John Patterson, a partner in Shutts & Bowen LLP’s Sarasota office, was recently featured in an interview profile by the Sarasota County Bar Association’s publication, The Docket.

Discussing his term 38 years ago as president of the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA), John recalled the cordial atmosphere of the group at that time, memorable characters from the past, the scope of the group’s membership and the format of SCBA meetings. In the interview, he also answers questions about accomplishments during his term, from 1982 to 1983, and his thoughts on how the SCBA remains successful today. Discussing his proudest accomplishment, John identified “The resolution of the long-standing disputes between the federally funded legal aid organization (which I believe was Gulf Coast Legal Services, Inc.) and the SCBA-sponsored legal aid program through the formation of the Sarasota-Manatee Lawyer Referral Service, Inc., organized in October 1982. It was a success and lasted until for-profit lawyer referral services were allowed to enter the market. Legal Aid of Manasota, Inc. is the successor organization.”

With 51 years of legal experience, John has held numerous leadership positions in the community and across the state, having served in the past as a director and president of The Florida Bar Foundation, a board member of The Florida Bar and as a member of the Second District Court of Appeal Nominating Commission. He currently serves on the board of directors for The Innocence Project of Florida and Shands Teaching Hospital and Clinics, Inc. in Gainesville.  He has been recognized for his pro bono efforts, and is a recipient of the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award.

To view The Docket’s November 2020 edition, click here.

To view John Patterson’s interview profile, click here.

 

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 litigator 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, construction, and real estate development.