Waller wins Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award.

Saying Edward M. Waller, Jr., exemplifies the highest ideals of the profession by his tireless service to others, Chief Justice Harry Lee Anstead presented the Tampa lawyer with the 2004 Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award.

"Mr. Waller has donated hundreds of hours to pro bono representation in 36 years of legal practice," Chief Justice Anstead said January 29 during a special ceremony of the Supreme Court. "His pro bono clients have included the elderly at risk of losing their homes, an AIDS patient who needed bankruptcy protection because of mounting medical bills, a woman living with disabilities in an effort to save her home for her and her foster children."

The award commemorates Miami civil rights lawyer Tobias Simon, who died in February 1982, and is intended to encourage and recognize extraordinary contributions by Florida lawyers in making legal services available to the indigent and to focus public awareness on the substantial voluntary services rendered by Florida lawyers.

Also honored during the ceremony was the Miami firm of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, which received the Chief Justice's Law Firm Commendation.

A lawyer from each circuit also was recognized with The Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Awards, and Thomas Zebnder of Orlando received the Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Award.

"I know of no profession that gives more freely and unselfishly of its services than the justice system in our local communities," said Anstead, noting Florida lawyers provided more than 1.3 million hours of pro bono service a year ago.

Bar President Miles McGrane told the honorees that they are the role models for the rest of the state's lawyers who lead by example, not just words.

"You are the best of the best in our legal profession," McGrane said. "You are truly the champions of justice, and it is a privilege and honor to participate in this ceremony."

McGrane, however, said despite the great efforts of those who provide pro bono service, there is a critical need for more. He called on all lawyers to honor the oath they took when they were admitted to the Bar to never reject "the cause of the defenseless or oppressed."

McGrane noted the legal profession is the only profession that has a rich tradition of fostering and encouraging its members to labor for the good of the public.

"Let us today celebrate our responsibilities as officers of this court and promise to work together to create new initiatives to improve the delivery of legal...