Featured in the May 2023 Issue
-
Partner's Perspective: The Power of Giving Back: Making a Difference On and Off the Field
- Power of Giving Back: Jimerson Birr's Commitment to Honoring Excellence in Mock Trial
- Celebrating Our Dedication and Giving: A Special Tribute to Dean Laura Rosenbury and UF Levin College of Law's Accomplished Alumni
- Curiosities, Ruminations and Various Eccentricities of Firm Biz
|
|
PARTNER'S PERSPECTIVE
Brandon C. Meadows - The Power of Giving Back: Making a Difference On and Off the Field
|
|
In the fast-paced world of law, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily demands and intricacies of our profession. Lawyers are often viewed through a dual lens - both positively and negatively. Society recognizes the vital role we play in upholding justice, protecting rights, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the legal system. However, the profession may be also perceived as disconnected from the broader community, as evidenced by the incredibly “hilarious” lawyer jokes I have heard over the years. It is crucial for us to remember that, regardless of our chosen profession or industry, we all have a greater responsibility to give back to the community that supports us. Recently, my efforts to give to the community beyond the courtroom have come full circle, and that’s what inspires my perspective this month.
One of the most fulfilling ways to give back is through coaching and mentoring. For me, personally, coaching flag football for first and second-grade kids has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It's more than just a recreational activity; it's an opportunity to positively influence young lives, teaching them essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Every weekend, as I step onto the field with eager young players, I witness their growth both as individuals and as a team. It's remarkable to see how these children, with their boundless energy and enthusiasm, embrace the sport while also learning valuable lessons that extend far beyond the game itself. Every season, I start from scratch, and many of the kids have little knowledge of the game or the pace of play. By the end of the season, you can see the lightbulbs turn on as everything starts to click with my players.
Our last game of the spring 2023 season was a few weeks ago, and one of my players, who shied away from playing on offense all season, demanded that I put him in on the last play. Not only that, but he confidently told me in the huddle that he wanted to run the ball. I was hesitant at first, but I could see it in his eyes that he wanted to do something great, and judging by his new-found grit and confidence, I believed he would. I’ll be darned if this kid didn’t run the full length of the field, sliding through every attempt to steal his flag, and score a touchdown as the time expired.
What a magical moment to be on the field and see that all play out, as his teammates celebrated with him, and we all heaped on the praise. Folks, this is flag football, not the Jacksonville Jaguars; but to that kid, it was like winning a Super Bowl. To me, that is one of the greatest parts of coaching: to witness firsthand how a child's confidence can blossom, and their self-belief strengthens as they navigate the ups and downs of each game.
Just last week, one of my former players from a previous season reminded me of the profound and lasting impact coaching can have on a child's life. As I was going about my day, I was approached by a young boy who recognized me and excitedly called out, "Coach!" I’m not sure he knows me by any other name, and that’s just fine by me. He shared with me his achievements in both school and sports, highlighting how the lessons he learned on the field had translated into success in various aspects of his life. It was a moment that touched me deeply, because it symbolized the lasting impression a coach can leave on a child's heart. It was a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of investing our time and effort into the young minds of our community.
This heartfelt encounter reminded me of the significance of professionals, including lawyers, becoming involved in the community. While our primary role may be to offer legal expertise, our influence extends far beyond the courtroom. By actively participating in initiatives that give back, we contribute to building stronger and more vibrant communities.
Whether it's coaching a sports team, volunteering our time and talents, or participating in mentorship programs, engaging with the community fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It allows us to connect with people from all walks of life, understanding their challenges, and offering support where needed. Furthermore, community involvement broadens our perspective and enhances our ability to empathize with others, ultimately making us better lawyers and advocates for justice.
As members of our firm, we are encouraged to participate in various community projects, and it is through these experiences that we continue to grow both personally and professionally. We believe that our commitment to giving back not only strengthens our connection to the community but also reflects one of the core values of our firm: Community Advocacy & Social Responsibility.
In conclusion, the power of giving back lies in its ability to transform lives, including our own. Through coaching flag football, I have witnessed the positive impact we can have on young kids, nurturing their potential and instilling vital life skills. As lawyers and professionals, it is essential for us to embrace opportunities to engage with our community, as these experiences not only make our communities better but also enrich our own lives in immeasurable ways.
Thank you for your continued support and for joining us in recognizing the significance and power of giving back.
|
|
Brandon C. Meadows
Partner
|
|
Power of Giving Back:
Jimerson Birr's Commitment to Honoring Excellence in Mock Trial
|
|
At Jimerson Birr, we take great pride in our legacy and commitment to advocacy and advancement in the field of law. As part of our dedication to supporting young professionals during their formative years, we have consistently mentored mock trial teams. It brings us immense joy to witness the growth and success of these aspiring legal minds, both as they compete in mock trials and later pursue careers in the legal field.
The Bolles School, a prestigious college preparatory school in Jacksonville, Florida, celebrated its Upper School students' achievements in academics, athletics, leadership and service on May 19. Jimerson Birr proudly sponsors The Bolles School Mock Trial Team, delivering invaluable coaching and unparalleled insights throughout the academic year. The Jimerson Birr Mock Trial Student of the Year Award was established to recognize a student who demonstrated exceptional trial skills and exemplary leadership within the mock trial community. We were honored to present this award alongside Kim Dividu, the esteemed Mock Trial Faculty Advisor at The Bolles School.
|
|
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jakob Schreiber, the well-deserved recipient of the inaugural Jimerson Birr Mock Trial Student of the Year Award. Jakob, an incoming freshman at Florida State University, has already secured a coveted spot in the Honors Program and is eager to embark on a path towards studying law. We are confident that his passion for the legal field, coupled with his impressive mock trial skills, will propel him to great success.
Our commitment to mentoring young professionals in mock trials extends beyond our firm's involvement in this esteemed award. At Jimerson Birr, we are fortunate to have an attorney on our team who actively engages with mock trial activities. Additionally, another member of our firm is currently preparing for law school after having participated in mock trials during their own educational journey. These experiences reinforce our dedication to supporting and guiding young individuals throughout their mock trial days and well into their legal careers.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to The Bolles School for providing us with the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of future legal professionals. By fostering a supportive and educational environment for mock trial students, together, we can inspire a new generation of passionate advocates.
|
|
Celebrating Our Dedication and Giving: A Special Tribute to Dean Laura Rosenbury and UF Levin College of Law's Accomplished Alumni |
|
As proud alumni of the UF Levin College of Law, we hold a deep commitment to our alma mater, demonstrated by our consistent support and engagement.
With our strong connection to UF, we are proud to highlight that our law firm consists of 11 highly accomplished UF alumni, each of whom contributes annually to the law school. It is our privilege to give back to the institution that provided us with a solid foundation for our legal careers.
We are delighted to share a recap of the memorable event we recently hosted at our office, a happy hour reception honoring Dean Laura Rosenbury of the UF Levin College of Law. At the event, we had the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Dean Rosenbury, who has guided the UF Levin College of Law with unparalleled distinction since July 2015. Her visionary leadership has yielded exceptional outcomes in multiple areas, including admissions, student development, fundraising, faculty recruitment, and national and international impact.
|
|
As UF alumni, we take great pride in the legacy of giving back to our alma mater. In addition to our financial contributions, we actively engage with the law school through mentoring and recruiting young professionals, both as summer associates and potential members of our firm. It is our way of investing in the future of the legal profession while nurturing the continued success of the UF Levin College of Law.
This event served as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the UF Levin College of Law and our dedication to creating a lasting impact. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dean Laura Rosenbury for her exceptional leadership and congratulate her on the remarkable achievements she has accomplished during her tenure.
If you would like more information on partnering with Jimerson Birr for legal issues or educational events, please call any of our office lines available at www.jimersonfirm.com.
|
|
Jimerson Birr Legal Blogs |
|
Are you keeping up with the latest information in business and law? Jimerson Birr publishes weekly blog posts covering topics from construction law, real estate development, sales and leasing law, banking and financial services law, community association law, and everything in between. Click here to subscribe today and stay up-to-date on the latest legal news from the industries we serve:
|
|
Insurance Industry Legal Blog |
|
Florida Makes Major Changes to Comparative Negligence Law
By: C. Ryan Maloney
Discover the groundbreaking tort reform law signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, HB 837, which brings sweeping changes to the state's civil tort law. In particular, this blog focuses on a significant modification to Florida's longstanding comparative negligence law. Previously a pure comparative negligence state, Florida now adopts a modified comparative negligence standard, with crucial implications for damages allocation in negligence claims. Learn how this change affects plaintiffs' ability to recover damages and why it aligns Florida with the majority of states with similar laws. If you're involved in negligence cases in Florida, understanding this new standard is essential for both plaintiffs and defendants. To stay informed about this major transformation in Florida's tort system, read the complete blog on our website.
|
|
Professional Services Industry Legal Blog |
|
Asset Sale vs. Equity Sale: Key Considerations When Selling Your Business
By: Joseph R. Luna
Choosing the right transaction structure is crucial when selling a business. Attorney Joseph Luna explores the advantages and disadvantages of asset sales and equity sales. Asset sales offer flexibility and liability retention, while equity sales provide tax benefits and a clean break. Learn how to maximize returns and ensure a seamless transition by selecting the right structure. Consult our experts for tailored advice.
|
|
Construction Industry Legal Blog |
|
Florida Building Code Violations: Recent Legislative Changes to Consider Before Filing a Lawsuit
By: James O. Birr, III
Discover the recent amendments to Florida's building code violation laws in the latest blog post. The revised Section 553.84 now defines and limits what constitutes a material violation, affecting potential lawsuits. Read about the changes and the importance of consulting construction counsel before pursuing a code violation claim. Stay informed and protected.
|
|
Curiosities, Ruminations and Various Eccentricities of Firm Biz |
|
May JB FOR ME Highlight Reel
|
|
The JDRF One Walk event was a fantastic experience that showcased our amazing employee culture. We were thrilled to have contributed to the Northern Florida chapter exceeding their fundraising goal, filling us with pride and joy. Even more impressive was the fact that our dedicated family members managed to pry themselves out of bed on a Saturday morning to join in on the fun. With the sun shining down and our loved ones cheering us on, we embarked on a picturesque adventure, strutting, waddling, and snacking our way towards a world where type one diabetes is nothing more than a distant memory. |
|
In a lunch break full of laughter and wordplay, our office culture took center stage as we dove into a spirited spelling bee. The competition heated up, and to our surprise, a 3-way tie emerged, showcasing the unexpected spelling talents hiding among us. It was a delightful reminder that when it comes to spelling, our team is buzzing with talent and ready to create some buzz-worthy moments! |
|
|
In an epic display of office camaraderie, we unleashed a wave of hilarity by doing something nice for our "office neighbors." From tantalizing treats to surprise coffee gift cards and heroic assistance with office tasks, it made a regular Tuesday, a special one. Our employee culture reached new heights as kindness and humor took center stage, reminding us that even in the midst of spreadsheets and meetings, we have the power to sprinkle mischief and bring contagious smiles to our coworkers' faces.
Click here to learn about our award-winning Firm Culture.
|
|
Wells Fargo Center, One Independent Drive, Suite 1400, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Copyright © 2021 Jimerson Birr, All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
