The headlines keep saying that investors are anxiously awaiting first-quarter reports. How is it that the end of the first quarter of 2012 is already upon us?
The YLS has had a hectic new year and if I were asked to provide a report on our first-quarter success, our investors would be really pleased. We’re in a bullish market.
If you are new to the legal community or have been practicing for a few years and are looking for ways to get involved and meet other lawyers, the YLS is the group for you.
I promise it’s an investment of time that will be well worth it as you will have an opportunity to meet people in our profession that you might not otherwise run across and you will accomplish a lot of good for our community in the process.
Ask any active young lawyers and they will undoubtedly tell you that they have made some of their very best friends in The Jacksonville Bar and in this community through the YLS.
Ask the more seasoned or experienced lawyers who are active in The Bar and they will tell you that many of their relationships started with the YLS.
Just in the past couple of months we’ve had some great events. In January, the YLS hosted “Holiday in January” in conjunction with the Northeast Florida Paralegal Association and Family Support Services. More than 20 children who were removed from their homes over the holidays were presented with bikes and had the chance to participate in a holiday party complete with a visit from Santa and Juggles the Clown. What a great partnership between two legal organizations coming together to make a difference in our community and in the lives of these young children.
In February, we held our Second Annual Chili Cook-Off with the proceeds benefiting The Missing Link. (www.missinglinkjacksonville.org) It was a gorgeous day, we had more than 200 people in attendance, a dozen teams, a band, a bounce house and a ton of fun.
The competition was steep for the spiciest, meatiest and best all-around chili. While final figures are not quite in, we estimate to have raised more than $6,000 for this very worthy cause. Kudos to Christian George and Eric Roberson for a knockout event.
We have some exciting events planned in the next couple of months. On Thursday, the YLS is holding a happy hour at Intuition Ale Works beginning at 5:30 p.m. Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy free beer with fellow young lawyers.
Never missing an opportunity to have a good time while making a difference in our community, the YLS has arranged for a dollar of every beer consumed to be contributed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The YLS will host its annual “Run for Cover” at 5:30 p.m. April 7. It is a 5K race to benefit skin cancer research. This year’s race will take place at Riverside Park in historic 5 Points. We will also have a team of dermatologists on-site to give free skin cancer screenings.
After the race, there will be live music, beer and pizza for all of the participants, spectators and volunteers. You can register at www.1stplacesports.com.If you would like more information regarding the race, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lindsay Tygart at [email protected] or 728-9940.
Also, don’t miss spring softball registration, which is going on now. The games are scheduled to begin April 11. If you have a team or are looking to join a team please email Jamie Gonzalez at [email protected] or Matthew Havice at [email protected].
There are no tryouts, all skill levels are welcome and encouraged, and young lawyers and used-to-be young lawyers are regular participants.
Whether you are a player, a runner, a socializer or just a general do-gooder, the YLS is calling your name. It’s not too late to get involved and I hope you will mark your calendar and come out to one of these events.
While you won’t find a financial adviser out there who will ensure your return on investment, you can take me to the bank on this one.