Attorney Michael Orr was elected by The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors on Jan. 18 to serve as president-elect in 2013 and as president in 2014.
Orr will be sworn in as president-elect by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Ricky Polston at The Bar's General Assembly meeting June 28 in Boca Raton.
He will serve under President Melanie Griffin, whom he unsuccessfully opposed in 2012.
The following year he will be the first Jacksonville lawyer since Adam "Lep" Adams of Foley & Lardner to hold the office of the division's president.
He will become only the fifth president from the area since 1950, joining Adams (1997-98), Lawrence Hamilton (1994-95) of Holland & Knight, former state Senator Thomas Slade III (1968-69) and Jack Chambers (1966-67).
"It was an honor to accept the nomination of president-elect designate of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, and even more of an honor to be unopposed. I have served the 4th Judicial Circuit on the YLD board of governors for nearly seven years and am thankful for that responsibility," said Orr.
Though he was not able to attend the meeting Jan. 18 in Daytona because of the birth of his son, Michael Fox Orr II, he said he was appreciative of the support from his fellow board members.
"Being selected to lead the division is humbling considering the caliber of lawyers and leaders serving. Their support, along with the support of many local lawyers and my firm, has given me an opportunity that I will not take for granted," said Orr.
Another area board of governors member also offered praise.
"The fact that no one else was nominated is a testament to his effectiveness in representing the young lawyers of the 4th Judicial Circuit over the last several years. This is a huge accomplishment for Mike and the Jacksonville legal community," said Christian George, a division board of governors member and Akerman attorney.
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