Name: Jordan T. Beard
Age: 29
Family: Single
Pets: Fish. Considering adding a dog to the mix.
Education: University of Tampa, B.A. – Government & World Affairs, and Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, J.D.
Admitted to the Bar: Alabama, September 2011, and Florida, April 2013
Employed by: Public Defender’s Office 4th Judicial Circuit
Field of practice: Criminal defense
Professional organizations: Alabama State Bar, Florida Bar, The Jacksonville Bar Association, Vision for Excellence (board member).
Community involvement: Monthly pro-bono “Ask A Lawyer” at Sulzbacher Center for Homeless, guest speaker at Vision for Excellence Summer Camp and guest speaker at “Young Men’s Circle” hosted by Department of Juvenile Justice.
How did you become involved?
I learned of the monthly pro-bono event at the Sulzbacher Center when I started with the Public Defender’s Office in 2012 and have been attending almost every month since. I was asked to speak at the Vision for Excellence Summer Camp and “Young Men’s Circle” based on my involvement with juvenile justice and advocating for juveniles accused of criminal offenses.
How can someone else become involved?
Contact the Public Defender’s Office at (904) 255-HOPE or the Sulzbacher Center for volunteer opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and give up a little personal time.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
That it can be very rewarding and satisfying to see someone’s stress and worry fade after talking with them. Most of the time the questions are not very technical, and all they want is a little guidance or reassurance from an attorney. A little time and effort goes a long way.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Difficult question. I’m more of a periodical person.