Name: Justin Spiller
Age: 29 and dangerously approaching 30.
Family: Yes. Most notably, a beautiful baby girl.
Pets: A smart Boston Terrier.
Education: Brown University 2002, Emory University School of Law 2006
Admitted to the Bar: 2007
Employed by: Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.
Field of practice: Real estate matters, transactions and litigation; insurance defense; and general commercial litigation.
Professional organizations: The Florida Bar and The D.W. Perkins Bar Association.
Community involvement: The Malivai Washington Kid’s Foundation, Board Member; The Sulzbacher Center, Board Member; United Way of Northeast Florida, various; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, Mentor; Jacksonville Small Emerging Business Monitoring Committee; Jacksonville Young Democrats, President; Duval County Democratic Executive Committee; Duval County Democratic Black Caucus; Democratic Professionals Council; Gator Bowl Committee; and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
How did you get involved?
As a former full-time real estate associate, I had some time on my hands when the bottom fell out of the market in 2007-08 so I decided to stay busy in other ways. I’ve been led to each one of my involvements and my introductions to them all started with a conversation with someone that was already involved. Short answer: Desire.
How can someone else get involved?
Call me…kidding. Don’t call me. OK, you can if you want. Real answer: Just try. With the Internet you can find organizations to get involved with based upon your interests and passion. You can Google it, Bing it, whatever, but either you are out there for people to seek you, or you are not, so you must seek them.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
How many more words do I have left? I’ve learned that the philanthropic and charitable community of Jacksonville is strong. There are many great citizens of this community that give their time, money or both to help make this city a better place. I’ve also learned that, while it is strong, it is not enough. Those of us that have some or more can never forget that there are more that have less than some, or nothing at all. We must continue (or start) to do our part to rectify that. It’s not someone else’s problem. It’s our problem. Jacksonville has a great opportunity to be a city that people from around the world flock to because of our resources, development potential and opportunities, but we must first provide accordingly for those here in our community and especially our children. Let’s not fear empowering the community with the tools to be successful. The pie will get bigger people. The slices won’t shrink. If we all succeed your slice may even get bigger. Imagine that.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Just re-read my Uncle Everett’s book entitled, “Snake Walkers.” (http://snakewalkers.net/) A smooth, enlightened and insightful read. Check it out.