Name: Chris Hazelip
Age: 48
Family: Wife Sally, and four teenagers (two girls, two boys) spanning ages of 14-18
Pets: a Boykin Spaniel, and two cats
Education: B.A. in Philosophy from Wheaton College (Ill.), 1981; University of Florida Law School, 1984
Admitted to the Bar: 1984
Employed by: Rogers Towers, P.A.
Field of practice: Civil Trial
Professional organizations: ABOTA; Chester Bedell Inns of Court; Christian Legal Society of Jacksonville; Florida Justice Association; Jacksonville Trial Lawyers; Jacksonville Bar Association.
Community involvement: Lay teacher at church; United Way Achievers for Life Partnership Council; Jacksonville Human Rights Commission; Jacksonville Journey Positive Youth
Development Subcommittee; Better Jacksonville Plan Citizens Oversight Committee.
How did you get involved?
I was asked. Honestly, I probably would still be wondering how to get involved in community service if someone hadn’t just picked up the phone, or written a letter, and asked me.
(I think there’s a lesson in there somewhere.)
Why did you get involved?
I believe that serving others is my calling and best reflects my commitment to serve God,
so when I’m presented with an opportunity, I try to respond if able.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Through community service specifically, I’ve come to realize that there are many among us who face challenges and obstacles that I wasn’t even aware of, so in that sense my awareness of issues has increased significantly. This has also made me recognize some common “root causes” to the major challenges which threaten our community. For example, crime and economic disparity both seem related to the high school dropout rate and, bigger still, the false cultural messages bombarding our youth as to what it means to be a “success.” On the positive side, I’ve also learned that there are some very committed and generous people among us who are doing a great deal for our community.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“The Reason for God” by Tim Keller.