Don Keenan
Painting a subject without their knowing it, a surprise portrait, is always fraught with danger… and in the case of Don Keenan, doubly so. A larger than life character, electrifying, the trial lawyer community with his “Reptile Theory” of practice, a TV personality, renowned children’s advocate, often to be found unshaved wearing shorts, T-shirt, and always those sunglasses. An ex-marine of Irish blood and creator of the Kids Foundation and Bono aficionado. All this and more went into this painting. It was with relief that I saw it was warmly and enthusiastically received at its unveiling in Houston. Kudos to the courage of the man brave enough to commission this painting!
Painting a subject without their knowing it, a surprise portrait, is always fraught with danger… and in the case of Don Keenan, doubly so. A larger than life character, electrifying, the trial lawyer community with his “Reptile Theory” of practice, a TV personality, renowned children’s advocate, often to be found unshaved wearing shorts, T-shirt, and always those sunglasses. An ex-marine of Irish blood and creator of the Kids Foundation and Bono aficionado. All this and more went into this painting. It was with relief that I saw it was warmly and enthusiastically received at its unveiling in Houston. Kudos to the courage of the man brave enough to commission this painting!
Don Keenan
Keenan, Don. 16" x 20". 2015. Collection of Keenan Law Firm. Atlanta, GA. Portrait on canvas. Commissioned by HMR Funding, Dean Chase.
Keenan, Don. 16" x 20". 2015. Collection of Keenan Law Firm. Atlanta, GA. Portrait on canvas. Commissioned by HMR Funding, Dean Chase.
Al Cone
Al J. Cone was the first president and founding member of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers , now the Florida Justice Association, and founder of FLAG, now the Florida Justice PAC. He had the vision to see a need for a statewide association of trial attorneys and dedicated his life to the civil justice system of Florida. Al’s lifetime of service to the FJA and to the consumers of Florida spanned nearly five decades. Successful lawyer, celebrated community leader and decorated war hero, he was born in Levy County, FL and attended the University of Florida where he earned his BSBA in 1943. He immediately shipped out to the front line in WWII. After a distinguished career serving his country, where he received medals for valor, including British Military Cross, Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, and several Purple Hearts, Cone returned to law school at the University of Florida, presided as president of Blue Key, and graduated in 1950. Upon graduation from law school, he accepted an associate professorship of Law at UF, teaching Constitutional Law, Municipal Corporations, Legal Bibliography, and Legislative drafting. Al joined the insurance defense firm of Jones and Foster in West Palm Beach. Al eventually determined that he wanted to protect the average citizen, and began his long, distinguished career as a plaintiffs lawyer.
Portrait of Founder, Al J.Cone Jr. In the private collection of the Florida Justice Association. Dedicated on Behalf of John F. Romano by Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, Benefactor. FJA Founders Award