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LAW STUDENT WINS STATEWIDE PROFESSIONALISM ESSAY CONTEST - RESENT WITH PHOTO

August 18, 2004

TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Bar Standing Committee on Professionalism presented Jason Hawkins the Lion of Justice Trophy for winning its annual Law Student Professionalism Essay contest.

Florida Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero, III said the first-year University of Florida student’s essay not only was a good critique of legal professionalism, but provided insight into language used during general legal discourse “that has contributed to the decline in civility.” Justice Cantero presented the award and Florida Bar President Kelly Overstreet Johnson and Tallahassee Bar Association President Nina Ashenafi attended to honor the essay winner.

Hawkins is starting his second year of law school at the University of Florida this fall and is from Tallahassee, having graduated from Florida High in 1996. Hawkins' mother, Tallahassee Judge Judith Hawkins, and father, FAMU Dean Jim Hawkins, were in attendance as was his grandfather J.W. Warren. His essay was entitled "Language and Civility."

Each year, essays on the topic of legal professionalism are collected by each Florida law school and the best essay from each law school is submitted to the Center for Professionalism. The winner is chosen from those essays by The Florida Bar Standing Committee on Professionalism. James Floyd, Tallahassee, represented the committee at the award presentation..

The winner receives $1,000.00 and has expenses paid to the award ceremony at the Florida Supreme Court. The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division donated the $1,000. The winner also receives a trophy designed by Hugh Nicholson whose works are permanently displayed at the State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion. The trophy/sculpture is called The Lion of Justice, and is housed at the winner’s law school.

The Center for Professionalism administrates the award for the committee and also distributes a newsletter, The Professional. The Summer issue is now available.

Click on the link for photo: click here (from left to right) Kelly Overstreet Johnson, Jason Hawkins, Nina Ashenafi, and Judge Judith Hawkins

CONTACT: Jennifer Krell-Davis, The Florida Bar
DATE: August 18, 2004
TELEPHONE: 850/561-5669




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AUGUST 31 DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR 10 LEGAL BOARD CERTIFICATION AREAS

August 18, 2004

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Bar members interested in board certification must submit applications by August 31 for 10 of Florida’s 20 legal specialization areas. Applications are available at The Florida Bar Web site at www.flabar.org. Applications for the following specialties are due August 31: Admiralty and Maritime Law, Appellate Practice, Aviation Law, Civil Trial, Elder Law, Immigration and Nationality, International Law, Labor and Employment Law, Marital and Family Law and Tax Law.

A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state's Supreme Court may become board certified in one or more of the 20 certification fields. Minimum requirements for certification are listed below; each area of certification may contain higher or additional standards.

- A minimum of five years in law practice;
- A satisfactory showing of substantial involvement in the field of law for which certification is sought;
- A passing grade on the examination required of all applicants;
- Satisfactory peer review assessment of competence in the specialty field as well as character, ethics and professionalism in the practice of law; and
- Satisfaction of the certification area’s continuing legal education requirements.

While all lawyers are allowed to advertise, only certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as "Florida Bar Board Certified" or as a "specialist." Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.

Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. To be recertified, requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience recognized.

Applications for the other 10 certification practice areas are due October 31, 2004. For more information, please visit the Bar Web site or contact The Florida Bar's Legal Specialization & Education Department at 850/561-5842.

CONTACT: Lisa Garcia
DATE: August 18, 2004
TELEPHONE: 850/561-5769



 

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