Featured in the April 2023 Issue
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Partner's Perspective: The Future of Jacksonville and Embracing Change in Life and Law
- Jimerson Birr hosts Judicial Panel of Circuit Court Judges
- Blog Highlights
- Curiosities, Ruminations and Various Eccentricities of Firm Biz
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PARTNER'S PERSPECTIVE
Austin T. Hamilton - The Future of Jacksonville and Embracing Change in Life and Law
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As the City of Jacksonville gears up for the 2023 mayoral election, I am reminded of the importance of change. This election presents a crucial opportunity for us all to choose a leader who will prioritize the needs of all Jacksonville residents and who is committed to improving the city as a whole. It is important for all citizens to come together and vote for the next leader of our great city.
Regardless of party affiliation, I hope that you recognize the importance of the upcoming election. I also hope that you will get involved in the upcoming election, whether that means researching the candidates, volunteering your time or simply casting your vote. We have the power to influence change and it starts with each of us taking action.
Regardless of who wins the upcoming election, I have high hopes for the continued improvement of this great city. I moved to Jacksonville in 2009 and I have chosen to remain in Jacksonville and to raise my family here. I am proud to call Jacksonville home and I am proud of this city.
Since moving to Jacksonville, I have seen a lot of changes. With my office located in downtown Jacksonville, I have seen a lot of improvements to downtown Jacksonville and the immediate surrounding areas. This includes the demolition of the Jacksonville Landing, the revitalization of multiple buildings downtown, and welcoming many new bars and restaurants to the area. In addition to these great improvements, there are numerous improvements and projects on the way.
Many of the changes and improvements to the city have resulted from prior challenges we have faced. Growth and improvement are byproducts of change. Without change, there would not be growth or improvement. Change is inevitable. This is true for our city, as well as for our personal lives and in business.
For example, I have witnessed numerous changes in the practice of law over the past ten years. We have gone from filing papers in person at the Clerk’s office to filing everything electronically. As a result of COVID-19, the practice of law has evolved from only in-person or telephonic hearings to attending many (if not most) hearings via ZOOM or another video platform. These changes have helped create efficiencies and cost savings for clients.
Now, the practice of law is facing new challenges and changes with the invention of Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as Chat GPT and others. It will be interesting to see how these changes impact the growth and practice of law over the next 10 years. While change is oftentimes scary, it allows for innovation and improvement. As a firm, we welcome the challenge and excitement that comes along with this new adventure.
In closing, I challenge you to take a few minutes to reflect on the recent changes in your business or personal life. Hopefully from these changes, you have grown as a person and as a professional. Accept, welcome and embrace change.
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Austin T. Hamilton
Partner
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Jimerson Birr hosts Judicial Panel of Circuit Court Judges |
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Jimerson Birr hosted a Judicial Panel moderated by Managing Partner, Charles Jimerson, for a national trade association. The event provided valuable perspective on the litigation process, and local judges, Judge Salvador, Judge Feltel, and Judge Roberson shared their experiences and best advice for in-house counsel. Their insights into discovery and preparation were highly valued by attendees and left a lasting impression.
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The event provided a platform for discussion and dialogue, equipping attendees with priceless knowledge that will be applied throughout their careers. The judges' honest and insightful commentary, based on their vast experience, helped refine complex concepts into actionable habits that were invaluable to the members in attendance. |
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If you would like more information on partnering with Jimerson Birr for legal issues or educational events, please call any of our office lines available at www.jimersonfirm.com.
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Jimerson Birr Legal Blogs |
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Are you keeping up with the latest information in business and law? Jimerson Birr publishes weekly blog posts covering topics from construction law, real estate development, sales and leasing law, banking and financial services law, community association law, and everything in between. Click here to subscribe today and stay up-to-date on the latest legal news from the industries we serve:
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Community Association Industry Legal Blog |
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Recent Florida Case Makes Clear That Settlement Agreements Reached in Connection with Mediation Must be Signed by All Parties to be Enforceable
By: C. Ryan Maloney
Many disputes that result in litigation are resolved through the mediation process prior to trial. In fact, Florida’s Homeowners’ Association Act, Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, requires mandatory mediation for certain types of disputes between homeowners and the association before any lawsuit can be filed. See Fla. Stat. § 720.311(2). Florida circuit courts also typically require that the litigants attempt to mediate their civil dispute prior to the trial occurring. In short, most private litigants will go through the mediation process in order to try to resolve the litigation prior to trial.
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Construction Industry Legal Blog |
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Recent Changes to Florida’s 25% Roof Replacement Rule
By: Melissa G. Murrin
Many homeowners in Florida are no stranger to experiencing damage to their roof during hurricane season. Before May 26, 2022, the rule in Florida was that, if more than 25% of a roof needed to be repaired or replaced, then the entire roof system was required to be replaced to bring the entire roof up to code (the “25% Roof Replacement Rule”).
However, on May 26, 2022, SB 4-D took effect, which eliminated Florida’s 25% Roof Replacement Rule. Now, so long as the rest of the roof is in compliance with the 2007 Florida Building Code, or any subsequent versions of that code, then a full roof replacement is not required.
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Real Estate Development, Sales and Leasing Industry Legal Blog |
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Five Tips for a Successful Real Estate Closing
By: A. Hunter Faulkner
After interviewing several real estate agents, conducting multiple home showings, staging open houses, and negotiating potential offers, you have finally signed on the dotted line and put your property under contract. The next step is to successfully get the property closed and the title legally transferred to the buyer. The time period from when the property is placed under contract up to the date of closing can either go smoothly or it can be an adventure. The following five tips should provide a roadmap to a successful closing, while keeping you informed of the process along the way.
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Curiosities, Ruminations and Various Eccentricities of Firm Biz |
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April JB FOR ME Highlight Reel
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On Superhero Day, we dressed up in capes and masks and competed in an epic relay race to get one step closer to winning the coveted firm cup. With our superhero-like speed and determination, we battled it out to prove that we're the real heroes in the workplace. Although we looked a little comical in our costumes, we had an absolute blast and got one step closer to claiming the prize.
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Our Easter egg hunt turned the office into a war zone, with coworkers frantically searching for candy and firm cup points. The Easter Bunny mascot had us fooled with his tricky hiding spots, leading to an amusing search for the eggs. We left with a sugar high and a sense of accomplishment.
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Happy National Pet Day to all the pet owners out there! We had a hilarious pet photo frenzy, with dogs and cats taking the lead, but also a bunny and bird showing off their exotic flair. It was a cuteness explosion, and we all had to resist the urge to cuddle our screens. Remember, pets may be just animals to some, but to us, they're the real MVPs of our homes.
Click here to learn about our award-winning Firm Culture.
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