by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
There are many accomplishments on the resume of Jacksonville attorney and Jacksonville Bar Association (JBA) past President Joe Milton, but creating the organization’s annual “Bench and Bar” party isn’t one of them.
Milton credited former JBA President Ed White with the idea to bring judges and attorneys together to celebrate the holidays. White served as president from 1979-1980.
“People thank me for creating the Bench and Bar party, but all I did was continue what Ed had started,” said Milton. “I continued the event during my term as president the following year, so it became an annual event.”
The 29th annual event was held in the lobby of the Aetna building on the Southbank, which is also home to the new office of the JBA. Members were able to tour the office during the party and see what kind of facilities were available to host depositions and mediation.
Official attendance was 351 people.