Staff Writer
Just as the new Duval County Courthouse is coming together, so did two award winners during the American Board of Trial Advocates luncheon Wednesday.
The organization’s Jacksonville Chapter recognized Circuit Court Judges Mallory Cooper and Lance Day with its “Jurist of the Year” award at the luncheon held at the Main Library.
“To get the award from that group of attorneys is really appreciated,” said Cooper. “For them to recognize the hard work of both Judge Day and myself on the courthouse project means a lot.”
Both judges have served on the Courthouse Planning Committee to represent the judiciary and legal community during the process as the new Duval County Courthouse was being developed and, now, constructed.
Both also began their careers in the State Attorney’s Office and both earned the Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council’s Victims Rights Award while working in that office.
They are both actively involved in helping to improve the practice of law.
Since 1997, Day has provided his expertise to Florida Coastal School of Law pro bono as an adjunct professor and earned the “Adjunct Professor of the Year” award in 1998. Cooper is the mentor coordinator for new judges in the Fourth Judicial District.
“Both Judge Cooper and Judge Day are outstanding circuit judges and both have been instrumental in the advances of the courthouse project,” said Hugh Cotney, president of the Jacksonville Chapter of ABOTA. “It is always an exceptional professional experience to practice before Judge Cooper or Judge Day, and we greatly appreciate their service as circuit judges.”
The Jacksonville Chapter also recognized its newest member, David Dunlap of Harris Guidi Rosner Dunlap & Rudolph. Membership has reached 77 active members in the local ABOTA Chapter. Potential members are invited to join based partly on their experience with jury trials.
Membership consists of civil plaintiffs and defense lawyers. ABOTA is dedicated to “Justice by the People” and the preservation of the jury trial system.
The organization also welcomed Team Teal Commissioner Tony Boselli to speak at the luncheon. Boselli informed the members about the variety of ticket packages available to become a part of Team Teal.
Cotney wrapped up the meeting by discussing plans to develop a program of lunches with the local judiciary to promote professionalism and communication between the bench and bar.
The next meeting is June 9 and will feature a legislative update coordinated by ABOTA member Tom Edwards.
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