by Nancy Kinnally
July 2014

MAITLAND, Fla. — Sarasota attorney John Patterson began serving July 1 as immediate past president of The Florida Bar Foundation, a statewide charitable organization whose mission is to provide greater access to justice.

Patterson, who received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his law degree from the University of Florida, is partner with Shutts & Bowen LLP and specializes in real property, business and banking law.

A Foundation board member since 2004, Patterson has chaired the development, finance and audit, and Legal Assistance for the Poor/Law Student Assistance Grant Program committees. He also has served as vice-chair of the executive, grant program and nominating committees.

His commitment to legal services includes serving as founding president and board member of the organization now known as Legal Aid of Manasota. He was the 1985 recipient of The Florida Bar President’s Award for pro bono service for the 12th Judicial Circuit.

Patterson is also a past president of the Sarasota County Bar Association and has served as a member of the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar. He has served on the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Nominating Committee and the Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. He is active in Sarasota charitable organizations.

Patterson is a Florida Bar Foundation Fellow, a member of the Foundation’s Gold Society for lifetime giving, and a member of its Legacy for Justice, which recognizes those who have made or facilitated major gifts or bequests to the Foundation. He is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.