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.
James Franklin McKenzie
Jim McKenzie loved serving people.
Growing up in Fairhope, Alabama, he served as a youth minister, and throughout the rest of his life continued singing and preaching the word of God.
An avid competitive athlete, an active member of the Methodist church, and Valedictorian of his senior class he attended the University of West Florida receiving a B.A. in Philosophy, graduating Magna Cum Laude. From the University of Florida’s law program he earned his Juris Doctorate degree, graduating with honours in 1973. Jim established his private practice in Pensacola in 1975 and rapidly developed a reputation for being among the best lawyers locally, eventually establishing a regional and national profile as an exceptional litigator.
In 2006, Jim was recognized as one of the top 100 lawyers in Florida by Super Lawyers Magazine. His superb legal skills and innate tenacity in fighting for his clients led to a multitude of prestigious professional recognition including having an award named after him by the Florida Justice Association the "From Day One" Jim McKenzie Award.
Jim McKenzie. Original painting 2021. Collection of the artist.
A compassionate, caring and humble figure who inspired the best in others.
In the words of on of Jim's clients:
McKenzie Law Firm has a special place in my heart. Jim McKenzie took on my case in 2012 and worked tirelessly, along with his son and daughter inlaw, Alistair & Therese, and reached a settlement in late 2015. Jim was suffering his own personal medical issues & looked so tired, I think mine might have been his last jury trial. We lost a truly wonderful man in 2016.