Gunster, one of Florida’s oldest and largest full-service business law firms, is pleased to announce that Jacksonville attorney Michael G. Tanner was sworn in as The Florida Bar’s 73rd president at the 2021 Annual Florida Bar Convention held June 9-11, 2021 in Orlando.
As leader of Florida’s 109,000 attorneys, Tanner plans to focus on improving professionalism, creating greater access to legal services for underserved citizens and enhancing career opportunities for young lawyers. A well-known north Florida civil litigator, Tanner is known as a seasoned professional who is led by his ethics and sound judgement.
Tanner is described as “one of the most well-respected, accomplished lawyers in the state of Florida, no question about it,” by William “Bill” Schifino, who served as Florida Bar president in 2016 and is the Tampa office managing shareholder for Gunster.
Tanner’s record of service is lengthy, both to the legal community and to his greater community in Jacksonville. In addition to many Florida Bar committees and nearly a decade on its Board of Governors, Tanner has also served as president of the Jacksonville chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and in 2012, was inducted into the invitation-only American College of Trial Lawyers.
Looking ahead, Tanner emphasized that “We have young lawyers continually coming into our ranks, motivated to serve, pro bono is flourishing, community volunteerism is still flourishing, and did throughout the pandemic — we know that we can be more resilient beyond what we ever thought we could.”
George S. LeMieux, chairman of Gunster and former U.S. Senator, said “We could not be more proud of our partner, Mike Tanner. He is well-regarded for his high level of professionalism and civility, and also for his leadership. At Gunster, service and commitment to our communities are embedded in our culture. Mike is carrying on this tradition of service. His talent, energy and steady hand will be a strong guiding presence for The Florida Bar in this next year.”
The Florida Bar is the organization of all lawyers licensed by the Supreme Court of Florida to practice law in the state. The Florida Bar’s core functions are to: Regulate the practice of law in Florida; ensure the highest standards of legal professionalism in Florida; and protect the public by prosecuting unethical attorneys and preventing the unlicensed practice of law.
A seasoned legal strategist with more than thirty years of experience, Tanner’s primary areas of practice include complex litigation, appellate (state and federal courts) and election law. He is board certified in both civil trial and business litigation by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. Additionally, Tanner is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Davidson College.
Click here to view President Mike Tanner’s remarks after installation as president.
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