Name: Refik W. Eler
Age: 48
Family: Wife, Lauren and son, Austin.
Pets: Two Golden Retrievers, two Chihuahuas, several cats mostly from shelters and a green iguana named “Big Al.”
Education: B.A. in political science from the University of Florida, J.D. from Florida State University
Admitted to the Bar: 1987
Employed by: Office of the Public Defender, Fourth Judicial Circuit
Field of practice: Criminal Law
Professional organizations: National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Northeast Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Florida Public Defenders Association, Death Penalty Steering Committee.
Community involvement:
Sulzbacher Center volunteer and member, Board of Directors. Jacksonville Humane Society.
How did you get involved?
At the Sulzbacher center I started by simply helping serve meals at dinner time, most recently I was elected to the board of directors and serve on the Strategic Relationships Committee. At the Jacksonville Humane Society I adopted a few pets, had previously served on the board of directors and now simply volunteer and/or donate used items for the animals.
How can someone else get involved?
It’s easy, just stop by the Sulzbacher Center for a visit or visit www.sulzbachercenter.org. Just stop by and visit the Jacksonville Humane Society.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I am continually amazed at how many less fortunate people there are that need our help here in our very own city on a daily basis for the simple things that we all take for granted, food and shelter. At the same time I have seen first hand and am thankful that we as a city have such a wonderful, modern center with such caring people so that these folks, our fellow citizens, have a warm meal and place to sleep at night.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Currently reading “A Saint on Death Row: The Story of Dominique Green” by Thomas Cahill.