C. Rufus Pennington, III

I come from a family and practice background that taught me that the law is not just a business – it is a profession; and that our calling as lawyers is ultimately to public service.  Although I have had the good fortune to represent corporations and insurance companies, most of my practice has been devoted to the representation of individuals – ordinary people confronting very serious, sometimes seemingly insurmountable, problems.  I have learned something from every one of them, including – I hope – a sense of humility that is reflected in the courtroom.

Education: Duncan U. Fletcher High School (1973); Duke University (B.A. cum laude, 1978); University of Florida (J.D., with honors, 1981), Editor, University of Florida Law Review, 1980-1981.

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education (certified 1990, recertified in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015).

  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (Florida State Chair, 2009-11; Regent, 2013-2017)
  • Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • Fellow, International Society of Barristers
  • Member, American Board of Trial Advocates.

Named to Best Lawyers in America (2012 and 2016 Jacksonville Medical Malpractice Plaintiff’s Lawyer of the Year; 2019 Jacksonville Personal Injury Plaintiff's Lawyer of the Year); Florida Super Lawyers.

Admitted to practice in Florida; and before the United States Supreme Court; 11th Circuit Court of Appeals; D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals; U.S. Court of Federal Claims; and United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.