Age: 43
Family: Wife, Michelle. 10-year-old twins Sarah Kate and Rutledge. And a 7-year-old boy named Whit.
Pets: Black lab, Gracie, who is an awesome bird dog, and her son, Tank, who proves some characteristics skip a generation.
Education: B.A. and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.
Admitted to the Bar: 1993
Employed by: Tanner Bishop
Field of practice: Commercial litigation
Professional organizations: 4th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission member, The Jacksonville Bar Association Judicial Relations Committee chair, The Federalist Society.
Community involvement: Salvation Army of Northeast Florida board member. 200 Club of Jacksonville board member. The club provides recognition and awards to first responders for outstanding service above the call of duty and financial support to families of first responders killed in the line of duty. Various service activities for Christian Family Chapel and a youth baseball coach.
How did you become involved?
I saw a need and offered to help.
How can someone else become involved?
Find something that you care about and volunteer to help with whatever is needed. Law tends to draw competitive people and I think some folks fall into the trap of trying to align their service with perceived career advancement or activities that seem to lend prominence. If you love serving and continue with it over time, it has to be something that is its own reward.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Most service opportunities are about showing up – no prior experience required. Another way of saying that "God does not call the able, he ables the called."
What was the last book you read or are reading?
The Bible, ongoing. I recently finished "Nikolai Returns" by Michael Tanner and "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George, which was recommended by older son.