Senior Partner and Attorney Thomas S. Edwards, Jr. of Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. received the prestigious “Compassionate Gladiator Award” from the Florida Justice Association (FJA), awarded for embodying the highest standards of advocacy and ethics.
This week Thomas S. Edwards, Jr., Senior Partner with Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., was honored with the Compassionate Gladiator Award by the Florida Justice Association (FJA). This award recognizes an exceptional attorney who embodies the highest standards of ethical, kind, and courageous advocacy for clients and the justice system. Edwards joins an extraordinary group of trial lawyers from around the United States who set the bar for excellence in representing people.
Established in 2007, the Compassionate Gladiator Award is presented annually to one male and one female attorney who exemplify the best qualities of the legal profession, balancing fierce advocacy with compassion, integrity, and kindness. These individuals are recognized as role models who inspire future generations of attorneys while serving the public with honor and respect.
“I am honored to receive the Compassionate Gladiator Award,” said Edwards. “I was trained by mentors to practice law with integrity, compassion, professionalism, and the relentless pursuit of justice. I’m grateful to the Florida Justice Association for this award acknowledging those traits. I remain dedicated to mentoring young lawyers and ensuring our profession remains grounded in these core principles.”
Edwards’ career spans over 40 years, during which he worked daily for both his clients and to protect the judicial system. His reputation as a skilled litigator is matched only by his unwavering ethical standards and his commitment to guiding the next generation of attorneys. As a mentor to aspiring trial advocates, Edwards earned national recognition for his contributions to the field, particularly in litigation and trial strategy. He is particularly proud to be a part of the Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., team, especially after every lawyer in the firm was awarded recognition in “Best Lawyers in America” in 2024.
The Compassionate Gladiator Award honors those like Tom Edwards, who demonstrate a combination of extraordinary skill and talent as a trial lawyer, fierce advocacy, the highest ethical standards, a premier instructor in legal advocacy and strategy, and a nationally recognized mentor to younger trial lawyers. Edwards has earned the respect of his peers, including attorneys who opposed him in court, for his work in protecting the justice system and his ability to combine fierce advocacy with a compassionate approach to serving his clients.
About Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.
Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. is a renowned law firm based in Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation law. With a commitment to exceptional client service and a proven track record of success, the firm advocates for individuals’ rights and ensures justice is served for those in need: www.edwardsragatz.com
About the Florida Justice Association (FJA)
The Florida Justice Association (FJA) is a statewide organization of lawyers who work to preserve and improve the civil justice system in Florida. Dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals, the FJA is committed to promoting ethical practices, advancing justice, and advocating for the protection of Florida's citizens and their rights: https://www.myfja.org/