Although it has been several years, I can still remember my first evidentiary hearing like it was yesterday.
As I clumsily lugged a cart with two banker's boxes jammed full of documents into the courthouse, my much older, far more experienced opposing counsel strolled by with only a notepad and small folder in hand.
Once we entered the judge's chambers for the hearing, my stomach sank as the judge and my opposition knowingly greeted each other and engaged in friendly small talk about common interests.
I had that uncomfortable feeling of being the unknown new kid on the block, which added to my building anxiety.
In the end, opposing counsel's familiarity with the judge — and the judge's familiarity with him — didn't affect the outcome of the hearing, but it sure made my task seem more ominous.
I left the hearing having learned several important lessons.
The one that sticks out the most is how valuable it is to the practice of law to be familiar and comfortable with the judges in front of whom you are going to be practicing.
One fantastic avenue to establish such familiarity is to attend the the Young Lawyers Section's judicial breakfasts.
Michelle Barnett, The YLS Board of Governors president, said she couldn't agree more.
"The judicial breakfasts provide a great way for lawyers to get to know our local judges on a more personal level. Young lawyers oftentimes have limited opportunities to appear in court or to get to know judges outside of their particular areas of practice," Barnett said.
"The judicial breakfasts provide a chance for informal discussions with the judges about everything under the sun and then some," she said.
The breakfasts have become extremely popular with young lawyers and judges — so popular that the YLS has increased the frequency of the events to one every other month to keep up with the demand.
Duval County Judge Gary Flower, a repeat-attendee at the breakfasts, sees value in them for lawyers and judges alike, stating that not only are the breakfasts "a unique opportunity for young lawyers to interact with the judiciary in a relaxed setting without expectations," but that the "judges love meeting and connecting with the lawyers."
The next judicial breakfast is scheduled for 8:30-9:30 a.m. Thursday. It will be held in the chief judge's chambers, 7th floor, room 7139, at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street.
A light breakfast spread, juice and coffee will be provided.
More than 50 attorneys and 15 judges already have committed to attend.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to [email protected].
Any questions about the event also can be sent.
If you cannot attend Thursday, don't despair — you will have many more opportunities to take part in one of the events.
The breakfasts are tentatively scheduled for Sept. 19, Nov. 21, Jan. 23 and March 20, so mark your calendars.
We hope to see you there.
Another Save-the-Date:
The YLS Golf Tournament is scheduled for Oct. 17. If you have never attended the tournament, you've been missing out. This year's tournament will be be bigger and better than ever. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Christian George at (904) 598-8619 or [email protected] for more information.