by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Bar Association didn’t hold a monthly meeting in March. But, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything going on. In fact, with Law Week starting today, March is very busy and the next two weeks are the busiest of the year for the Bar and those involved in the many activities associated with Law Week. This year’s theme is “Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy.”
Mayor John Peyton will mark the official beginning of Law Week this afternoon when he signs the annual Law Week proclamation. Chief Judge John Moran, JBA President Kelly Mathis, JBA President-elect Caroline Emery and Patrick Earley are all expected to be on hand.
Much of the preparation for Law Week has fallen on the shoulders of Earley, who’s chairing Law Week this year, and the various committees comprised of attorneys all donating their time and energy. Last year, Giselle Carson of Marks Gray chaired Law Week and did such a good job the American Bar Association recognized her and the Jacksonville Bar.
“Those are some big shoes to live up to,” said Earley, who is an attorney with Dwane D. Tyson & Associates. “Giselle and I have worked together before. This is my fifth year being involved in Law Week.”
As chair, Earley said his main role is to make sure all the committees have chairs. Knowing he’s working with busy attorneys from every facet of the profession, Earley said he tries to set up specific meeting dates two weeks to 30 days out and usually around lunch. He said a free sandwich is usually a good enough lure to get everyone to attend.
“We have a bunch of busy folks who donate their time and energy to help get the word out,” said Earley. Finding attorneys to chair and fill the committees isn’t difficult, either. “We have such a good Bar. I have more offers from attorneys for their time than I actually need. You cannot say that about some other Bar Associations.”
Last year, Carson introduced a book drive to Law Week. The drive, which the Jaguars Foundation also participated in, benefited the kids at three local elementary schools — Annie Morgan, Spring Park and Mandarin Oaks. This year’s new addition is a teen moot court competition set for Friday in the City Hall Annex.
“Lois Ragsdale of the Public Defender’s Office and John Carlisle of Liles Gain Costantino & George are heading that up,” said Earley, who chairs the litigation counsel offices at Tyson for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. “Three teams from Duval, Nassau and Clay counties are competing.”
Earley said being chair and heading up one of the committees take just about as much work. As the chair of an individual committee, Earley had deadlines he had to meet and plenty of work to get done. Chairing the entire Law Week event is much more of an oversight position. He said he sought friends and those whom he knew did a good job in the past to chair the committees this year.
“The committees really make this all happen,” he said. “I just keep them informed, make sure everything gets done and track and document everything. It’s challenging time-wise, but it’s also very rewarding.”
Another facet of Law Week that will continue this year is having judges from the Fourth Judicial Circuit go out to various high schools and talk to the students about the law, being a judge and becoming a lawyer. A set schedule for those talks hasn’t been established.
Juanita Powell, who is chairing this year’s proclamation committee, will succeed Earley as chair of Law Week next year.
The following is a listing of some of the activities that will revolve around Law Day:
• Today — Law Day Proclamation Ceremony in the Mayor’s office. Historically, the proclamation ceremony is the kick off for Jacksonville’s celebration of Law Week.
• Friday — Teen Court Competitions. This year the committee is helping to promote and participate in the 2007 4th Judicial Circuit Mock Trial Competition. Clay County Judge Timothy Collins will preside over the competitions which will take place at the City Hall Annex. The youth volunteers from all three counties will participate in mock trials throughout the day, and the teams will be scored by local lawyers.
• Law for the Layperson — The Main Library and the Jacksonville Bar are sponsoring free presentations for the public on issues of present importance. The following has been tentatively scheduled at the downtown library:
• Tax Law, April 11 at 12:30 P.M. with Mark Kloeppel.
• Family Law, April 16 at 12:30 p.m. with Paula Brice.
• Estate Planning — Either April 23 or April 30 at 12:30 with Clay Muex Jr. The committee is also working with immigration attorneys from Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and the Jacksonville community to do PowerPoint presentations at the Main Library on how to become a naturalized U.S. Citizen. The presentations are tentatively scheduled to take place in early May.
• Fifth Grade Poster Contest — The contest is designed to allow children to learn about the history and importance of the legal system, and this year’s theme of empowering youth. The participating schools include Mandarin Oaks, Annie Morgan, and Spring Park elementary schools. Poster judging will take place at the Federal and County courthouses at a date to be announced.
• Law Day Luncheon — The luncheon is tentatively being scheduled to take place within the first full week of May. The time, location, and keynote speaker will be announced at a later date.
• 2nd annual art supply and book drive — This will be the second annual drive to collect art supplies and books at the Law Day luncheon, which will be donated to local elementary schools. This year the committee is planning and promoting the drive by working with the Jaguars Foundation and Volunteer Jax, in an effort to obtain more books and supplies.
• Presentations by judges to local high schools — The committee has coordinated with approximately seven Duval County Judges to donate their time and speak at local high schools on various legal topics. The presentations began in February and will run through May.
• Naturalization Ceremony — The ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the Federal Courthouse in room 13-A. The Honorable Harvey E. Schlesinger, United States District Judge, will preside and former AUSA Marcio Valladares is the guest speaker. The ceremony will open with the Color Guards, an inspirational message from JoAnne Eichelberger, and a performance by soloist, Elliot Wimes. Presidents of the various local voluntary bars will also attend, and a video message from Pres. George W. Bush will air and show scenery of the country.
• Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s Breakfast of Champions — This annual event is designed to support JALA’s service to the Jacksonville area and to promote pro bono service within the legal community. Tentatively, the breakfast is being planned for early May. The exact time, location, and keynote speaker will be announced at a later date.