by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association looked to its past to find its latest “Woman Lawyer of the Year” honoree, who was recognized at the association’s annual judicial reception Thursday at The River Club.
Terrell Hogan partner Patricia Dodson served as the JWLA president during the 2006-07 term and was recognized for her abilities as a trial lawyer, her mentorship of other lawyers and her community involvement with Beach United Methodist Church, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, the Jacksonville Women’s Network, Families First and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
“I hold a special place in my heart for her because she was president of the JWLA when I first got involved, so I owe her a debt of gratitude for that,” said past president Lindsay Tygart of Murphy & Anderson.
Dodson is the 10th recipient of the award and was preceded by Kathy Para of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. JWLA has about 125 members.
“God has been good to me, and if, in any small way, I have helped to promote and mentor the fine lawyers of JWLA, it has been a blessing to me, because my greatest reward has been the friendships made along the way,” said Dodson.
The 2011-12 JWLA executive board also was announced at the reception.
Stephanie Harriett of the Law Office of Stephanie Harriett will take the helm as JWLA president; Katherine Naugle of Naugle and Smith is president-elect; Kate Mesic of the Law Offices of Yekaterina Mesic is secretary; B.J. Taylor of Boyd & Jenerette is treasurer; Millie Kanyar of the Affinity Law Firm is vice president of public relations; Susannah Collins of the Law Office of F. Susannah Collins is vice president of events-opening reception; Banda Crawford of Fernandez Trial Lawyers is vice president of events-holiday party; and Vanessa Zamora Newtson of Mark Rosenblum, P.A., is vice president of events-judicial reception.
The new board will be sworn in June 15.
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