YLS board of governors election: Candidates describe goals

To learn more about the candidates and cast an online vote, visit jaxbar.org before 5 p.m. June 14 when the ballot closes. Below, each candidate describes their goals for the Young Lawyers Section:


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  • | 12:45 a.m. June 1, 2023
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The Jacksonville Bar Association
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Paige Cham

My main goal for the JBA Young Lawyers Section is to foster a sense of community to encourage participation and involvement with the organization.

Paige Cham

I plan to achieve this goal by creating an environment that is inviting, supportive and encouraging. It is my goal for all our members to experience a sense of belonging regardless of their background by sponsoring, designing and elevating diversity and inclusion themed programs and events.

I plan on working with my fellow members as a team towards achieving these goals, to learn from them and grow with them, as a person, as an attorney and as a leader.

Julianna Favale

The Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section is a testament to the collegiality and professionalism within the Jacksonville legal community.

My goals include promoting networking and legal opportunities for young attorneys with increased mentorship between new and established members, instilling public confidence in our profession through ongoing community and civic engagement and service, expanding membership and diversity through collaboration with other Jacksonville-based organizations and, above all, I plan to continuously listen to the members, to hear what improvements you all wish to see and to work to grow this organization alongside the wants and needs of its members.

Brian G. Kelley

I was fortunate to learn from Judges Barksdale and Howard early in my career how important mentoring is for new lawyers. I would like to continue to advance YLS’s work in this area by expanding opportunities for experienced members to volunteer and participate in formal mentoring relationships with new lawyers.

Brian G. Kelley

Additionally, I am a strong believer in our Oath as attorneys to provide pro bono service. As a board member, I will work with community members to grow pro bono opportunities for young lawyers. Not only does this allow us to give back to the community but done correctly these opportunities serve as mentoring moments for new lawyers.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve the YLS.

Bryce McColskey

Involvement. I believe Jacksonville has become an ideal destination for many young lawyers. With this growth, we need to capture the engagement of the new arriving attorneys.

Bryce McColskey

Not only this, JU has now added a law school, which we can help partner with to foster engagement from the students and offer mentoring opportunities.

Not only would I like to strengthen the involvement of young lawyers, but I want to ensure our fantastic events are maintained, while incorporating new/fun events.

Just like the Jags, I see the YLS on the precipice of a “Super Bowl” run, and I hope to grow this invaluable opportunity that we have before us.

James Dewey McGuire

Practicing law, while a fun and rewarding experience, is both serious and stressful. 

James Dewey McGuire


I strongly believe that building camaraderie through social gatherings not only helps to alleviate the stress that many lawyers often feel, it fosters a supportive and collegial culture while providing young attorneys with important networking opportunities. 

As a member of the YLS Board of Governors, I would work alongside my colleagues to do just that. 

I have succeeded in creating such an environment amongst my colleagues at the U.S. District Court by organizing monthly happy hours and other outings. 

I seek to expand what the YLS has already established and to support my fellow members however possible.

Sarah Morris

For the past three years I have had the privilege of being a board member on the JBA Young Lawyers Section Board of Governors.

Sarah Morris

Chairing multiple committees on the YLS Board has given me a breadth of knowledge on how the organization runs and a thorough understanding of all that we do for young lawyers in our community. My goal in Bar leadership has been, and will continue to be, bridging the gap between young lawyers in government practice and those in the private sector by addressing the needs in both communities.

In addition, I would like to focus on increasing our mental health and wellness programming. I appreciate your consideration of my candidacy and humbly ask for your vote.

Austin Sherman

Develop programs to bridge the gap between attorneys vis a vis the digitization of law aiming to increase personal relationships and physical interaction within JBA.

Austin Sherman

Develop a strong mentorship program and membership path with Jacksonville University College of Law.

Examine opportunities to implement new technologies, e.g., ChatGPT, with lawyer supervision, to provide additional pro bono support for the local community.

Create opportunities to connect JBA members with in-house and non-traditional members, to increase membership, networking, and business development.

Create opportunities for business development, networking, and potential client interactions for YLS members.

Alex Underkofler

This past year has been incredibly successful for the YLS. We have had a complete return to in-person events, resulting in networking for our members as well as overwhelming support for local charities through YLS’ golf tournament, Chili Cook Off, YLS’ Poker Tournament, and YLS’ inaugural Special Olympics Bowling.

Alex Underkofler

My goals for next year are to encourage increased participation among young lawyers who have not previously been able to take advantage of all of the benefits offered by the YLS and to aid the YLS in the continued success of its current fundraising programs and explore opportunities to make our existing programs more successful and inclusive.


 

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