Each year for the past seven years, The Federal Bar Association, Jacksonville Chapter, has taken time to express its appreciation to for their members’ contributions to the community at the annual “Spirit of Giving” holiday lunch.
U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard Friday recognized attorneys Jesse Dreicer, Lawrence J. Hamilton II, Jameson B. Rice and Frank Tassone for their work in a contentious international child custody case. They did the work pro bono.
Through their efforts, a child who was born in Germany to an American mother and German father who now lives in Ocala will know both of her parents, Howard said.
The attorneys demonstrated “the kind of zealous advocacy that makes us all proud to be lawyers,” she said.
Criminal defense attorney Thomas Bell was recognized for his more than 25 years of practice on behalf of his clients.
“I can tell you from personal experience, Tom Bell will not back down from a challenge,” said Howard.
Also recognized Friday was Jim Burke, supervising assistant federal defender for the Jacksonville office, who is retiring.
Keynote speaker Jim Clark, president and CEO of daniel and chairman of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board for the 4th Circuit, said it’s important for everyone to find a way to put something back into the community.
“When we give, we build ourselves,” he said.
(904) 356-2466