Name: Fraz Ahmed
Age: 28
Family: Mom, dad, brother, sister, and a cat named Thumper
Education: University of Pittsburgh, B.A. in Political Science, 2003; Florida Coastal School of Law, J.D., 2006
Admitted to the Bar: 2006
Employed by: Kubicki Draper, P.A.
Field of practice: Civil defense litigation including automobile, premises liability, product liability, trucking, wrongful death, construction defects, and toxic and hazardous substances.
Professional organizations: Jacksonville Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section Board of Governors, Chester Bedell Inn of Court, Jacksonville Area Defense Counsel, Defense Research Institute and International Visitor Corps of Jacksonville.
Community Involvement
Through the Jacksonville Bar Association and other organizations, I have been fortunate enough to get involved with numerous deserving charitable groups in Jacksonville, including Habitat for Humanity, Family Support Services of Northeast Florida, Learn to Read Jacksonville, International Visitor Corps of Jacksonville, and causes raising cancer awareness.
How did you get involved?
I became involved within the community at a young age, when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and my family was going through a difficult time. Outside of family and close friends, I realized how vital a supportive community is when individuals are experiencing difficult times. Without the support of those within our community including teachers, coaches, and neighbors, I honestly cannot say I would be sitting here writing this Lawyer Snapshot.
After moving to Jacksonville, I became involved through the JBA and took part in the Holiday Project, Holiday in January, Afternoon at the Courthouse, the Law Day Naturalization Ceremony and the Law Day High School Mock Trial Competition. I also became involved with other organizations simply by being contacted from those in need of help.
How can someone else get involved?
It’s easy. Please visit the JBA Web site at www.jaxbar.org and contact the JBA to get involved throughout the year in community events hosted by the JBA, from Law Week (a month full of community events), to the Holiday Project, to Special Needs of Children. The list goes on and on. You can also research on your own and look for a specific charitable organization you would love to help.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have learned the positive impact and difference each one of us can make in another’s life. It’s about the look in the eyes of a neglected foster child who for the first time gets to enjoy a Christmas party. It’s about the tenacity of a deserving homeowner who refuses to put down the hammer and paintbrush until the rest of the Habitat for Humanity volunteers are finished working on her home. It’s about connecting with a new citizen of our country at a Naturalization Ceremony and giving him hope to pursue the “American Dream.” Then randomly running into him a week later as he recites your speech back to you and talks with you about how he plans to achieve his goals.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I recently finished the invigorating read of the Florida Standard Jury Instructions. Currently, I am re-reading the horror/mystery of Chapter 718, Florida Statute a.k.a. the “Condominium Act.” It clearly left a lasting impression the first time around. It’s no wonder I can’t sleep at night! Jokes aside, “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri.