• Partner's Perspective: Finding Your Motivation
  • Register Now for "Protecting Your Business From a Ransomware Attack"
  • Construction Industry Team Presents "Navigating the Era of Rapidly Escalating Construction Prices"
  • Vote Today: Jimerson Birr Nominated for Reader's Choice Award
  • Curiosities, Ruminations and Various Eccentricities of Firm Biz
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PARTNER'S PERSPECTIVE
A. Hunter Faulkner - Finding Your Motivation
This year, Jimerson Birr was fortunate enough to have three outstanding law students spend their summer with our office as summer associates learning what day-to-day life in private practice is like. Having aspiring attorneys in the office always takes me back to my time as a summer associate. I distinctly remember approaching that summer with my other classmates, the majority of us heading to different public and private offices around Florida, thinking about the fascinating cases that we would all be working on. We were all beyond excited. Why wouldn’t we be? This is what we’d all been working so hard for, along with the hope that our summer positions would lead to full-time jobs as junior associates.
 
Two weeks into that summer, however, the excitement had somewhat faded. While the cases I was assigned to work on were interesting, and while I was able to attend various depositions and hearings, I soon discovered that the glamorous side of being an attorney takes a backseat to all of the long hours and hard work that is required to be put in on the front end to achieve successful results for the client. While I still knew I still wanted to be an attorney and practice at a high level, I also realized that being an attorney is also like most other jobs: sometimes it can be a grind. And like with any other job, there are going to be days when you have to find the motivation to push through all of the tedious and taxing work you don’t necessarily want to do but which has to be done for the sake of your client and your case. 
 
With any job, and especially in the legal industry, you have to find the motivation to carry you through the tough days, because these days are not few and far between. Different people have different ways to find motivation to carry them through their workdays. For me, I try to use the following three motivational strategies to carry me through those tasks that can seem intimidating. First, I find that creating small bite-sized goals for each individual assignment allows me to focus more on the task at hand rather than focusing on a larger more daunting project. This way I feel like I’ve made some progress in providing me with a sense of accomplishment by meeting these smaller goals.
 
Second, I find that my motivation wanes if I fail to set realistic timeframes for being productive. For me, working nonstop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is unrealistic and a sure-fire way to burn out. Instead, I try to stop working once an hour during the workday for at least five minutes to give my brain a rest and unplug. These short breaks do wonders, and my productivity levels skyrocket when I’m able to work consistently in this manner.
 
Lastly, the most effective motivational trick for me is to simply dive into the work and get it done. It may sound trite and obvious, but it is incredibly easy to procrastinate when faced with a complicated project. Rather than sit around and debate with yourself on how to get started and trying to find motivation, just jump into the task and immerse yourself in the work. You have to trust yourself that you’ll find the focus you need to get the project done.
 
As such, while many of us are familiar with the popular Confucius quote, “choose a job that you love and you’ll never ‘work’ a day in your life,” I don’t necessarily believe that this quote applies to everyone. Maybe there are a select few folks out there who truly do not view their job as work (lucky them!), but as for the rest of us, it’s imperative that we find motivation where we can in order to carry us through our days. No matter how high profile your job is, there are always going to be those days where you just have to fight to get through it. Finding the motivation to get through those tough days is key to performing at a high level and developing a successful practice.
Cheers,
A. Hunter Faulkner
Partner

Register Now: "Protecting Your Business From a Ransomware Attack"
On Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, two of our attorneys will be joined by cybersecurity industry leaders to present Protecting Your Business From a Ransomware Attack. The panel presentation will be followed by lunch with the presenters to allow for further discussions and networking at 1:00 PM. Whether you're a part of a small or large company in either the public or private sector, this presentation will offer valuable insights and guidance for being prepared for a cybersecurity threat.

With ransomware attacks and cybersecurity threats on the rise, it is critical for businesses to be prepared by understanding both current and forecasted trends and learning key strategies for mitigating risks. Topics and areas of discussion for the presentation include:

  • Ransomware and Information Technology
  • Cyber Insurance Trends for Ransomware Coverage
  • Trends in Ransomware Crimes
  • Bridging the Gap between People, Technology & Forensics
  • Your Legal Team and Ransomware

Managing partner Charles B. Jimerson will serve as the moderator, and he will be joined by special counsel Lynne C. Rhode (Jimerson Birr), Doug Lowenthal (TruTechnology), Vicky Zelen (Zelen Risk Solutions), Toni Chrabot (Retired FBI, Risk Confidence Group), and Adam Johnson (Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence).

Protecting Your Business From a Ransomware Attack
Panel Presentation, Lunch & Networking
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Seminar from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Second Floor Auditorium
One Independent Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32202

If you cannot attend in person, there is an option to join virtually.

Construction Industry Team Presents "Navigating the Era of Rapidly Escalating Construction Prices"
On Wednesday, August 25 , partners Austin B. Calhoun, Esq. and C. Ryan Maloney, Esq. led a virtual panel discussion with industry leaders on the hot button issue of the rapid escalation of construction material and labor prices we are experiencing across the industry.

In addition to two of the attorneys from Jimerson Birr’s construction industry team, three guest panelists shared insight, implications, trends, and best practices from the unique perspectives of general contractors, trade subcontractors, and material suppliers. Key issues covered were:

  • Industry trends and where things may be headed related to construction material and labor prices
  • Tips on ways to plan and prepare for escalating prices in the current volatile market environment
  • Ways to try to hedge and protect yourself in bids and contract negotiations
  • What to do if prices materially escalate mid-stream during the course of a project
Cast Your Vote: Jimerson Birr Nominated for a Reader's Choice Award from Florida Community Association Journal
We are excited to share that Jimerson Birr has again been nominated for a Florida Community Association Journal (FLCAJ) Reader's Choice Award. The FLCAJ Awards are presented each year to industry service providers, and the winners are selected by popular vote through their online voting process. Last year, the firm won a Platinum Award thanks to the number of votes cast.

Voting is quick, and we hope you will cast your vote for us in the Legal Services category. We appreciate your consideration, and thank you for continuing to be loyal readers and friends.
Jimerson Birr Legal Blogs
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:
Banking & Financial Services Industry Legal Blog
How Lenders Can Avoid Losing Their Collateral by Paying Off the Borrower’s Property Tax Obligations


In Florida, if a property owner (borrower) fails to pay its property taxes, the amount owing may become a lien on the property. If this happens, the tax lien will become superior to the lender’s mortgage lien. Fla. Stat. § 197.122(a). This may be troublesome for lenders because the property may then be sold for taxes, which will eliminate the lender’s mortgage lien. This may leave some lenders wondering how it can protect their mortgage interests, if the borrower is delinquent in paying its property taxes...

Click here to read the full blog post.

Construction Industry Legal Blog
What Every Florida Community Association and Building Owner Needs to Know About Florida’s 10-Year Construction Defect Statute of Repose


The recent tragedy of the Champlain Tower collapse in Surfside, Florida, has brought an even greater focus on building safety and maintenance by governments, building owners, and condominium and community associations throughout Florida. As efforts are made to inspect and ensure the safety of buildings across the state, building owners, and condominium and community associations in charge of managing and maintaining buildings, need to be keenly aware of section 95.11(3)(c), Florida Statutes. This statute, known as Florida’s construction statute of repose, imposes a strict 10-year deadline on any legal claims founded on the design, planning, or construction of an improvement to real property in Florida, with any claims not brought within the deadline completely barred. This blog explains the key features of the statute and its application, and recommends critical steps building owners and community associations should take to protect themselves in advance of the deadline...

Click here to read the full blog post.

Community Associations Industry Legal Blog
Condominium Association Boards: Why You Should Not Avoid Maintenance


Disputes over the party responsible for the maintenance of various areas of a condominium complex are common. Disagreements frequently arise between unit owners and an association over whether the association or the owner is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a particular area. This blog post provides an overview and summary of Florida law on the maintenance responsibilities of a condominium association as well as best practices condominium associations can take to meet these responsibilities and minimize liability exposure of association board members...

Click here to read the full blog post.

Real Estate Development, Sales & Leasing Industry Legal Blog
I Want to Evict My Commercial Tenant! What Do I Need to Know? Common Defenses to a Commercial Eviction Action


Commercial landlords may encounter tenants who refuse to pay rent, refuse to vacate the premises after the lease term has ended or fail to cure a material breach of the lease agreement. In these situations, the landlord may decide to commence eviction proceedings by filing an action for eviction and for damages. Commercial eviction actions are also commonly referred to as summary removal actions. In response to the landlord’s eviction/removal action, commercial tenants will likely raise all available defenses in an effort to delay the eviction action...

Click here to read the full blog post.

Professional Services Industry Legal Blog
Can Professional Service Providers Enforce Non-Competes Based on Protection of Goodwill?

In Florida, non-competes may be enforced by professional service providers so long as they are reasonable in time, area, and line of business. In addition, the non-compete must also protect a “legitimate business interest,” as defined by Section 542.335 of the Florida Statutes. The statute defines legitimate business interests through a non-exhaustive list, which includes “customer, patient, or client goodwill.” Since goodwill is among the interests listed in the statute, professional service providers can enforce non-competes based on protection of goodwill. But this naturally begs the question, how?..

Click here to read the full blog post.

Firm News
Curiosities, Ruminations and Various Eccentricities of Firm Biz
Join Charlie Jimerson and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for a Party with a Purpose
JDRF is hosting their signature fundraising gala on Thursday, November 4, which is a party with a purpose. A Night Under the Stars will be held at TPC Sawgrass, and attendees will be supporting and accelerating critical research to prevent, treat, and cure Type 1 Diabetes. For 20 years, JDRF’s annual charity function has provided essential funds and support to advance Type 1 Diabetes research, treatments, and resources for children, adults and families.

Managing partner Charles Jimerson serves on the board for the North Florida Chapter where he contributes time and resources in support of the organization's mission. JDRF’s A Night Under the Stars gala is seeking corporate sponsors to join this year’s party with a purpose. The gala will feature silent and live auctions, cocktails, dinner and music. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and the inspiring mission and work of JDRF.
September JB FOR ME Highlight Reel
Now that fall is officially here, we tend to lean into some of the seasonal festivities here at Jimerson Birr. That looks like three of our favorite things this month: food, football and friendly competition.

Our first jump into the seasonal spirit was on National Trail Mix Day. A full spread of seeds, nuts, fruits, and sweets were set up for a build-your-own trail mix bar. From pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, candied pecans, and white chocolate covered raisins, there was something to strike everyone's afternoon hankering.

The JB Fantasy Football League is no joke. 14 team managers gathered together for a cut-throat live snake draft in our conference room after work on the day of our draft. While there is a definite competitive spirit surrounding the league, we still like each other enough to have a little fun between games.

For some fresh air, we embarked on our monthly Mental Health Monday Walk across the Main Street Bridge. It may have been warm out, but the views of downtown and the company, we wouldn't trade for anything.
A view of the endless, build-your-own trail mix bar shared on National Trail Mix Day, which made for a great afternoon snack.
An inside look at Fantasy Football Draft Night. The pressure was mounting and the competitive spirit was very much alive.
We're getting closer and closer to the end of the year when the Firm Cup will be awarded to the ultimate champion of our physical and mental competition events throughout the year. We are down to just three more competitions. Coming up in October, we'll be celebrating Oktoberfest with a fun tournament, and later in the month, playing one of our firm favorites: Pumpkin Bowling.
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