Previous Speakers

Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit

Mark Mahon

Mark Mahon is a native of Jacksonville and a third generation attorney. He graduated from Florida State University in 1978 and from Florida State University law school in 1981. While in private practice, Mahon was named to the JTA and served as chair for 2 years. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000. In 2007, Mahon left the private practice of law and the legislature after being appointed Circuit Court Judge by Governor Charlie Crist. Judge Mahon was elected to serve as Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit beginning in January 2015.

Publisher, Jacksonville Daily Record

Angela Campbell

Angela shared her career journey along with ways the Jax Daily Record can helps businesses grow. We lunched, learned and laughed as she shared her knowledge and expertise working as a publisher to disseminate business and legal news to Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau & St. Johns Counties.

Dean, Jacksonville University College of Law

Nick Allard

Dean “Nick” Allard served as Dean of Brooklyn Law School (2012 - 2018) and, concurrently, as President (2014-2018) and Professor of Law (2012-2020).

He presented on how we can get the most and minimize the worst of artificial intelligence systems like Chatbots, as well as determining who is responsible for harms that Chatbots cause.

Donley Law Firm

Amber Donley, Esq.

Amber shared how she and her husband, William Donley, merged their law practices. They will share their experience being partners in both life and law. She will also talk about how to serve the Jacksonville Community, through the JBA and volunteer work.

Donley Law Firm

William Donley, Esq.

William gave insights into what it is like working with a spouse, their different habits, the different types of law each practices and the way they have learned to work together and adjust their expectations.

Author

Judge Tyrie Boyer

Judge Tyrie Boyer received his B.S. and his J.D. degrees from the University of Florida and began practicing law in 1976. He spoke about writing and retirement, including a dive into what it was like writing "Retribution," a legal thriller.

Assistant Professor

Rod Sullivan, Esq.

Maritime Attorney and Author Rod Sullivan spoke about the craft of writing historic fiction as well as confidentiality, meeting ethical obligations and literary rights, and intellectual property standards.

Recruiter

Erica Todd

Recruiting expert Erica Todd presented on "Hiring in Today’s Market: Attraction, Acquisition and Retention," Some firms are struggling to hire receptionists, bookkeepers, paralegals, and lawyers. Whether it's finding a qualified candidate and good culture fit or getting potential hires to show up for interviews, today's hiring climate presents many challenges.

Partner

Chase Harris, Esq.

Robert and Chase Harris talked about preparing the next generation to take over. The practice of law has developed over the years, and Robert and Chase shared how the both the practice of law and the management of a practice have changed, and how the next generation can learn from the current, and vice versa.

Partner

Robert Harris, Esq.

Robert Harris shared his perspective on changing the reins and preparing his son to join his practice. He talked about everything from tracking hours and dictating notes to working from home and and using technology.

Divorce Coach

Julie Rountree, Esq.

Attorneys transitioning into a new career may have many reasons for doing so; Experiencing burnout? Wanting more flexibility? Needing better work-life balance? Desiring more room for advancement? Julie Rountree shared why she decided to change her focus, how her work prepared her for her new role, what her experience has been like so far.