After play was suspended for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Pajcic & Pajcic Yard Golf and Lawn Party returns from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 2 along Montgomery and Richmond streets in Avondale. All donations and sponsorships are matched 100% by the law firm to benefit Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. Attorneys are asked to make a $50 donation, the public is invited for a $25 donation per person and children are admitted free.
“Lester,” a man in his 70s who had been renting his home for over 30 years, was surprised to receive a notice from his landlord saying he had 10 days to leave his home or else he would be evicted. His landlord claimed he owed $1,300, but Lester had always paid his rent on time. Afraid of losing his long-time home, made affordable to him through a federal rental subsidy, Lester came to JALA for help. Lester enjoyed the continuity of his home in a quiet neighborhood near his doctor’s appointments. He did not want to move.
Florida’s emergency rental assistance relief program, Our Florida, announced it sent more than $51 million to families between March 10 and March 23. Just how much of that money was actually deposited, and how much of it is really helping people? Action News Jax has been receiving emails and calls for help from several viewers, claiming their money was reportedly sent by the state but never arrived. A month ago, a Jacksonville woman was waiting on several checks. This time, it’s the same story again; a man in Orange Park was supposed to be evicted Wednesday, March 30. Eric Strickland’s apartment is currently empty. He has packed up all his belongings and moved his furniture to a friend’s house.
If you are having trouble with Our Florida or are facing eviction, we have information on who can help you. JACKSONVILLE, Fla
Jacksonville Bar Association Podcast Episode 12 features James A. Kowalski, Jr., President & CEO of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, an organization that
Jacksonville University President Tim Cost said Feb. 28 the institution’s decision to launch a College of Law meets demand from Fortune 500 companies to recruit talent and leadership with a legal background. At a news conference at City Hall, Cost and Mayor Lenny Curry announced JU’s plans to open a law school in Downtown Jacksonville in the fall with $5 million in city backing. The JU president said Jacksonville-based companies, including Fidelity National Information Services Inc., Florida Blue and Black Knight Inc., look for leadership with a legal education. Cost said about 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs have a Juris Doctor degree.
“Becky” met the man of her dreams when she was 14 and he was 18. When she was old enough, they got married. But soon, things changed. First came name calling, which made her feel worthless. He told her he was the only person who would ever love her, and she believed it. Soon, Becky had to learn how to cover up bruises to more than her ego. She was in a nightmare she couldn't leave, because she had no money or work experience. And she had a baby.
“Jaquan,” who has a disability and lives in public housing, was having problems with the conditions of his apartment and that of his neighbor as the result of faulty air conditioning units. His own air conditioning unit filled up with mold and mildew, and his neighbor’s leaked down into his apartment through the ceiling and walls, causing further mold and mildew.
Business is booming at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. With offices in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties, JALA employs about 70 attorneys and support staff to provide representation for low-income residents who have civil legal issues but cannot afford to hire a lawyer. “We’re just like any other big law firm,” said attorney Jim Kowalski, JALA president and CEO. The number of people asking for help from JALA is rising dramatically. In 2019, the total intake was 5,591 cases. In 2020, it grew to 6,471 cases and last year, 7,991 people asked for help with a civil legal problem. Domestic violence and other family law matters lead the list each year, increasing from about 1,300 cases in 2019 to more than 1,800 in 2021.
Navy veteran Brianna Rebecca Brown sought to reenlist in the U.S. Navy, but due to a Department of Defense policy for single parents, she was required to have a parenting plan and guardian for minor children while on deployment or mobilization. Specifically, the U.S. Navy Recruiter told Brown she was going to need a Single Parent Waiver to reenter the military. Her daughter’s father was listed on the child’s birth certificate, so the Navy required her to have an official document indicating she had the sole authority to make decisions for daughter, even though the father had not been involved in the child’s life.
