by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
Robert Spohrer said he really got suspicious that something was up when he saw his partner Woody Wilner in a coat and tie. A few hours later, Spohrer’s suspicions were confirmed when he was named the Daily Record’s Lawyer of the Year award at Monday’s Jacksonville Bar Association Law Day luncheon at the Hyatt.
“I am honored by this award,” said Spohrer. “I have been very fortunate to benefit from the legal profession, and all of us have an obligation to give back.”
Daily Record Publisher and President Jim Bailey gives the annual award, which honors a lawyer who makes a difference in the community through both personal and professional service. Bailey said recognizing people who create change are important, especially as Jacksonville grows and develops.
“Without that human infrastructure and people who help, we’d be a first tier city in problems, as well,” said Bailey.
Spohrer is involved with several nonprofit organizations, such as Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and the Boy Scouts of America. He also contributes to legal education. He teaches at the Florida Coastal School of Law and presents to numerous organizations, including the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. Also, he is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an organization limited to the top 100 U.S. trial attorneys.
“I’m very pleased that I’ve been able to energize the legal community, fund raise and bring much needed attention to the staff and lawyers at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid,” said Spohrer. He didn’t, however, expect the award. “This is a huge surprise to me. I was a little suspicious to see so many members of our firm here, though.”
Helen, Spohrer’s wife, received much of the credit for his success. She is an attorney with Guardian Ad Litem.
“I believe that behind every successful man, there is a great woman,” said Spohrer. He added that Helen had been accepted to law school right before their children were born, but she decided to wait until they were grown up. The couple has been married for 28 years.
Former Lawyer of the Year recipients include William Scheu Jr., Hon. Karen Cole, Rick Mullaney, Jake Schickel, Lanny Russell, Robert Harris, Joseph Milton, Audrey Moran, Howard Dale, Mark Hulsey, William Brinton, James Rinaman Jr., Henry Coxe III, William Scheu, David Foster, J. Shepard Bryn, Charles D. Towers Jr., Tracy Arpen Jr., Daniel Coffman Jr. and Hugh Cotney.