Shutts & Bowen LLP is pleased to announce that John Patterson, a partner in the firm’s Sarasota office, was recently selected as the recipient of The Florida Bar Foundation’s 2022 Medal of Honor Award.
John was selected to receive the Medal of Honor award thanks to his work throughout the years to make a profound difference in the lives of thousands of people and for improving the administration of justice in Florida. The selection committee’s unanimous decision to honor John’s career-long dedication to increasing local and state-wide access to justice for all will be further celebrated at the Foundation’s award ceremony during The Florida Bar’s annual convention.
The mission of The Florida Bar Foundation is to provide greater access to justice in Florida. Founded in 1956, the Foundation seeks to accomplish its goals through strategic grant-making to local and statewide civil legal aid organizations and projects to improve the administration of justice and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the legal aid delivery system. The Foundation’s work reaches every county in the state.
A Foundation board member from 2004 to 2015, John chaired the development, finance and audit, and Legal Assistance for the Poor/Law Student Assistance Grant Program committees. He also has served as president and vice-chair of the executive, grant program and nominating committees. John is a Florida Bar Foundation Fellow, a member of the Foundation’s Gold Society for lifetime giving, and a member of its Legacy for Justice, which recognizes those who have made or facilitated major gifts or bequests to the Foundation.
“I am honored to have been chosen by The Florida Bar Foundation for this award,” said John. “I hope to continue to contribute to the good work that the Foundation does, as well as inform others on the importance of equal access to justice, for years to come.”
John’s commitment to legal services includes serving as founding president and board member of the predecessor organization to Legal Aid of Manasota, where he continues to be an active board member. John was the 1985 recipient of The Florida Bar President’s Award for pro bono service for the 12th Judicial Circuit. He is also an officer and member of the Board of Directors of Innocence Project of Florida, a non-profit organization that works to help innocent prisoners in Florida obtain their freedom and rebuild their lives.
About John Patterson
John Patterson is a partner in the Sarasota office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is a member of the Corporate Practice Group. John is a Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney with over 50 years of experience. A former commercial trial and appellate lawyer, John regularly represents clients in commercial real estate, business, and financing matters in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, hotels and resorts, retail, marinas, personal storage, mobile home parks, and real estate development.