Gainesville attorney Julie Waldman received the Claude Pepper Outstanding Government Lawyer Award at The Florida Bar’s annual convention in 2018 in Orlando.
Each year, The Florida Bar’s Government Lawyer Section recommends an honoree, and the president of the Bar presents the award, which recognizes an “outstanding Florida lawyer who has made exemplary contributions” as a practicing government lawyer. It is named after Claude Pepper, a Florida attorney, U.S. senator and congressman, who was an advocate on behalf of the people and who represented the highest ideals of government service through 12 presidential administrations.
Julie Waldman works to advocate for those who don’t have a voice themselves, such as children, the elderly and the disabled. Waldman’s ferocity stems from her knowing what is right and who she is in life. She has faith in following her personal compass and consistently works to enrich the lives of those around her. Waldman is motivated daily by a hot shower and a cup of coffee but said the feeling of empowerment to follow her passions keeps her going long after the coffee runs out. Waldman is a committed mentor to young women through many female and mentorship programs. She encouraged each young woman to find their inner warrior and works to build their self-esteem.
Julie Waldman, then-Deputy General Counsel for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, developed an afterschool program for young men transitioning from adolescence to adulthood for the Reichert House. Waldman worked directly with the student leaders at the Reichert House and developed the Leadership Academy for the program to provide foundational leadership skills for teenagers.
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If you have paid taxes, used roads or enjoyed parks, your experience was likely shaped by decisions made by public leaders. It is rare to find an aspect of your life not impacted by the views and votes of local, state or federal government officials.