Dennis Harrison, Author at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.

JALA helps woman reach settlement with her former employer in sexual harassment case

JALA helps woman reach settlement with her former employer in sexual harassment case

After a year of unemployment, “Stacey” found what she thought would be her dream job, but it soon turned into a nightmare when she reported a coworker’s sexual harassment to human resources. As a purchasing agent for a mid-sized air conditioning company in Jacksonville, Stacey received frequent compliments on her work performance from the management. About a month into the job, she arrived at work and entered the office area through the company’s warehouse doors. There, she came upon a parts technician with his back towards her, and in an attempt to greet him, she tapped him on the shoulder. He then swiftly swung around and wrapped his left arm around her waist, while used his right hand to grab her buttocks.

Dennis Harrison2023-05-22T10:20:44-04:00May 2nd, 2023|Client Stories|

2023’s Class of 40 Under 40: Alessandro Apolito of Lippes Mathias LLP

2023’s Class of 40 Under 40: Alessandro Apolito of Lippes Mathias LLP

What has been your biggest accomplishment over the course of your career? My biggest accomplishment so far has been receiving the 2020 Florida Young Lawyers Division's Lynn Futch award for the most productive young lawyer. This is a statewide award presented to the most productive young lawyer in the state. How are you involved in the community outside of work (board positions, etc.)? I have previously been active in the community through my involvement with the Young Lawyers Section of the Jacksonville Bar Association, where I have held various positions, including the role of president in 2020. As part of my involvement with the Young Lawyers Section I have volunteered and helped to raise money for a number of local charitable organizations that include Rethreaded, the Anthony Stinson Association for Change, Clarke School for Hearing and Speech, and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.

Dennis Harrison2023-05-22T10:21:46-04:00April 21st, 2023|News, Pro Bono|

2023’s Class of 40 Under 40: Ashlea A. Edwards of Akerman LLP

2023’s Class of 40 Under 40: Ashlea A. Edwards of Akerman LLP

What has been your biggest accomplishment over the course of your career? I have had successful outcomes and experience with trials, appeals, and cases that have been memorable, including successfully defending an appeal with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals for the City of Neptune Beach, successfully defending claims made against a large airline and national big box store in a variety of forums, and assisting local charities seek and obtain 501(c)(3) status. Additionally, I do rewarding work with the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid where I assist qualified individuals through the probate process after a loved one has passed away.

Dennis Harrison2023-05-22T10:22:33-04:00April 21st, 2023|News, Pro Bono|

Lawsuit targets Florida Medicaid program over incontinence supplies

Lawsuit targets Florida Medicaid program over incontinence supplies

Attorneys for two women with disabilities have filed a potential class-action lawsuit alleging that Florida’s Medicaid program is improperly denying coverage for incontinence supplies. The lawsuit, filed Sunday in U.S. district court in Jacksonville on behalf of Duval County resident Blanca Meza and St. Johns County resident Destiny Belanger, contends that the state is violating federal Medicaid law and laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act. It said the state provides incontinence supplies, such as briefs, diapers and underpads, for Medicaid beneficiaries under age 21 and for certain adults, including people in nursing homes and people in what are known as Medicaid home- and community-based services “waiver” programs.

Dennis Harrison2024-01-04T11:35:42-05:00April 12th, 2023|News|

JALA helps domestic violence survivor and her children put an abusive relationship behind them and build a new life in Jacksonville

JALA helps domestic violence survivor and her children put an abusive relationship behind them and build a new life in Jacksonville

“Monica” relocated to Jacksonville, Fla., from New York in April 2021 to escape years of her husband’s physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Married in 2015, the couple had two boys. After they were born in 2019 and 2020, Monica started to see a rapid change in her husband’s behavior. He developed addictions to alcohol and cocaine, and the physical violence escalated. At first, Monica felt ashamed and embarrassed, but she reached a turning point when the abuse was directed at her children and elderly father. In March 2021, her husband attacked her 63-year-old father, a disabled veteran, while he was holding their 2-year-old. He snatched the toddler from his grandfather, threw the child at Monica, slammed the grandfather’s head against a wall, and tackled him. The incident in March was not isolated, but it was the catalyst for Monica’s decision to end the cycle of abuse.

Dennis Harrison2024-01-04T11:36:33-05:00April 11th, 2023|Uncategorized|

Fair Housing Symposium

Fair Housing Symposium

REGISTER NOW! Friday, April 14, 1pm-4pm Virtual Webinar FREE EVENT | REGISTRATION REQUIRED To register or for more information, please email: FairHousingEvents@jaxlegalaid.org

Dennis Harrison2024-01-04T11:37:18-05:00March 18th, 2023|Fair Housing, News|

JALA helps employee of the U.S. Postal Service regain workplace accommodations

JALA helps employee of the U.S. Postal Service regain workplace accommodations

“Janie,” 65, had worked for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for more than 40 years, during which she developed mobility problems. By way of accommodation, she was given a permit that enabled her to park in a reserved space near the employee entrance and was provided a motorized scooter to get around the building. With these aides, she was able to perform her job. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was allowed to work from home for 10 months, during which these accommodations were not needed. When she returned to the office, her supervisor told her that USPS could no longer accommodate her with a parking permit or allow her to use one of their motorized scooters.

Dennis Harrison2024-01-04T11:38:13-05:00March 12th, 2023|Client Stories|

Leaders in the Law: Melina Buncome

Leaders in the Law: Melina Buncome

What inspired you to become a lawyer? In elementary school, I remember a student who was in trouble and he was not doing a good job of telling his side of the story. I decided at that point I wanted to be the voice for others. I wanted to be an advocate for others. I have not wavered.

Dennis Harrison2024-01-04T11:38:51-05:00March 7th, 2023|News, Pro Bono|

JALA helps low-income senior obtain a full homestead exemption

JALA helps low-income senior obtain a full homestead exemption

“Irene,” 80, had decades ago purchased a home for her mother and herself, but when her mother died in 1996, she lost half of the homestead exemption. She missed out on 25 years of the full property tax exemption, because only half of the property was in her name. JALA filed a probate action to transfer her late mother’s 50% interest in the home to Irene so she could claim the full exemption and better protect her modest 150% federal poverty level income.

Dennis Harrison2024-01-04T11:40:13-05:00March 1st, 2023|Client Stories, Fair Housing|

After JALA clears up title, woman obtains homestead exemption

After JALA clears up title, woman obtains homestead exemption

“Victoria,” 63, had inherited one-sixth of her late mother's homestead property, and most of her five siblings had given their one-sixth share to her. One brother, who had moved to the Philippines years ago, died without a will in 2011 as a citizen of the Philippines. He did not have a spouse or children. His only asset was his one-sixth share of the house in Jacksonville (worth about $11,000), so no probate action was filed in the Philippines.

Dennis Harrison2023-03-03T09:57:40-05:00March 1st, 2023|Client Stories, Fair Housing|

Dennis.Harrison@jaxlegalaid.org

About Dennis Harrison