At the Jacksonville Bar Association’s virtual meeting June 24, Elizabeth Ferguson presented the association’s annual awards during her final meeting as the 2019-20 president.
Raymond Reid, a trial attorney and partner with the Pajcic & Pajcic law firm, received the Professionalism Award.
Reid is a member of The Florida Bar Foundation board of directors. He served on the city Ethics Commission and chaired the Jacksonville Community Council Inc. study that analyzed the city’s homicide rate.
“This is a statement to his hard work,” Ferguson said.
The Chair of the Year award was presented to Kasey Wagner, chair of the JBA Mental Health & Wellness Committee.
She practices with Morgan & Morgan in Jacksonville, specializing in nursing home and elder abuse litigation.
“She took a new committee and turned it into something amazing,” Ferguson said.
The President’s Award was presented to Mike Smith, court technology officer for the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Smith and his staff at the Duval County Courthouse are responsible for designing and maintaining the electronic infrastructure used by judges, attorneys and staff that serve all court functions.
Ferguson said Smith was selected for the award in recognition of his department’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the courthouse closing to the public and transitioning court functions from in-person to online.
“I’m lucky to work in this circuit. The judges and attorneys are always there when I need them. My job is easy with all of you working together,” Smith said.