by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
One thing the new president of the Jacksonville Bar Association made clear in her first address at the organizations’ luncheon Thursday at the Omni Hotel is that she plans to run a tight ship as far as the clock is concerned.
After she was sworn in, Caroline Emery announced that meetings will continue to adhere to the schedule, but members won’t be prompted with a gavel.
“Our collective goal is to start and end our meetings on time so you can get back to what you need to do. So far, all I’ve found is this little bell,” she said, then demonstrated the concept. “I’d like to find a better signal, so I’m open to suggestions.”
Emery also coached members on the correct pronunciation of her first name and said, “I know it’s spelled like it should be pronounced ‘lin’ or ‘line’ but it’s more like ‘St. Augustine’.”
Also during the luncheon, Circuit Court Judge Jean Johnson, chair of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, presented the annual Pro Bono Award. Mills & Creed received the honor for the fourth consecutive year and the trophy was accepted by firm member Bryan Gowdy.
Johnson also encouraged JBA members to participate in JalaCare, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s Credit Abuse Resistance Education Program, an initiative that will teach Duval County public school students about the responsible use of personal credit.
JALA staff attorney April Charney said 30 JBA members joined the effort at the luncheon, but more than 100 more are needed for the program that will begin in November. For information about JalaCare and available CLE credit, call 356-8371, ext. 373.
Four attorneys were added to the JBA’s membership during the meeting. After unanimous approval from the capacity crowd, outgoing President Kelly Mathis quipped, “Close as usual.”