E x E C U T I V E D I r E C T o r ’ s M E s s A g E J o h n F . K y n e s –
H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
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practice and can ’ t imagine where I would be without it ,” simms-Petredis told the crowd of about 250 HCBA members gathered at the Ferguson Law Center . simms-Petredis is a managing partner in Burr Forman ’ s Tampa office and is a highly respected litigator in the firm ’ s financial services group . simms-Petredis — who served as YLD president from 2013-14 and is a longtime HCBA Board member — highlighted some of the YLD ’ s accomplishments during her tenure as president , including starting the YLD Pro Bono Quarterly Luncheon and an annual cornhole tournament benefitting Big Brothers Big sisters of Tampa Bay .
And she said she was especially proud that the Hon . robert J . simms High school Mock Trial Competition , named after her late father , continues to be a signature event for local high school students .
Judge simms was a widely admired Hillsborough Circuit Court judge with the 13th Judicial Circuit when he passed away in 2004 .
“ That sense of community and of giving back is important to me and where I feel I can do the most good with what I ’ ve been given ,” she said .
John schifino , a longtime friend and former colleague at Burr Forman , introduced simms-Petredis at the installation event .
“ Jacqueline is a fierce advocate for her friends and the causes she believes in ,” said schifino . “ she ’ s going to be a fantastic leader of our Bar , and we ’ re lucky to have her .” simms-Petredis grew up in Tampa and got her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from Tulane University .
In her remarks , simms-Petredis said the theme of her year as Bar president will focus on “ community ” and working to advance the HCBA ’ s mission and goals .
“ With the pandemic and everything else going on in society and our lives , my goal this year is to take a step back from our daily tasks of going to court , writing motions , negotiating contracts , and really focus on what makes us good humans in addition to what makes us all good lawyers ,” she said .
Continuing , simms-Petredis said she wants the HCBA to focus on strengthening diversity , equity , and inclusion in the profession ; volunteerism and the importance of pro bono efforts ; professionalism and being better ambassadors for lawyers ; and being mentors for newer HCBA members .
“ It is my hope that everyone here will follow me in promoting and strengthening those goals so that the HCBA is even more known for its efforts to advance our profession than it already is ,” she said . simms-Petredis also recognized newly installed YLD President Lyndsey siara and said she looked forward to working with the YLD during the Bar year .
Earlier , simms-Petredis jokingly said she was grateful that the installation date had “ worked out ” as she was nearing the end of her pregnancy and was expecting to have her baby soon [ Update : baby robert Thomas Petredis was born on June 24 ].
Concluding her remarks , simms-Petredis acknowledged and thanked her mother , rosalie simms , and her late father , Judge simms , for their support and guidance over the years .
And she thanked her husband , Justin Petredis , a prominent local criminal defense attorney , for his unwavering support and , also , for his future help with their growing family .
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The fall season and a new Bar year also bring new opportunities for HCBA members .
These include the opportunity to forge new relationships and reconnect with HCBA members at the many informative CLE seminars and the various membership and social events held throughout the Bar year .
Plus , make it a point to attend the HCBA ’ s 25th Annual Bench Bar Conference , Membership Luncheon , and Judicial Reception scheduled for Thursday , Oct . 13 , at the JW Marriott , which is always a highlight during the Bar year .
I look forward to seeing you sometime soon at an upcoming HCBA event . n
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