from staff
Each year, the Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar give special recognition to lawyers, groups and a member of the judiciary who have freely given their time and expertise in making legal services available to the poor. The awards ceremony will be held at the Florida Supreme Court at 3:30 p.m., Jan. 29. Nominations must be received by Nov. 7. Late received nominations will not be considered.
Nominations are currently being accepted in the following award categories:
1. The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award: This award is given to an outstanding attorney in each of the state’s 20 judicial circuits and in the “Out of State” circuit. One winner will be selected from each of the 21 circuits and these winners will be considered to receive The Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award , presented annually by the Chief Justice to the attorney who best exemplifies the highest ideals of the profession in assuring the availability of legal services to the poor. The award is named for the late Miami civil rights lawyer Tobias Simon. See the contact information for the Pro Bono Awards Circuit Committee chairs.
2. The Chief Justice’s Law Firm Commendation: This statewide award recognizes a law firm which has demonstrated a significant contribution in the provision of pro bono legal services to individuals or groups that cannot otherwise afford the services. This award is not presented every year and recognizes extraordinary commitment on the part of a firm to provide access to the courts for all Floridians.
3. The Voluntary Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award: Also presented by the Chief Justice, this award recognizes a voluntary bar association that has demonstrated a significant contribution in the delivery of legal services on a pro bono basis to individuals or groups that cannot otherwise afford the services. Like the Law Firm Commendation, this award is presented only when an association demonstrates extraordinary commitment to provide access to the courts for all Floridians.
4. The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Service Award: With more than 21,000 members. the Young Lawyers Division includes all lawyers in good standing under age 36 and all new Florida Bar members of any age for their first five years in practice. The award will be given to the division member who best exemplifies the highest ideals of public service.
5. The Distinguished Judicial Service Award: Presented by the Chief Justice, this award is presented for outstanding and sustained service to the public, especially as it relates to support of pro bono legal services.
Nominees’ pro bono service contribution may be cumulative. Consideration is not limited to the events of the immediate past year.
For additional information, contact public information coordinator Dorohn A. Frazier at The Florida Bar, (850) 561-5764 or [email protected].