Sylvia Walbolt Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society

Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Supreme Court Historical Society presented its 2024 Susan Rosenblatt Lifetime Achievement Award to Sylvia Walbolt during its annual dinner on January 18.

Walbolt, a past president of the society, was recognized for her extensive experience in civil appeals and her dedication to pro bono service. She has provided exemplary service to the state’s judicial and legal community, and serves as a trailblazer for women in the legal profession. Walbolt was the first female lawyer hired at Carlton Fields after graduating at the top of her law school class at the University of Florida in 1963. She was the second woman to become a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Additionally, she has received honors for her pro bono service at both the state and national levels, including the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award, the Supreme Court’s highest recognition of a private lawyer for pro bono service.

Walbolt has presented oral arguments before all Florida appellate courts and has appeared in other state supreme courts, as well as various federal courts of appeal. She is board certified in appellate law by the Florida Bar and is a former president of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.