Name: Jay Howanitz
Age: 30
Family: Wife – Holly Howanitz, Esq.
Pets: 2 dogs (Hershey and Carmela) & 2 cats (Isabella and Ian)
Education: B.A. Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.; M.A. McDaniel College, Westminster, Md.; J.D. Florida Coastal School of Law
Admitted to the Bar: Florida 2005, Georgia 2008
Employed by: Spohrer & Dodd, P.L.
Field of practice: Complex Personal Injury Litigation (products liability, premises liability, trucking collisions, etc.)
Professional Organizations: The Florida Bar and the State Bar of Georgia, Jacksonville Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, American Bar Association, Jacksonville Justice Association, Florida Justice Association, American Association for Justice, Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America and adjunct professor in the Legal Studies Department of Florida Community College at Jacksonville.
Community Involvement
I have been involved with numerous community and nonprofit organizations. Currently, I have active involvement with the Independent Living Center of Northeast Florida, United Way, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, lobbying in Tallahassee to protect citizens rights, and I still remain active with the athletic programs from my high school alma mater (you have to remember where you came from). Finally, Spohrer & Dodd donates a lot of time and manpower to Hands on Jacksonville.
How did you get involved?
From a very young age, my parents drove my brother, sister and I to become involved and volunteer our time to good causes. As a member of the legal community, I can’t begin to explain the types of opportunities we, as lawyers, are provided. Donating my time and efforts are the least I can do to help out the great causes that are out there and give back in any way possible. The ultimate reason is because nothing beats the feeling you get when you see someone smile due to something you helped in. The Independent Living Center of Northeast Florida was a no-brainer, its primary goal is to get people, who have suffered catastrophic injuries, back to some form of an independent life (their mission and goals are truly inspiring).
How can someone else get involved?
The best way to get involved is to reach out. Community organizations are always looking for a helping hand. On the organizations I am involved with, you can call or e-mail ([email protected]) me, and I can help get them involved.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have learned that no matter how small you feel your participation is, it is appreciated tenfold. Lastly, you will meet and touch the lives of some of the greatest people in the Jacksonville community.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Based on the fact that Holly and I are the proud parents of a chocolate lab, I am reading “Marley and Me” and realizing how easy Marley’s owners had it.