Mary Bland Love

Mary Bland Love’s practice focuses on medical and general civil liability. Ms. Love most often represents the defense in cases focused on hospital and physician liability and physician representation before the Department of Health. She graduated from the University of Virginia. (’74 B.A., ’78 J.D.) In February 2016, Mary Bland was presented The Justice Raymond Ehrlich Trial Advocacy Award by the Jacksonville Bar Association in recognition of her career long “example of steadfast obedience to ethics, professionalism, preparation, respect to all participants in the legal process, aggressive advocacy, mentorship, scholarship, and a driving force to do what is right.” She is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and served as the first woman President of the Jacksonville Chapter in 2002; she was also selected as its Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2011. She is a member of the Jacksonville Association of Defense Counsel; she served as its first woman president in 1987-88. She has emeritus status with the Chester Bedell Inn of Court, having served as Master and Barrister. She has also served on the Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section Executive Council. She chaired the Fourth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission in 2005-2006. She is a board member of the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. She also served as the first woman President of the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid in 1986-87. She is a past board member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network. Mary Bland often speaks at local and regional professional seminars on the topics of professionalism and ethics and medical liability issues. Mary Bland enjoys serving on community boards with a focus on serving the intellectually and developmentally disabled. She also serves as an Elder and Clerk of the Session at her church, St. John’s Presbyterian. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, enjoying the outdoors and traveling with her husband, Bob Gobelman.

Florida Defense Lawyers Association; Jacksonville Association of Defense Counsel; American Board of Trial Advocates.