In Memoriam: Carl D. Dawson, Esq.

Jacksonville Bar Association Mourns the Passing of Former President Alexander “Ham” Cooke

The Jacksonville Bar Association extends its deepest condolences to the family of Alexander “Ham” Cooke, who served as JBA President from 1982–1983.

A pillar of the Jacksonville legal community, Ham was widely respected for his lifelong commitment to justice, the legal profession, and his dedicated service to those in need. His leadership and contributions left a lasting impact on both the Association and the broader community.

A memorial service will be held in his honor and will be livestreamed for those wishing to pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to First Coast Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that was especially meaningful to Ham.

Online condolences may be shared at:
Alexander Hamilton Cooke

The memorial service will be livestreamed via the church website:
Covenant Presbyterian Church - Charlotte, NC - Worship Live

The Jacksonville Bar Association joins in remembering and honoring Ham’s life, legacy, and service.

Winners of the 2026 Law Week Art Contest

The Jacksonville Bar Association (JBA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Law Week Art Contest, which showcased the creativity and talent of local students through artwork inspired by this year’s Law Week theme.

This year’s contest featured a wide range of thoughtful and visually compelling submissions, each reflecting the importance of the rule of law, justice, and civic engagement. After careful review, the following winners were selected:

2026 Law Week Art Contest Winners

1st Place: Poster 5 – Penny Watkins

2nd Place: Poster 8 – Aiden Mathis

3rd Place: Poster 3 – Journee Raulerson

The JBA extends its sincere congratulations to these talented students for their outstanding work and creativity. Their artwork exemplifies the spirit of Law Week and highlights the importance of educating young people about the legal system and their role in it.

We also thank all participants, educators, and supporters who contributed to the success of this year’s contest. The enthusiasm and effort demonstrated by all involved continue to make the Law Week Art Contest a meaningful and inspiring community tradition.

JBA YLS Board of Governors Elections 2026 - Meet the Candidates

Online voting opens Monday, May 25th.

Four (4) members of the YLS Board of Governors are to be elected by the date of the Annual Meeting of the Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Online voting will open on Monday, May 25, 2026 and will end at 4:00 PM on June 2, 2026.

Vote Here! (Opens May 25th at 9:00 AM)

Meet the candidates below.

Board of Governors Candidates
Summer L. Reed (Incumbent)
	Jacksonville Bar Activities: Chair and Co-Chair of the JBA YLS Chili Cook-Off Committee 2024-2026 Chair and Co-Chair of the JBA YLS Institute Committee 2024-2026 Co-Chair of the JBA YLS Social Committee 2025-2026 Continuous engagement with JBA since 2017 when I began networking, attending events, and participating in leadership as a law school student. JBA YLS Chili Cook-Off volunteer during law school. JBA YLS Chili Cook-Off committee member after I became an official member of JBA. Current attendee at JBA Luncheons as well as philanthropic, social, civic, and educational JBA events.  Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities: Past Governor for The Florida Bar YLD Law School Division. Previously involved in both Chester Bedell Inn of Court and Robert M. Foster Inn of Court.    Civic Activities: Current member of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors. Attendee at civic events for JBA, JBA YLS, and JWLA, as well as active participant in construction trade association events.
Goals for the Jacksonville Bar Association: When I initially sought a seat with the YLS as a member of the Board of Governors, I committed to continue the traditions that predated my involvement, implement new social and educational events that are inclusive and focused on young attorneys stepping into the practice, and engage in the local courts' goals to bridge the gap between the judiciary and practicing attorneys. Looking back at the last two years of service on the Board, as a very active chair leader, I am proud of the work I have done to honor those commitments. Looking forward, I want to continue the same and also aim to put even more of a focus on really learning what young lawyers need to flourish and how the YLS can help.    Fun Fact: I took a job to live in Lahaina, Maui during college for 7 months. I became my best (scuba certified and very tan) self and thereafter only applied to warm weather law schools! And here I am in Jacksonville 9 years later.
Camille E. Sheppard (Incumbent)
	Jacksonville Bar Activities: Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Board Member Ribault Future Lawyers and Leaders Program Chair Noon in June Vice Chair Member of Jacksonville Bar Association Member of Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Served as YLS Institute Panel Moderator  Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities: Chester Bedell Inn of Court, Barrister Member Member of Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Member of National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Member of Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section Member of Florida Bar Criminal Law Section Member of Florida Bar Family Law Section Former Associate Member of Florida Family Law Inns of Court  Civic Activities: Previous Emory University Alumni Interview Program Volunteer
Goals for the Jacksonville Bar Association: The Jacksonville Bar Association YLS allows new lawyers a chance to build relationships in our expansive legal community, while also giving back to the overall community. I have had a chance to see first hand the large impact the Board makes. If reelected, I hope to continue to foster the relationships amongst the Bar's newest members and the larger legal community. YLS is unique in its great charitable contributions. I hope to continue to grow and foster the contributions we can make, while also helping build relationships amongst all members of the Jacksonville Bar.    Fun Fact: I have four year old boy/girl twins, as well as a 10 month old baby boy.
Carson Proctor
	Jacksonville Bar Activities: Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Board of Governors, Associate Board Member (2025-present) YLS Chili Cook-Off Committee, Vice Chair (2025-present) YLS Service Committee, Vice Chair (2025-present) YLS Social Committee, Vice Chair (2025-present) YLS Kickball League (2026-present). One of two Representatives of Jacksonville Bar YLS at the 2026 Florida Bar Young Lawyers' Division Affiliate Outreach Conference, presenting the YLS's Grant Application to the YLD.    Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities: Florida Bar Association, Member (2022-Present) Florida Bar Young Lawyers' Section, Member (2022-Present) Georgia Bar Association, Member (2023-Present) Maritime Law Association of the United States, Member (2023-Present) Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, Member (2023-Present); June 2025 SEALI Conference, Panelist. Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, Member (2026-present)    Civic Activities: The Rotaract Club of Jacksonville's Beaches, President (2025-Present); Community Service Chair (2024-2025); Member (2023-Present). Beaches Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Mission House, Volunteer The Arc Jacksonville, Volunteer Jacksonville Humane Society, Volunteer
Goals for the Jacksonville Bar Association: Meaningful engagement, exciting service projects, and a stronger, more connected YLS community are my priorities. Through my experience as an associate board member this past year and my continued leadership in Beaches Rotaract, I’ve seen the impact of creating spaces where members feel welcomed, invested, and wanting to participate. If elected, I will work collaboratively with the YLS Board to continue offering programming members value, strengthen existing and create new mentorship and networking opportunities, expand meaningful service initiatives, and better engage newer members to build long-term involvement in YLS. I look forward to working together to advance these goals for YLS.    Fun Fact: I have a *big* boxer named Hank with strong opinions and very selective hearing.
Dillon Rheuby
	Jacksonville Bar Activities: 2022-Chili Cook-off-SAO 2023-Chili Cook-Off- SAO 2023-Kickball-SAO 2024-Kickball-SAO 2024-YLS Pin Pals-SAO 2026-YLS Poker Tournament-Carr Allison    Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities: 2025-Member of Family Law Section, Criminal Section, International Law Section       Civic Activities: 2025-Member of World Affairs Council Jacksonville
Goals for the Jacksonville Bar Association: I first moved to Jacksonville in 2022 to work for the State Attorney's Office. While at SAO, I did everything I could to make sure I was involved, participating, and joining in to promote both the profession and the Bar. My hope is to continue on with the success and standard set before me.    Fun Fact: Iwas a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine from 2017-2019.
Victoria Welch
	Jacksonville Bar Activities: JBA criminal law co-chair 2024-2025 Attendance at luncheons and various activities/programs     Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities: JWLA Board Member 2019-2020, 2023-present Clay County Bar Association Member Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys     Civic Activities: Coach for Stanton Mock Trial 2024-present TBall Coach/Assistant Coach 2024-present
Goals for the Jacksonville Bar Association: My main goal with YLS is to increase membership. Specifically, by engaging with JU Law to collaborate on events and see how YLS can support students. As a first generation lawyer, I was intimidated by larger networking events and knowing how to get involved. I want to help bridge that and speak with individuals on how to tailor events to encourage participation. Another goal would be to be more involved in the community. Not just by raising money but partnering with charities or programs to really foster community outreach that extends beyond just pro Bono work.    Fun Fact: I am ordained and have signed marriage certificates for a few close family members/friends.
Paige Morgan West Rheuby
	Jacksonville Bar Activities: Jacksonville Bar Association (2024-present) YLS Kickball League YLS Chili Cook-Off Regular attendee to luncheons and other activities    Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities:   Florida State Bar (2024 – present) St. Johns Association for Women Lawyers, Secretary (2025 – present) St. Johns Bar Association (2025 – present) Alabama State Bar (2019 – present) Birmingham Bar Association (2019 – present) Former President of the Birmingham Bar Association Criminal Justice Section (2022-2023) Alabama Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section (2019 - present) Alabama Bar Association, Women Section (2019 – present) Alabama Bar Association, Young Lawyers (2019 – present) Alabama Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust (2025- present) Civic Activities: Together, Professional Ally Jacksonville Legal Aid Expungement Clinic, Volunteer Women’s Center of Jacksonville, Kickball Tournament Player JAX Human Center, Volunteer St. Francis House, Volunteer Prescott House Child Advocacy Center Junior Board, Former Secretary Cumberland School of Law 1L Trial Advocacy, Former Mentor Birmingham Bar Foundation, Former Board Member
Goals for the Jacksonville Bar Association: In the last couple years, I have noticed a divide among generations of lawyers in their respective views on work ethic, values, time management, and work life balance. I’ve seen firsthand the effect of technology, the economy, and job security has on how each generation's work. There is a lack of conversation among the generations of how they view work and what they consider is “good work.” In other words, there is an opportunity to work better together. If elected to the YLS, it would be a goal to assist in facilitating those conversations so that lawyers, both within and outside their firm, know how best to support, hire, and understand one another in pursuit of the common goal.    Fun Fact:  There is an award named after me called the "Paige West Motivation and Dedication Award" that is awarded to a female track athlete every year at my middle school in Knoxville, Tennessee.

A President-Elect and five (5) members of the Board of Governors are to be elected by the date of the Annual Meeting of the Jacksonville Bar Association to be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Nominations for the current board election may be submitted to the Jacksonville Bar Association office beginning Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM and must be submitted prior to 5:00 PM, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, along with a recent digital color photograph. Nominations will not be accepted after that date and time.

Nominate Here!

Online voting will open on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 and will end on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

MEMBERSHIP DUES MUST BE CURRENT TO RUN FOR OFFICE AND TO VOTE

• Adina Pollan, running for President-Elect
  
• John Weedon, running for re-election
• David Thompson, running for re-election
• Tim Miller, running for re-election
• Two Open Seats 2-year term

We are excited to announce that the JBA is currently accepting nominations for three prestigious awards, and we want your input!

Take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and the community.

Professionalism Award

Liberty Bell Award

Lawyer of the Year Award

Your participation is crucial in making these awards meaningful and reflective of the remarkable individuals within our community. Don't miss this chance to acknowledge those who have positively shaped our profession and community.

Thank you for your nominations and ongoing support.

Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee:  One attorney to fill a four-year term commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030.  This is a 12-member committee that renders 20 – 25 written advisory opinions a year to inquiring judges and judicial candidates regarding application of the Code of Judicial Conduct to specific instances of contemplated judicial and non-judicial conduct. The committee meets once a year at The Florida Bar’s Annual Convention and attendance is strongly encouraged. The majority of the committee’s work, however, is undertaken via e-mail and phone conferencing. The committee is also responsible for judicial campaign conduct forums scheduled in election years.

Applications will be accepted until close of business on Monday, February 2, 2026.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application.  The Board of Governors will review all applications and may request telephone or personal interviews.

Persons interested in applying for these vacancies may download the Application for Special Appointment or call Bar headquarters at(850) 561-3127, to obtain the application form.  Completed applications must be received by the Executive Director, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-2300 or submitted via e-mail.

 The essential function of the position within the organization is to serve as legal advocate and counsel for the interests of the circuit. The position is responsible for staff supervision, providing legal counsel, formulating and implementing policies to comply with statutory and rule requirements, overseeing services and programs, managing fiscal activity, and performing administrative functions, including reporting. The position formulates long-range goals for the organization based upon legal requirements; develops policy and position papers; and works with trial court administrator and elected officials, including local government.

Examples of Work

• This position serves under the authority and pleasure of the Chief Judge.
• Provide direction, legal advice, and counsel to the Chief Judge on all legal related matters impacting the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
• Assist the Chief Judge to carry out responsibilities, duties, and obligations imposed by the Florida Supreme Court, Florida Statutes, and Florida Rules of Court and to implement new policies and procedures for the Circuit.
• Draft Administrative Orders (AOs) issued by the Chief Judge to ensure details are accurate, the issues are well researched, and all stakeholders have input. Catalogue the AOs to be easily located. 
• Draft Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) for relationships between the Court and vendors as well as other entities.
• Coordinate Registries for court-appointed counsel, expert witnesses, and Examining Committee members, including soliciting applications; reviewing and evaluating applications; working with Administrative Judges in the Circuit to determine which applicants will be selected to serve on the Registries; prepare, update and distribute the court-appointed Registry lists after the selected applicants sign contracts with the Justice Administrative Commission; maintain the Registry lists; and respond to inquiries from Judges, JAs, and attorneys.     
• Manage media relations for the Circuit that at times may include Public Information Officer responsibilities.
• Work with the Chief Judge; Judges; Trial Court Administrator; Chief Deputy Court Administrator; Court Administration; the Clerks of the Court in Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties; and Courthouse Security to resolve issues with legal implications for the Court.
• Provide direction and guidance for Court programs and services to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and laws.
• Draft and revise the Fourth Judicial Circuit’s contracts with all vendors.
• Manage and advise the Director of the Judicial Staff Attorneys while acting as a liaison between the Judges and the Director.
• Monitor capital cases for the Circuit.

HOW TO APPLY 

Submit a current and complete online state employment application detailing their legal experience, including dates of employment, and reasons for departure from prior positions at the People First State of Florida Jobs websitehttps://jobs.myflorida.com/ including a cover letter, resume, law school transcript and writing sample not to exceed five (5) double-spaced pages.

The resume cannot be substituted for the State Employment Application. All employment information must be seen on the application. 

ANTICIPATED START DATE IS JANUARY 2026.

Read the full opinion for details.

The Court holds an Uncontested Matters Docket one to two times monthly. These sessions will take place via Zoom from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on dates published on the Division CV-D page of the Fourth Judicial Circuit website: www.jud4.org.  (Zoom ID: 459 874 1501.)

All matters must be properly coordinated and noticed for hearing. Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant at againers@coj.net no later than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Matters placed on this docket must be uncontested. If it becomes clear that a party intends to contest the requested relief, the Court will terminate the hearing and direct the matter to be re-noticed on the regular calendar.

Matters will be taken up in the order in which participants appear on Zoom.

The following dates are designated for these uncontested matters:

-       June 13, 2025

-       June 20, 2025

-       July 11, 2025

-       July 18, 2025

-       August 8, 2025

-       August 22, 2025

-       September 12, 2025

-       October 3, 2025

Additional dates will be posted accordingly.

📝 Apply now: Attorney V Job Posting
📍 Location: Jacksonville, Florida
🗓️ Open Until Filled

Office: President-Elect

Jacksonville Bar Activities

 - JBA Board of Governors (2017 to present)  - JBA Executive Committee (2022 to present)  - Hosted and moderated a View from the Bench re changes to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure (2024)  - Contributed in organizing and hosting candidate forums for local elections, cobranded with JaxToday (2022)  - Organized and hosted a program titled "Pathways To the Bench" regarding the Judicial Nomination Process (2022)  - Board Liaison for Commercial Litigation, Government Relations, and Labor and Employment Committees (2018 to 2021)  - Oversaw revision of the JBA Bylaws and drafting of the JBA Rules and Regulations (2018 to 2019)   - Co-chair of Commercial Litigation Committee (2016 to 2017)  - Hosted and helped promote various JBA membership socials and events, including GRC committee events, E2Ride Bike Tours, Go Tuk'n, and Freed to Run (2017 to present)

Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities

 - Presented a CLE regarding Proportionality in E-Discovery for The Florida Bar (2025)  - Commentator, In re: Report and Recommendations of the Workgroup on Improved Resolution of Civil Cases; Florida Supreme Court, Case No. SC22-122 (2022)  - Hosted a CJE for North East Florida State Court Judges in partnership with the Florida Muslim Bar Association (2019)  - Prepared CLE outline for The Florida Bar's View from the Bench Seminar (2015)  - Presenter at CLE, Practicing with Professionalism (2013)  - Barrister, Chester Bedell Inn of Court

Civic Activities

 - WJCT, Inc., Board Member (2022 to present)  - Baptist Health System, Board Member (2020 to present)  - Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Board Member (2017 to Present) and Chairman (2024 to present).  - Renaissance Jacksonville, Corporate Secretary (2019 to 2022)  - Unconditional Care Documentary, Executive Producer (2018 to 2019)  - Riverside Avondale Preservation, Board Member (2015 to 2016)  - TEDxJacksonville, Co-Founder and Board Member (2012 to 2015)

Goals for The Jacksonville Bar Association

To support and partner with our Executive Director, Craig Shoup. And for the JBA to do all the good it can, by all the means it can, for as many JBA and community members as it can, as long as ever it can.

Obinna Prince Anum

Office: Board of Governor

Jacksonville Bar Activities

- Member of the Jacksonville Bar Association
- Participant on the Law Week Committee
- Regular collaborator with JBA officers during my tenure with the D.W. Perkins Bar Association

Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities

- President, D.W. Perkins Bar Association
- Held additional leadership roles within the D.W. Perkins Bar Association
- Member, Chester Bedell American Inn of Court
- Member, Family Law American Inn of Court

Civic Activities

- Board Member, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
- Community volunteer through bar association outreach programs
- Mentor to aspiring attorneys and law students

Goals for The Jacksonville Bar Association

My goal is to help the Jacksonville Bar Association continue fostering inclusion, innovation, and impactful community engagement. By building on existing collaborations between voluntary bar associations and the JBA, I aim to strengthen our legal community’s responsiveness to local needs while supporting professional development for our members. I want to amplify opportunities for mentorship, promote public service, and ensure JBA remains a bridge between the legal profession and the broader Jacksonville community.

Amber R. Donley, Esq.  (Incumbent)

Office: Board of Governor

Jacksonville Bar Activities

 Board of Governor, 2022-present  - Panelist, Women in Law and Leadership 2025  Vice Chair, Law Day Committee, 2022 -Member, Law Day Committee, 2019  - Sub-committee Member of Naturalization Ceremony  Vice Chair, of Diversity and Inclusion Committee, 2013-2015  - Sub-committee Chair of Inaugural Diversity Picnic  - Sub-committee Chair of Diversity Awards   CLE Presenter, Professionalism Tool Kit for New Practitioners in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, 2016   Participant, YLS Charity Chili Cook-off, 2018-2019 

Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities

The Florida Bar  Member, The Florida Bar, Fourth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee D, 2017-2020 -Vice Chair, 2019 / Chair 2020  Fellow, The Florida Bar, William Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy, Class IV, 2016-2017   Member, The Florida Bar, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, 2012-2016   D.W. Perkins Bar Association   President, D.W. Perkins Bar Association, 2017-2018  President Elect, D.W. Perkins Bar Association, 2016-2017  -Chair of Bylaws Committee, 2017, 2024-2025  Vice-chair of Young Lawyers Division, D.W. Perkins Bar Association, 2014-2015    Florida Family Law American Inn of Court   Associate and Barrister, 2019-2024  Florida Association of Women Lawyers  Panelist, Florida Association of Women Lawyers Summit, Parental Leave Panel, 2018   

Civic Activities

Civic Activities (please use bullet points):  Three Rivers Legal Services, Board of Directors, 2019-2023               -Vice President 2021-2023  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated,  Member  Clay County Clerk's Office Low Bono Clinic, Low Bono Attorney, 2016- 2019 

Goals for The Jacksonville Bar Association

With any role I assume, my overall goal is to effectuate change and to leave a lasting impact. If I am re-elected as a member of the Board of Governors, I would bring the same level of diligence and passion to the role. As a current Board of Governor, I would like to continue to encourage collaborative efforts between the JBA and other voluntary bar associations. This would allow the organization to support voluntary bar associations and connect with attorneys and judges who may not be involved with the JBA. The membership is vital to the success of the JBA. I will continue to engage with the membership and develop new ideas to continue to improve the organization.

Kayla Haines Herrin

Office: Board of Governor

Jacksonville Bar Activities

• Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section 2018-2025 o President, JBA Young Lawyers Section 2024-2025 o President-Elect, JBA Young Lawyers Section 2023-2024 o Secretary, JBA Young Lawyers Section 2022-2023 o Treasurer, JBA Young Lawyers Section, 2021-2022 o Board Member, JBA Young Lawyers Section 2018-2025 o Chair, JBA Young Lawyers Section Chili Cook-off 2019-2022  • Jacksonville Bar Association 2016-2025 o Co-Chair, JBA Transactional Law Committee 2023-2024 o Co-Chair, JBA Criser Transactional Law Seminar 2023-2024 o Member, JBA Transaction Law Committee 2018-2025  

Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities

• Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association 2017-2025 o President, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association 2022-2023 o President-Elect, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association 2021-2022 o Treasurer, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association 2020-2021 o Director of Judicial Reception 2019-2020 o Board Member, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association 2017-2024 

Civic Activities

• Member, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech Development Committee 2020-2022  • Jacksonville Business Journal 40 under 40 2025 • The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division 36 under 36 Professionalism Award 2025 • Florida Association of Women Lawyers Leader in the Law 2021

Goals for The Jacksonville Bar Association

• Expanding Outreach to Young Lawyers - The future of our profession depends on engaging young attorneys.  I will work to increase opportunities for them to connect with and participate in our various JBA committees, fostering mentorship and leadership.  • Enhancing CLE Offerings - I will advocate for the continued expansion of JBA’s CLE programming to continue to provide diverse, high-quality, and accessible education that meets our members’ evolving needs.  • Strengthening Collaboration with Other Voluntary Bar Associations - I will support initiatives that enhance collaboration between the JBA and other voluntary bar association, fostering a more inclusive and united legal network

Alex Hill (Incumbent)

Office: Board of Governor

Jacksonville Bar Activities

• Jacksonville Bar Association, Board of Governors, 2023-2025 • Jacksonville Bar Association, Professionalism Committee Co-Chair, 2022 – 2023 • Jacksonville Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section         President (2017 - 2018)         Vice President (2016 - 2017)         Treasurer (2015 - 2016)         Member (2013 – 2015)         Chili Cook-Off Chair         Holidays in January Chair

Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities

• Judicial Nominating Commission, Fifth District Court of Appeal • Florida Bar, Business Law Section, Member  • American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising 

Civic Activities

• Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, Board Member (2019 - 2020); February 2022 - Present)                Board Development Chair • Clay County Development Authority, (re-appointed 2022 - Present) (Treasurer, 2019 - 2020) • Girls, Inc., Board Chair (2017 - 2018); Board Member (2014 - 2017) • Green Cove Springs Wrestling Club, Board Member (2017 - 2020) • Leadership Clay, Class of 2019 • Leadership Stetson, Class of 2015

Goals for The Jacksonville Bar Association

Community, collegiality and respect for the law are the focal points of the JBA's mission.  For two years I have had the opportunity to work with my fellow board members to serve you with this focus in mind. As we continue to strive to live the JBA’s mission, and at a time when our profession is under question, my goals for the JBA are to (1) provide quality networking and CLE opportunities to drive value for our members and arm us with the tools to uphold the law; (2) build a presence in the community through an intentional partnership with JALA; and (3) focus on our partnership with JU Law to develop strong legal leaders for the future.

James Poindexter (Incumbent)

Office: Board of Governor

Jacksonville Bar Activities

• Governor, Board of Governors, Jacksonville Bar Association (2022 - Present) • President, Jacksonville Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section (2022 - 2023)  • Governor, Board of Governors, Jacksonville Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section (2017 - 2023)  • Co-Chair, Jacksonville Bar Association, Governmental Relations Committee (2018 - 2021)

Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities

• Executive Council Member, Florida Bar Labor & Employment Law Section (2023 - Present) • Member, Fourth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee D, Florida Bar (2024 - Present) • President, National Employment Lawyers Association, Florida Chapter (2020 - 2021)

Civic Activities

 • Chairman, Board of Directors, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (2025 - Present) • Board Member, Board of Directors, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (2023 - Present) • Member, Rotary Club of South Jacksonville (2024 - Present)  • President, Board of Directors, Theatre Jacksonville (2020 - 2021)

Goals for The Jacksonville Bar Association

I see bar service as an essential part of being a lawyer in this community. The JBA has a rich tradition of supporting our members, the judiciary, and our community through its events and continuing legal education programming. I have had the privilege of serving the JBA as a committee member and chair, as a section member and chair, and as a governor. I hope to continue to serve the JBA and assist the Executive Director and staff with their efforts to serve the diverse interests and needs of our membership.

Kathryn E. Stanfill (Incumbent)

Office: Board of Governor

Jacksonville Bar Activities

• Jacksonville Bar Association (“JBA”), member since 2017, Board of Governors since 2024 o Solo/Small Firm Section, Member o Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax Law Committee, Member; 2023-2024 Co-Chair o Elder Law Section, Member o 2020-2022 and 2022-2024 Young Lawyers Section, Board of Governors  2023-2024 Social/External Affairs Committee, Chair; Chili Cook-Off, Volunteer Coordinator; Charity Golf Tournament, Committee Member  2022-2023 Sports League, Chair; Charity Golf Tournament, Committee Member; Chili Cook-Off, Volunteer Coordinator   2021-2022 Charity Golf Tournament, Chair; Sports League, Chair; Holidays in January, Committee Member   2020-2021 Charity Golf Tournament, Co-Chair; Kickball, Chair; Social, Co-Chair; Chili Cook-Off, Volunteer Coordinator; Judicial Relations, Committee Member

Florida Bar/Other Bar Association Activities

• Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (“JWLA”), member since 2017, Board Member since 2019 o 2024-2025 President-Elect o 2023-2024 Treasurer  o 2022-2023 Programs Director  o 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 Co-Judicial Reception Director  o 2020 Steering Committee (19th Amendment Exhibit)  o 2019-2020 Events Director  o 2019-2020 and 2022-2023 Holiday Project, Committee Member  o 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025 Judicial Reception, Committee Member • Florida Bar Association, member since 2017 o Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section, member o Solo & Small Firm Section, member  • Florida Association for Women Lawyers (“FAWL”), member since 2017 • D.W. Perkins Bar Association, member since 2019 • Jacksonville Justice Association (“JJA”), member since 2020

Civic Activities

• Girls of Virtue, Board of Directors

Goals for The Jacksonville Bar Association

JBA is the largest bar association in the area, and its membership represents many different areas of law, viewpoints, perspectives and types of law practices.  JBA offers many opportunities for members to meet & connect, yet the JBA network is not leveraged nearly as much as it could be.  I would like to encourage our members to expand their personal and business connections within the JBA network, & to deepen those relationships.  In addition, having leadership that is representative of our legal community provides sense of belonging for our members and ensures different perspectives are represented in important decision-making.  Collectively, we are a better and stronger legal community.

Key Dates:

• March 1st: Positions to be filled will be advertised to the membership on the JBA website.
• Nominations: Open from March 20 through March 27.
• Voting Period: Online voting will begin on April 9th and will conclude at 12:15 PM during the Law Day Luncheon on May 1st.

Positions and Candidates:

• President-Elect: Asghar Syed intends to run for President-Elect.
• Open Position: One open position is available.
• Candidates for Re-election to the Board:
  • Amber Donley
  • Alex Hill
  • James Poindexter
  • Kathryn Stanfill

These candidates must stand for re-election to continue serving on the JBA Board of Governors.

Further details on voting procedures will be provided soon. We encourage all members to participate and make your voice heard in shaping the future of the Jacksonville Bar Association.

For more information, please contact the JBA office.

If you provided services through Guardian ad Litem, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, the Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership, the Office of Public Defender, or Three Rivers Legal Services, and you reported your volunteer hours to the organization you provided services through, then your hours have been recorded.

However, if you provided at least 20 hours of pro bono service outside the scope of one of these programs or if you have not reported your hours to one of these organizations, please email Aaron.Irving@jaxlegalaid.org no later than March 30^th to inform us of your service.

Do you know someone who has made a significant impact on the legal community through their dedication and contributions? Nominate them today!

Submit your nominations online at jaxbar.org/libertybell2025.

Deadline: March 20, 2025

Help us recognize the individuals who make a difference in our community!

See job descriptions at https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/history/employment-internships/. Signing bonus and benefits package include, but are not limited to, hybrid work model, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, group life insurance, 401(k) (match 100% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation), generous leave policy (13 paid holidays plus 22 personal leave days in first year, one-month sabbatical every four years), and membership in Access Perks, a private discount network.  

Submit resume and state which position you are applying for, two professional references, and salary requirements to Chief Human Resources Officer at resumeattorney@jaxlegalaid.org.

During this maintenance window, services such as Child Support Files, ePortal, CCIS, OCRS, and Clericus ORI may be temporarily unavailable. Banners have been placed across these applications to notify end-users. Clerks’ offices utilizing ClerkNet are advised to park all filings and switch to CCIS case lookup as needed.

FCCC-Civitek has expressed its appreciation for users' understanding as Lumen performs this essential maintenance to ensure the reliability and performance of services. Questions or concerns can be directed to the Service Center at (850) 414-2210.

Don’t miss this chance to grow professionally and personally! Learn more and apply today: Apply to Become a Leadership Academy Fellow

To further support your understanding and application of the discussed topics, we have attached the Third Amended Administrative Order No. 2023-05 issued by the Fourth Judicial Circuit

We look forward to your participation in future CLE events and continuing to provide valuable resources for your legal practice.

If you would like to attend, please rsvp using the following link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc57GS-9JUrhyiRlYSiWGnqJj1enOrQt6AQP_FF5vXio2EE_g/viewform