The legal community from all over the state came together on April 18, 2019, in Coral Gables, Florida, to celebrate the distinguished career of Justice R. Fred Lewis after his recent retirement from the Florida Supreme Court.

Justice Lewis was able to enjoy this celebration in his honor alongside his family, including his wife, his daughter and son-in-law, and granddaughters. He was also joined by much of Florida's legal and judicial community who admire and appreciate the work he has put into the state of Florida throughout his tenure as a Supreme Court Justice and his prior specialization in civil and appellate litigation.

The doors opened at 5:30 PM for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, Guests entered the beautifully decorated Coral Gables Country Club ready to mingle with attendees and congratulate Justice Lewis on his distinguished career. Dinner was served at 7:00 PM, followed by brief lighthearted comments and insightful observations regarding Justice Lewis's contributions to the bench and bar of the State of Florida by some of his notable colleagues from over the years. Guests pleasured in light remarks from speakers while enjoying their dinner alongside longtime associates and friends. At around 10:30 guests said their goodbyes and exited the Country Club taking home great memories of a beautiful evening celebrating Justice R. Fred Lewis. 

Throughout the early reception Justice Lewis had the opportunity to mingle with colleagues and friends.  They enjoyed a warm musical background from a masterful pianist and took photographs with old colleagues and peers. Those in attendance bonded with the Justice, his family, and all others present while sharing hors oeuvres and cocktails. Both his granddaughters participated in the celebration by taking part in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation, adding a meaningful touch to the celebration given his close relationship to his two granddaughters, Evans and Ellison Anderson. 

Many took the stage to share stories and fond memories about Justice Lewis. This included his wife Judy Lewis, his daughter Elle Anderson, Justice Lewis's former Staff Attorney Kelly Shami, and several others. He was gifted mementos of his time on the bench from the Select Committee from Justice Teaching to conclude the celebratory evening. 

The Florida Supreme Court Historical Society is proud to have hosted the retirement event honoring Justice Lewis with much appreciation to the hard work of the event host committee, Howard Coker, Edward G Guedes, Edith Osman, Neal Roth, Herman Russomanno.  

With many thanks to the event’s many sponsors and co-hosts that include, prominent firms, and local and statewide Bar organizations.  

Co-Hosting Voluntary Bar Associations 

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers | Florida Chapter, Coral Gables Bar Association | Cuban American Bar Association | Dade County Bar Association | Dominican American Bar Association | Doral Bar Association | Jamaican-American Bar Association | Miami-Dade - Florida Association for Women Lawyers | South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association | Florida Muslim Bar | Spellman-Hoeveler American Inn of Court | Miami-Dade Trial Lawyers Association | Russian American Bar Association | Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association | Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Asoociation