Jacksonville to Honor Local Legal Leader with Prestigious Award

Jacksonville to Honor Local Legal Leader with Prestigious Award

The 23rd Annual Equal Justice Awards Ceremony will take place in Jacksonville on September 18, at the Jacksonville Public Library, starting at 6:30 p.m. This annual event, hosted by the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA), will feature the presentation of the Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Award to George “Buddy” Schulz Jr., a partner at the Holland & Knight law firm, known for his significant contributions to community service and civic efforts.

The evening promises to be a distinguished affair with cocktails and dinner, culminating in the awards presentation. The Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Award honors the legacy of Robert J. Beckham, a former JALA board member and a dedicated supporter of legal aid services.

Event Sponsorship and Participation

As of September 10, a variety of local businesses have stepped up as sponsors for this year’s event, including Harrell & Harrell, The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic, Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys, and many others. Interested attendees can purchase tickets, reserve tables, or explore sponsorship opportunities by visiting the JALA website at JaxLegalAid.org/EqualJusticeAwards.

Keynote Speaker and Recognition

The awards dinner will feature Piper Kerman, the acclaimed author of “Orange is the New Black,” as the keynote speaker, promising to deliver insights and inspiration to attendees. Alongside Schulz, additional accolades will be presented. For example, the Foley & Lardner LLP firm will receive the Equal Justice Pro Bono Big Firm Award from Legal Services of Greater Miami for their commendable pro bono work that successfully aided a client in reclaiming her home after a complex, five-year battle against a fraudulent deed transfer.

Community Contributions and Initiatives

This year’s ceremony not only highlights legal achievements but also shines a light on various community efforts. The United Way of Northeast Florida has made headlines with their annual Stuff the Bus event, collecting over 60,000 school supplies for Duval County students, which is a significant increase from the previous year. More than 80 local businesses participated, showcasing the community’s commitment to supporting local education.

In addition, the Jacksonville chapter of Women2Women is set to host a “Women2Women Conversations Tour” reception on October 16, featuring a discussion panel of prominent local leaders. Moreover, upcoming events such as a two-part Youth Mental Health First Aid training course are scheduled for September 12 and September 19, aimed at educating adults on mental health issues affecting youth.

Legal Aid Efforts and Pro Bono Initiatives

JALA continues to benefit from the invaluable contributions of volunteer attorneys who have made significant strides in supporting local residents. Lawyers like Howard Dale and Ann Shorstein have worked to improve housing conditions for tenants at Eureka Garden Apartments, advocating for legal amendments requiring better air circulation in residential units.

Other noteworthy contributions come from attorneys Lisa Dasher and Valerie Faltemier, who have positively impacted families in Clay and Nassau counties by providing access to critical family law resources. Similarly, Jay Grife and Donato Joseph Rinaldi have received recognition for their ongoing work in the St. Johns County Consumer Pro Bono Program, ensuring support for clients facing consumer law challenges.

Furthermore, CSX Corp. Law Department has been active in guardian advocacy pro bono work for families of children with special needs, and a new Landlord/Tenant Pro Bono Project has been launched by attorneys Steve Brust and James Cummings to assist low-income individuals facing eviction.

Conclusion

The 23rd Annual Equal Justice Awards Ceremony not only celebrates outstanding achievements in the legal profession but also recognizes the vital role of community involvement and support for justice and equality. As Jacksonville continues to foster legal access and community service, the efforts of local organizations and individuals reflect the enduring commitment to making justice available to all.