As the president of the Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary commitment, creativity and impact our organization delivers to our members and the broader community.
At the dawn of 2026, I find myself reflecting upon the successes of the past year and the renewed opportunities on the horizon.
Throughout the past year, YLS demonstrated excellence in public service by marshaling the legal community to meaningfully support local charitable organizations.
Through our signature fundraising events including the annual Chili Cook-off, poker tournament, golf tournament and bowl
ing event, we raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit charities in our community whose missions include supporting the education of students, providing construction services for those in need and preserving and sharing the rich history of our singular city.
In 2025, we continued the commitment to our community through serving our most treasured assets — our children — with the Ribault Future Lawyers and Leaders program. This program matches high school students with attorney mentors, hosting regular mentor/mentee lunches and field trips and facilitating a mock trial at the end of the program year.
The Ribault Future Lawyers and Leaders program has been, and continues to be, a tremendous success.
As to member service, we facilitated professional development through continuing education, networking and volunteer opportunities tailored to the needs of young lawyers. A staple of such programming is the YLS Institute, where young lawyers convene in the chief judge’s chambers for panel discussions with distinguished members of the judiciary.
As we march into 2026, we are committed to building on our momentum to serve our members and the community. Our plan for doing so is proven: show up, serve others, and build relationships that last a career.
As attorneys — particularly “young” attorneys — choosing to engage with YLS is an investment that provides substantial return.
In providing measurable support to our community, our organization fosters relationships between colleagues of varying practice areas, experience levels and backgrounds.
These relationships are invaluable, not just for professional benefits such as discussing legal issues or client referrals, but for building a sense of community that transcends the bounds of transactional connections.
Involvement in YLS can form the foundation for true friendships that provide outlets and advocates in times of stress and cheerleaders in times of success.
Involvement in YLS provides a unique opportunity to develop these special relationships and friendships.
In 2026, YLS will continue its noble tradition of serving our professional community and our broader community. We are drawing members together through charitable, professional and social events.
We are providing platforms and projects to further the best interests of the legal profession and to connect our colleagues with one another.
Our membership reflects a rich mosaic of practice areas and experiences from solo practitioners to big-firm attorneys, public servants to in-house counsel.
I extend my appreciation to all of our members for an extraordinary 2025 and invite all young lawyers to join us in 2026 as we advance professionalism, commit to service and make practicing law in our wonderful city even more rewarding.
Adam Prom is a member of the Adams & Reese Construction Practice Group and serves as counsel in the firm’s Jacksonville office.