New Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association Kevin Paysinger told members Wednesday he has four goals for the 2015-16 year.
Paysinger, a partner with the Lansing Roy firm, said he wanted to focus on educating members, promoting professionalism, enhancing communications and helping the less fortunate.
For the latter, the JBBA is working with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and Three Rivers Legal Services to support the Pro Se Bankruptcy Assistance Clinic for debtors who cannot afford to hire legal representation. The clinics began in March 2014.
Paysinger said JBBA members have filled positions for the 2015 clinic and the association was seeking members to sign up for 2016.
That free walk-in clinic is scheduled 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month in Rooms 4303 and 4403 at the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse. No appointment is needed for the 20-minute consultations.
Volunteer bankruptcy attorneys offer information and guidance to individuals who are representing themselves in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Paysinger said in a later interview he viewed the association from his own practice and experience and realized the major roles the JBBA has filled.
“It has provided invaluable education; it has allowed me to get to know my fellow members outside of working cases, which has promoted professionalism; and it has allowed me to help the less fortunate through structured pro bono programs,” Paysinger said.
He said the organization has tried to fill the role of enhancing communication between members of the Bar, the judiciary and the clerk’s office.
“I think it is important to continue striving toward these goals this next year,” he said.
The association was founded before 1988 and began as the Bankruptcy Law Section of The Jacksonville Bar Association. It incorporated as the Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association in January 1992.
The group has 120 members, of which 12 are affiliate members with complimentary membership. Those include members of the judiciary, clerk’s office or U.S. Trustee’s office.
Paysinger said the value of membership is multifaceted. It provides members a voice for concerns and ideas; educational seminars and boot camps at a discounted member rate; and opportunities for members to socialize, which promotes collegiality.
“And lastly, more altruistically, it gives members an opportunity to be a part of and support an organization that strives to make the bankruptcy community better for all involved,” he said.
Paysinger succeeds Rob Heekin, a partner with Thames Markey & Heekin. As immediate past president, Heekin will serve as chairman of the board.
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