TALLAHASSEE, FL., Feb. 16, 2006- The law firm of Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP has been selected as the 2006 recipient of the Law Firm Commendation Award from Chief Justice Barbara Pariente of the Florida Supreme Court. The Chief Justice will present the award Thursday, Feb.16 at the Supreme Court.

The purpose of the Law Firm Commendation is to recognize, when appropriate, a law firm that has demonstrated a significant contribution in the delivery of legal services to individuals or groups on a pro bono basis.

Every attorney at the 34-attorney law firm of Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP is involved in pro bono work through civil, family and probate clinics, living will projects, taking cases for direct representation, or making generous donations to legal aid. At any one time, at least one of the firm's attorneys is serving on the Gulf Coast Legal Services Board of Directors.

In addition to volunteering with Gulf Coast Legal Services and Bay Area Legal Services, Johnson, Pope, et al. has represented clients on a pro bono basis in cases against the Housing Authority of City of Tampa, the City of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas County School Board. They have helped those in need fight wrongful eviction and gain equal education for minorities. In one case attorneys Johnson and Weinberger helped an elderly woman gain clear title to her own home so that the 1973 built structure could be torn down and properly rebuilt. In another pro bono case, attorneys Burns, Coleman and Messa helped William Crowley and his son to receive class-action status for a lawsuit against Pinellas County School for failing to adequately educate black students. Over 20,000 students joined the suit.

Founded over 30 years ago, Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP is the largest full service law firm in Pinellas County. Committed to providing high-quality representation to businesses and individuals throughout Florida, the firm has consistently grown, and has offices in both Clearwater, and in the heart of downtown Tampa.

The firm is proud of its deep roots and excellent reputation in Florida's Tampa Bay area. The firm's highly-skilled attorneys dedicate their practices to providing high-quality, client-driven legal services with the utmost of professional integrity. Clients of Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP include commercial lenders, local governments and special districts, a variety of local and national businesses, real estate developers, medical professionals, accounting and engineering firms, religious institutions, as well as individuals and consumers.

The firm's lawyers believe that service to their communities is a vital component of their profession. To that end, they have served on numerous nonprofit boards and are active in local area Chambers of Commerce, educational institutions, the arts, cultural and community events.