2009 Adkins Award and Pro Bono Award Winners

Judge Peter D. Webster - Adkins Award The Appellate Practice Section presented the 2009 James C. Adkins Award to First District Court of Appeal Judge Peter D. Webster at its annual Dessert Reception at the Florida Bar Annual Convention in Orlando on June 25, 2009. The Section annually presents the award to a member of the Florida Bar or Florida judiciary who has significantly contributed to the field of appellate practice in Florida. "The Section thought it was particularly appropriate to award him the distinction for his dedication to education of appellate lawyers and judges," said outgoing Section chair Siobhan Shea.

Judge Webster has served on the First District since his appointment in 1991. Judge Webster, a graduate of Georgetown University and Duke University School of Law, worked as a judical law clerk and private practitioner in Jacksonville before joining the bench. Judge Webster says he intends to continue his involvement in Section activities. "I have been delighted to have the opportunity to work with many outstanding appellate lawyers and hope to have the opportunity to work with them for many more years."

Bryan S. Gowdy - Pro Bono Award Every year, the Appellate Practice Section presents a Pro Bono Award to an appellate attorney who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to serving the legal needs of those who cannot afford representation. This year, at the June 25, 2009, Florida Bar Convention, the Section proudly presented this year's award to Bryan S. Gowdy of Mills, Creed & Gowdy, P.A.

As a board-certified appellate specialist, Gowdy is a zealous and skillful advocate for those in need. Currently, Gowdy is handling a pro bono appeal on an Eighth Amendment issue in the United States Supreme Court. Not only has Gowdy spent hundreds of hours providing pro bono services to those who otherwise faced navigating complex appellate matters without representation, but he has also put his experience and understanding of the critical need for pro bono services to use in his community. In his role as the Section's Pro Bono Committee Chair and as a board member of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Gowdy lends his expertise to large-scale efforts in the pro bono arena. The Section is honored to present Gowdy with the 2009 Pro Bono Award.