Aaron Irving grew up in Lake Panasoffkee, in Florida’s middle-class farming community. His grandfather, James Veal Sr. was a local environmentalist and politician who had a knack for relating to people.
Irving said that he and his father were both instilled with the desire to help others.
“I’ve been involved with JALA for a long time, and I hold it in a very special place of my heart.” “I guess destiny has a plan,” said Irving, an adjunct professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville. The JALA pro bono job came at the perfect time and is a great way to fulfill my passion for helping others.
Irving was in private practice 12 years before Kathy Para, long-time JALA Pro Bono director, asked him if he would consider taking over her role following the departure of Missy Davenport.
Irving, a long-time JALA volunteer, had worked with them both, taking on pro bono cases and giving advice, as well as presenting at clinics. Irving helped to launch two JALA programs: a Legal Name Change Clinic and Family Law at Reduced Cost (FLARE), which he oversees.
Irving faces a challenge in bringing back pro bono lawyers and recruiting new ones after the COVID-19 pandemic halted JALA’s pro bono clinics. He also has to find ways to reach out to a public that is no longer used to in-person events.
The Veterans Legal Collaborative is one of the programs that he has revived. It is held every second Friday at the VA.
Irving explained that “it’s usually sponsored by a big firm and they will help staff it with four attorneys.” “It’s beneficial to these large firms because young associates–especially if they are in a high commercial litigation-type practice or a transactional practice–are not going to have much opportunity to learn about interacting with the public, so it can be a training session on that. This also helps them to learn about other aspects of law, besides their own practice area.
Irving, in addition to bringing the Veterans Legal Collaborative back, has launched a Lunch and Learn twice monthly for women veterans, in collaboration with the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and the Jacksonville Bar Association and Northeast Florida Women Veterans Center.
Irving stated that there was a large turnout. “A lawyer is going to give an hour-long presentation on a subject that women veterans are likely to have legal concerns with, like landlord/tenant issues, probate, and family law.”
Irving says that most lawyers are excited about doing pro bono work, but they need to be convinced to do it. Irving makes sure that they know that JALA gives them a platform to succeed right away, and that there is no need for a large time commitment. Lawyers can offer short advice or staff a clinic.
Irving stated that “Lawyers will be covered by JALA’s insurance policy for malpractice when they perform pro bono work through us.” We also offer training to attorneys who are not well-versed in certain areas. We can pair a lawyer up with a resource attorney who is an expert in the field if they require guidance while working on a pro-bono case.
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