PENSACOLA ATTORNEY BECOMES 57TH PRESIDENT Of THE FLORIDA BAR

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PENSACOLA ATTORNEY BECOMES 57TH PRESIDENT Of THE FLORIDA BAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2005
CONTACT: Francine Walker,
The Florida Bar
www.FloridaBar.org
TELEPHONE: 850/561-5666

Alan B. Bookman, of Pensacola, will become The Florida Bar’s 57th President when he takes the oath of office on Friday, June 24, during the Bar’s 2005 Annual Meeting at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Bookman will be the first Pensacola lawyer to become president of The Florida Bar since 1985 when Patrick G. Emmanuel served.

During his presidency, Bookman says he wants to vigilantly protect the independence of the judiciary as the third co-equal branch of the government. He believes that an efficient judiciary is one of the key elements involved in protecting the profession from unwarranted attacks.

“The Bar has an obligation to instill trust and to educate the public about the judicial system,” he said. “As a co-equal branch of the government, the judiciary should receive the respect that has been warranted for over 200 years.”

Bookman also wants to ensure all members of the Bar are aware of diversity inclusion. He wants to allow and make room for lawyers of all backgrounds.

“Anywhere lawyers are present, diversity should stay on their radar,” he said. “I want to encourage lawyers of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities to get involved and stay involved.”

Bookman who ran for presidency in 2003 was unopposed. He has become well accomplished with both local and state bars. And he has an extensive resume of civic offices held on local, state and national levels.

Alan B. Bookman was born Nov. 28, 1947 in New Orleans. He received a bachelor of psychology degree from Tulane University in 1969 and a doctor of jurisprudence from Tulane University School of Law in 1971.

He began his law career with the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate Corps (JAG), where he served as senior military counsel and chief of military justice. After leaving the military, Bookman joined the law firm of Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon in 1975 and is currently a partner at the firm.

Bookman, who concentrates his practice in Commercial and Real Estate Law, is Board Certified in Real Estate Law and is a Certified Civil Trial Mediator by the Florida Supreme Court. He has served on The Florida Bar Board of Governors since 1996. He also served on The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors from 1977-83 and the board of directors of The Florida Bar Foundation from 1984-90.

He is an active member of the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association and served as its president from
1991-93. In addition, Bookman has involvement with Northwest Florida Legal Services, Inc. and has served as a board member and a former president.

As a dynamic community leader, Bookman has served on the executive board of the Fiesta of Five Flags, is one of the founding members and former president of the Panhandle Tiger Bay Club, and he currently serves on the board of directors of the Pensacola Rotary Club. He has also been former president and board member of the Ronald McDonald House, and has been an adjunct professor at Pensacola Junior College.

He and his wife, Connie, have four children--two daughters, Jyl and Alison, and two sons, J.J. and D.C.

Get a download linked .jpg photo of Mr. Bookman, or email request to fwalker@flabar.org

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EDITORS: Please note The Florida Bar is not an association and "Association" is not part of our name. Proper reference is "The Florida Bar." Local bar organizations are properly termed "associations."

[Revised: 07-01-2005 ]