Marilyn Holifield Receives Legal Legends Award from HistoryMiami
MIAMI (April 9, 2015) — Holland & Knight partner Marilyn Holifield was honored by HistoryMiami's 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society at its annual Legal Legends Awards ceremony on April 8. The event recognized seven South Florida lawyers, judges and legal professionals who have shaped the legal community for more than 25 years and reflect the outstanding legal heritage of Miami and South Florida.
"It is important to recognize our local leaders who are working to shape our city," said Stuart Chase, president and chief executive officer of HistoryMiami. "These are the people who are making history happen while also defending the laws and practices that are not only historically important but make Miami what it is today."
The 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society is an affiliate member organization that is part of HistoryMiami. It is made up of a network of lawyers and judges focused on preserving and celebrating the rich legal history of South Florida. Since its inception in 2007, the Historical Society has presented Legal Legends awards to some of South Florida's most influential lawyers, judges and other legal professionals for their extraordinary accomplishments.
Originally from Tallahassee, Fla., where she was one of three black students to desegregate the city's Leon High School, Ms. Holifield became the first black woman partner of a major Florida law firm in 1986. Today, she is considered to be one of America's top employment lawyers and serves as an admirable role model for all.
Ms. Holifield is a recipient of the Anti-Defamation League's Jurisprudence Award, the National Bar Association's Gertrude E. Rush Award and the Tourism Pioneer Award from the Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami. In 2013, she was appointed to serve on the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Southern District of Florida by Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio. Ms. Holifield also serves on the board of trustees of Pérez Art Museum Miami; executive committee of the board of trustees of the University of Miami; board of governors of the University of Miami Hospital; board of managers of Swarthmore College; and is an honorary chair of the Harvard Alumni Association's Ad Hoc Committee on Public Service.