In 1996, Bud’s prowess in the courtroom was recognized by The National Law Journal in its annual edition of “Winning” which highlights ten top litigators in the country. Bud was asked to share his strategies for achieving success in the courtroom which he did in the article featuring him, “In Hostile Territory, Show You Trust the Jury.” In 1999, he was recognized by The National Law Journal again as being one of the “Top Litigators.” He has since been recognized for his advocacy skills in numerous articles and publications, including designation by Florida Trend magazine as one of the “Top Defense Counsel.” In 2010, Bud was named “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Central Florida Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and as a “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of personal injury litigation–defendants for Orlando by Best Lawyers in America in 2013 and 2018.
Recognized for his successful trial career, Bud was inducted as a Fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers, a prestigious by-invitation-only organization composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada.
In February of 1991, Bud was appointed by former President George H. W. Bush to the Board of Directors of the Legal Service Corporation which administers nearly a half billion dollars to programs throughout the United States rendering legal services to the poor. He served in that position for three years. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association and is a former member of the International Association of Defense Counsel.
Within the firm, Bud formerly served on the Executive Committee and as Managing Partner for thirteen years. In addition to his professional activities, Bud is active in the community in the After School Outreach program for Howard Middle School children. For many years, he served as a member of the Board of Directors for WMFE, the local public radio and television stations. He is also a member of Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law’s Dean’s Advisory Council.
Following graduation from law school, Bud served as an assistant professor teaching courses in real property, legislation and water law.
