Decide to be Involved

As we continue our year of Decisions that Define Us, our next luncheon highlights the deliberate decision to get involved—within the profession and in the broader community with a panel discussion. Engaging in service—whether through pro bono, bar leadership, mentorship, or community work—can transform your practice and the people it touches. 

This panel brings together distinguished members of our legal community who have chosen to lead through service. Panelists will share how they found their path to involvement, the impact it’s had on their careers and communities, and how every lawyer can engage meaningfully—regardless of time, practice area, or experience.

Panelists include:

• Kayla Herrin, Director, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions Legal at Novastone Capital Advisors, will speak on the power of voluntary bar involvement. A past president of both JWLA and the JBA Young Lawyers Section, Kayla has been recognized nationally for her leadership and views bar service as a vehicle for professional development, mentorship, and meaningful impact.

• Kathy Para, retired Director of Pro Bono at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, will share her perspective on pro bono engagement. Kathy pioneered innovative models for community-based legal clinics and online tools to expand access to justice, earning some of the state's highest pro bono honors.

• Judge Gary Flower, County Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, will speak to the vital role of mentorship in sustaining a strong and ethical legal profession. Judge Flower has made significant contributions to mentoring both in his courtroom and in the community. He was recently presented with the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence.

• Sarah Mannion, partner at King & Mannion, P.A., will discuss the value of sustained community involvement. A past JWLA and Women’s Center of Jacksonville president, Sarah is a recognized community leader whose advocacy spans education, gender equity, and inclusive leadership.

The panel will be moderated by Judge Lindsey Tygart, Circuit Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and past President of JWLA.

Whether you're looking to get involved for the first time or to deepen your current commitments, join us for an inspiring and practical conversation on how deciding to be involved can define your practice—and your legacy.

Decide to Support the Community that Defines us

This year, JWLA is continuing its efforts of community outreach and giving back to the local community.  For each luncheon, we will spotlight a local charity or other nonprofit organization and will conduct a donation drive, to be collected at that month’s luncheon.  This luncheon, we will be spotlighting Hey Mama Mobile Pantry, a local charity providing baby supplies, self-care products, and education to Duval County families. We are collecting diapers and wipes, formula, baby food, toiletries and cleaning supplies which will be donated to Hey Mama Mobile Pantry.

We hope you will join in on our effort to give back to our local community.  Any questions can be directed to Katelyn Johnston at [email protected]