A Sarasota lawyer has just received The Florida Bar Foundation’s 2022 Medal of Honor Award. John Patterson is a partner at Shutts & Bowen and was chosen for this award because of his commitment to making a difference in increasing local and state-wide access to justice. Patterson has over 50 years of experience and mainly represents clients in commercial real estate and business.
The 2022 Medal of Honor Award
Patterson 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 made an unanimous decision to honor John’s career-long dedication to increasing local and state-wide access to justice for all.
“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.”
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Patterson was a foundation board member from 2004 to 2015. He 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.
His 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 also 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 get their freedom and rebuild their lives.
The Florida Bar Foundation
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. It is also dedicated to 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.