Jacksonville attorneys Ed Birk of Marks Gray and James Burke of the Jacksonville Division of the Federal Public Defender's Office might not spell their names the same, but the two recently shared an honor — they received the Spirit of Giving award from the Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
This year marked the sixth time the organization held its annual Spirit of Giving holiday luncheon, which was created to recognize the pro bono work of the legal community in the Jacksonville Division of the U.S. Middle District of Florida.
The event was Dec. 12 at The River Club, with U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard presenting the awards.
Birk was recognized for his participation in the District's Civil Pro Bono Panel, where attorneys volunteer to represent individuals in civil cases who lack the resources to pay for their own legal representation.
"Helping individuals navigate difficult times in their lives that involve legal problems is a powerful reminder of just how much positive influence we can have in our society to help resolve conflicts and directly impact the lives of people," said Birk.
Burke was honored for nearly 30 years of service in the Federal Public Defender's Office, which represents clients in criminal cases who cannot afford representation.
"I don't mean to be disparaging to the state courts, but things were very scatological there. I found a home at the Federal Public Defender's Office because you could plead your case and be heard," said Burke, the supervising assistant federal public defender in the Jacksonville Division.
HandsOn Jacksonville President and CEO Judy Smith was the event's guest speaker. The organization helps connect volunteers with people or organizations in need of help.
The next meeting of the association's local chapter is noon Jan. 23 in the jury assembly room of the Duval County Courthouse.
It will feature a tour of the new courthouse and a chance for chapter members to "welcome" judges and staff of the circuit and county courts to the "neighborhood."
The new courthouse opened its doors in June east of the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse.
The association's Jacksonville chapter was founded in 1972 by Senior U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger at the urging of his boss at the time, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida John Briggs.
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