by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
It’s no secret the judges and lawyers in the Fourth Judicial Circuit have a great reputation statewide. When the Florida Bar’s monthly disciplinary report is released, it’s rare an attorney in the circuit makes the list. It’s even more rare when a local judge finds themselves in hot water. In fact, it’s been a quarter-century since a member of the bench was disciplined by the Bar.
Recently, the Fourth Circuit was recognized for its professionalism by the Bar when Chief Judge Don Moran received the Bar’s Professionalism Award. Moran said the award is based partly on the day-in-and-day-out behavior of the circuit’s lawyers and judges. However, the award is based primarily on the judicial symposium held in Jacksonville last September.
Moran said over 60 judges from all over the state at various levels attended as did over 400 attorneys.
“We had a real good turnout,” he said, adding he was especially impressed since it was the first of its kind in Jacksonville.
While the turnout was better-than-expected, what impressed Moran the most was the make-up of those who attended. Literally, he said, the audience was comprised of every facet of law.
“I think the most significant thing, from my perspective, was the cooperation and turnout from (State Attorney) Harry Shorstein’s office and (Public Defender) Bill White’s office,” said Moran.
At odds by the mere nature of what they do for a living, Moran said it was great to see so many defense attorneys and prosecutors in the same room all for basically the same reason — to learn and understand how to be more civil and professional in the courtroom to each other, the respective clients and judiciary.
“They are in court every day and they need to work on their professionalism,” said Moran. “It’s a real tribute that they actually participated and turned out.”
Moran credited former Jacksonville Bar Association President Caroline Emery for much of the success of the symposium
Emery and Moran both agreed it would be difficult to hold such an event every year. However, they plan to make the next one bigger and better.
Emery said the award was presented to circuit by Florida Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero III. During the ceremony, Cantero talked about what the circuit did to merit the award and the $1,000 cash prize that accompanies the wood and glass plaque.
“The symposium raised awareness of professional and ethical behavior and how it relates to a practitioner’s life,” said Cantero. “So, because of the effectiveness of the program and its obvious practical value, it is clear that the Fourth Judicial Circuit is a worthy recipient of the award.”
According to Cantero, the award was based on several criteria including the overall quality of the program, the likelihood of continuation, the number of attorneys involved or affected and a few other things.
Moran said he will use the money to toss a party during which he and others will brainstorm about ways to make the next symposium better.
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