Staff Writer
Grimm takes reins of JBA
The leadership of the Jacksonville Bar Association may not change much during the 2010-2011 term, but its leadership did create some change.
The last JBA meeting of the 2009-2010 term was Wednesday at the Hyatt and immediate past President Dan Bean didn’t ease back during his last few days at the helm. He came prepared to recognize the people that helped him make the JBA better.
“One of the great things about being president is that you get a front-row seat to see all the great things that (JBA members) do,” said Bean.
He created a new tradition with the “JBA Chair of the Year” award given to an outstanding leader of one of the Association’s committees or sections. The trophy is a wooden chair with the JBA emblem on the headrest, and each winner’s name will be attached to the chair.
The first winner of the award is Kathy Para of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, who chaired the JBA Pro Bono Committee and also partnered with Bean in creating the “Ask-A-Lawyer” program that brought JBA members out into the community to provide citizens with guidance on legal issues.
Bean also presented JBA Bulletin Editor Diidri Wells of Holland & Knight with a bound copy of all the JBA Bulletins from 2009-2010 in appreciation of her hard work. Shotsie Main was recognized for 15 years of service to the JBA as a member of its office support staff.
The JBA Professionalism Committee also created an award, “The JBA Professionalism Award.”
“We created this award to recognize a person who reinforces the ideals of professionalism,” said Mark Bajalia, chair of the Professionalism Committee, of Brennan, Manna & Diamond. “This attorney practices law with integrity, honor and civility.”
The first honor was awarded to Jake Schickel of Coker Schickel.
“I am very, very honored to receive this award. Jacksonville’s legal community has long been recognized as highly professional,” said Schickel. “Therefore, to be honored by The Jacksonville Bar Association with their Professionalism Award is very humbling. Many, many others are more deserving.”
Chief Circuit Court Judge Donald Moran swore in Michael Freed of Brennan, Manna & Diamond as president-elect and board of governors members Tad Delegal of Delegal Law Offices, Braxton Gillam of Milam Howard and Troy K. Smith of Rogers Towers. Board of governors members Giselle Carson and Kirby Oberdorfer will be sworn in later.
New JBA President Courtney Grimm had a touch of deja vu when U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Susan Black swore her in because she also swore Grimm into The Bar more than 20 years ago.
“Despite a tough economy, we have maintained membership and continued a strong CLE program,” said Grimm, after being sworn in. “I plan to continue with Dan’s momentum and promise to give (the JBA) my passion and dedication.”
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