May 1 was declared Law Day in America by act of Congress in 1961 to celebrate the rule of law and role of the courts in a free society.
The Jacksonville Bar Association celebrated the day with an awards ceremony May 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront by recognizing some of its members, as well as someone who is not an attorney but makes a positive impact helping the legal community exceed its goals.
The Jacksonville Daily Record Lawyer of the Year Award recognizes a local attorney who is committed to making a difference in the lives of people in our community, over and above the practice of law.
The 2025 Lawyer of the Year is Octavius Holliday, an assistant state attorney and special prosecution director in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Presenting the award, Daily Record Publisher Angie Campbell said Holliday was selected because of his dedication to justice, mentorship and community engagement.
She cited his involvement with the JBA’s Raines High School Future Lawyers program, the Infinite Scholars College Fair, The Real Men Read literacy program and other community service projects.
“He stands as a bridge between the legal system and the community — a leader who listens, who shows up and who inspires the next generation to do the same,” Campbell said.
The Daily Record debuted the William J. Sheppard Lifetime Achievement Award debuted at Law Day 2022. It was named in honor of the late Bill Sheppard, an attorney whose 50-year legal career was devoted to protecting the disadvantaged and vulnerable.
The 2025 recipient is Duval County Judge Audrey Moran.
Campbell said Moran was chosen for her more than four decades of service to the people of Jacksonville across law, government, health, philanthropy and community development.
Moran was the first female assistant state attorney to be appointed as a division director in the 4th Judicial Circuit and an aide to former Mayors Ed Austin and John Delaney.
She is a former president and CEO of the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless and was senior vice president at Baptist Health and president of the Baptist Health Foundation.
“Audrey Moran is a trailblazer, a change maker, and a public servant in the truest sense. Her life’s work reflects the same values that Bill Sheppard held dear—compassion, courage, justice and love,” Campbell said.
The JBA presents the Liberty Bell Award each year to a nonlawyer who has gone above and beyond in service to the legal community, promoting civic responsibility and advancing the rule of law.
The 2025 recipient is Dennis Harrison, chief development officer at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
In that role, Harris creates and then oversees the major fundraising initiatives for JALA, including the Freed to Run marathon series that raised more than $2.6 million.
“His impact is felt throughout the legal and philanthropic communities. He connects our entire city to the mission of justice,” JBA President Christian George said in presenting the award.
