Staff Writer
A two-week jury trial can be a laboring, exhausting experience for all the parties involved. For 85-year old former Circuit Court Judge and current practicing attorney Tyrie Boyer? Just another day at the office — albeit a longer one.
Boyer, of Boyer Tanzler & Sussman, along with partner Herbert Sussman, recently defended a client in an eminent domain case that lasted just under a fortnight.
“It’s been a long time since I have been in a trial that long,” said Boyer. “It is pretty hard for everyone.”
Boyer and Sussman successfully defended their client in the condemnation case against the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, receiving more than $7.4 million in damages. Throughout the case, Boyer’s days typically started at 9 a.m. and he often stayed until nearly midnight in the office working on the case.
The case itself was presided over by Circuit Court Judge Lance Day. Boyer praised both the judge and his trial adversaries for their diligent work in the process.
“They were all gentlemen, everyone was,” he said. “It’s one of the reasons I love the profession and I’ve always tried to represent it the same way ... everyone did their role to their best and it was a smooth process.”
Sussman wasn’t surprised by Boyer’s courtroom demeanor, but his level of energy left some astounded.
“It’s always been a pleasure working with him ... he’s the same cordial person in and out of the courtroom,” said Sussman. “I’m as flabbergasted as everyone else, though, about how he came out it with flying colors ... but I’m not surprised with him.”
But don’t think being a longtime legal fixture in Jacksonville afforded Boyer any advantage.
“They didn’t cut me any slack,” he said, laughing.
While lengthy, Boyer said he was pleased with both the process and the outcome and wouldn’t rule out undertaking such an endeavor again if the right opportunity presented itself.
“It all depends,” he said. “I do one- and two-day trials now, but I wouldn’t necessarily stay away (from longer ones).”
The trial concluded on a Friday. but there was no rest for the weary. Boyer said he was back in the office for the majority of the day that Saturday.
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