Name: Lacy L. Brinson
Age: 27
Family: Parents Tony & Cheryl Mae Brinson of Live Oak; Sister, Jackie Jo Brinson, Staff Attorney for the Florida 3rd Judicial Circuit
Pets: None
Education: Florida Coastal School of Law, 2007; Florida State University, 2004
Admitted to the Bar: 2007
Employed by: Kurzban, Kurzban, Weinger, Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A.
Field of practice: Immigration Law
Professional Organizations:
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA); Hispanic Bar Association of Northeast Florida; First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Community Involvement:
Whenever possible, I partner with the Immigrant Rights Clinic and other local immigration attorneys to promote awareness of immigrant rights. In April, I volunteered for AILA “Citizenship Day,” where I met with members of the community who have been lawful permanent residents for the requisite amount of time to apply for U.S. citizenship. On a pro bono basis, I interviewed them, reviewed their applications and prepared them for filing their naturalization applications. I assisted law students in preparing complicated applications and advised community members regarding their rights under the current immigration laws of the United States.
How did you get involved?
Ericka Curran, Esq., of the Florida Coastal School of Law Immigration Rights Clinic actively organizes community events to reach out to the immigrant population in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. She is frequently looking for volunteers in the legal community to assist in the outreach projects. The American Immigration Lawyers Association also promotes community events and requests volunteers from its membership to assist in the projects.
How can someone else get involved?
Interested attorneys can contact me for future projects and I can put them in touch with other legal community leaders, including Ericka Curran and Vanessa Zamora Newtson, chair of the immigration section of The Jacksonville Bar Association.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have learned that there is an overwhelming need for “know your rights” projects in our community. It is truly a rewarding experience to inform community members of their legal rights and assist them in pursuing a path to citizenship.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Ford County: Stories” by John Grisham