by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Doses of structure and substance have begun to be injected into the social atmosphere of the Jacksonville Justice Association.
The JJA was established in 1996 to provide an atmosphere that would allow civil justice attorneys to gather socially and share courtroom knowledge and experiences. The organization decided it wanted a little more than a social club and began restructuring the organization in December 2007. Under the direction of JJA Immediate-past President Tom Slater, the association hired its first executive director Jason Roth in January.
“They brought me in to help structure the meetings and help keep the members focused on the issues,” said Roth. “I help book speakers for meetings, increase benefits for our members and organize continuing legal education seminars.”
Some new benefits members will see include an advanced trial skills seminar on cross examination, a charity golf tournament to benefit Jacksonville Legal Aid and a new series of lectures called “Aristotle Hour.”
The changes have been well received by both the executive committee and members.
“Hiring a director was an important step for us,” said JJA President Steve Browning. “We went through the process of finding out what we wanted from the association and what was the best way to help it grow. The new structure has really helped in organizing meetings and making them worthwhile.”
One of the more popular communication tools of the day is the Internet and the association has launched a new Web site, www.jacksonvillejustice.org, that offers basic information currently, but will grow to offer members access to legal depositions and documents at any hour of the day or night.
“The organization has grown under very capable leadership over the years,” said Jim Daniel, a founding member and future Circuit Court Judge. “(The association) has become much more professional.”
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