John J. Jake Schickel, a Jacksonville attorney, is one of two attorneys who have received the Justice Harry Lee Anstead Award for Board-Certified Lawyer of the year from the Florida Bar. Schickel received recognition in 2006. Schickel was recognized in 2006.
“I had three careers,” said he. He said he had three careers: assistant state attorney, private law firm handling PI defense (and workers’ compensation plaintiffs and defense), and mediations.
Schickel was a State Attorney’s Office employee under Chuck Arnold and Ed Austin. Two of Schickel’s favorite mentors. He had the chance to prosecute cases in front of Judge Susan Block, who also became a favorite mentor.
Schickel had many opportunities as Ed Austin’s chief assistant. Schickel was instrumental in the creation of the Career Criminal Program and the Multiple Offender Division. He developed the intake system for “direct responsibility” as well as modernizing the office.
Schickel was Austin’s only assistant when he was chosen by the National District Attorneys Association for a position on a committee that developed standards and goals.
“I traveled with Ed and we often spent Sunday afternoons lobbying and planning.” “He taught many lawyers to be lawyers, and taught us to all do what is right,” Schickel said. “Always be professional, honest and trustworthy. Act with integrity.”
Schickel’s second career began after some of his friends decided to start a law firm and needed a fourth attorney. “I knew Howard Coker and Wayne Myers both from high school. They started a firm with Bob Cowles. They invited me to join. “I helped Bob, Howard and Wayne with their personal injury cases.
Over the course his career he learned many things, but one of the most important is to read the law.
“When I worked as a county court prosecutor in Florida, the future Florida Supreme Court justice showed up to represent a man accused of DUI. He asked me dismiss the case. He said that his client’s limit was not met. I told him that the law has changed and that his client is now above the limit. He apologized quickly and begged his client.
He continued, “I had also a future Circuit Judge try a DUI case with me.” The only witnesses were his client and the officer (breathalyzers weren’t admissible back then). “Remember that it says in Scripture, you cannot convict based on one witness alone.” He told the jury. I stood up. The judge pounded his gavel. And the future circuit court judge smiled. The jury also read the Bible and found him not guilty.”
Schickel stresses the importance of professionalism in law practice, more than just reading the law.
Professionalism is my advice to all lawyers. Being professional is more important than winning a trial. Second, get involved in your community by serving on boards, foundations, and other organizations. It’s inspiring to see so many lawyers who are actively involved.”
In conclusion, we asked Schickel to tell us about one of his other great honors: the E. Robert Williams American Inn of Court naming the State Professionalism Award in 2017 after him. When I heard that it was going to happen, I said, “I haven’t yet died!”
Schickel is still serving Coker Law today as a counsel.
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