Miami attorney David B. Rothman, Esq., founder of the esteemed criminal defense firm Rothman & Associates, P.A., has been chosen to receive The Florida Bar Foundation’s prestigious 2023 Medal of Honor Award. This award stands as the Foundation’s highest honor, recognizing individuals for their outstanding dedication and contributions to the legal profession and the community.
Rothman’s selection for this distinguished accolade is a testament to his unwavering commitment, tireless volunteer work, and steadfast integrity. His impact is felt not only in the courtroom but also within legal organizations, where he advocates for excellence and ethical practice among lawyers, both young and seasoned.
According to Jason B. Blank, a partner at Haber Blank, LLP, and Chair of The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section, Rothman consistently emphasizes the importance of maintaining the prestige and honor of the legal profession. Blank notes that Rothman’s dedication to improving the legal profession extends through his volunteer work and active engagement with The Florida Bar’s members.
Rothman, who holds a law degree from the University of Florida, has a remarkable career that includes serving as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County and over two decades as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law. His leadership roles include chairing the Innocence Project of Florida in 2013-14 and The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section in 2014-15.
Warren W. Lindsey of Lindsey, Ferry and Parker, P.A., commended Rothman for personifying the idea of performing good deeds without expectation of recognition. Rothman’s behind-the-scenes efforts have supported causes benefiting the courts and The Florida Bar.
In recent times, Rothman played a vital role on behalf of the Criminal Law Section, working alongside the Board of Governors Disciplinary Procedures Committee to propose a rule related to emergency suspension for lawyers facing felony charges. His ability to swiftly navigate relationships and advocate for constitutional rights underscores his value to the legal profession.
Rothman’s extensive service record includes being a board member of The Florida Bar Foundation from 2011-17 and a member of The Florida Bar Board of Governors from 1999-2011, where he chaired its Disciplinary Review Committee for over a decade. He has also held leadership positions as past president of the Dade County Bar Association and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL).
Rothman’s influence has inspired numerous lawyers to follow in his footsteps by serving and leading. Michelle R. Suskauer, past president of The Florida Bar, recalled Rothman’s passion and mentorship, describing him as a lawyer who genuinely cares about the profession and its members.
As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer, Rothman has received several prestigious awards, including the Dade County Bar’s David W. Dyer Professionalism Award in 2014 and the Criminal Justice Award in 2017. In 2019, he was honored with FACDL’s highest distinction, the Steven M. Goldstein Criminal Justice Award.
Scott N. Richardson, a West Palm Beach lawyer, commended Rothman’s role as a trusted advisor on ethical matters and his unwavering commitment to those he represents. Rothman’s reputation for sound advice and passionate advocacy extends across the legal community, earning him universal respect from judges, opposing counsel, and fellow lawyers.
The Medal of Honor Award, sponsored by Florida Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, is a tribute to Rothman’s exceptional dedication to the principles of duty and service to the public, the improvement of justice administration, and the advancement of jurisprudence, all central tenets of The Florida Bar’s objectives.
David B. Rothman’s recognition with the 2023 Medal of Honor Award is a testament to his enduring impact and commitment to the legal profession and the community.
