Florida's Legal Titans: Legacy, Mercy, and Power on Display

ORLANDO, FL – February 20, 2026 – In a ballroom at the Four Seasons last year, the Florida Justice Association (FJA) convened its most esteemed members for an event that was part awards ceremony, part history lesson, and part declaration of institutional strength. The annual Masters of Justice Founders Luncheon celebrated the pillars of Florida’s civil justice system, but this edition resonated with particular force, marked by a surprise appearance from a legal legend, the celebration of a multi-generational legal dynasty, and the unveiling of a historic new honor.

Founded shortly after World War II to give injured citizens a voice against powerful corporate interests, the FJA has grown into a 3,000-member force in Florida's legal and political arenas. The luncheon served as a powerful reminder of the organization’s core values: sacrifice, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to preserving access to the courts for all Floridians.

A Question of Mercy and a Surprise from a Legend

The afternoon’s highest honor, the Perry Nichols Award, is bestowed for selfless sacrifice and inspirational leadership. This year, it was presented to Alexander “Zander” Murphy Clem, a past FJA president and the managing partner of Morgan & Morgan. The award presentation took a stunning turn when John Morgan, the firm’s iconic founder who has been absent from such gatherings for years, strode to the podium to honor his partner. His presence sent a ripple of excitement through the room.

Morgan recounted a question he often poses: Do you stand more for justice or more for mercy? When Clem was asked, his answer was immediate and unequivocal: mercy. The choice resonated deeply, suggesting that true advocacy is tempered with compassion. It was a theme that underscored Clem’s career, which has been defined by his role as a leading opponent of tort reform in the state. A lifelong Republican, Clem has frequently testified before legislative committees, arguing that such reforms betray free-market principles and governmental non-interference. His work, both in the courtroom securing multi-million dollar verdicts for victims and in the halls of the legislature, has been pivotal in the FJA’s ongoing battle to keep courtroom doors open.

A Legacy Forged Across Generations

One of the day’s most poignant moments came with the celebration of the Romano family, a name synonymous with the FJA’s history. In a moving tribute, two members of the family were honored. Eric Romano received the Al J. Cohn Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his own leadership tenure and the example he sets for the next generation. The award itself is steeped in history, named for one of the FJA’s founders and its first president, a decorated World War II hero who received both American and British military honors.

In a powerful display of the family's deep-seated commitment to the cause, Eric’s mother, Nancy Romano, was presented with the Joan Williams Award. This honor recognizes a non-lawyer for their passionate dedication to protecting Florida's civil justice system. Seeing mother and son honored side-by-side, surrounded by an extended family that has dedicated itself to the FJA’s mission, vividly illustrated the theme of legacy. Eric's father, John Romano, led the FJA as president in 1989-90 and has received nearly every major award the association offers, making the family’s collective contribution a cornerstone of the organization’s modern history.

The Call to Service and the Power of the Word

The luncheon also spotlighted other core tenets of the profession: ethical service and masterful communication. The BJ and Tom Masterson Award for ethical professionalism was presented to Alex Ortega Gomez of the Grossman Roth firm. Gomez earned profound respect for his decision to leave the lucrative world of private practice to serve as a public defender, a move seen as the embodiment of giving back. In his remarks, he paid a powerful tribute to the women of the FJA, calling them the backbone of the organization.

Perseverance and eloquence were also celebrated. Michael Trentalange received the John E. Krupnick Award, named for an attorney famous for pursuing a single case for a severely injured child for over 15 years. Trentalange acknowledged his own long-running litigation continues, a testament to the tenacity required of trial lawyers. Meanwhile, Kristen Morse, lauded as one of the most detailed and ethical legal writers in the Florida bar, was presented with the Victor Tipton Award for excellence in legal writing, an honor named for the founder of the FJA’s journal.

The Legate: A New Honor for an Unprecedented Contributor

The day's most significant surprise was the unveiling of a brand-new, unprecedented honor: the Legate Award. Its inaugural recipient was Chris Searcy of West Palm Beach, a towering figure in Florida law. The award’s name is drawn from the legates of ancient Rome—high-ranking generals entrusted with extraordinary authority and vision.

Searcy was recognized for a lifetime of leadership and an unmatched financial commitment, having personally donated over $1 million to the Florida Justice Association. As President and CEO of his firm, Searcy has spent nearly five decades representing victims, famously becoming the youngest attorney in the U.S. to secure a $1 million verdict for a single personal injury case at age 29. Having already received the Perry Nichols Award in 2005, the creation of the Legate Award was a necessary innovation to recognize a new level of contribution. He was presented with a ceremonial sword, a fitting symbol for a legal warrior known for his commanding presence and powerful advocacy.

The creation of this award signals more than just gratitude for one man's generosity. It reflects the FJA’s confidence and forward momentum, demonstrating an institution that not only honors its past but actively builds new traditions to recognize extraordinary commitment, ensuring its continued influence in the fight for civil justice in Florida.