This year, I have the privilege of serving as both a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association board of governors and the president of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association. With those roles come not only responsibility to all of you, but also the opportunity to reflect on who we are as a legal community, and who we want to be.
JBA President Brian Coughlin and I did not coordinate our themes for the year. In fact, we didn’t discuss themes at all before finalizing our own. Yet, by pure coincidence or perhaps a shared vision our themes align in ways that are both powerful and timely.
JBA’s theme is, “Deeds, not words.”
JWLA’s theme is, “The decisions that define us.”
On the surface, they may sound different, but the core message is the same. It’s about action. It’s about values. And it’s about how the decisions we make, large or small, define not only who we are as professionals, but also the kind of impact we have on others.
As lawyers, we have the privilege and responsibility to serve our communities. Whether through our everyday work, pro bono service, mentoring young attorneys or simply lending a hand to someone in need, what we do matters more than what we say.
I believe that if something is truly important to you, you will make the time for it. Right now, more than ever, we all need to make the time.
Since COVID, we’ve all adjusted to a new world; one filled with Zoom meetings, long email threads and fewer personal interactions. But with that shift, we’ve lost something — the human connection that’s so essential to our profession.
Gone are the days of waiting in courthouse hallways, chatting with colleagues, finding common ground or resolving matters before the judge walked in. Those moments weren’t just about our cases; they were about building relationships. They fostered respect and understanding that we cannot replicate through emails and Zoom meetings.
Now, in this new era, if we want to rebuild those relationships, we have to be intentional. That means stepping away from the screen, picking up the phone and checking in on our clients and colleagues. Not just when something is urgent, but because we care.
It means showing grace, patience and empathy, qualities that have never been more needed.
It also means that networking and community service is more important. Networking reflects a dedication to strengthening the legal community. Pro bono and other forms of community service demonstrate a broader commitment to improving our community as a whole.
And most of all, it means getting out there. Volunteering. Networking. Taking part in pro bono work or community service. Because those actions — those deeds — reflect the decisions that define us.
So this year, let’s decide on connection. Let’s decide on action. Let’s decide to be present. Not just as lawyers, but as people.
Kathryn Stanfill is a probate attorney with The Hinson Law Firm, focusing on probate for personal injury and wrongful death, guardianship, minor settlement and estate planning.