It’s that time of year! A historical presidential election is at our doorsteps, college football season is well under way (some may prefer it the other way around), however, above all, the Young Lawyers Section of the Jacksonville Bar Association hosts its award-winning annual “Afternoon at the Courthouse” seminar. This free seminar is designed to introduce Jacksonville’s new lawyers and reacquaint practitioners to the Duval County Courthouse, the local judiciary and courtroom personnel, as well as instruct attendees in courtroom protocol and etiquette. The seminar is open to all attorneys and law students in Jacksonville, but is specifically geared towards new attorneys who will benefit from a general introduction to Jacksonville’s judicial system.
As professionalism and integrity form the foundation to the practice of law, one of the highlights of the seminar will be a professionalism presentation by a local member of the judiciary. Additional highlights include a mock hearing performed by three local judges, with a question and answer session to follow. The mock hearing has been known to draw a few laughs. There will also be a presentation by three judicial assistants on local courtroom practice and protocol. The helpful hints offered by our judicial assistants will not only decrease the level of stress in your lives and legal practices but will increase their longevity. The seminar also offers a history presentation of the Duval County Courthouse, along with guided tour. The guided tour shows attendees how to negotiate their way around the courthouse from the courtrooms to the judges’ chambers and to civil and county filing. There can be no worse feeling than not knowing where to go the day of your first hearing, except maybe being ill prepared for that hearing. You will have the opportunity to witness both of these unfortunate situations during the mock hearing presentation.
A new addition to this year’s seminar is a mentor presentation on the JBA’s Mentor Program. New attorneys with questions about the practice of law often find it valuable to consult with more experienced members of the Bar. The JBA Mentor Program aims to ensure that every attorney who wants guidance has access to a confidential mentor. Additionally, all attendees will be provided program material including administrative orders from the Fourth Judicial Circuit, information on discovery practice in Florida State Courts, and additional helpful practice material. The YLS has also applied for CLE credit for the seminar.
The seminar will take place on Nov. 13, 2008 in Courtroom A of the Duval County Courthouse from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Following the seminar, a reception will be held at Plaza III Steakhouse from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All “Afternoon at the Courthouse” attendees, the local judiciary and members of the YLS are invited to attend. Take advantage of this great opportunity to meet and mingle with your local judiciary and colleagues as you will soon practice before and with them.
The “Afternoon at the Courthouse” committee, consisting of Bradley Blair, Ester Erkan, Chris Hand, Eileen LaCivita and Lindsay Tygart, has been working tirelessly to make this a memorable event for all attendees. The YLS would also like to extend its gratitude to ePIC and Florida Coastal School of Law for their support which allows the YLS to offer the seminar at no cost to attendees. To attend the seminar, please RSVP no later than Nov. 7, 2008. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact me at (904)-396-0062 or [email protected]. On behalf of the YLS, we look forward to seeing you on Nov. 13!