This month, we lost one of the great Jacksonville lawyers, Michael Dewberry.
Mike was more than a great lawyer and mediator, though he certainly was both. He possessed and demonstrated each of the positive qualities for which the Jacksonville legal community is known throughout Florida and beyond.
As we mourn Mike’s passing, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on and celebrate those qualities in tribute to him. Such reflection should encourage those who knew Mike and inspire those who did not.
1. Intellect. Mike was smart — not just book smart but a gifted thinker. Mike approached problems like an artist approaches a complex and detailed painting. Organization, creativity and intellectual integrity were his hallmarks.
2. Love of law. He adored most everything about the law — the words, the process, the debate, the opportunities for improvement and the justice. This love was not merely academic but was something he brought to, and incorporated into, his daily work. It was the fuel for his daily work.
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3. Mentorship. Mike was a mentor — formal and informal — to many. He always made the time to teach others from his experiences and knowledge. He humbly shared observations for improvement in an encouraging way. He knew the value of helping others succeed because he too had been mentored by great lawyers.
4. Passion. Mike was passionate about most everything. I’m not sure he ever was ambivalent or apathetic about anything. He absorbed the pleasure and value in whatever he experienced — work or leisure — and he breathed new life into that experience making it even more valuable. To hear him describe a person, travel, a photograph or even a cup of coffee — one knew he or she was in the presence of a man who was passionate about life and everything in it. Mike thrived on life.
5. Balance. He had vast interests outside the law. Not just people, but hobbies, learning, travel — activities and experiences that gave him perspective for his own life and for those with whom he interacted. This made him not just a better lawyer but a better person.
6. Sense of humor. Mike was a serious lawyer but he did not take himself too seriously. He could effectively defuse a tense moment with a funny story or a good joke or simply his contagious smile.
7. Service. Mike cared about the profession and the community. He gave often and meaningfully of his time, talents and treasure, including in service as president of The Jacksonville Bar Association.
8. Patience. Mike was a patient listener. He invested time allowing others to explain their views, positions and perspectives. He listened respectfully and responded only after carefully factoring in what he heard.
9. Credible. If Mike said it, you could believe it. Mike was candid and trustworthy.
10. Wisdom. Some people, lawyers in particular, are smart but not wise. Mike combined both intellect and wisdom beautifully. He was a practical problem-solver and a creative thinker. He knew the details but always was cognizant of context and the big picture.
11. Loving. Mike loved people. He thrived on the company of others and on shared experiences with family, friends and colleagues. His love of others permeated everything he did and positively influenced each person who shared his company.
So, here’s to you our friend. We are better because of you. You will be missed.
Mike Freed is a Gunster shareholder and a former Jacksonville Bar Association president.