What is JAAF?

A group of four women stands together, smiling in front of a backdrop featuring the AJA logo and a representation of Lady Justice. The text on the left reads, 'OUR MISSION: Working in partnership to protect, strengthen, and advance the lives and careers of Judicial Assistants statewide.'

TEAMWORK

Meeting other Judicial Assistants from around the State is a wonderful, mind-expanding experience, not to mention visiting the many beautiful cities in our State. Along with hard work, we have fun!

 Many of us have become friends and look forward to seeing each other at the conferences. There is always valuable information we learn and take back to our jobs to share with our fellow JAs and our Judges.

LEADERSHIP

The membership elects a President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary for two-year terms. We established bylaws and a Board of Directors which include the Officers, the standing chairs, a circuit representative from each of the 20 circuits, one appellate representative from each District Court of Appeal, and one representative from the Supreme Court. We have standing committees which include conference membership, legislative/budget, education, newsletter, and bylaws. We also have a parliamentarian and follow Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The Judicial Assistants involved in JAAF volunteer their valuable time and efforts for the benefit of all Judicial Assistants in the State of Florida.

JAAF CONFERENCES

JAAF currently provides one educational conference each year for all Judicial Assistants. The host circuits provide educational speakers for these conferences along with the assistance of JAAF. The programs include a wide range of topics and experts, including ethics, legislative reforms, and new laws, security issues, criminal and civil procedures, business writing and grammar, domestic violence, stress reduction, tenant/landlord evictions, drug and alcohol training, computer programs and new technology and probate/guardianship procedures to name a few.

We have also had speakers from the Office of the State Court Administrator and the Florida Retirement System regarding benefits and retirement at most of the conferences. In addition to providing educational programs, JAAF has worked towards raising salaries to be competitive with other government agencies and the private sector. In 1995, a joint effort involving our legislative consultant, JAAF, the Chief Justice, and the Office of the State Courts Administrator was able to secure raises for Judicial Assistants in 1996 and 1997. Lisa Goodner, State Court Administrator, and her staff continue to provide support and cooperation in education, pay issues, and benefits. One of the most important benefits Judicial Assistants receive from the State of Florida is low-cost healthcare premiums (single or family coverage) and free disability insurance.

Judicial Assistants Association of Florida

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