On April 25, attorneys in the 4th Judicial Circuit who contributed 20 or more hours of pro bono service were honored for their commitment in promoting access to justice.
Held annually at the Duval County Courthouse, The William A. Van Nortwick Jr. Presentation of the Pins Ceremony is a luncheon where attorneys are recognized by their peers as well as by members of the judiciary.
This event is named for the late William A. Van Nortwick Jr., a well-respected Jacksonville attorney and retired member of the judiciary.
The ceremony is organized and hosted by the 4th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, chaired by Circuit Judge Steven Fahlgren, and the Jacksonville Bar Association Pro Bono Committee, co-chaired by Laura Boeckman, Office of General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville; Samantha Howell, Three Rivers Legal Services pro bono director; and myself, director of pro bono at JALA.
The event would not be possible without the assistance of Duval County Courthouse administration and this year’s sponsors: Akerman, Farah & Farah, Marks Gray, McGuire Woods, Fisher Tousey, and Spohrer Dodd.
For the second year in a row, Akerman covered the costs of the lapel pins for the entire 4th Circuit.
Along with their lapel pin, each attorney received a letter of appreciation from the state Supreme Court.
The program’s emcee, Circuit Judge Steven Fahlgren, encouraged attendees to remain committed to pro bono work through local legal aid organizations.
Retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Ann Quince was the keynote speaker at the luncheon.
Justice Quince served as a Justice on the Florida Supreme Court from 1998 until she retired in 2019. In 2008, she became the Chief Justice of our state’s highest court and the first African American woman to head any branch of Florida government.
Justice Quince has been an ardent pro bono support during her more than 25-year judicial career, including the Florida Bar’s One Campaign.
In 2024, Justice Quince received the Florida Funding Legal Aid Medal of Honor Award for a Lawyer for her decades-long legal and judicial career in service of the public and her dedication to equal justice for all.
Following the luncheon and keynote address, those honorees present were greeted by a receiving line made up of federal and state judiciary.
Your pro bono efforts make not only our circuit but also our state a better place, and we want to recognize you for your efforts in years to come. For those interested in getting involved with pro bono work, visit jaxlegalaid.org/pro-bono/ where you can find volunteer opportunities, including cases awaiting placement.
Alternatively, send an email to [email protected] if you have questions or interests.