05/14/2026
Clerk Jody Phillips recently had the honor of accompanying Leon Jackson, Senior Manager of Jury Services, as he received the Liberty Bell Award from Jacksonville Bar Association President Brian Coughlin. The JBA's Liberty Bell Award recognizes a nonlawyer who has gone above and beyond in service to the legal community, promoting civic responsibility and advancing the rule of law.
During his 30 years with , Leon has made tens of thousands of prospective jurors feel welcome as they visit the Duval County Courthouse to perform their important civic service. As Circuit Judge Ashley Cox wrote in her nomination for Leon, "his interactions with the potential jurors help them understand the importance of their work but also get excited about their service, which is very difficult to do." Outside of the Courthouse, Leon mentors high school students, volunteers at the Clara White Mission, organizes shopping trips for underprivileged children at the holidays, and delivers meals at Thanksgiving.
We could not be prouder of Leon for his outstanding contributions both here at the Courthouse and throughout our community. CONGRATULATIONS on this high honor Leon - it is very well deserved!