You may have heard once or twice that your reputation is important in this industry.
Some practices lend themselves to regular interaction with local judges and afford ample opportunity to build a rapport with courthouse staff. But what about those of us who do not appear in court on a weekly, or even monthly, basis?
We all know that showing up to court prepared and behaving cordially to opposing counsel are steps in the right direction, but are they enough?
Frankly, unless you are the one who stands out for the wrong reasons, your periodic well-prepared appearances are unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Thanks to the Young Lawyers Section of The Jacksonville Bar Association, there are many events throughout the year that allow you to connect with the judiciary outside the courtroom and assist in establishing a well-respected reputation in this tight-knit legal community.
Afternoon at the Courthouse
On Nov. 19, the Young Lawyers Section will hold its annual Afternoon at the Courthouse. This event is open to all members of The Florida Bar, as well as local law students.
Come spend an afternoon filled with presentations by judges, judicial assistants, courthouse service providers and practitioners.
Tour the courthouse with Duval County judges while earning free CLE credit. And don’t forget to join us for happy hour after the event.
The Young Lawyers Section strives to make Afternoon at the Courthouse distinguishable from your average CLE program with pragmatic insight relevant to young practitioners.
Do you have a particular topic you would like to see featured or a question you have been dying to ask? Email me at [email protected].
Judicial breakfasts
If you are not attending the judicial breakfasts held throughout the year, you are missing out on a fantastic opportunity for quality face time with judges –– not to mention free coffee and continental breakfast.
Judicial breakfasts are held early to accommodate judges’ calendars and allow you to network before the work day even begins. Watch for email blasts from The Jacksonville Bar Association or check the upcoming events calendar at jaxbar.org.
Interested in joining the Young Lawyers Section Judicial Relations Committee? Email Eric Roberson at [email protected] or Jessica Mathis at [email protected] for more information.
Trial Bulletin
Nervous about your next trial and looking for a chance to observe some of Jacksonville’s more seasoned professionals?
The Young Lawyers Section has just the resource for you. The weekly Trial Bulletin details upcoming court dates with information regarding the parties, counsel and judges involved. It will also list the type of case involved, so that you can decide which trial would be best for you to watch.
There is no better teacher than experience, but studying what does and does not work for others is the next best thing. Even judges shadow their colleagues to learn the ropes.
Watch for the Trial Bulletin in your email. Have a case going to trial? Contact Adam Edgecombe at [email protected] to be included in the next mailing.
Chili Cook-Off
Who judges the annual Chili Cook-Off? Our local judges, of course.
What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than mingling with members of the judiciary over friendly competition and free chili? Gather your coworkers and compete for bragging rights. Or, go for the gold and win the trophy from Tanner Bishop.
Looking for ways to build Chili Cook-Off enthusiasm? Take a page from the Boyd & Jenerette book and host a firm cook-off before the event.
My team from Ansbacher Law will be looking to add to last year’s Meatiest Chili win, so consider the gauntlet thrown. Watch for details after the first of the year.
The rewards of building a relationship with the bench cannot be overstated. We are blessed in Jacksonville to have judges and courthouse staff who are so welcoming and accessible to young lawyers, yet only a fraction of our members take advantage of these opportunities for interaction outside the courtroom.
Sure we are all busy, but if judges can find time in their schedules, so can we. I look forward to seeing you at the next Young Lawyers Section event.