by David Chapman
Staff Writer
For the 11th year in a row, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid will present an award to an individual or firm that’s done much to help the nonprofit firm’s goal of providing legal assistance to low income persons. Only this year, it will bestow the honor to a firm that didn’t do one thing in particular over the year – instead, it’s the firm’s pattern of support that made it stand out.
Harrell & Harrell will receive the 2009 Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Award, named after the former winner who passed away in September, during a reception Dec. 8 at The River Club.
“It’s the most important night of JALA’s year,” said Christa Figgins, JALA development director. “It’s when we thank the people who have spent all year caring about our mission and our clients.”
Renee Daigle Harrell has been on JALA’s board of directors for the past three years and currently serves as treasurer on the Executive Committee. Her support, along with the firm’s, has been integral and appreciated, said Figgins.
The work the firm does to support JALA’s cause is important, said Renee Harrell, as the service makes a huge difference in the lives of the community they serve. Former winners include attorneys Hank Coxe, Kevin Hyde and Eddie Farah, Council members Jack Webb and Glorious Johnson and firms Rogers Towers and Pajcic & Pajcic and being the latest recipient in the award’s history just raises the bar, said Harrell.
“To me it means I need to work a lot harder in the future (to help),” said Renee Harrell. “We appreciate the honor ... it’s humbling. It’s been rewarding to work with JALA to make a difference.”
Both Figgins and Harrell stressed the group aspect of the firm’s award, but Figgins did note Renee’s efforts.
“I truly have to be careful what I mention around her (Renee Harrell) at this point, because if she thinks we need it, she and Bill (Harrell) will make it happen,” said Figgins, later adding: “When Renee Harrell, one of the busiest people I’ve ever met, walks into your office and spends five hours on the phone calling colleagues and asking them to donate to JALA – as she has done on a number of occasions in the past – you know you have someone on your team who really cares about what you do.”
Harrell & Harrell isn’t the only one receiving awards on behalf of JALA, though.
Numerous staff, attorneys and other firms, including 100 percent participation firms, will be honored during the night. As for its staff, Figgins said she’d give them an award every day if she could to show their value in helping low-income persons for a fraction of what they could make in private practices.
The Pro Bono attorneys and 100 percent participation firms are vital to JALA’s success, she added, as without their commitment and time, many people wouldn’t be able to be helped.
“They don’t have to do it,” said Figgins, “they do it because they care and their caring can literally save lives. ... we’re very grateful to them and their support.”
Longtime consumer rights advocate Joan Claybrook, president emeritus of Public Citizen, will be the event’s keynote speaker and could speak on foreclosure defense, including the need for funding JALA’s “Project House-Hold” program.
“We’re incredibly excited she’ll be with us this year,” said Figgins.
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