Greetings, fellow lawyers, athletes and aspiring athletes!
After nine years of practicing law, the last five years here in my hometown, I finally have gotten involved in The Jacksonville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and it has been very rewarding.
If we have not already met, I look forward to meeting you soon.
This past year has been my first as an appointed member of the board of governors of the Young Lawyers Section of The Jacksonville Bar Association under President Lindsay Tygart.
Next year, through the leadership and vision of incoming President Christian George, I will be responsible for the triumphant return of The Jacksonville Bar Association Sports League.
We all know the benefits of exercise for health as well as stress relief, but this league will be much more than just exercise.
It will be a great way to spend time and have some fun with co-workers in your firm and their families.
It is an inexpensive way to participate in team-building activities. You can boost the office morale and treat it like a weekly firm retreat.
The league will offer many opportunities to network with lawyers in our legal community and meet new people outside your practice area.
Young lawyers can mix with, learn from and possibly dominate (at least on the playing field) seasoned attorneys.
If you would like to participate, but your firm is too small to field a team, you can sign up as a free agent, partner with another firm and form a joint team, or let us know of your interest and we can combine undersized teams.
For the league to make a comeback with a vengeance, we need your participation.
Current plans are to have, at minimum, basketball, flag football and kickball seasons.
Other activities will be in play for lawyers and staff of all ages and activity levels, such as a bowling and bocce tournaments.
If there is enough interest, we could have a simulated “game show” experience — Firm Feud maybe?
We are completely open to any suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact me with ideas you may have.
Be advised there is a fast-approaching deadline for kickball registration.
Stop what you’re doing and email me immediately at [email protected] to register yourself, your team or just ask for more information.
Games begin June 1 and we need teams to form a league. Register now and we’ll see you on the field.
John Weedon is an associate at Hinshaw & Culbertson.