by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The Florida Defense Lawyers Association has honored local attorney H. Franklin Perritt, Jr. with its highest award. The Joseph Metzger Outstanding Achievement Award is given, on an infrequent basis, to attorneys who have exhibited exemplary service in the community and the FDLA.
“I was quite surprised,” said Perritt, who has been with the law firm of Marks Gray for 41 years. “I’ve been involved with the FDLA for long, long time and it’s a great honor to be recognized.”
Perritt, who served a term as president of the FDLA in 1987, is the second Marks Gray attorney to take the Metzger prize. James Rinaman won in 1999.
“It was indeed an honor to the Marks Gray firm that another one of our attorneys has received this award,” said Gerald W. Weedon, a senior partner with Marks Gray. “Frank’s commitment to this law firm and the legal profession are inspiring. He is a model of professionalism, advocacy and loyalty for all lawyers.”
Raised in Jacksonville and a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Perritt served with the Florida Army National Guard before he earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida in 1962. Perritt’s practice primarily focuses on product liability, environmental torts, corporate litigation and insurance coverage. He is widely regarded as one of the preeminent insurance defense attorneys in the Southeast.
“The most exciting part of [my area of practice] is that you’re able to do so many different things and learn about a lot of different things that you would never come into contact with otherwise,” said Perritt, who has also been instrumental in the Florida Defense Lawyers Association and the American Law Firm Association.
He remains active in the American Board of Trial Advocates Jacksonville Chapter.
“You’re also able to meet so many nice people, many of whom you’re able to help, even if it’s under unusual circumstances,” he said. “That’s where you get a real sense of accomplishment.”
Perritt said he especially enjoys working in Jacksonville’s legal community.
“I’ve tried cases all over the state,” he said, “and I’ve met some very fine lawyers and judges, but there is nothing like the atmosphere here in Jacksonville. There’s a level of civility, professionalism and ability that you won’t find in many places.”
And what about his free time?
“Like they say,” said Perritt, “‘the law is a jealous mistress,’ but one of the advantages to being an attorney is that I have a level of control over how much I want to work. Things are constantly coming up, but your income ultimately depends on the amount you work.
“You don’t have to sit at your desk for eight hours a day, and you can take some time off when you need to. That’s one of the biggest joys of what I do.”