Jacksonville Bar Young Lawyers Section

10/13/2026

HUGE, terrific news recently for our friends at James Weldon Johnson Park ...

The Jacksonville City Council approved a $5.75 million allocation for James Weldon Johnson Park as part of the city's broader $2 billion budget that was recently passed!

Congrats to the residents of Jacksonville and JWJ Park!

And this news comes on the heels of our announcement in mid-September that JWJ Park would be this year's benefactor of our YLS Charity Poker Tournament that is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at BestBet Poker Room!

The committee decided to keep $5 million in the capital plan for demolition, lighting and electrical work, landscaping and irrigation, walkways, security, engineering and ADA compliance for the park redesign. They also set aside $750,000 for next year’s budget to build a stage at the park and put $1 million from the original budget back into city reserves.

We love to hear James Weldon Park is getting so much love and assistance from all over Jax.

You can register now to play in the Charity Poker Tournament, become a sponsor or just come as a spectator. Registration link is here: https://www.jaxbar.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2085822&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAU6nmJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAnNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzU2NzA2NzM0MzM1MjQyNwABp4UwMwEflATP_qBqZJdnrEK_zs8af7wn2rarRT7jDf-QVftj3cYh2bO12Egk_aem_N-ASWHH0l8JDqCJc5UL5aA

Congrats again, JWJ! And we can't wait to raise more money for the park on Nov. 5th!

10/09/2026

Huge thank you to all of the judges AND participants who attended the most recent Jacksonville Bar Association YLS "Young Lawyers Institute" CLE at the Duval County Courthouse.

This was just the latest YLI session, which has been a series now for nearly 3 years and recently won a statewide award from The Florida Bar! The topic when we gathered in late September was Criminal Court, and so our panel of judges - Judge Shayla Lee, Judge L.E. Hutton and Judge Tatiana A. Salvador - all hailed from that division of the court.

The YLI is an educational experience consisting of a series of lunch and learn opportunities that span from September 2026 through June 2027 -- which is basically considered our "Bar year."

The Young Lawyers Institute provides young lawyer attendees from different practice areas the opportunity to learn from and connect with judges in their specialized areas of the law as well as collaborate with other young lawyers in their field of practice.

This intimate lunch and learn took place once again in the Duval County Courthouse in Chief Judge Day’s chambers -- and it provided young lawyers with not only continuing legal education credits but also invaluable networking experience with members of the judiciary and their peers.

The topics included a panel discussion on professionalism and communication, followed by each judge talking about the effect technology has had on the criminal courts.

They closed by offering practical tips to attendees that they can use in their everyday practice, as well as judicial advice for young lawyers. And that is ALWAYS invaluable and appreciated!

YLS members who attended got to take part in a Q&A with the judges at the end, and we had some great questions asked - and answers given. We appreciate everyone who helped make this latest YLI session a success!

The next Young Lawyers Institute is set for Feb. 25, 2027, and the topic will be: Civil - Circuit & County. Learn more about that session here: https://www.jaxbar.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2090256&group=

10/09/2026

Our Jacksonville Bar Association YLS leaders took some time in late September to pay a visit to next year's benefactor of the YLS Chili Cook-Off in 2027 ...

The Sanctuary on 8th Street!

And we are THRILLED to support their mission that encourages and empowers Jacksonville youth and families in need by ministering to their spiritual, physical, social, and intellectual needs.

In response to the changing needs of the neighborhood, the Presbytery of St. Augustine and the former Springfield Presbyterian Church opened the doors of Urban Ministries of Springfield in 1992, in what was later changed to the "Sanctuary on 8th Street" after they relocated to the historic post office building. The program has grown from a dozen to over 100 children in our after school and summer camp programs.

We were able to speak to their staff - as well as several of the children on hand - and learn more about how their organization works. And we got all the kiddos excited about the upcoming YLS Chili Cook-Off, which is slated for February 2027.

More details on the 2027 YLS Chili Cook-Off coming soon, but we just wanted to take a moment to introduce our new charity and the work they do in the Jacksonville community!

To learn more about the Sanctuary On 8th Street, visit: https://sanctuaryon8th.org/

10/04/2026

Calling all potential sponsors for the 2026 Jax Bar YLS Charity Poker Tournament ...

SPONSORSHIPS ARE NOW OPEN!

Proceeds from this year's event - slated for Nov. 5th at BestBet Jax - will benefit Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park, an organization dedicated to restoring the legacy of the city's oldest public park. James Weldon Johnson Park has been the beating heart of downtown Jacksonville for 160 years and was the ground zero for rallies, gatherings, and everyday moments that shaped this community long before the skyline around it existed.

Friends of JWJ Park is working to restore the park into the civic gathering place downtown deserves once again.

So every chip on the table for this event helps deal that future into being!

Check out the available sponsorship levels:

*** Royal Flush Sponsor: $3,500, limited availability ***
Get announced at tournament, name/signage at front entrance, on all event materials, and table. 9 event entries for participation/spectatorship.

*** Straight Flush Sponsor: $1,500 ***
Table signage, 9 entries for participation/spectatorship

*** Prize Sponsors: $1,000 ***
Receive recognition for sponsoring our grand prize package. Includes signage with name and logo at event.

*** Gift Sponsor: $750 ***
Receive recognition for sponsoring our gift to attendees for their support. Includes signage with name and logo at event.

*** Table Sponsor: $500 ***
Have your name and logo signage on a table. Includes one free spectator entry.

*** Table Sponsor + 2 entrants: $650 ***
Have your name and logo signage on a table, plus two player entries.

*** Table Sponsor + 4 entrants: $800 ***
Have your name and logo signage on a table, plus four player entries.

Food and 2 drinks included for all attendees.

For more information or to get involved, please contact our event chair, Morgan Justice, at [email protected].

Your contributions are invaluable! Whether you have ideas, questions, or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in making this event unforgettable!

(Register to be a player or spectator here: https://www.jaxbar.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2085822&group=)

10/04/2026

Good news, Jax legal community ...

EARLY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR YLS CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT!

This year's "Poker For The Park" - benefittng Friends of the James Weldon Johnson Park, an organization that is working to restore the park into the civic gathering place downtown - is set for Nov. 5th at BestBet Jax. And as of today, you can now register and lock in your seat to the action!

Doors open at 6 p.m., poker lessons begin at 6:30 p.m., and the tournament starts at 6:45 p.m.

Attendance is encouraged even for those who do not want to play poker (Texas Hold 'Em)– and only wish to spectate – as we will provide food, beverages, and an opportunity to reconnect with friends, colleagues, and local celebrities! Player tickets are $100 and Spectator Tickets are $75 - and all of the money goes to help JWJ Park.

Prizes will be up for grabs, so you know that we’re not bluffing when we say you’re not going to want to miss this event!

Register now - or learn about how to be a sponsor - at our event link here: https://www.jaxbar.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2085822&group=

And for more information or to get involved, please contact our event chair, Morgan Justice, at [email protected].

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MORE ABOUT "FRIENDS OF JAMES WELDON JOHNSON PARK":
Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park is an organization dedicated to restoring the legacy of the city's oldest public park. James Weldon Johnson Park has been the beating heart of downtown Jacksonville for 160 years and was the ground zero for rallies, gatherings, and everyday moments that shaped this community long before the skyline around it existed.

09/15/2026

Thank you for highlighting the need for more mentors, Daily Record! And we are always appreciative of those who donate their time to volunteer!

Judge Brian Davis said that volunteer attorney help is more needed than ever.

09/06/2026

Big ups to everyone who came out last week to Aardwolf Brewery for our YLS social, happy hour and fantasy football draft!

Great showing from the Jacksonville Bar Association and Jax legal community as a whole, and we are SUPER excited about the upcoming NFL season.

As for that player in our league - who shall remain nameless - who drafted 2 kickers and three defenses? Yeaaaahhhh ... they probably AREN'T as excited as the rest of us.

But ..... good luck to them! ;)

Great event - thank you to our sponsor Veritext for making it happen - and we appreciate those who attended! Stay tuned for details on the next one soon!

09/06/2026

♣️❤️♠️♦️ SAVE THE DATE: The 2026 YLS Charity Poker Tournament Is Set For Nov. 5th! ♣️❤️♠️♦️

Who's ready to shuffle up and deal for a great cause once again????

✋️✋️✋️✋️✋️✋️✋️

The 2026 Jacksonville Bar Association YLS Charity Poker Tournament is all set and we have a new date, a new local charity that we are raising money for this year - but we'll be back at our same old trusty venue at Best Bet Jax!

Mark your calendars ASAP for Thursday, Nov. 5th, at BestBet as we gather to enjoy a night of camaraderie, cards and charity in the Jaksonville legal community.

The proceeds this year will go to the Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park - a nonprofit organization that hosts local arts markets, dance shows and seasonal festivals.

James Weldon Johnson Park is Jacksonville's oldest public park, serving as a vibrant cultural and historical gathering space in the heart of downtown. City founder Isaiah D. Hart established the green space around 1857, and City of Jacksonville, Florida renamed the area from Hemming Park to honor civil rights activist and writer James Weldon Johnson in 2020.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities will open soon at JaxBar.org so stay tuned! And if you have any questions about the event, reach out to YLS member Brenda McClary at [email protected] or (904) 399-4486

But for now? SAVE 👏 THAT 👏 DATE 👏!

08/26/2026

GREAT NEWS, YLS MEMBERS ... 🗣

The Ribault and Raines High School Future Lawyers & Leaders Program is back for another exciting year!

In a recent letter from United States District Judge Brian J. Davis, he highlighted the continued partnership between the YLS and D.W. Perkins Bar Association for providing this impactful mentoring program for local high school students.

The program connects students with attorney mentors throughout the school year and culminates in an end-of-year mock trial. Judge Davis noted that growing student participation has increased the need for volunteer mentors. Attorneys are asked to commit approximately four hours per month, either in person or virtually, to help guide and encourage students interested in the legal profession.

Volunteers consistently describe the experience as both meaningful and rewarding, often gaining as much from the program as the students they mentor.

If you're interested in making a difference in a student's future while helping develop the next generation of legal professionals, we encourage you to volunteer as a mentor at the link here: https://www.jaxbar.org/general/custom.asp?page=futurementors

08/19/2026

We just wanted to say thanks to the Jacksonville Daily Record for the recent coverage they gave our Annual YLS Kickball League - and congratulate on their back-to-back championships!

ICYMI, we just concluded one of our most competitive and memorable kickball seasons to date, with the Ballbarians edging the Defenders in the championship game to claim their second consecutive league title and complete an undefeated season.

The Defenders capped off an outstanding season of their own, pushing the Ballbarians to the final half inning in a championship that served as a fitting conclusion to one of the league’s best seasons. Every team contributed to what many considered the league’s most competitive and entertaining season yet.

The victory marked the Ballbarians’ fifth championship in the league’s last seven seasons.

This year’s league featured five teams representing a broad cross section of Jacksonville’s legal community: the Ballbarians, the Defenders, Kickballerz, the State Attorney’s Office, and for the first time, Jacksonville University College of Law.

Each team brought its own personality, competitive spirit and camaraderie to the league, making every Thursday night’s slate of games a highlight of the summer for players and spectators alike.

The addition of Jacksonville University College of Law marked an milestone by bringing future lawyers into one of the most anticipated annual traditions and strengthening connections between law students and practicing attorneys.

With five competitive teams and one of the league’s most exciting seasons to date, the continued growth of the league reflects the strong sense of community within Jacksonville’s legal profession.

Each Thursday evening, attorneys, law students and legal professionals from private practice and government agencies traded the courtroom for the kickball field. This season also introduced walk-up songs, with participating teams embracing the tradition and adding even more energy and personality to game nights.

Combined with spirited competition, enthusiastic family members, friends and coworkers lining the sidelines, the atmosphere made each Thursday feel like a true community event!