Foundation seeks Medal of Honor Nominees
December 1, 2011

ORLANDO — February 1, 2012 is the deadline for submission of nominees for The Florida Bar Foundation's 2012 Medal of Honor awards.

The Medal of Honor Award is given in two categories, either a member of The Florida Bar (including practicing lawyers, judges or teachers in the legal field), or a non-lawyer (including lawyers who are not currently practicing).
All nominees must be Florida residents.

Nominees in the lawyer category must have demonstrated dedication to the objectives of The Florida Bar, which strives "...to inculcate in its members the principles of duty and service to the public, to improve the administration of justice, and to advance the science of jurisprudence."

The 2011 Medal of Honor Award in the lawyer category was presented to Orlando attorney Bruce B. Blackwell for his professional leadership, his tireless work to secure funding for legal aid, and his extensive history of handling the most difficult pro bono cases. Past recipients of the award also include Joseph P. Milton of Jacksonville, Sylvia H. Walbolt of Tampa, and Terrence Russell of Ft. Lauderdale.

Nominees in the non-lawyer category must have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of the administration of justice in Florida through research, writing, or other deeds of significant character and quality.

The 2011 Medal of Honor for the non-lawyer category was presented to Kathleen “Katie” Self for her pioneering work in the implementation of Teen Courts across Florida, the volunteering of her services in establishing the Teen Court of Sarasota, the State’s first, and for her leadership in expanding the program to 50 Florida counties. Past recipients of the non-lawyer award include Elizabeth Lander “Budd” Bell, Dr. Walter F. Lambert, and Janet R. McAliley.

Nominations for The Florida Bar Foundation’s highest honor should describe the specific achievements that would qualify an individual for the Medal of Honor, and also include a brief biographical sketch of the nominee.

The Medal of Honor awards will be presented at the annual dinner of the Foundation during The Florida Bar annual meeting on June 21, 2012 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.

Past Medal of Honor Recipients
Nomination form -- Lawyer
Nomination form -- Non-Lawyer