Jacksonville enjoys a wonderful relationship between the lawyers and judges in our legal community. The Judicial Relations Committee of the Jacksonville Bar Association seeks to enhance that relationship. The Committee was reactivated in 2007 after some years of dormancy and provides various services to the JBA including the Sidebar Luncheons, articles from judges that are “Tips from the Bench” and a new concept of a complaint process for those lawyers and judges who wish to provide input to each other on an informal basis through a subcommittee.
Our Sidebar Luncheons, one of the more successful projects, have been sponsored through the JBA with the various areas of practice and allow for an open discussion between the judges and the lawyers regarding procedure and policy within each division. The luncheons have previously been held in Courtroom A with Family Law, Civil, Circuit Felony and Juvenile and Dependency judges, and an upcoming event with County judges. A Sidebar Luncheon was held with the Federal Magistrates in the U.S. Courthouse last year and gave us great insight to the preliminary issues that the Magistrates handle, and practice pointers.
The Lawyer have been able to ask questions of the judges, and each judge had an opportunity to respond to particular situations or procedural issues. The lunches have been gourmet (the chef from the Four Seasons prepared a seven course meal) and the discussions have been informative, instructive and at times, controversial.
We have been fortunate to get “Tips from the Bench” that have been published in the Daily Record from some of the judges who have reminded us of big items such as professionalism, preparation and promptness. They have made observations of lawyer conduct and have given tips for self improvement.
The Judicial Relations Committee will continue its work with the upcoming County Judges Sidebar Luncheon to be held in the fifth floor conference room on April 16. Lunch is included and, for a very small fee, CLE hours will be awarded to attendees. Its an inexpensive opportunity for CLE credit. Although we have 17 County Judges, six have agreed to serve on the panel, and other have been invited to attend for additional input.
Suggestions are appreciated and anyone who wants to join the Judicial Relations Committee is welcome to do so. Contact me at Harris, Guidi, Rosner, Dunlap & Rudolph, P.A. at 398-9002 or by e-mail at [email protected].