by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The Fourth Judicial Circuit has a reputation for professionalism and both the Jacksonville Bar Association and local judicial branch contribute to that reputation.
The Jacksonville Bar Association’s (JBA) Young Lawyers Section held an “Afternoon at the Courthouse” program Thursday to get new lawyers acclimated to the Duval County Courthouse.
Circuit Court Judges Bernard Nachman, Hugh Carithers, Peter Fryefield, Waddell Wallace and Fred Tygart took part in the program by educating the new lawyers on what is expected of them in the courtroom, where to find answers about courtroom procedures and what not to do in the courtroom.
“Be cognizant of your time,” said Tygart, when explaining meetings to discuss motions. “Calendars used to have leeway to allow a meeting to run a little bit over the scheduled time, but motion calendars now are very tight due to case load.”
Not scheduling enough time could put an attorney in an awkward position.
“Don’t be in the position where a judge has to tell you, ‘I’m sorry but we have to end this meeting because I have to hear a motion from another lawyer who has arrived punctually,’” said Tygart.
Communication between opposing counsel was also pointed out as a key to successful practice.
“I find so often that if counsel would pick up the phone and talk to the other side that matters can be resolved outside of the court,” said Nachman. “This would be the better way to handle things instead of taking up hearing time.”
The direction of communication was also an important point when the judges talked about behavior in the courtroom.
“Always direct comments to the court (the judge),” said Fryefield. “Not each other.”
Young Lawyers Section Board of Governors member Chris Hand educated the program attendees about the JBA mentor program.
“The practice of law is different than the substance of law that you learned in school,” said Hand. “Once you get out of law school you have to learn how to be a good attorney.”
Hand explained that the mentor program is especially beneficial to lawyers opening their own practices right out of law school who don’t have the opportunity to learn from experienced partners. New attorneys are matched with a mentor by practice area and the program is confidential.
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