by Kathy Para
JBA Pro Bono Committee Chair
When The Florida Bar considered the importance and spirit of pro bono, it must have had Ed Jackson in mind.
“Ed Jackson is what pro bono is all about,” said Lynn Drysdale, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid attorney. “He has faithfully spent the first Thursday of every month for the last 15 years teaching consumers about their rights as debtors, creditors’ rights and everything they want to know about bankruptcy.”
To this day, Jackson continues to provide a much-needed service by presenting the JALA bankruptcy clinic.
“JALA’s client community has a wide variety of problems and many lead to financial difficulties,” admits Drysdale. “Ed’s information is comforting to those whose primary or secondary problem relates to debt.”
Some of the bankruptcy clinic attendees will ultimately file a bankruptcy case through JALA or the private bar, but one of the most important things Jackson provides is peace of mind to those who thought they would end up in jail for not paying their credit card bill.
“Ed consistently teaches difficult legal concepts to consumers in a form they can understand and does so with empathy and humor. He treats the participants as if talking to them is a natural part of his practice, and his service and commitment are unmatched,” said Drysdale.
In recognition of this commitment to the community, JALA would like to recognize Ed Jackson as Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s January Pro Bono Attorney of the Month.
Jackson, who maintains a general practice, limits himself to bankruptcy and probate because of the large number of bankruptcies being filed.
He is occasionally still involved in mediation, but only in limited scenarios until the number of new bankruptcies slows.
Jackson has worked on dozens of pro bono cases over the years and says that he can’t remember a case in which his client was not a pleasure to work with. In fact, every referral was grateful for the help.
“I have always believed pro bono work is a moral obligation and, fortunately, it is usually very satisfying, so it isn’t difficult work,” says Jackson.
“It is nice to work on a case without having to worry about billable hours and fees and it’s very satisfying to make a difference in someone’s life,” he said.
Jackson recommends attorneys who have just passed the bar to consider pro bono work by turning to JALA, which provides mentors and professional training to help with pro bono cases.
“Most people go to law school with a passion to make a difference in the world,” says Jackson.
“Upon graduation, this passion is tempered by the need to make a living. Pro bono cases give an attorney the opportunity to feel that he or she is truly making a difference.”
Jackson further urges that pro bono cases give a new lawyer a chance to obtain practical experience. Recent law school graduates looking for work should strongly consider taking pro bono cases to get some experience and to meet other lawyers.
Attorneys in the Fourth Judicial Circuit are encouraged to be the one for a client in need. Contact Kathy Para, Chair, JBA Pro Bono Committee, at [email protected] or 356-8371, ext. 363, for information on how to volunteer.
One client. One attorney. One promise.