"A Consummate Lawyer, a new biography chronicling the life of Florida lawyer William Reece Smith, Jr., describes the character traits and talents possessed by a respected lawyer and community leader.

       Written by Stetson University College of Law Professor Emeritus Michael Swygert, the book details how Smith, now in his 60th year in the legal profession, continues to be 'a consummate lawyer,' embodying the legal profession's highest virtues and traditions of service.

      The former president of numerous organizations including The Florida Bar, Florida Legal Services, Inc., the Hillsborough Bar, The American Bar Association, and the International Bar Association, Smith has worked to increase the legal services available to people who cannot afford them.

      In the book, Swygert details how Smith has engaged in both trial and appellate practice throughout his career, arguing cases at every level of the state and federal systems, including before the U.S. Supreme Court.  Smith has been city attorney of Tampa, chair and trustees of numerous colleges and universities, interim president of the University of South Florida, and board member of countless charitable, civic, and professional organizations.

      Swygert also covers Smith's present day commitments.  He remains an advocate and educator, serving as a distinguished professorial lecturer at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, where he has taught courses for decades.

      A Consummate Lawyer, (272 pp., hardback) is available from Carolina Academic Press for $25 at www.cap-press.com.    

      "There are lawyers who have made significant contributions to the American people but who receive little public recognition.  William Reece Smith, Jr., until the publication of 'A Consummate Lawyer,' is one of the titans of the legal community who has not gotten the accolades he deserves.  In this academically rigorous work, Michael I. Swygert provides an accounting of all of Smith's selfless work for the common good.  Swygert avoids the temptation to use grandiose language and simply recounts the many auspicious events in Smith's life, and the facts speak for themselves.  This book portrays in detail a model for the careers of young or aspiring attorneys while providing insight into the many ways an attorney can serve the country."   -- Thomas R. Ruge (real name), attorney, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

       "Michael Swygert does an excellent job of chronicling the life of William Reece Smith, Jr.  I had the honor of taking one of Atty. Smith's classes at Stetson University College of Law many years ago.  I found him to be knowledgeable and humble, two qualities that do not often marry well in attorneys.  Reece Smith is certainly the exception.

      Swygert's style is open, engaging and very straight forward.  I enjoyed this narrative very much and will recommend this book to friends who desire to read a well researched book about an ethical and consummate lawyer."

      -----  Bonnie Glover (real name), author, Miami, Florida.

      "Michael Swygert's aptly titled Biography on William Reece Smith portrays him as he is -- revered in legal circles and widely known throughout the profession. Swygert artfully chronicles Smith's journey from a hard-working youth with a passion to succeed, through college, military, law school, Rhodes Scholar, and a career as a prominent attorney. . . .

      The book is about Smith's legendary commitment to the law through six decades of service, extolling his never-say-quit attitude and his unwavering ethical beliefs.  . . . [It] is a must read for every young person embarking on their own legal journey as well as any seasoned attorney.  Those who have met Smith consider it a privilege.  Those who have not, will look for the opportunity after reading this book."

     ----- Sharon M. Gisclair (real name), business coordinator, law firm, Tampa, Florida.

"Carlton Fields is pleased to announce that the biography -- A Consummate Lawyer -- has been released on the life and legal career of William Reece Smith, Jr.  Published by Carolina Academic Press, the book is authored by Michael I. Swygert, a professor emeritus at Stetson University College of Law.   

Smith is nationally known for organizing successful opposition to President Reagan's goal to abolish the national Legal Services Corporation (LSC), created by President Nixon to provide grants to non-profit organizations that furnish legal services to the poor. . . .  Today, the Legal Services Corporation enjoys bipartisan support from Congress.  

Smith's service to his law firm, the community, Florida, the nation, and to international lawyers can hardly be overstated.  Indeed, his biography is aptly titled: 'A Consummate Lawyer.'"

----- Jennifer L. Mitchell