Name: Scott Cairns
Age: 59
Family: Wife: Debbie (teacher at Jacksonville Country Day School); children: Sam (age 30); Liz (age 28); Allison (age 22).
Pets: Lucas (GoldenDoodle), Bela (LabraDoodle)
Education: University of Virginia, B.A. in Psychology, 1973, and University of Virginia, J.D., 1981.
Admitted to the Bar: 1981
Employed by: McGuireWoods LLP
Field of practice: Employment Litigation and Commercial Litigation, and whatever interesting project I can get hired to do.
Professional Organizations: The Florida Bar; The Jacksonville Bar Association; The Federal Bar Association; The National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel.
Community Involvement: Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, director and second vice chair; OneJax, advisory board and former president.
How did you get involved?
When I came to Jacksonville, I let it be known that I was interested in community service. A friend on the board of OneJax asked me to participate. I worked on available projects and ultimately became involved in a leadership role. Once you do work for one organization, you get asked to work with others. Community Hospice asked me to learn about what they do, and I became involved there. It is important to be involved with issues you believe in.
How can someone else get involved?
Call me or anyone you know who is involved with an organization you are interested in, and ask to participate. If someone calls regarding an issue important to you, check it out. Be prepared to commit your time.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Organizations that play important roles in our community need support. Involvement is very rewarding on a personal level. You learn about people in this community who have different experiences and problems with which you can help. In addition, these organizations attract people who are interesting and effective, so the interaction with them is also professionally rewarding.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I usually linger over several books at the same time. I am currently reading “The Magus” by John Fowles; “Same Kind of Different as Me” by Ron Hall; and “America Assassin” by Vince Flynn.