The JBA recently honored six of its members with Honorary status for achieving 50 years of membership to the Florida Bar and those six were asked to share the knowledge they have gained through their careers by answering the questions listed below.
What attracted you to the practice of law?
I love to participate in resolving problems, and the law seemed to present an excellent opportunity for that.
Who was your mentor and what information did you learn that you still use today?
I had several mentors. Two were law partners, Earl Hadlow and William H. Adams III. Their open minded approach to legal issues and analytical approach to the solutions are traits I have found indispensable to my present work.
What was the transition like out of law school?
In 1957, the transition from law school to law office was unremarkable.
How did you feel when you tried your first case on your own?
As if no amount of preparation would suffice. As it turned out, my concern was unfounded.
How did you feel presiding over your first trial?
It was loads of fun. Like sitting in a rocking chair watching fine lawyers do their work.
What advice would you give to a law school graduate?
Find a good mentor, an outstanding lawyer from an earlier generation who is not a member of your law firm or office and will tell it like it is.
How long have you been involved with the Boy Scouts and what have you learned from the experience?
Since 1974, when I became president elect of the North Florida Council. I learned that what Father Flanagan, Founder of Boys Town, Neb., said is true: “There is no such thing as a bad boy.” What we have are bad men who serve as terrible role models. Scouting exposes boys to positive role models, who transfer to the boys the traits of character possessed by the founders of this nation. Scouting is the finest crime-prevention program I have ever encountered.
Do you participate in any other volunteer activities?
None other than associated with the Episcopal Church.
Do you utilize the latest technology (Blackberry, Facebook, Twitter) in your practice?
Yes to Blackberry. No to Facebook and Twitter.
Why did you join the Jacksonville Bar Association?
It was the proper thing to do.
What is your fondest memory of your involvement with the JBA?
The camaraderie. The members of the JBA in those days — before 1968, when I became a judge — were a close-knit bunch of highly ethical, highly professional lawyers, whose word was their bond.