Haliczer, Pettis & Schwamm P.A. co-founding partner Eugene Pettis was awarded the Henry T. Latimer Inclusion Award at The Florida Bar's 2018 Annual Convention. The award was given to Pettis for his dedication toward pushing for advances in diversity and inclusion programs within the legal profession.

The Florida Bar’s diversity and inclusion efforts push to encourage participation and opportunities to all individuals within the legal profession, including those who are racially, ethnically and culturally diverse, women, members of the LGBTQ community and those with disabilities

“I am a believer that we see the best of humanity when we come together as one people; the human race,” said Pettis, who served as the first African-American president of The Florida Bar from 2013-2014. “There is still work to be done. We must be willing to open the doors of opportunity to all people without fearing the inclusion limits our opportunities. To be recognized for something I am truly passionate about is just an added bonus.”

Pettis left a legacy of leadership initiatives which continue at The Florida Bar, including Vision 2016, looking at the future practice of law, as well as the William Reece Smith Leadership Academy. In 2007, he was inducted to the exclusive invitation only American College of Trial Lawyers and elected by his peers into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America as Lawyer of the Year for plaintiff medical malpractice 2017 and Lawyer of the Year for personal injury defense 2018.

Pettis currently serves on the University of Florida Foundation’s Board of Directors and on the Board of Trustees at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida.

About Haliczer, Pettis & Schwamm

Haliczer, Pettis & Schwamm, P.A. represents a variety of clients from numerous industries including medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death, professional liability, workers compensation, business and commercial litigation, appellate practice and insurance cases. Founded by James Haliczer, Eugene Pettis, and Richard Schwamm in 1996, the firm has offices in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to help serve clients across the state of Florida.