Chief Judge Perry Awarded as Jurist of the Year
August 20, 2009
Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. was awarded “Jurist of the Year” by the Florida Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates (FLABOTA) at the organization’s annual convention on July 25th in Sarasota. The Jurist of the Year Award is presented annually to a member of the Florida Judiciary for his or her commitment to preserving and improving the jury trial system and protecting and defending the American civil justice system.
Judge Perry was recognized by FLABOTA, not only for his 20 year career as a Judge and 12 years serving as Chief Judge, but also for his for his work on numerous statewide committees to promote an efficient and effective judicial branch. He was specifically recognized for his efforts as a member and current Chair of the Florida Trial Court Budget Commission (TCBC) and credited for leading the charge in support of proper court funding in a time of reduced spending and budget cuts.
During the award presentation, Circuit Judge John Kest introduced Judge Perry as the face of the statewide judiciary saying, “He is what you, as trial lawyers, and we, as trial judges, want in every trial judge – commitment to the jury trial process, dedication to the rule of law, an understanding of, and appreciation for the need for judicial independence and a willingness to devote the time and energy necessary to keep the courthouse doors open.”
Throughout his career Judge Perry has also served as Chair of the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges and Chair of the Statewide Revision 7 Communications Advisory Group. He has served on the Supreme Court Criminal Court Steering Committee, Supreme Court Local Rule Advisory Committee, Florida Supreme Court Commission on Fairness – Guardianship Subcommittee, Supreme Court Committee on Post Conviction Relief in Capital Cases and the Florida Court Education Council.
He has been awarded the 2005 Jurist of the Year Award presented by the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida, the 2005 Golden Bell Award presented by the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, the Drum Major Award presented by the Dr. I.S. Hankins/F.A. Johnson Education Foundation, Inc., the Founders Award presented by Florida Partners in Crisis, the Friend of Law Related Education Award presented by the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc., and was recognized by Orlando Magazine in 2001 as one of the 20 most powerful people in Orlando.
For additional information or to arrange an interview with Judge Perry, please contact Rob Bains, Communications Coordinator with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court at 407-836-0439.
