Mayor Deegan is announcing her appointment of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Board Member Michael Fackler to become the City of Jacksonville’s next General Counsel.
A long-time commercial litigator, Michael Fackler has practiced law for nearly 20 years and is a partner at the established local law firm of Milam Howard Nicandri & Gillam P.A. Previously, he was a law clerk for the Honorable Harvey E. Schlesinger, United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of Florida.
Mr. Fackler has also served as the Jacksonville Federal Bar Association President and as an Adjunct Professor at Florida Coastal School of Law. He has been honored as a “Super Lawyer” since 2016 and as part of the “Florida Legal Elite” in 2012, 2020, and 2021.
Outside of the legal arena, Mr. Fackler has a deep connection to the community. He is a current board member for the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and Riverside Presbyterian Church Basketball League. He has also served as a board member, President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the Jacksonville Historical Society. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Fackler served in the United States Peace Corps in Rybnik, Poland. Afterwards, he served as a board member and President of the First Coast Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
“Michael is well respected in the legal profession and community. He brings to the table nearly two decades of legal experience, unimpeachable character, and bipartisan support,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “As our city continues to grow and our legal needs become more complex, I look forward to bringing him on board as our next General Counsel.”
Mr. Fackler will be appointed as the Acting General Counsel starting on Friday, September 29. The Qualifications Review Committee (QRC) will convene in October to review his qualifications, a process outlined in the City Charter. Upon approval by the QRC, Mr. Fackler’s appointment will move to the City Council for approval to become the City’s permanent General Counsel. The term of Bob Rhodes, the current Interim General Counsel, ends on Thursday, September 28.
About Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm focused on delivering economic, social, and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families on the First Coast.
If you are an attorney wanting to volunteer with probate and heirs property issues, contact JALA Pro Bono Director Aaron Irving, at (904) 356-8371, Ext. 363, or Aaron.Irving@jaxlegalaid.org.
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