Tania R. Schmidt-Alpers Professionalism Award

Purpose:
The Tania R. Schmidt-Alpers Professionalism Award is awarded each year by the St. Augustine American Inn of Court to a lawyer or judge whose life and practice display sterling character and unquestioned integrity, coupled with ongoing dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law.

Tania R. Schmidt-Alpers was a highly respected member of the St Augustine and Northeast Florida legal community, and our Inn’s professionalism award is named in her honor. She worked as a family law attorney and mediator and most significantly as a tireless advocate for the victims of Domestic Violence. Tania was a vibrant and active member of many legal groups including the St. Augustine Chapter of the American Inns of Court and she was a friend to most of the local bar. All who encountered her knew her to be the ultimate professional. She exhibited zealous advocacy but conducted herself in such a way that the Court, opposing counsel, and parties would always respect her and she was an example to all. Tania passed away unexpectedly, and too soon in 2024. She is missed by her family, her colleagues and her friends. Her memory and her professionalism live on in this award.

Nominations:
Candidates for this award are put forward through membership-wide open nominations and selected by a panel of board members of the St. Augustine American Inn of Court. Nominations should include sufficient supporting documentation to enable the selection committee to make a reasoned judgment. A complete package includes a nomination letter, contact information for the nominee, and two or more letters of support. The nomination letter should include the specific reasons for the nomination as well as a summary of the nominee's professional history. The nominee does not need to be an active St. Augustine American Inn of Court member. The nominee must, however, be alive at the time of nomination.