WORKFORCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FURTHERING THE MISSION: PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY (Summer 2007)
Senior Partner Jake Schickel's strong commitment to legal professionalism, education and community growth are evident in his work on behalf of a number of organizations. In addition to his active practice as a mediator for personal injury, professional negligence and commercial litigation cases, Jake serves the law and community equally, at both the local and state level.
Jake matches this level of service on the civic side. He is President of the Center for Workforce Leadership, and a member of the board for WorkSource, two affiliated groups that are dedicated to work force and economic development in Jacksonville. In parallel with that work, he serves as an Oversight Committee Member on the community's Real Sense Prosperity Campaign. Initiated by the United Way, this program's mission is to help low-income citizens out of poverty through education and direct assistance. For example, in the 2006 tax year, the Real Sense program assisted low-income residents to file electronically, avoid usurious “tax services,” and realize $3 million in earned income tax credits and $10 million in tax refunds. Jake explains: “This is a real boost to individuals and the community –in both the short and long term.” Another life-long concern for Jake is quality education. He gives it personal attention in joining an impressive list of 30 Jacksonville professionals, educators, business and civic leaders as a member of The Forum on Quality Education. The group meets for several hours each month to learn about and discuss how to solve relevant issues in the public schools. “One of the biggest issues is the “achievement gap,” – kids dropping out of school and severely limiting their future earning potential, quality of life and contribution to the community,” said Jake.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TOPS PARTNER'S LIST (Summer 2005)
Jake Schickel was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for WorkSource, the Jacksonville-based work force and economic development organization that has been recognized statewide as a model program. This marks his second term in this office and the most recent example of the high level of civic involvement that characterizes his career.
A member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors, Board Certified by The Florida Bar as a civil trial attorney and in workers' compensation, and a certified civil trial mediator with the Florida Supreme Court, Jake's law practice is very active. Despite that, he wanted to take another turn in this role because he is very committed to making a difference now and for the future of his community.
“Jake and I are mutually committed to workforce development for Jacksonville and the surrounding area. I am certain that Jake will bring his strong leadership and broad professional and civic experience to this role,” said Kevin Hyde, Jacksonville City Council President.
