Abrams named Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year
Lauded for assisting legal services attorneys, mentoring and educating colleagues, and vigorously protecting consumers’ rights in court, David H. Abrams of Orlando is The Florida Bar 2020 Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year.
The award is bestowed each year by the Bar’s Consumer Protection Law Committee and Abrams was nominated by nine past recipients of the award.
“It’s very rewarding to receive an honor for doing work that I truly love,” said Abrams. “Consumer law, although often challenging, has provided me with a career that is full of meaning and purpose.”
Wrote his nominators: “David has gained a reputation as a leader in the practice of bankruptcy law (Chapter 7 and 13), Social Security disability law, guardianship and elder care law, debt relief, and consumer protection law. . . . He is a frequent and sought-after speaker on issues of law as it applies to the economic lives of individuals and families.”
Most recently, Abrams organized a “Post-Covid-19 Consumer Law Program” with Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF).
“David spearheaded efforts to put the ‘Defending Consumers Training’ together,” said Martha Pardo, senior manager of public interest and pro bono services at CLSMF. “He gathered consumer law attorneys from across the state to present on a variety of issues affecting consumers including debt collection, fair credit reporting, auto repossessions, evictions and bankruptcy. The training is available as an informative resource for our staff and our pro bono attorneys. It received great feedback from attendees.”
Jim Kowalski a past recipient of the award and president of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, describes Abrams as having been “a very quiet bulldog for many years.” Recently, Abrams created and hosted virtual lunch and learn discussions through the National Association of Consumer Advocates. The “Doing Well While Doing Good” information-sharing group was started as an offshoot of earlier efforts by another past Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year recipient, Janet Varnell. Abrams reconfigured the program making it an important virtual gathering place for discussions on the pandemic relating to the CARES Act, including the Paycheck Protection Program.
Abrams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Florida State University and an Associate of Science degree in Nursing from Tallahassee Community College. He received his law degree from City University of New York School of Law. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2003.
Nominators said Abrams’ non-law related credentials give another glimpse into his practice of consumer law, noting his psychology degree and licensure as a Registered Nurse, which he maintains, elevate his practice of law with compassion and patience.
Abrams is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the ABA. He is also a graduate of the Florida Defender College and has taken advanced training regarding consumer rights litigation
Said Robert Murphy, a past recipient of the award: “David Abrams represents the best of us.”
