by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
How can judges and attorneys better get along? By finding out what each other wants, and a record-setting crowd attended the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Sidebar Luncheon at the Duval County Courthouse Thursday afternoon.
The luncheon was developed by the JBA’s Judicial Relations Committee to improve the relationship between attorneys and judges.
A different set of judges is invited to each luncheon and Thursday’s meeting was with the Civil Circuit Court.
About 140 members of the law community – most ever for one of these gatherings – of the 4th Judicial Circuit attended the meeting, which provided an environment for judges to explain to attorneys what is expected of them to perform in a professional manner in their courtroom.
Likewise, attorneys could ask judges about their policies and express concerns.
“It’s helpful for lawyers, particularly those with 1-5 years experience who don’t get a chance to work with a senior lawyer. They don’t have that resource to tap into when they experience problems,” said Circuit Court Judge Peter Dearing. “It’s good for them to hear from a judge what is expected of them in the courtroom. We, as judges, also need to know what issues are troubling lawyers.”
The panel of Circuit Court judges included Dearing, Aaron Bowden, Peter Fryefield, John Skinner, Charles Mitchell, Hal Taylor and Bernie Nachman. Recently elected Circuit Court Judges Jim Daniel, Virginia Norton and Adrian Soud also attended.
Attorney’s questions were treated with both sincerity and humor by the panel.
When asked how an attorney can build a good relationship with a judge:
”Make your word your bond,” replied Fryefield.
“Treat other attorneys as you would have them treat you,” added Skinner.
Another question tried to discover if a judge had a tip off to let attorneys know when they’d argued their case enough.
“Attorneys who submit the biggest binders for a judge to read will likely lose,” joked Taylor.
Attendees were also eligible for two hours of Continuing Legal Education.
“The Sidebar Luncheons have been a fabulous opportunity for lawyers – new and experienced – to interact with the judges of the 4th Judicial Circuit,” said JBA President Joe Camerlengo. “They have been well attended and received by Bar members and the judiciary.”
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