by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
It was a new way to contribute to an aged idea.
Members of the Chester Bedell Inns of Court held its first “Law Bowl” competition recently to raise money for organizations that help “further the practice of law.” Teams were comprised of judges, lawyers and law students from the Chester Bedell Inns of Court.
“The idea that we had was that we would have fun and have a competition, educate everybody and raise money for some favorite organizations,” said Circuit Court Judge Waddell Wallace, a member of the Inns of Court. “The organizations that were chosen came from the teams that were involved in the competition.”
Circuit Court Judge Jack Schemer was credited with the idea to create an event patterned after the “College Bowl” quiz show that became popular in the 1960’s.
The red team was captained by attorney Wayne Hogan and his team consisted of attorney Lanny Russell, Stephany Espinosa, federal public defender Jim Burke, County Court Judge Roberto Arias and their “ringer” was Circuit Court Judge Hugh Carithers. They raised funds for Hubbard House.
“It was competitive, but when a team didn’t know the answer someone else would pitch in and help,” said Hogan, jokingly. “I guess that’s how we all ended up with the same amount of money raised.”
The white team was lead by attorney Hank Coxe, who was supported by Connie Byrd, attorney Joe Milton, Circuit Court Senior Judge Bernard Nachman, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Harvey Schlesinger and ringer Scott Cairns. They played for Guardian ad Litem.
Attorney W.C. Gentry was at the helm for the blue team. He was joined by attorney Bill Sheppard, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Corrigan, Circuit Court Judge Mallory Cooper, Lesley McKinney and Patrick Emas. Attorney Robert Spohrer was the ringer and they played for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
Teams were quizzed on civil and criminal procedure, U.S. Supreme Court History and “local legal lore.” They wagered a dollar a point and that was how they raised money for their organization. “Law Bowl” T-shirts were also on sale at the event and about 40 were sold.
“We had a great time doing it and were happy to do something for all of you who do so much for us and our clients,” said Cori Hodak, director of the event. “We appreciate all that you have done and we were glad that we were able to give a little something back.”
Schemer was pleased with the success of the program.
“We were able combine a fun experience with the opportunity to give back to the community,” said Schemer. “We may make it an annual event.”
The Chester Bedell American Inn of Court, Florida’s first Inn and the fourteenth in the nation, was founded in 1985 in Jacksonville. There are over 300 American Inns of Court in the U.S. More than 17,000 judges, lawyers, law professors and law students are members of American Inns of Court. Its members include 40 percent of all federal judges and more than 1,500 state court judges.
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