The Florida Bar
Contributor
The Florida Bar recognized 21 lawyers for their work on behalf of low-income and disadvantaged clients at a Jan. 22 ceremony at the Supreme Court of Florida. One of them was Randy Murrell, who provided pro bono services in the Second Judicial Circuit, which includes Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties.
Murrell's personal philosophy is simple, but profound: if it's for others, it's a yes; if it's for himself, it's a no. This selflessness has established Murrell as a quiet but consistent resource for some of North Florida's most vulnerable citizens, whom he serves through Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF). Although his background and specialization are in criminal and federal defense, Murrell has never hesitated to step far outside his wheelhouse to take civil legal cases, treating his pro bono work as a second full-time job. Murrell is LSNF's most consistent contributor, most versatile practitioner, and one of their most trusted allies in the pursuit of justice.
Murrell serves with compassion and patience, providing LSNF clients with the resources they need to advocate for themselves through times of crisis and insecurity.
Established in 1981, The Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Awards are intended to encourage lawyers to volunteer free legal services to the poor by recognizing those who make public service commitments and to raise public awareness of the substantial volunteer services provided by Florida lawyers to those who cannot afford legal fees. Florida Bar President Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes presented the 2026 awards.
The awards recognize pro bono service in each of Florida's 20 judicial circuits as well as service by one Florida Bar member practicing outside the state of Florida. They are presented annually in conjunction with the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service and other service awards, which are given by the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
In the most recent reporting period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Florida lawyers provided more than 1.6 million hours of pro bono services to those in need and $9.6 million to legal aid organizations.