2019 ThirTeenTh Judicial circuiT Professionalism awards
Professionalism & Ethics Committee
Chairs: Joan Boles - Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. and Lynn Hanshaw - Langford & Myers, P.A.
The blessing of these two
intelligent, compassionate and
dedicated professionals
elevates our local Bar.
T
he Thirteenth Judicial
Circuit Professionalism
Committee proudly
recognized two
special members of our legal
community with the Sixth Annual
Professionalism Awards, presented
at the HCBA Bench Bar Conference
in October.
Jennie Granahan Tarr received
this year’s Professionalism Award
for Government Service. Nominated
by Rudin Haidermota, Ms. Tarr’s
contributions to the legal profession
and Hillsborough County made her
a brilliant recipient of this special
honor. Ms. Tarr serves as the Chief
Assistant County Attorney with the
Hillsborough County Attorney’s
Office. In this role, she represents
and advises the Board of County
Commissioners, the County
Administrator, and all departments
and agencies under the County
Administrator. Individuals within
and outside of her organization
have nothing but the highest praise
for Jennie Tarr’s work ethic,
leadership, and gracious spirit.
Her board certification in City,
County, and Local Government
Law and training as a certified
Civil/County Mediator reflect
her impressive legal acumen.
She generously gives of her time
outside of the office, actively
serving various organizations
including the Junior League of
Tampa, Leadership Tampa,
HCBA, HAWL, FAWL, and the
International Municipal Lawyers
Association. Many individuals
look to her as a mentor and
admire her care for family, friends,
co-workers and even animals in
need. Judge Cindy Oster noted
in her tribute to Jennie Tarr,
“She instills the concept that not
Jennie Tarr receiving the Professionalism
Award for Government Service.
62
only should lawyers adhere to
the basic standards and rules of
professionalism in the practice
of law, but should additionally
pursue excellence in their work,
with honesty, integrity, fairness,
and courtesy.”
Another leader in our profession
and community received the
Professionalism Award for Private
Practice. John Schifino, nominated
by the Hillsborough Association for
Women Lawyers, stands out as a
gentleman who champions the
pursuit of justice, professionalism
and high ethical standards in law
and in life. Last year’s award
recipient, Mr. Rob Williams, shared
heartfelt thoughts about his former
law partner and mentee in
announcing Mr. Schifino as this
year’s recipient.
continued on page 63
John Schifino receiving the Professionalism
Award for Private Practice.
JAN - FEB 2020
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HCBA LAWYER