THE TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE AWARD was established in 1993. This prestigious award was initiated to honor lawyers and jurists, within the State of Florida, who, in the eyes of our communities, have dedicated themselves to the administration of justice and public service and have enhanced the standing of our profession.
Criteria: The criteria utilized in the selection of the recipient includes:
• Contributions made by the lawyer to enhance the standing of the general practice lawyers in Florida;
• Contributions made by the lawyer in the area of continuing legal education for the general practice lawyer
• Contributions made by the lawyer in public service to the community; and
• Devotion of time to pro bono work.
• Additionally, the candidate must have practiced law in the State of Florida for at least ten years.
Selection Process: Each spring, nominations are solicited inThe Florida Bar News. A nomination letter explaining why the nominee deserves the Tradition of Excellence Award must be sent to Ricky Libbert, section administrator, The Florida Bar. The Executive Committee reviews the submissions and selects the recipient.
Tradition of Excellence Award Recipients
THE L. MICHAEL ROFFINO PRO BONO AWARD (formerly named the Bill Jacob Award 1990-1992) was established in 1990 by this Section in recognition of Bill Jacob. Mr. Jacob served as Chair of the Executive Council of this Section and his outstanding leadership and service set an example to all attorneys in the State of Florida. With the inspiration of Mr. Jacob's efforts, the Section established grants totaling $2,500 (now $5,000) to be awarded on an annual basis in recognition of outstanding service and significant accomplishments by non-profit organizations which provide pro bono legal aid to the indigent. The award was re-named in 1993 in recognition of L. Michael Roffino, who also served as Chair of the Executive Council of this Section. This cash award is intended to recognize the efforts of the winners and to help support their future endeavors.
Selection Process: Each fall, the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association sends out applications to all pro bono, voluntary bar associations and legal service programs in the state. Once the completed applications are received, the Association then nominates five finalists based on who is providing innovative programs designed to deliver legal services to those who could not otherwise obtain legal help. The Executive Committee selects an overall winner and two runners up at the mid-year meeting in January of each year.
The Presentation of the Awards: The awards are presented at the annual meeting in June of each year. The overall winner receives a $3,000 award, plus travel expenses for one person to accept the award at the award program during the annual meeting in June. The two runners up each receive a $1,000 award, but no reimbursement for travel.
In the past these grants have been used by these worthy pro bono organizations to acquire computers and software, to conduct legal clinics, to recruit and train volunteer lawyers, to create and produce forms, manuals and video tapes and to otherwise serve the legal needs of Florida’s poor who are in need of legal assistance.
THE WALTER S. CRUMBLEY AWARD is given annually to recognize a member of Florida’s legal community who has distinguished himself or herself professionally and who has rendered outstanding service to the profession of the practice of law or the management of the practice of law.