H C B A P r E S I d E n T ’ S M E S S A g E J a c q u e l i n e A . S i m m s - P e t r e d i s –
B u r r & F o r m a n , L L P
BuildingBridgesacrosstheoceanand strengtheningourlegalcommunity
TampaandthehillsboroughcountyBarassociationhadtheprivilege lastmonthofhostingadelegationoflawyersfromlehavre , france .
As we approach the holiday season , it is always good to celebrate and remember the family and friends that support us as lawyers and legal professionals . Being a lawyer can be stressful and filled with some days that try your patience . But then there are days when you are filled with pride for what you do to advance the rule of Law in your community and beyond .
Last month we had one of those days ! Tampa and the Hillsborough County Bar Association had the privilege of hosting a delegation of lawyers from Le Havre , France . Tampa and LeHavre have been engaged in a sister city partnership since 1993 . This partnership sent Tampa lawyers and judges to France ten years ago , and this year we were honored to welcome the French lawyers back on our soil .
The group of lawyers , judges , and dignitaries from Le Havre included both the Mayor , Mr . Edouard Philippe , and the “ Batonnier ” or head of the bar association , Mr . Olivier Jougla . They were welcomed with tours of our courthouse and Stetson Law School , as well as discussions with our state attorneys and public defenders , learning about the similarities and differences in our legal systems .
Our Young Lawyers division President- Elect , Sean Bevil , assisted in orchestrating their visit , and ensured that they had extensive opportunities to meet the HCBA community and learn about why we are
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President Simms-Petredis received a token of friendship from the Le Havre delegation .
President Simms-Petredis signed a proclamation reinforcing our partnership with the Le Havre Bar Association .
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