Name: Elizabeth Blair Howard
Age: Do I really have to say this? 33.
Family: An adorable nephew, Zachary.
Pets: A Brittany Spaniel named Luke.
Education: The College of Wooster, BA - English/Secondary Education. Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis, JD.
Admitted to the Bar: 2002
Employed by: Rogers Towers
Field of practice: Construction Law
Professional Organizations:
American Bar Association Construction Forum; Chester Bedell Inn of Court; and Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section.
Community Involvement:
ACE Mentor Program of Northeast Florida; Associated Builders and Contractors; and Hubbard House.
How did you get involved?
By accident. I was always interested in getting involved, but not being from Jacksonville, I was never sure exactly how to go about it. Coming to a new firm several years ago, I met a lot of wonderful people who are very active in the community. One of them, who shall remain nameless, signed me up to run for the Young Lawyers Section. The rest is history.
How can someone else get involved?
Just ask. The more involved I get, the more I realize how many people there are across Jacksonville who want to help and who are eager to help get others involved as well. If you know someone who is involved in an organization that interests you, see if you can tag along to an event or ask if they need volunteers. If you are not sure what interests you, Google away! There are many great sites like: www.volunteermatch.org which can help you find just the right volunteer opportunity for you.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Just how many hours there are in a day. It’s easy to say we don’t have time to be involved. But, when you find something that really means something to you, you can find the time, even if it is just one Saturday morning every few months. Volunteering has also introduced me to some of the best people in Jacksonville and I am lucky to count them as friends. You know who you are.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Nature Girl,” Carl Hiaasen.