On September 18, 2025, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) hosted the 23rd Annual Robert J. Beckham Equal Justice Awards Celebration at the Jacksonville Public Library. Each year, this event shines a light on people and organizations who go above and beyond to expand access to justice for low-income residents in Northeast Florida.
This year’s keynote speaker was Stephanie Land, author of the bestselling memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. Her story, later adapted into the acclaimed Netflix series Maid, offered a powerful look at resilience, poverty, and the fight for stability as a single mother. Her message aligned closely with JALA’s mission: ensuring that vulnerable voices are heard and supported.
The 2025 honorees were the partners of the Jacksonville Eviction Diversion Program, a collaboration launched in 2024 to prevent evictions and keep families in their homes. Together, the City of Jacksonville, United Way of Northeast Florida, the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Duval County, Jewish Family & Community Services, and JALA had already helped more than 330 households. Impressively, 83% of families remained housed six months after receiving assistance, a clear sign of the program’s long-term impact.
Funds raised through tickets and sponsorships directly supported JALA’s legal services in housing, family law, employment, consumer rights, and public benefits. Each contribution helped ensure that families in crisis received the advocacy they needed to move forward with dignity.
The Bedell Firm was proud to recognize the Equal Justice Awards and the extraordinary work of this year’s honorees. Celebrating those who make it possible reminded us that meaningful change happens when our community comes together in the service of fairness and compassion.
About Bedell
As the oldest law firm in continuous existence in the State of Florida, Bedell has a long-standing history of providing exceptional legal services to our clients. Our core practice areas include civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law litigation.
