thirteenthJudiciaLcircuitProfeSSionaLiSmaWardS
Professionalism & Ethics Committee Chairs : JoanBoles – BayAreaLegalServices & SheltonBridges – BridgesLawGroup , PLLC
Pastandfutureaward recipientsserveasrole models , astheymotivate andinspireustostrive forexcellencein theprofession .
Since 1989 and in response to a report created by a Florida Bar task force which indicated a steep decline in professionalism among lawyers , The Florida Bar and The Florida Supreme Court have worked diligently to ensure “ the practice of law remains a high calling with lawyers invested not only in the service of individual clients but also service to the public .” Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Administrative Order S-2019-003 . To that end , at the local level , the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit created the Professionalism Committee to initiate and coordinate professionalism activities in Hillsborough County . Such activities include accepting nominations for the Professionalism Award , which was established to recognize attorneys who consistently demonstrate honesty , integrity , fairness , courtesy , and an abiding sense of responsibility to comply with the standards and rules of professionalism in the practice of law .
Each year , the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit presents two Professionalism Awards to qualified attorneys , one who currently is in private practice , and the other who is currently in government practice . To be eligible , nominees for the Award must be a member of The Florida
Bar , primarily practicing within the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit for at least 15 years . Members of the judiciary are not eligible for nomination .
Past recipients of the Award include Christopher Moody , Jay Pruner , David Rowland , John Schifino , Donald Stichter , Jennie Granahan Tarr , Joseph Varner , Deborah Werner , and Rob Williams . These individuals were identified by their peers and members of the judiciary as having earned the highest of respect for their commitment to professionalism , whether at work or in everyday life .
How is an Award recipient selected ? Anyone who knows of a deserving candidate completes and submits a nomination form . Persons making nominations must include a description of how the nominee consistently demonstrates the ideals of professionalism within and outside his or her role as an attorney . The applicant must also describe any extraordinary or notable acts of professionalism demonstrated by the nominee and list three references who are members of The Florida Bar .
A subcommittee , comprised of attorneys from diverse backgrounds and practice areas as well as members of the judiciary , review and screen all applicants and solicit comments from the legal community . The subcommittee meets and votes to select the two recipients , who are typically announced at the annual HCBA Bench Bar Luncheon . However , due to COVID-19 , and as of the time this article is written , a date and manner for the 2020 Professionalism Awards presentation ceremony is yet to be determined .
How can you get involved ? If you know an attorney who exemplifies the ideals of professionalism , whether in private or government practice , please submit an application nominating him or her for the Professionalism Award . 1 The value of recognizing deserving individuals cannot be understated . Past and future Award recipients serve as role models , as they motivate and inspire us to strive for excellence in profession . n
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Specific information about where to obtain nomination forms and deadlines is forthcoming .
Author : Honorable Cynthia S . Oster – Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
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