By Carrie Carrie T. Cox
Eugene K. Pettis, a Co-Founder and Senior Partner at Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm, has been elected to the 15-member Board of Regents of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL). He will represent Region 7, which includes Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, for a four-year term. Eugene has been an ACTL Fellow since 2007.
Founded in 1950, the ACTL is widely recognized as the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America, composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The ACTL strives to preserve and enhance trial practice, civility, professionalism, and the administration of justice through support of an independent judiciary, the rule of law, trial by jury, and access to justice.
Eugene has represented an impressive number of clients in trial matters for nearly 40 years. His primary focus is representing plaintiffs in the areas of medical malpractice, wrongful death, and catastrophic personal injury. Eugene has the historic designation as the first African American President of The Florida Bar. While President, he spearheaded an assortment of initiatives, including the conceptualization of the still active William Reece Smith Leadership Academy, a training program designed to help a diverse group of lawyers become better leaders. Eugene has been given numerous awards for his legal and community efforts over the years. So far in 2025, he has received the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Friend of the Bar Award, the Medal of Honor by the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association, and the YMCA South Florida’s Spirit of Community Award. He received his J.D. at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and is a member of the law school’s Board of Trustees.
About Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm
Established in 1996, Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm (HPS) focuses on representing clients in the areas of medical malpractice, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury, with offices located in both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. The attorneys at HPS have built a reputation for strong client advocacy and integrity. Outside attorneys are encouraged to contact us for co-counsel opportunities.
