The latest episode of On Civility with Magi Ozarowski features a conversation with Eugene Pettis, the first Black president of The Florida Bar (2013-2014), as well as co-founder and senior partner of Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm in Ft. Lauderdale.

Pettis discusses the indirect journey his life has taken to and through the profession, and his visionary style of leadership, focusing on being a “convener,” bringing together stakeholders to take executive ownership of goals and outcomes. He says it is incumbent upon lawyers to be leaders within the profession and/or in their communities, sharing examples of community-focused initiatives with which he is currently involved.

Part of Pettis’ legacy as president was the creation of the Bar’s Wm. Reese Smith, Jr., Leadership Academy.