Deltona attorney Maurice Wagner has been selected to receive the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award from Chief Justice Charles T. Wells on Thursday, March 14. The award is Florida’s highest public honor conferred by the Supreme Court on a private lawyer.

The Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award commemorates Miami civil rights lawyer Tobias Simon, who died in February 1982. Each year the award is bestowed upon an attorney to encourage and recognize extraordinary contributions by Florida lawyers in making legal services available to persons who otherwise could not afford them, and to focus public awareness on the substantial voluntary services rendered by Florida lawyers in this area. The term "pro bono," derived from the Latin phrase "pro bono publico" means "for the good of the public."

Wagner has practiced law in Florida since the late 1940s. After receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force in 1945, Wagner attended the University of Illinois and later Stetson University, where he received his A.B. in 1948 and his L.L.B. - J.D. the following year. He was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1950, and settled in Volusia County, where he quickly became known as a crusader for minority clients who did not have the financial resources to pay for legal representation.

One of Wagner’s earliest experiences as a law clerk in Miami was having the honor of actually working with Tobias Simon on a beach access case. Though they were unsuccessful in removing the barriers, the experience was one that Wagner will never forget. He attributes his work with Simon to his lifelong commitment to pro bono service.

In 1950, Wagner learned, first-hand, the value of his pro bono work when a Justice of the Peace cited him for contempt and jailed Wagner for referring to his African-American client as Mister. This experience fanned the flame of justice for minorities within Wagner. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s he handled all of the NAACP local chapter organization and legal documentation, and worked with the organization in their efforts to release jailed civil rights protestors. In the 1960s, Wagner became a lifetime NAACP member. Although he is semi-retired, Wagner continues to serve the local NAACP. In 2000, he was honored with the Pathfinders for Excellence Award for more than 30 years of pro bono service to the NAACP ideals, members and mission. That same year, The Florida Bar also honored Wagner for 50 years of service.

In addition to his pro bono work with various clients and the NAACP, Mr. Wagner has made himself available to Central Florida Legal Services’ pro bono endeavors in whatever capacity his services are needed. He has represented CFLS clients and provided brief advice at legal advice clinics since the CFLS Pro Bono Program began in 1966. He continues to meet with clients and provide brief services at the CFLS legal advice clinics in DeLand.

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[Updated: 07-01-2005 ]