The JBA recently honored six of its members with Honorary Membership status for achieving 50 years of membership to the Florida Bar. 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?
People who were lawyers always seemed exceptional.
Who was your mentor and what information did you learn that you still use today?
Chester Bedell and Ray Ehrlich. Both of them taught me to always tell the truth, your word is your bond and don’t try to trick people. That applies to life, not just the practice of law. Jacksonville was known around the state as a community that if a lawyer from here told you something, you could bank on it. You had to get it in writing from other lawyers around the state.
How did you feel when you tried your first case on your own?
Scared! I would try three to four cases a week. Fender-benders. When I was admitted to the American College of Trial Lawyers, in 1981, I found out that I had tried over 300 cases. Started off with the Bedell Firm.
How has the practice of law changed since you first began?
It’s changed greatly. Nobody tries cases any more. Mediation came in the late 1980s and early 1990s and everybody started settling. I quickly found out that a mediator can talk to the client and could put the best case forward. A lawyer is always going to tell you he can win the case. A mediator is going to tell you, “You could win, but you could get hurt if you lose.” They look at both sides of the case, and that led to a lot more cases settling.
What do you see as the biggest problem facing the legal society today?
Too many lawyers and not enough business with enough resources to pay for a lawyer’s services.
What has been your proudest moment during your legal career?
When I was made a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. It limits itself to one percent of the lawyers in any state. It was the top of the pile for lawyers when I started practicing. (There are 26 lawyers in Jacksonville out of over 2,000 that are members of the American College of Trial Lawyers.)
Why did you join the Jacksonville Bar Association?
Chester Bedell said it was the thing to do.
What should the JBA’s role be in the legal community?
Make sure the courts and judges are funded and well manned.