by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The Family Law Section of The Jacksonville Bar Association hosted a lunch program Thursday for paralegals and legal assistants to meet with judicial assistants of judges from the Family Division of the Circuit Court.
The idea of bringing together both sides for a discussion of court procedure was developed during a JBA Sidebar Luncheon in December.
Lawyers and judges attending the December luncheon thought a meeting would help with communication between the two parties and it would help attorneys and their assistants become more familiar with how each judge runs his or her courtroom.
“We had a really good turnout and I think those who attended learned some valuable information,” said Marla Buchanan, chair of the Family Law Section and an attorney with Rogers Towers.
Eight judicial assistants attended the event, including Kristy Bend, assistant to Judge Karen Cole; Renee Christensen, assisant to Judge Linda McCallum; Katherine Fristrom, assistant to General Master Dianne Misiak; Javier Grant, assistant to Judge John Merrett; Nina Huber, assistant to Judge David Wiggins; Debra Kelley, assistant to Judge Gregg McCaulie; Norma Ponder, assistant to Judge E. McRae Mathis; and Pam Yates, assistant to Judge Lance Day.
“I’ve been working here for 16 years and this is the first time we have been to a meeting like this,” said Huber. “It was good to meet with people and exchange information.”
A combination of about 65 lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants registered for the event.
Some suggestions presented to the group were:
1. If you request an emergency hearing, be available to meet if it’s granted.
2. If you are a new attorney, introduce yourself.
3. Don’t blame your assistant if something goes wrong or is not filled out right.
4. Take advantage of the mentor program offered by The JBA.
356-2466