Age: 42
Family: Wife, Joelle Lockett, and son, Max, 7.
Pets: Angelo, also known as "LoLo," a Yorkie adopted from pet rescue last year.
Education: Wolfson High School, 1988; Florida State University, 1992; St. Thomas University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1997.
Admitted to the Bar: 1997
Employed by: Stone Lockett
Field of practice: Criminal defense, DUI, traffic.
Professional organizations: President, Northeast Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, June 2012-present; The Jacksonville Bar Association Law Week Committee, 2008-09, and Judicial Relations Committee, 2009-11; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; National College for DUI Defense; faculty, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Statewide DUI Seminar, 2012-present; The Florida Bar Traffic Rules Committee member, 2012-present; Gator Bowl Association, 2003-07.
Community involvement: Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Pro Bono Panel, 2008-present; University of North Florida guest lecturer, 2010-present; Angel Love (The Carson Patton Benefit) sponsor, 2011; i9 youth sports coach, 2010-present; "Good Fellas," 2010-present; "Ask a Lawyer" series, The JBA.
How did you become involved?
Agreeing to help my son's flag football head coach six seasons ago catapulted me into that position. I've been doing it every season since and I have not found more enjoyment as a father. The time and effort involved is far outweighed by the rewards of having a positive impact on so many young children.
Working on the pro bono panel for JALA caught my eye once I discovered how many indigent people were in need of services in my field.
Lecturing regularly at UNF's Criminal Justice Department allows me to learn from teaching college students. It's amazing how many people in our community are so curious with what happens in our courts, but know so little. I also have a little "teacher" in me that comes from two loving parents who were educators. It was as easy as saying yes to a professor once, then word spread and I now have a regular rotation.
"Good Fellas" is a relatively new charitable organization founded by my father-in-law, Dr. Len Spillert. It was created to raise money for different local charities and meets once a month. It is a good fit for those who want to donate but don't necessarily have a particular charity in mind because the organization helps a different charity each month.
How can someone else become involved?
Call me now. Practice is at 5 p.m. All kidding aside, if you have a son or daughter it is relatively easy. Call me if you need help passing a background check. It's on me.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
The one thing I have learned the most through community involvement is just how much people need you. Whether it's the indigent, young children or your neighbor, you never truly understand how much need is out there until you volunteer.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Assuming "Erhardt's Florida Evidence" doesn't count, I'll say "Open: An Autobiography" by Andre Agassi.