The Florida Justice Association Research & Education Foundation promotes the study and understanding of Florida’s civil justice system and how its preservation benefits consumers, victims, and all Floridians.
As a charitable non-profit foundation, the FJA Research and Education Foundation serves both individual attorney practitioners and Florida residents. Today, the Foundation works in partnership with members of the Florida Justice Association and with other related organizations to advance an ambitious agenda to expand, create, and fund initiatives that serve the needs of diverse constituencies from Key West to Pensacola.
Through our annual education and research agenda, the Foundation takes action to help:
- Deliver high-quality research and information to enhance public knowledge about civil justice.
- Educate both the public and opinion leaders about Florida’s judicial system and public policy issues.
- Demonstrate the important ways in which trial lawyer representation of individuals has a direct impact upon the well-being of our American way of life.
- Prepare advocates who are knowledgeable about citizens’ rights to access a fair and impartial judicial system when they have been wronged.
- Encourage outstanding young lawyers to consider the trial practice specialty as a career option.
The Foundation is pleased to host the following programs:
- E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition
- Leadership Academy
- Law School Outreach Program
- Titans of Trial: a Podcast Series
- Chasing Justice: A History of the FJA 1950–2000
- Disaster Relief Efforts
- Grants to Allied Organizations
The Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition is held each fall and allows law schools from around the state and region to bring teams to compete head-to-head in a civil case. The student advocates must be able to present both sides of the case, handle opening and closing statements, witness examinations, and rules of evidence. Practicing attorneys and legal professional serve as scoring jurors and offer valuable insight to the participating students.
Designed for attorneys dedicated to strengthening Florida’s consumer advocacy community, this immersive program will select up to 14 participants for a transformative leadership journey. Through expert coaching, mentorship from seasoned litigators, and a strong peer network, participants will sharpen their leadership skills and build lasting professional connections.
The FJA Research and Education Foundation is expanding opportunities for Florida’s law students through its Law School Outreach program. This initiative helps students deepen their understanding of the Florida Justice Association’s mission and the specialty practice of civil justice advocacy. Through on-campus programs and networking events, Law School Outreach connects students with FJA leaders and members from across the state, offering a firsthand look at the resources, mentorship, and educational experiences available within the organization.
