal and otherwise. He said he’s always been an active person, and his zeal for trial work isn’t just ambitious – it’s aggressive.
“As long as I’m healthy, I will keep trying lawsuits. The competitiveness of that keeps me going,” said Coker. “I like being tested ... I’m not a ‘sit at home in your easy chair’ kind of guy.”
But while the nickname has remained the same, Coker said he has changed a bit. He’s encountered a variety of challenges over the years, but none like the recent death of his wife, Fran, this past February.
“People say I’m more patient now than I was. I’ve mellowed a bit,” said Coker, adding that he tries to advise young attorneys with good questions. “The perspective is a little different. When you first start down the road, you’re anxious and nervous and unsure of what lies ahead of you.
“I’ve got no complaints,” he said. “Until the the death of my wife, I was dealt a very good hand.”
Coker’s firm continues to contribute to the RALLY! Jacksonville Readers book club. Fran wrote the books for RALLY!, Mayor John Peyton’s early literacy initiative. Every few weeks, some of the firm’s employees leave work for a couple of hours to read to preschoolers.
“My staff really enjoys it,” said Coker, who has worked with some of the same employees for more than 25 years. “I really view my staff as family.”
If the amenities and friendly faces didn’t make Coker’s workspace feel like a home away from home, his hunting dog, Gunner, probably does. Gunner’s become an office regular since February. He typically lounges in Coker’s office, but occasionally explores the stairway looking for a walk.
“He’s a constant companion. He’s with me 24-hours-a-day most of the time,” said Coker. “Gunner has kind of become the firm mascot.”