by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA) hosted its annual Judicial Reception Thursday titled “Judicial Pursuit” and also honored its “Woman Lawyer of the Year.”
About 400 people attended the event that recognized the service the judiciary provides to the community and two attendees left the event with more to carry then they came with.
JWLA member and soon to be sworn in President-Elect of the Jacksonville Bar Association Courtney Grimm of the Bedell Firm was named the organizations eighth “Woman Lawyer of the Year,” preceded by Linda Wagner Farrell.
The recipient of the award was a closely guarded secret and Grimm was unaware until President Anita Pryor started reading off her accomplishments and volunteer efforts.
“We told her she had to judge the ‘Judicial Pursuit’ contest to make sure she would be here,” said Pryor. “She does so much in addition to being a mother of three.”
Grimm’s areas of practice include commercial, construction and contract litigation. She served as president of the Board of Governors of the JBA Young Lawyers Section and was elected to the JBA Board of Governors after that term. She has served on the board since 1998. She will be sworn in as the president-elect of the JBA Board of Governors at its June 18 luncheon.
Her hard work in and out of the courtroom have not gone unnoticed by her colleagues.
“Courtney’s days begin at 5 a.m. and end at midnight- with a smile,” said Hank Coxe, partner at the Bedell Firm. “The firm has always recognized her remarkable ability to balance her capabilities as an excellent trial lawyer with being a mother of three children. It’s wonderful to see her now recognized for all of her community efforts.”
In order to be selected for the award, candidates must be well rounded individuals, provide outstanding legal and community service, and they must be nominated, and voted on by their peers, said Pryor.
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