Michael Cavendish, a partner with the Gunster firm, practices corporate, commercial and environmental litigation. He also is known for his pro bono work in human rights law and being an author.
Cavendish attended Florida State University for undergraduate work and the University of Florida for law school and a graduate degree in anthropology.
He said he knew in high school he wanted to be an attorney, however, he was "sidetracked" for a few years by anthropology.
His background ended up being relevant for his career in law and human rights.
In 2010 he took part in a grassroots campaign along with former President Jimmy Carter and others to free American teacher Aijalon Gomes from North Korea.
"There is an aspect to anthropology which is similar to journalism," said Cavendish. "There's a tendency to notice details about situations, behavior and group behavior, which has certainly been helpful."
In addition to his professional work, Cavendish has been a sought-after community adviser.
He served on the Jacksonville Transportation Authority board of directors from 2007-11, serving as chairman in 2011, and is the general counsel for the JAX Chamber.
He also is a writer and his work has appeared in numerous journals, publications and other media. A Wikipedia page about him started after he was selected several years ago as a featured author at Much Ado About Books, a now defunct event that brought world-renowned authors together.
"I did not start writing until graduate school, but I found it to be important," said Cavendish.
He is in the process of writing about economics for a book series his firm publishes and he regularly contributes to the Boardroom Brief online news portal the firm maintains.
"The writing and the research to support it keeps you up to date and helps with the process," he said.
Art is another of his interests.
He collects midcentury modern European and American art, along with a few modern pieces. The work in his office is displayed "salon style," from floor to almost ceiling and provides an effect that makes the office seem more spacious.
"I've acquired the long-dead European artists through auctions in Europe," said Cavendish. "There is some amazing technology allowing someone in say, Jacksonville, to participate in Europe's art markets."
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