Retired judge Hugh Carithers joins Foundation board

By Natalie Disla

The Florida Bar Foundation has appointed retired judge Hugh Carithers to its board of directors for a three-year term. The Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide greater access to justice by funding civil legal aid in Florida. Carithers begins his term July 1, 2019.

Before becoming a judge in 1993, Carithers practiced civil litigation. He has served as president of both Florida Legal Services’ and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s board of directors. From 1991 to 1993, he also served as a designated director on the Foundation’s board.

Before retiring as administrative judge of the Family Division of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Carithers served all divisions of his court. He was also an associate judge on the First District Court of Appeals.

Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his dedication to improving the local justice system. He received the City of Jacksonville’s 2004 Mary Singleton Award and the Jacksonville Bar Association’s 2016 Liberty Bell Award.

Carithers is an elected fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Florida Bar Foundation Fellow. He also serves as chair of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee.

In 1969, Carithers graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he earned his juris doctor from the University of Florida in 1974.

The Florida Bar Foundation accomplishes its mission by funding programs that expand and improve representation and advocacy on behalf of low-income persons in civil legal matters, improve the fair and effective administration of justice, and promote public service among lawyers.

In December 2023, The Florida Bar Foundation changed its name to FFLA. Posts prior to this date contain our former name.