Eight attorneys from the Fourth Judicial Circuit were among 124 attorneys honored by The Florida Bar Friday for 50 years of dedication to the practice of law.

The honorees were: James L. Ade, Kenneth George Anderson (Senior Counselor), John Edward Houser, Harry Katz Jr., Edward McCarthy Jr., Robert Mathews Smith Jr., Steven Arthur Werber all of Jacksonville and Anthony Joseph Leggio (Senior Counselor) of Amelia Island.

Their service to the profession was acknowledged during a luncheon at The Florida Bar’s Annual Convention at the Orlando World Center Marriott. To be recognized, attorneys must be members in good standing of The Florida Bar and attain their 50th anniversary of admittance to the practice of law in 2009.

Senior Counselors, those who have practiced for 50 years or more but have not been members of The Florida Bar for the entire period, were also recognized at the luncheon.

The Fourth Judicial Circuit encompasses Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties.

The luncheon was sponsored by The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division. The Hon. Joseph W. Hatchett, a 50-year honoree and former Florida Supreme Court justice and former chief judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, was the featured speaker.