"My mom is a true inspiration. As with so many women her age, she put her education on hold to raise a family. She tried for years to go back to school, but school was often put on the back burner. I am proud to say that after 25-plus years, my mother graduated from college. Never quit."
Alexandra Hill
Gray Robinson, PA
***
"I love success stories involving underdogs who overcome obstacles and odds that seem insurmountable. Lincoln’s narrative is inspiring. Before becoming president, he endured and survived failed business endeavors and numerous election losses, suffered tragic personal losses (including the death of three sons before they reached age 18) and suffered from depression. I also like the story of his recruitment of his competitors from his presidential contest to serve in his cabinet while president (as chronicled in Doris Kearns Goodwin’s 'Team of Rivals,’ which is a great read)."
Eddie Sarnowski
Holland & Knight LLP
***
"I’m inspired by the legal community’s success in helping JALA provide legal services to those most in need. In 2015, local attorneys donated about $2 million of pro bono services in cases that otherwise couldn’t have been handled, helping over 700 Jacksonville families, and spent countless hours at outreach events like Ask-A-Lawyer, free clinics at JALA and Lawyers in Libraries."
John G. Woodlee
Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe
***
"My father’s life is the success story that inspires me every single day. From humble beginnings and growing up a barber’s son, he fought and worked his way from undergraduate school all the way through law school. After graduation, he began his own solo law practice. He has never quit striving and pushing for the best of himself and everyone around him. His life is the guiding light of my own and it is what inspires me to get out of bed every day do my best in all things."
Ray Elizabeth Dezern
Law Office of Roy E. Dezern