Hidden in a corner of the Jacksonville Bar Association’s office is an unassuming chair.
No label, just a plain black ribbon and an envelope containing a letter from former 4th Circuit Judge John Skinner.
The letter describes how the chair came into his possession. How it was passed from one law firm to another as various attorneys took it with them. How he negotiated to keep it when his practice was dissolved.
The chair belonged to state Sen. Duncan U. Fletcher, the first president of the JBA, and Judge Skinner thought that is where it belonged.
Fletcher was a prominent historical figure in Jacksonville. He twice served as mayor, including leading the rebuilding after the Great Fire of 1901. In 1909, he was appointed by the state Legislature to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate.
When the 17th Amendment was enacted, he was subsequently reelected, serving until he died in 1936.
Like most from his era, Fletcher took some stances that today would not be seen in a positive light.
However, he also played an instrumental role in the life of another Jacksonville legend, James Weldon Johnson.
In 1896, Johnson was seeking to become the first African American admitted to The Florida Bar through open examination in a state court. A panel of three attorneys were appointed to administer the test at the Duval County Courthouse.
In his book “Along This Way” Johnson described the three-person panel.
“The third member was Duncan U. Fletcher, one of the outstanding members of the Jacksonville Bar… I knew his reputation as a fair and just man.”
After successful completion of the oral Bar exam, it was Fletcher who made the motion to admit Johnson.
I recently spruced up the chair, adding a picture of Fletcher, copies of Johnson’s books and a plaque noting the historical significance.
For me, the chair is a reminder of the long history of the JBA. It is a symbol of the impact the men and women of this organization have made on our community, not just through large acts of leadership, but personal acts of doing the right thing to help individuals. It is that legacy that drives this organization forward.
In its nearly 129-year history, the JBA has grown and evolved. Starting with only 33 members, it is now 2,000 strong.
The path has not been linear. It has had ups and downs, faced financial difficulties and redefined its role.
Today, the JBA is at another crossroad. Thanks to leadership decisions over the past decade, the JBA is financially stable and the leader of the Jacksonville legal community. The foundation is established. Now we must decide what is next.
The JBA is poised to take the next step. To stand alongside other top-tier organizations like the JAX Chamber and the Jacksonville Civic Council and help propel the city forward.
To use our influence and abilities to not only lead the legal community but make a lasting impact on our city. To leave a legacy.
I recently listened to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch’s book “A Republic, If You Can Keep It.” Addressing the legacy of judges, he quotes Justice Byron White who said, “we’ll all be forgotten soon enough.” Gorsuch commented that’s “exactly as it should be.”
My time as interim executive director will be short. Soon enough, a permanent replacement will be found and the next chapter of this organization will begin.
A chapter that will, hopefully, propel this organization into the next level of influence.
Every morning, when I walk past that chair, I find inspiration in the task I’ve been given. It is a reminder of not just one man, but of 129 years of attorneys who influenced this community.
I sometimes choke up at the honor of stepping into the leadership of an organization with such an important history. I have a very short window to do as much as I can to help the JBA and our community move forward.
I also know that when I step away, my role will soon be forgotten. And that’s exactly as it should be.