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COPYRIGHT 2001 Florida Bar
THE FLORIDA BAR
Congratulations to The Florida Bar's 50-Year Members--Class of 1951! Of the 189 lawyers marking their 50th year as a Florida Bar member, 136 of you have chosen to celebrate the occasion and, in your own words, share your stories with us in the following pages.
Among you are former judges, legislators, law professors and 17 past Board of Governors members, including one past Bar president. Also prominent in your numbers are veterans of World War II and the Korean War, as well as founders of prominent law firms.
The entire membership of The Florida Bar celebrates your service to the profession, service to the community and service to individuals by protecting their rights. We collectively thank each of you!
JOHN W. ACHOR, Naples
Family: Wife - Louetta; Children (sons) Roger, John, Jr., Philip, Steve, Earl; (daughters) Sarah Speer, Amy Gardner
Career Highlights: My greatest joy is that I was a trial lawyer for 50 years.
OWEN S. ALLBRITTON, Clearwater
Family: Wife - Peggy; children (sons) David E. and Steve; (daughters) Patti Chatleain and Mary Barnett
Career Highlights: After graduation from law school in 1951, I was in the general practice of law until I was elected to the bench for the 6th Circuit Court, 1984. I served as municipal judge for the City of Clearwater. I also served as assistant city attorney and prosecutor in Clearwater. I later was city attorney for Indian Rocks Beach for 12 years. While I was city judge, I was elected president of the Florida Municipal Judges' Association. I retired in January 1997, after serving 12 years. I am presently a senior circuit judge for the Sixth Circuit, Clearwater.
ZELL H. ALTMAN, Lake Worth
Family: Wife - Benilda L. Altman; children - (daughters) Cherie A. Pagett and Deborah M. Griffith
Career Highlights: Graduated from University of Miami Law School in 1951, began practicing law in Lake Worth and continue at present time. Early in career, became deeply involved in municipal, civic, fraternal and religious affairs of community. Twice appointed attorney for City of Lake Worth and elected as one of the city commissioners. As lieutenant colonel, was commanding officer of Group V of Florida Civil Air Patrol. president of Palm Beach County League of Municipalities and co-founder and past president of Tri-County League, comprised of elected/appointed municipal and county officials in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties which was instrumental in bringing about reapportionment of the Florida Legislature. Co-founder and seven-year president of TempleBeth Sholom in Lake Worth and past president of Palm Beach County B'nai B'rith. Past president of Lake Worth and West Lake Worth Kiwanis clubs. Co-founder and president of Family Counseling Center of Palm Beach County and co-founder and director of Palm Beach County Funeral Society. Co-founder of Planned Parenthood of Palm Beach County and co-founder and director of Palm Beach County Association of Religious Organizations and cofounder and officer of Emergency Medical Assistance of Palm Beach County. Also served on Lake Worth Code Enforcement Board for over eight years. Was six-year member of board of directors of Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce and for several years have served as president of Lake Worth Democratic Club. Further, recently completed two-year term as chair of Salvation Army Advisory Board. Over the years, served on many other committees relating to civic and charitable organizations. Since 1951, have been member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and The Florida Bar. Admitted to practice before federal courts of the United States.
RICHARD BAIN AUSTIN, Miami
Family: Wife - Gwen; children - Richard, Teresa, Lisa and Earl
Career Highlights: In looking back at 50 years of practicing law, I marvel at the radical changes that have occurred, both in the way the law is practiced and viewed by the public. I am impressed with the way the profession, as a whole, has adopted to the social and economic pressures that have changed the state from a Southern backwater to a major population center. I remember the intense struggle we faced in developing and building the Palmetto Expressway, Florida's first limited access highway. At the time it was created, it was located in the unpopulated regions of West Dade and was attacked as the "road to nowhere." For many years it has been a major north-south artery in Dade County.
The courts have become more sophisticated under the pressure of ever increasing litigation. Sometimes I miss the humor of simpler times. Once at the Florida Supreme Court, in a case preceding mine, a justice sought procedural clarification from a lawyer as to how the case arrived at the court. The lawyer responded that he rode the train to Ocala and then rented a car. The waiting lawyers bolted through every door in the courtroom.
During the early days of relaxation between the U.S. and USSR relations, I participated in an investigation of the legal systems of the USSR. We met with a group of Soviet lawyers there to exchange information on the differences in the courts and legal profession. I remember there were more lawyers in Dade County than in the USSR and, their primary complaint was that all lawyers were paid at the same rate regardless of experience. I returned to the U.S. with a greater appreciation of our system and the role lawyers play in maintaining democracy. My practice areas were general practice with an emphasis on administrative law, transportation law and insurance law, at trial and appellate levels, for both plaintiff and defendant at state and federal courts and agencies. Corporate law and arbitrator with American Arbitration Association, approximately 40 years.
GENE H. (HOOVER) AUVIL, Brooksville
Family: Wife - Shirley Mixson Auvil; Children - Mary Leslie Olive, Gene H. Auvil, Jr., and Jonathan Lee Auvil; a member of The Florida Bar practicing in Dade City
Career Highlights: Most of my career I was engaged in general practice, with emphasis on real property, estate planning and estate administration. Currently, my practice is limited to estate administration and representation of the county tax collector. I am a third generation lawyer. I graduated from Pasco High School in Dade City, where I was born and raised. I served in the U.S. Army in the latter part of WWII, was trained as a parachute demolitionist and saw duty in the Philippines and Japan. I graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 1951. Upon graduation I began practice in Dade City, was twice elected as county prosecuting attorney, and from most appearances over the next few years was a successful young attorney. In fact, after about eight years I had, without anyone else's help, made a thorough mess of my personal and professional careers. I truly "cratered." Recovery was hard and slow and I could never have accomplished it except that in 1962 I had the good fortune to meet the lady who has now been my wife for 38 years. I owe so much to Shirley for her devotion, dedication and hard work. And during those tough times we had the assistance of some very gracious Bar members. Looking back, I can truthfully say that I have for many years enjoyed professional success about any way it can be measured. My most valued personal achievement is that my peers seem to think that I am very good at the work I do. In the course of my career, I was president of the Pasco County Bar Association, a member of the Fifth Circuit's first professionalism committee and a master in the charter class of the Citrus-Hernando Inn of Court. Probably my most interesting legal work has been my representation of the Hernando County Tax Collector for over 20 years.
JULIAN BENNETT, Panama City
Career Highlights: Born in Panama City, March 3, 1929; admitted to Bar, 1951, Florida. Education: John B. Stetson University (LL.B., 1952). PhiAlpha Delta. Young Man of the Year, Panama City, 1957. Elected State Representative, Florida Legislature, 1960-66. Attorney, Bay County School Board, 1960-79. Recipient: Jaycees, Good Government Award, 1963; Debate Award, Florida Legislature, 1963. Member; Bay Count Bar Association, president, 1953-54; The Florida Bar, member: Committee on Judicial Selection, Tenure and Compensation, 1965-66: Advisory member, Legislation Committee, 1965-66; The Florida Bar member: board of directors, Junior Bar Section, 1954-55; Rotary Club; board of directors, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce; member, Board of Regents, 1993-99.
RICHARD ANTONIO (DICK) BIANCO, Temple Terrace
Family: Wife - Frances E-Bianco; children - Patricia B. Wilson
Career Highlights: I graduated from John B. Stetson University College of in 1951 and was admitted to the Bar that same year. In 1952 I entered private practice and was a sole practitioner until I retired in 1999. I was admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida in 1953.
WARREN A. (BISH) BISHOP, New Smyrna Beach
Family: Wife-Betty; children-Jessica, Barbara and Warren
Career Highlights: Served as a pilot in World War II in the U.S. Marine Corps. I was discharged with the rank of captain, 1945. Served as special agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, D.C. Attended the University of Connecticut and later received my J.D. from the University of Miami Law School. I was in general practice, 1959-1990. In Hialeah, I practiced real property and trust law. Served as an organizer, general council and president for 26-years with the Community Federal Savings and Loan. Past president, Hialeah-Miami Springs Chamber of Commerce; past president, Miami International Airport Kiwanis Club; member, Oleeta Lodge and the Scottish Rite Shrine. Have traveled extensively by motor-home, visiting every state of the United States, including Alaska. Additionally, I have visited Mexico and every Province of Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador, since semi-retirement.
JACK R. BISSELL, Sarasota
Family: Wife -- Suzanne; daughter -- Cady Ferguson
Career Highlights: Since admission to The Florida Bar my practice has been with small firms, first, in Gainesville then Sarasota. Prior to retirement in 1997, I had a solo practice in which I did estate and trusts, real estate and corporate law, for twenty-seven years. I have been active in community-and church work during my residence in Sarasota.
WILLIAM C. BLAKE, JR, Tampa
Family: five children
Career Highlights: I was in the U.S. Navy. I have been a partner in the Tampa law firms of Macfarlane, Ferguson, Allison & Kelly; Corcoran, Hinson & Blake; Blake & Ford; and Blake and Associates. I practiced as insurance counsel doing litigation of medical issues for physicians and hospitals; served on hospital institutional review board.
I am active in one-design yacht racing and yacht club organization; Commodore, Florida Sailing Association North American Yacht Racing Union. Retired from active practice in 1996, to the North Carolina mountains and tennis.
You may telephone me at 813/251-0292 or 828/743-1092. My email address is wcblake@gte.net.
JOHN WESLEY BOOTH, Leesburg
Family: Wife -- Marie Booth; Children -- Rebecca Booth Hill and Suzanne Booth
Career Highlights: I was born in Gainesville on January 13, 1924. Attended and graduated from P. K. Yonge in Gainesville in 1941 and the University of Florida, 1941-42. I served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943 until 1946, then returned to the University of Florida, where I graduated with a degree from the College of Business Administration, 1949. I attended John G. Stetson College of Law, 1949-51 where I received my LL.B. I was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1951. From 1951-66 I had a general practice in Palatka, Ocala (briefly) and Leesburg. In 1996, I was appointed county judge for Lake County, by Governor Haydon Burns. In 1967, I was elected without opposition. In 1968, I was elected to the 5th Judicial Circuit Court where I served until I retired in January 1997. I have been senior judge in the Fifth, Eighth, Ninth and 18th circuits, but served primarily in the Fifth and Eighth circuits. I am honorary and charter member of the Citrus-Hernando Inn of Court. I am judicial leader in the 2001 National Judicia l College Assembly.
CHARLES W. BOSTWICK, Jacksonville
Career Highlights: Received my LL.B. University of Florida, June 1951. Member of the Florida and Jacksonville bars, member of the Environmental and Land Use Law, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Trial Lawyers sections of The Florida Bar. I have been in general practice for 49 plus years.
GEORGE EARL BROWN, Miami
Career Highlights: Born the day Calvin Coolidge was elected president, November 4, 1924, in Oak Park, Illinois because there was no hospital in my family's hometown of Glen Ellyn. Attended public schools in Illinois until my family acquired a winter home in Miami Shores in 1939. Completed high school at Miami Edison Senior High. Served in Europe with the Army Air Corps and completed both undergraduate and law school studies at the University of Florida. Studied international law at the University of London's City College of Law.
Upon graduation, was appointed as special assistant attorney general and opened the Attorney General's first branch office in the state, in Miami. In 1954, formed a law firm with Thomas B. Duff, who passed away in 1985.
I am an avid sailor and raced sailboats in various regattas throughout the United States, Germany and Switzerland. I continue to practice under the firm, Duff & Brown, in Miami.
JOSEPH JOHN BRUNE III, Las Vegas, Nevada
Family: Wife -- Barbara; children (daughter) Lee, (sons) William and Joseph John
Career Highlights: I have been gifted with both great love and health, any other highlights would be redundant. My practice was in tax law.
HENRY BURNETT, Miami
Career Highlights: I have been a member of Fowler, White, Burnett P.A. and its predecessors since 1950, beginning as an associate and concluding my active practice as president of the firm. I currently continue an active of-counsel status.
Throughout my professional practice, I have been active on both a trial and appellate level in all phases of insurance defense law, including but not limited to, automobile, admiralty, aviation, products liability, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, and general liability in both state and federal courts. Commencing in the late 1950's, I was counsel for Jackson Memorial Hospital, our local public hospital, and later the teaching hospital for the University of Miami Medical School. Starting in 1970, I became counsel for the University Medical School in the defense of its medical malpractice actions and remain so.
Professionally I have served in: 1950 Virginia Bar; 1951 - The Florida Bar; U.S. District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida; 11th Circuit Court of Appeals; U.S. Supreme Court; American Bar Association; Dade County Bar Association; Dade County Defense Bar (president 1966-67); Florida Defense Lawyers Association (president 1967-68); International Association of Insurance Counsel (president 1976-77); American College of Trial Lawyers.
JAMES (JIM) D. CAMP, JR., Ft. Lauderdale
Family: Wife - Sue; children - Dorothy, Marie, Jim III, Bill and Suzanne
Career Highlights: Member, Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section Board of Governors; first president, Young Lawyers Section of Broward County Bar Association; vice-chair and co-chair, The Florida Bar Probate & Guardianship Rules Committee; member, Florida Board of Bar Examiners; chair, Probate Law Committee of Broward County Bar Association; fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; lecturer, Florida Bar CLE courses on probate topics; chair, Board of Broward National Bank; chair, Board of Century Banks, Inc.; member, Board of Sun Banks, Inc.; member, Board of Sun Trust Banks, Inc.; Knight of St. Gregory.
JACK SMITH CAREY, st. Petersburg
Family: Wife - Delight Carey; children - Jack Carey, Jr., Joy Carey and Jill Marie Hill
Career Highlights: I practiced estate planning, probate and real estate law. My greatest pleasures have been my personal contact with the clients and the feeling of having made a positive impact on their lives.
The opportunity of being a part of a noble profession and having made a small contribution to its growth has been worth all the hard work.
JOHN SHARPE CROWNING, Coral Gables
Family: Wife - Fritzi; children - Cathy Javech (son-in-law, Nestor J. Javech, M.D.), Elizabeth Jane (Lisa)
Career Highlights: Finals, moot court competition; attended University of Virginia Law School. Joined the law firm of Shutts & Bowen, Miami, where I represented Gar Wood and the Miami Children's Hospital. Retired. from Shutts and Bowen, 1994. My areas of practice were: real property; probate, corporations and hospital law.
JOHN V. CHRISTIE, Hobe Sound
Family: Wife-Mary H. Christie
Career Highlights: I was born in Miami; admitted to The Florida Bar, 1951. In 1971, I was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court; in 1976, admitted to the U.S. Southern District Court of Florida. In 1957, I was admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. I received my preparatory education at the University of Miami (BB.A., 1949) and my legal education at the University of Miami (J.D., 1967 - replaced LL.B. conferred in 1951). I was in Phi Alpha Delta fraternity. Served as judge of Industrial Claims, 1955-60; member Dade County and American Bar Associations, the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, and The Florida Bar.
JAMES E. (JIM) CLAYTON, Micanopy
Family: Wife - Nicky; children - James (Jamey) E. Clayton, Jr., John (Buddy) M. Clayton, Joye M; Clayton
Career Highlights: Practice with the law firm of Clayton-Johnston P.A. in Gainesville. Alachua County since 1951. Most significant accomplishment was the rearing and educating of three great children. Still practicing law part-time. I am a former Florida Bar Board of Governors member; served on various Bar committees, including chairman of the Client Security Fund; served as president of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association. Practice areas included: wills, estates, probate and commercial residential real property transactions.
ALLEN CLEMENTS, JR., Bradenton
Family: Children - Mary, Jill, Bryan and Allen III
Career Highlights: I was the city attorney for West Miami, 1956-93; city attorney for South Miami, 1969-72; village attorney, Biscayne Park, 1972-75; attorney, Dade County League of Cities, 1966-72; served in U.S. Army, 1943-48; decorated with the Bronze Star. I served on the board of directors of the Dade County Bar Association, 1984-86 and as legal advisor for the Dade County Counsel for Mayors, 1964-72.
MACK N. CLEVELAND, JR, Longwood
Family: Wife - Mary Anne Cleveland; children - Darvin Boothe, Rebekah Boothe Corley and Robert Boothe
Career Highlights: Served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater during WWII, 1943-46. I earned my BS/BA in 1949; J.D. from Stetson University, 1951; served as county attorney for Seminole County, 1954-61; Florida House of Representatives, 1952-63; elected: speaker pro-tem, 1956-58; Florida State Senator, 1963-66; member and past president of Stetson Lawyer's Association: founding member of the Volie Williams Inns of Court, 1969; Florida State Racing Commission and attorney for the St. Johns Indian River Canal District. Jaycee's Good Government Award, 1965; past president and member of Seminole County Bar Association from 1951 to present; admitted to U.S. Supreme Court, June 1968; received Ben Willard Memorial Award, Thomas E. Whigham Pro Bono Service Award in 1991; presented Justice Vassar B. Carlton to Florida Supreme Court at his investiture, January 1969; member of Stetson University's Board of Overseers, Stetson College of Law; member, board of trustees for Stetson University, 1986-96; general counsel to Stetson University from 1988 to present: former member of 18th Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission; 50-year member of Masons; appointed by Gov. Bob Graham to Governor's Central Florida Transportation Study Commission.
MARSHALL M. CRISER, Jacksonville
Family: Wife - Paula (married, April 1957); children Marshall M. Criser III, Edward H. Criser, Mary Criser Loveland, Glenn L. Criser * Kimberly Criser-Pate, Mark J. Criser * (* member of The Florida Bar); grandchildren - 14
Career Highlights: Chairman, Florida Land Sales Board, 1963-64; member Board of Governors, The Florida Bar, 1960-69; president, The Florida Bar, 1968-69; member, House of Delegates, American Bar Assn., 1968-72; chairman, Florida Council of 100, 1979-80; chairman, Academic Task Force on Insurance and Tort Reform, 1986-88; chairman, Federal Court Advisory Group for Middle District of Florida, 1991-96; member, Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission, 2001-; member, Board of Regents from 1971-81, chairman 1974-78; president, University of Florida, 1984-89.
Former director of Bell South Corporation; FPL Group, - Inc.; Barnett Banks, Inc., Perini Corp., and Emerald Funds, Inc. Currently, chairman of CSR America, Inc.; director of Flagler System, Inc.; Shands Healthcare, Inc.; Shands Jacksonville, Inc., University of Florida Foundation, Inc.; president of Alliance for World Class Education, Duval County; director, M.E. Rinker, Sr. Foundation, Inc. Partner, Gunster Yoakley Criser & Stewart, Palm Beach, 1953-84; chairman, Mahoney Adams & Criser, Jacksonville, 1989-97; and of counsel, McGuire Woods Battle & Boothe, Jacksonville, 1998-March 1, 2000. Current status: retired.
CHARLES EVANS DAVIS, Orlando
Family: Wife - Patty K Davis; Children - Deborah Davis Black, Charles E. Davis, Jr., George R. Davis
Career Highlights: Served in the U.S. Navy, 1943-47. Achieved my BS/BA from the University of Florida, 1949; LL.B, 1951; and received my J.D., 1967. Worked on the University of Florida Law Review. Affiliated with Fishback, Davis, et al., in Orlando from 1951-1989. Sole practitioner, 1989 to date. I am a charter member and director of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers (it's predecessor); trustee of Howey Academy; director of the United Growers & Shippers; trustee of the C. V. Griffin, Sr., Foundation. Deacon and trustee of the Central Christian Church in Orlando.
JAMES BOYD DELOACH, New Smyrna Beach
Family: Wife - Barbara Southard DeLoach (married 50 years on 3/3/01); children - Deborah D. Peterson (wife of Sid C. Peterson, Jr.) and Robin Bates (wife of Gary T. Bates). Grandchildren - Trey Peterson, Christian Peterson, Jamie Peterson, Matthew Peterson, Kevin Bates, Cameron Bates, Christopher Bates and Kelli Bates. We have one great granddaughter and a great grandson due to be born soon.
Career Highlights: After graduating law school in 1951 from the University of Florida, I accepted an appointment as an FBI special agent and served three years in the Oklahoma City and Cleveland, Ohio offices. I returned to New Smyrna Beach in January 1954 and started practicing law with a general office practice, doing primarily real estate, probate, wills and trusts. I practice with my son-in-law, Sid C. Peterson, Jr., and his brother Phil Peterson.
In addition to my practice, I have given back to my profession and community by serving 24 years seven as chairman of the Volusia County School Board, municipal judge; city attorney, president of the Volusia County Bar Association and trustee of the Volusia County Law Library - 10 years. I am an original organizer of the Duvall Home for Retarded Children through the United Presbyterian Services and remained on its board of many years....
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