I have known Jacob Schickel for a number of years. I will save us both the embarrassment of stating how long. I have known Judge Ralph Humphries for about as long. They were both "old hands" in the comp community of Jacksonville when I happened upon the scene some years ago. As old as I feel, it is some comfort that there are many who are older. The bar in those days was different than today. I know it sounds like pure nostalgia, and perhaps it is.
In Everybody's Free, Luz Burhmann provided some advice on nostalgia. I remember it each time I am tempted to reminisce.
- Be careful whose advice you buy but be patient with those who supply it
- Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past
- From the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts
- And recycling it for more than it's worth
So, let's start from that premise. This may be utterly worthless, and it is most certainly recycled. But, I contend there is great hope for professionalism and collegiality in the Florida workers' compensation bar. Early this century, Jake Shickle envisioned the establishment of an Inn of Court devoted to the workers' compensation practice. He selfishly conveniently focused on his own community in Jacksonville. By that time, he was one of the old-timers and had enjoyed a decorated and recognized career. He gathered community members, recruited the local judges and led the effort to establish what would be the E. Robert Williams Inn of Court. That effort grew, and there are five workers' compensation Inns in Florida now.
The Williams Inn has thrived since that time. There is power in community, collegiality, enthusiasm, and professionalism. The Williams Inn has exhibited these repeatedly. I have been privileged to be called an honorary member over the years, though I am not sure that is a real thing. I have also been privileged to speak at some of their events. They are a lively and interactive group. The fact that I have known so many there for decades likely impairs my impartiality and militates toward my enthusiasm for their efforts.
The Williams Inn met recently and had their holiday extravaganza for 2022. The program, as I understand it, was outstanding. Mr. O'Rourke was reportedly dead-on with his anecdotes and impeachments. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two recognitions. The first is a professionalism award that the Inn presents annually to a member. The award is named for Jacob Schickel, and has an impressive list of recipients. This year, the Inn presented it to Hon. Ralph Humphries. The complete list of recipients:
- Doug Myers 2011-2012 See Two Emails and Two Stories (September 2021)
- Ben Samuels 2012-2013
- Michael O'Rourke 2013-2014
- Alan Gordon 2014-2015
- Amy Warpinski 2015-2016
- Richard Stoudemire 2016-2017
- Michael Rudolph 2017-2018
- Judge William Ray Holley 2018-2019
- Mary Nelson Morgan 2019-2020
- Michael Crumpler 2020-2021 but awarded in 2021
- Greg Lower 2021-2022
- Ralph Humphries 2022-2023
That is indeed a distinguished list of attorneys. I can think of only a few humorous anecdotes about each. All but Mr. Gordon, I encountered in the days when I practiced in Jacksonville, so long ago now. That is an esteemed company in which to be included. Congratulations Judge Humphries!
The Inn has also bestowed two Lifetime Achievement Awards:
- George Rotchford 2018
- Alan Gordon 2022
That too is an esteemed group. Notice Mr. Gordon made each list.
I first met George Rotchford at a final hearing eons ago. He was trying the claim against a lawyer I worked for, and I was carrying the briefcase. My job, I was told, was to sit and listen. And that I did. Mr. Rotchford did not prevail that day, and he later called to speak to the lawyer for whom I worked. Failing to connect, and wanting to file a motion for rehearing, he asked for me (not by name, "that guy" as I recall) with the intent of certifying to the judge that he had "in good faith" striven to avoid the need for motion/hearing.
I was fresh out of law school, had not tried the case, and vividly remembered my instructions (sit and listen). Mr. Rotchford kept me on the phone for a good while explaining his perspectives on the case, and what he thought the judge had missed or misconstrued. I felt he was seeking my acquiescence or concession as if such were my role (I was paid to carry the briefcase, see above). Tormented and anxious, I fell into platitudes. I could think of nothing else. The call went like that: Mr. Rotchford explaining this fact in detail; Dave: "that's water over the dam." Mr. Rotchford explaining that law; Dave: "that's a horse of a different color." And, on we went until he thanked me and hung up. If he ever knew how nervous I had been, he never let on.
That was a difficult call, one for which I was neither prepared nor particularly competent. But I learned from it. In fact, in retrospect, I learned a lot from many telephone calls I had with lawyers over the years. Conversation is enlightening, even when it's not (you can learn a great deal from a bad example). One of our big issues today is too little conversation and too much bloviating.
Similarly, I ran across Ralph Humphries in a complex case. He represented a co-defendant, as did former Judge Rhodes Gay. It was a tremendous conflict, one in which there were potentials for judicial disqualification, legal complexities, and tragic injuries. The experience was nerve-wracking and I was surrounded by far more experienced and able counsel. But, I learned a great deal. I was fortunate for the opportunity to study Judge Humphries's processes, perspectives, and efforts. There was a collegiality and communication that is seemingly eroding (or already washed downstream) today.
As I reflected on the news that these two awards had been bestowed, I found it gratifying. In the sense that lawyers still gather and converse; that they joke and laugh; that they recognize achievement in each other; that they are professionals in an increasingly challenging world.
I applaud the effort and the dedication. I congratulate the winners and the Inn that supports them. I encourage every set of eyes that sees this to find such a group, opportunity, or home and make yourself a part of it. This profession too often chews up and spits out. It is way too hard on the young and the inexperienced. It is ripe for a post-pandemic return to in-person camaraderie, collegiality, and community. I hope you find a path there yourself. Congratulations again gentlemen. Enthusiastically so.
