With football season upon us and Florida/Georgia less than two months away, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun this time of year. But before you head off to the stadium or make your tailgate plans, take just a few minutes to find out about the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section (YLS) and this fall’s activities.
The YLS will once again host the award-winning Afternoon in the Courthouse program Nov. 20. Afternoon in the Courthouse gives new lawyers a chance to see the courthouse without the “Where am I going?” and “I don’t know what I’m doing” stress. Members of the bench and bar collaborate with the YLS to answer “real-life” questions and teach our newest members how to negotiate their way around that lovely building that is the Duval County Courthouse. A reception will follow the event at Plaza III Steakhouse. More details to come in the Bar bulletins and e-mails so keep your eyes open. To participate, please contact Fraz Ahmed at 396-0062 or [email protected]
Another tradition that will continue this fall is the judicial breakfast program. It provides an opportunity for young lawyers to get together with members of the bench in an informal setting. If you are a young or new lawyer, this is a great opportunity to meet the judiciary. Please stay tuned for specific dates and times, but if you want advance notice or you want to help in the planning, please contact Kirby Oberdorfer 680-7645 or [email protected].
Through the generous support of local law firms and businesses, this year the YLS will once again spread cheer to many of Jacksonville’s foster children through the “Holidays in January” program. Through this program, local lawyers purchase and distribute toys to foster children who did not receive any presents during the holiday season. On the day of the event, each child picks out two toys and each child receives a bicycle (and helmet!). This project has been very successful and personally rewarding for those who participate. Those interested in volunteering for the event can contact this year’s chair, Michael Scheve at 346-5922 or [email protected].
With trials becoming increasingly rare, a young lawyer likely won’t get much chance to observe more experienced attorneys in action. The trial hotline attempts to keep the YLS plugged in so that you can put down your time sheets and head to the courthouse to watch some of the legal lions in action…and the rest of the lawyers, too! Patrick Kilbane will be keeping you up to date each week via e-mail with a list of the federal and state civil trials, as well as some of the juicier criminal trials. The information will be available to the YLS membership. Don’t miss this opportunity to watch and learn. Kilbane can be reached at 346-5386.
Come out and join your fellow Young Lawyers as we help the community and each other this fall!
The Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section is composed of area young lawyers who are 35 years old or younger or who have been practicing less than five years. YLS is dedicated to providing a diverse array of programs and projects designed to benefit young lawyers, all members of the bar, and the community.