Why We Fight
By Mike Campbell “Can you draw the pedal for me?” That’s the only question I can remember from my deposition. I was around nine years old and I wasn’t frightened by the man asking me questions, or by the scary…
John Romano’s Dream Makes Us Better Lawyers
By Paul Jess, FJA Executive Director A full display of the Florida Justice Association’s horsepower is on tap at the 32nd annual John Romano Workhorse Seminar. In this issue of the Florida Justice Association’s Journal, you will learn more about…
FJA Mourns an Exemplary Man and Long-Time Member
A message from FJA Executive Director, Paul Jess: It gives me great sadness to report that long-time Florida Justice Association member, Bill Harrell, passed away peacefully at home in Jacksonville, Florida, Saturday, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Bill founded…
Book Review: Assassination and Spy Craft, Papantonio’s “Law and Vengeance” Has It All
by Paul Jess, FJA Interim Executive Director A mélange of many of America’s most-pressing issues come alive in Law and Vengeance, the new Grishamesque thriller from author, radio talk show host and legendary attorney Mike Papantonio. In the brilliant set…
Florida Senate honors Mickey Smiley
The Florida Senate on Thursday honored Professor W. McKinley “Mickey” Smiley, Jr’s life and outstanding contributions to legal education. A resolution (SR 1790) by Sen. Gary Farmer, former Florida Justice Association president, declares Sept. 17, 2017 as Mickey Smiley Day at the Capitol.
In Memoriam: W. McKinley Smiley, Jr.
UPDATE 12/21/16:
Click here to read Professor Smiley’s obituary written in the Tampa Bay Times.
A private family service was held in West Palm Beach this weekend and a Celebration of his Life will follow in the New Year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of W. McKinley “Mickey” Smiley, Jr. to Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, John and Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 or at www.hospicechesapeake.org.
Today the Florida Justice Association family mourns the passing of Professor W. McKinley Smiley, Jr., our dear friend and a stalwart supporter of the civil justice system, legal education and the Florida Justice Association. He is affectionately known to all of us as “Mickey,” joining the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers (AFTL) in 1963, shortly after admission to The Florida Bar. Mickey has been a regularly honored guest and speaker at the FJA’s Workhorse Seminar and Annual Conventions. These events will not be the same without his joyful and sparkling presence.
FJA Titans: Paul Jess
Honoring the life and legacy of one of the titans of the personal injury profession. This article features a distinguished attorney who has been nominated by the FJA Young Lawyers Section Board. The YLS Board Members submit specific questions for each Titan to answer.
Enjoy this Q&A with FJA Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, Paul Jess.
Q. What is the most important thing you focus on in your cases?
A. My “cases” are legislative issues. The most important thing to focus on is political reality. If we are trying to pass legislation, is there a path with the leadership of the House and Senate to realistically think it can be done? What amendments might we have to accept to get a bill passed and would it be worth passing it with those amendments? If we are trying to defeat legislation, where are the choke points where it might be killed? Focus on lobbying the legislators who control those choke points. If it looks like bad legislation will pass, can we get it amended to eliminate or, at least, mitigate the damage? Finally, once the above analysis is complete, work the legislators who can make it happen – and keep working them until sine die.
Titans of Trial: Dale Swope
Most importantly, a high school coach, like us, can be a true hero to the people they work with. Their motivation is knowing they can make lasting changes in people's lives through commitment, leadership, and hard work, even on those unhappy occasions when they do not win.