Staff Writer
Afternoon thunderstorms Thursday couldn’t stop The Jacksonville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section from continuing its award-winning “Noon in June” program or selecting its leaders for the next term.
Attorney Lee Wedekind of Smith, Hulsey & Busey was sworn in as the new YLS President, Elizabeth Howard of Rogers Towers as president-elect, Michael Orr of the Law Offices of Carl D. Dawson & Michael Fox Orr as secretary and Michelle Bedoya Barnett of Alexandar Degance Barnett as treasurer.
After completion of voting on Thursday, they were joined by Board of Governors members Fraz Ahmed of Kubicki Draper, Patrick Kilbane of Gray Robinson and Eric Roberson of McGuireWoods. Brad Blair of Murphy & Anderson was unable to attend the ceremony.
The seats held by Christian George of Liles, Gavin, Constantino & George and Lindsay Tygart-Havice of Murphy & Anderson were not up for election this term. More than 100 ballots were cast during the election from a membership of about 700.
With the board selected, immediate past president Kirby Oberdorfer said the organization was in good hands as she prepared to join the “Big Board” in the fall.
“Lee’s strong leadership will ensure that the YLS carries on its tradition of excellence and as a leader among YLD (Young Lawyers Division) affiliates in the Florida Bar,” said Oberdorfer.
The YLS also announced that U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Corrigan will receive the Outstanding Jurist Award from the Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division. Corrigan was nominated by the Fourth Judicial Circuit’s Young Lawyers and was selected from a pool of candidates from throughout Florida by the Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors.
The honor is awarded to “a jurist with an excellent reputation for sound judicial decisions and an unblemished record of integrity as a lawyer and judge; is generally recognized by Bar members as highly qualified; is active in Bar related activities open to the judiciary; and demonstrates concern for and willingness to assist young lawyers and respects their abilities.”
“I was surprised and honored to receive this recognition. I am especially pleased that it is from the Young Lawyers,” said Corrigan. “I have always enjoyed working with the younger members of the Bar who represent the future of the legal profession.”
The award will be presented Thursday at the annual Florida Bar meeting in Boca Raton.
There was a local award presentation at the YLS meeting Thursday. The YLS selected Mike Lockamy, an associate with the Bedell Firm, as the “Most Valuable Non-Board Member” for his efforts, most notably, as a member of the “Law Day” committee.
YLS Board of Governors
President- Lee Wedekind
President-elect- Elizabeth Howard
Secretary- Michael Fox Orr
Treasurer- Michelle Bedoya Barnett
Board Member- Fraz Ahmed
Board Member- Brad Blair
Board Member- Christian George
Board Member- Patrick Kilbane
Board Member- Eric Roberson
Board Member- Lindsay Tygart-Havice
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