In a time when national headlines are often dominated by politics, polarization and pressing social issues, it’s easy to lose sight of the local institutions quietly doing the work that strengthens our communities.
As a practicing attorney in Northeast Florida, I’ve found that one of the most valuable professional resources available to us—regardless of background, politics, or practice area—is the Jacksonville Bar Association.
The JBA exists for one reason: To support lawyers in the practice of law. Among the many legal organizations across Florida, I believe it is unmatched in its dedication to quality Continuing Legal Education, strong judicial relationships and practical best-practice conversations that help lawyers thrive in real-world settings.
Let’s start with CLE. The JBA consistently delivers programs that go beyond checking the box for credit. Our CLEs are timely, substantive and led by professionals who are not only experts in their field, but who understand the legal landscape in Northeast Florida.
Whether it’s a trial advocacy seminar, a probate panel with sitting judges or deep dives into ethics and mental wellness, our CLEs are designed with practicing lawyers in mind—delivering immediate value for your time and your clients.
But CLE is just the beginning. One of the defining strengths of the JBA is the deep, respectful relationship we foster with the judiciary. Our members benefit from opportunities to engage directly with judges—not just from the bench, but through events, luncheons and committee meetings where open dialogue is encouraged.
These interactions build the kind of mutual respect and understanding that make the court system work more effectively for everyone. In many cases, these opportunities also help young lawyers gain insight into judicial expectations, courtroom professionalism and ethical practice that no textbook or seminar can teach.
As someone who spends a lot of time in the lawyer’s lounge at the Duval County Courthouse, I can tell you that some of the best conversations I’ve had about our profession haven’t taken place in a classroom — they’ve happened over a cup of coffee between hearings. Those informal, off-the-record chats with fellow practitioners and judges often turn into real mentoring moments.
That’s the kind of community the JBA cultivates — where experience is shared freely and newer attorneys are welcomed into a culture of collaboration and support.
In addition to education and judicial access, the JBA is a hub for best practices and peer connection. Our practice-specific sections and committees offer spaces for attorneys to learn from one another, problem-solve and stay ahead of changes in the law and legal industry.
These aren’t just networking events, they are substantive conversations that help elevate our profession. Whether you’re tackling a new legal issue, building a book of business or navigating career transitions, you’ll find colleagues here who are generous with their insight and willing to help.
The past year has brought no shortage of commentary in the legal press, some focused on important topics like diversity, politics and social justice. These are valuable conversations.
But while others are talking, the JBA continues doing. We’re training lawyers, hosting judges and creating spaces for real-world growth.
We are focused not on what divides us, but on what unites us: The desire to be better lawyers, better colleagues and better stewards of justice in our community.
With more than 2,000 members in Duval and surrounding counties, the JBA is home to a diverse and dynamic group of attorneys. We don’t always vote the same or feel the same way on every issue but we all benefit from being part of a professional organization grounded in purpose, not politics.
If you’ve been wondering whether to re-engage with your local bar association, I hope you’ll take this as your invitation. Come to a CLE. Join a committee. Drop by the lawyer’s lounge. You’ll find an organization that’s serious about helping lawyers succeed and deeply committed to strengthening the legal community in Northeast Florida.
I’m proud to be a member of the JBA, and even more proud to say that it’s the best place for lawyers to learn, grow and lead.
Tim Miller is a partner at Harris Guidi Rosner where he practices criminal defense, family law, civil litigation and injunctions for protection.