Eugene K. Pettis - Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Eugene K. Pettis, a co-founder of Haliczer Pettis Schwamm, leadsa trial practice representing an impressive list of corporate, public sectorand individual clients in civil trial matters. He has over 30 years of experience handling a range of complex cases fordefendants and plaintiffs in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury,commercial litigation, employment and professional liability. Mr. Pettis attended the University of Floridawhere he received his Bachelor's degree inpolitical science in 1982 and his Juris Doctorate degree in 1985.

Mr. Pettis, in June2013, became the President of The Florida Bar, the first African-American toserve in this position. In his role at the helm of The Florida Bar, whichgoverns nearly 100,000 attorneys, he provided visionary leadership and broughta passion for giving back to his profession and his community.

He left a legacy of leadership initiatives, which continueat The Florida Bar, including Vision 2016, looking at the future practice oflaw, as well as the William Reece Smith Leadership Academy which was hisbrain-child. He is a sought afterkeynote speaker who has used his engaging and enthusiastic style to motivate thousands. Mr. Pettis supports higher education, servingon the University of Florida Foundation=s board of directors where he has recently been named aLife Member for his service, and currently on the board of trustees at theUniversity of Florida's Levin College of Law.

Mr.Pettis trial and litigation skills are highly regarded as evidenced by therare recognition by the Best Lawyers inAmerica where he has been recognized as the Lawyer of the Year forplaintiff medical malpractice 2017, Lawyer of the Year for personal injurydefense 2018 and Lawyer of the Year for employment law 2013. He is a perennialselection by his peers for inclusion in FloridaSuper Lawyers, the South FloridaLegal Guide Top Lawyers list and FloridaTrends Legal Elite.

He was a 2007 inductee to the exclusive invitation onlyAmerican College of Trial Lawyers and elected by his peers into the AmericanBoard of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). In January, 2013, he was recognized by hisABOTA Chapter as The Trial Lawyer of the Year in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In recognition of his commitment to community service, Mr. Pettiswas recognized in 2012 by the Urban League of Broward County with the MargaretRoach Humanitarian Award. Mr. Pettis received the South Florida BusinessJournals 2014 Ultimate CEO Award which recognizes Miami-Dade,Broward and Palm Beach Countys top executive for their expertise, leadershipand community involvement.

Mr. Pettis is admitted to The Florida Bar (1985). He isadmitted to practice in all District Courts in Florida, including SouthernDistrict, Middle District and Northern District. He has two daughters, the oldest a litigation attorney inOrlando and the youngest pursuing her doctoral degree in child psychology.