Mr. J. Ben Watkins graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1949. While maintaining a trial practice in Tallahassee, and later in Apalachicola, J. Ben Watkins served on the Board of Overseers of Stetson University College of Law. He clerked for Florida Supreme Court Justice Tom Sebring, served as director of the Florida Trial Lawyers’ Association, and was President of the Franklin County Bar Association. He established the J. Ben Watkins Private Foundation to assist the less fortunate and to further the educational goals for the less fortunate.
In grateful appreciation for Mr. Watkins’ support and contributions to Stetson Law Review, as well as his continuing efforts and devotion to his community, SLR proudly established the “J. Ben Watkins Award for Professional Excellence in the Practice of Law.” This distinguished award is presented annually to an attorney selected by the Stetson Law Review Executive Board. The award exemplifies J. Ben Watkins’ importance to the law school and the legal profession.
J. Ben Watkins Award Recipients