Samuel Alexander named recipient of the John R. Hamilton Pro Bono Award
Outgoing Appellate Practice Section Chair Courtney Brewer presents the John R. Hamilton Pro Bono Award to Samuel Alexander for his work to improve how the section responds to requests for appellate assistance.
The Appellate Practice Section recently recognized Samuel Alexander, outgoing co-chair of the section’s Pro Bono Committee, as the 2025 recipient of the John R. Hamilton Pro Bono Award. The award honors a section member who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to expanding access to justice through pro bono appellate work.
Alexander has served on the Pro Bono Committee for several years and has been a driving force in improving how the section responds to requests for appellate assistance. Recognizing the need for greater structure and efficiency, the section says Alexander designed and implemented a formal intake system to help manage pro bono requests in a consistent and streamlined way.
"As the number of requests grew, Sam led the section’s efforts to partner with legal aid organizations across Florida — ensuring that individuals in need could still access appellate representation while freeing volunteers from time-consuming administrative work," according to the section. "This strategic shift has allowed the section to provide more meaningful and targeted assistance, in line with its mission to serve the public good."
Alexander has also contributed his time and money to support events and CLEs that promote and celebrate pro bono service, including programming with the Guardian ad Litem Program and initiatives recognizing outstanding volunteer attorneys. He has also volunteered his own time to take on many pro bono appeals over the course of his career.
"Through his leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to service, Sam has significantly advanced the section’s pro bono efforts and helped build a stronger, more sustainable framework for appellate pro bono work in Florida," the section notes.
