It’s been almost three decades since attorney Tom Edwards worked for his Juris Doctorate from UF’s Levin College of Law. But he continues to support his school by financially supporting the yearly Book Award in Criminal Law, which honors the most prestigious student studying at Levin College each school year. Mr. Edwards’ support of the award is but a single example of his and fellow attorneys’ dedication to academic and community initiatives.
A partner in Mr. Edwards also is an active member of the the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Federal Bar Association, the Florida Bar Association Criminal Law Section, the Florida Bar Association, and of the James C. Adkins Jr. American Inn of Court, of which he is an Emeritus member – the organization’s highest degree. As a lifelong Floridian, Tom moved from South Florida to Gainesville, where he studied for and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors from UF in ’83. At graduation, Thomas was chosen to become the first student participant in UF’s consolidated Criminology and Law program.
In 1986, Tom became the program’s first graduate with honors. Today, his sponsorship of the program provides unrestricted funds to assist students and student organizations, faculty teaching, research and development, and student/alumni services and programs. Edwards has been practicing law in North Florida for 25 years, focusing solely on criminal defense law. He helps to protect the rights of citizens accused of criminal activity in Gainesville, Ocala, Palatka, Lake City and surrounding areas.