Categories: Business NewsLegalNewsReal Estate & Properties

Marks Gray Law Firm Celebrates 125 Years of Service

Community members come together to celebrate Marks Gray Law Firm's 125 years of dedicated service.

News Summary

In 2024, Marks Gray Law Firm proudly commemorates its 125th anniversary, reflecting on its legacy of community service in Jacksonville since 1899. The firm, with over 50 staff and 20 attorneys, showcases a commitment to resilience and community engagement, while honoring notable contributions from past and present members. Through service projects and continued growth, Marks Gray remains a pillar of the Northeast Florida legal community.

Jacksonville Celebrates 125 Years of Marks Gray Law Firm’s Service

In the heart of Jacksonville, a remarkable milestone was celebrated in 2024 as Marks Gray Law Firm marked its 125th year of operation! Since its founding in 1899 by attorney Richard P. Marks, the firm has dedicated itself to serving the Northeast Florida community with unwavering commitment and expertise. Over the years, the firm has become a pillar in the local legal community, and this anniversary is a testament to its enduring legacy.

A Community-Centric Approach

To commemorate this significant anniversary, Marks Gray engaged in a multitude of service and fundraising projects. With over 125 hours of community service dedicated to various local initiatives, the firm truly showcased its commitment to giving back. Staff members and attorneys participated in meaningful projects, including volunteering with Beaches Habitat for Humanity and supporting Feeding Northeast Florida, which aligns perfectly with the firm’s foundational values of service and community engagement.

Honoring the Legacy of Service

The pride in Marks Gray’s historical impact on Jacksonville is palpable among its members. This legacy of service stems back to its founding members who embedded the ethos of community involvement into the firm’s culture. Throughout its long history, Marks Gray has withstood the test of time, navigating through significant historical events, including wars and economic upheavals, which shaped the community it serves.

Growth and Expansion

As Marks Gray evolved, it expanded its team and services to better meet the needs of its clients and the community. The firm now employs over 50 staff members and boasts more than 20 attorneys on its roster. This year, the addition of associate attorneys Brittany Love and Bryce McColskey has allowed the firm to enhance its litigation services further.

Brittany Love focuses on liability disputes, covering areas such as product liability, medical malpractice, and contract disputes. She started her legal career at the Office of the Public Defender for the 4th Judicial Circuit and also honed her skills with the in-house litigation team at Farmers Insurance. Meanwhile, Bryce McColskey brings experience in medical malpractice and commercial litigation, having worked with both a national employment litigation firm and an insurance defense firm before joining Marks Gray.

A Legacy of Leadership

Throughout its storied history, Marks Gray has been influential within the legal community, producing six presidents of the Jacksonville Bar Association and two presidents of The Florida Bar. Numerous attorneys from the firm have also been appointed or elected as judges, underscoring the mark Marks Gray has left on the legal profession.

Remembering a Distinguished Attorney

This milestone year also brings a moment of reflection for the passing of Jim Rinaman Jr., a notable Jacksonville attorney who left a significant impact on the legal and civic landscape of the city. Rinaman served as general counsel for Jacksonville’s consolidated city-county government and played a pivotal role in drafting the city charter for government consolidation. His contributions extended to areas like the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and the Jacksonville Community Council Inc., showing his dedication to making Jacksonville a better place for all its residents.

Recognizing Community Service Efforts

Along with its rich history, 2024 also saw Daniel Bean awarded the Jacksonville Daily Record Lawyer of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the community. A former U.S. Navy officer, Bean has been instrumental in supporting veterans and establishing a naval museum. His leadership with K9s For Warriors, an organization that provides trained service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD, highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to community service.

Looking Forward

As Marks Gray Law Firm moves forward into the next chapter of its storied existence, its focus remains clear—continuing to provide exceptional legal services while making a positive impact in the Jacksonville community. The firm stands as a beacon of resilience, service, and commitment, ensuring that the good name established 125 years ago will continue to shine brightly for many more years to come.