The Jacksonville Bar Association concluded the 2024-25 Bar year June 5 with a membership meeting, presentation of annual awards and the swearing-in of a new president and board of governors.
Outgoing President Christian George presented the Committee Chair of the Year Award to Elder Law Committee Co-chairs Sarah Sullivan and LaTonya Lipscomb Smith.
Sullivan is vice president of advocacy and family support at the Arc Jacksonville. Smith is heirs property project manager at Three Rivers Legal Services and a member of The Florida Bar Elder Law Section.
George presented the Professionalism Award to Pamela Klavon, an attorney with 25 years of trial experience who is now a full-time mediator.
President-elect Asghar Syed received the President’s Award.
“He is someone who goes above and beyond for the JBA,” George said.
Brian Coughlin, a director at The Bedell Law Firm, was sworn in as the JBA’s 2025-26 president. He takes office July 1.
“It has been a productive year. I hope to continue the good work Christian has done,” Coughlin said.
The theme for his year in office will be “elevating our profession,” primarily through service.
Coughlin said he was inspired by a sign his father, former college football and NFL head coach Tom Coughlin, had in his locker rooms: “Deeds, not words.”
Board members will be encouraged to work together to identify and implement service projects in the community that JBA members will be welcome to join.
“We have blessings that many people in our community do not,” Coughlin said.
