The Construction Lawyers Society of America is pleased to announce that Peter C. Vilmos of Burr & Forman LLP in Orlando, Florida, is the recipient of the 2019 CLSA Community Service Award. The award was presented to Peter by CLSA Executive Director Timothy M. Fulmer at the CLSA’s 2019 International Conference & Induction of Fellows at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

For more than a quarter century Peter has dedicated a substantial portion of his time to assisting those in need. He served as a two-term president of the Orlando Breakfast Rotary Club and was the Rotary District 6980 “President of the Year.” During his tenure, the Rotary Club collectively mentored and volunteered time and resources to an at-risk elementary school near downtown Orlando in which every student was allowed a free breakfast and lunch. When the volunteer efforts began, the school held an “F” rating from the county. After several years, the rating slowly ascended to an “A.” The Florida Supreme Court recognized Peter for his efforts as a pro bono guardian ad litem, where he represented children born to drug-addicted mothers and children whose parents were terminating their parental rights. The Orange County Bar Association presented Peter with an award for outstanding committee chair for his efforts on behalf of their foundation. Peter also served as a “community dispute resolution” volunteer mediator through the Orange County Bar Association. A former lifeguard, Peter initiated a program and volunteered as a swim instructor to underprivileged youth at the local YMCA. Peter is also the father of a prematurely-born son and is perhaps most proud of his service as a two-time Board of Directors president and long-term board member and volunteer at the March of Dimes Central Florida division.

In the construction arena, Peter is a member of the Florida Bar Construction Law Committee where he serves as a presenter of the Contractor’s University series of approved continuing education courses for contractors and various trades. Peter has twice served as vice-chair of the Political Action Committee at his local Associated Builders and Contractors organization, through which Peter has lobbied the Florida legislature on multiple occasions for construction-specific educational funding, for transparency in permitting, and for fair and open bidding on public projects. Community service extends to the entire Vilmos household. Peter and his wife, Nicolette, involve their four boys in various volunteer efforts, including volunteering as a family for charities such as the Coalition for the Homeless. Their oldest son—who is thirteen—regularly volunteers both at the local animal shelter and at a local charity called One Heart for Women and Children.

The CLSA Community Service Awards recognize Fellows of the Construction Lawyers Society of America who contribute in meaningful ways to society and/to their communities by giving back their time and resources in an effort to improve and advance the lives of others. CLSA Community Service Awards are presented throughout the year whenever the efforts and contributions of recipients are noted by the CLSA or nominated by its Fellowship. “The heavy demands of the legal profession can often absorb our time beyond intention. In most instances where time is contributed to community service or commitments are made which benefit society as a whole, our environment, improving the lives of others, and promoting relief to those in need, a special level of service exists,” said G. Steven Henry, CLSA Consulting Director and Counsel. “It is those who exhibit this special level of service that we seek to honor and acknowledge. They are at the very core of humanity.”

The CLSA is an invitation-only international honorary association composed of preeminent lawyers specializing in construction law and related fields. Fellowship is limited and selective, with lawyers being invited into Fellowship upon a proven record of excellence and accomplishment in construction law at both the trial and appellate levels. Lawyers nominated or selected may be in any discipline in the construction law arena, including contract specialization, negotiations, litigation, arbitration, appellate, and/or surety law, but who have in addition superior ethical reputations. The CLSA seeks a high level of diversity in its selection process. Fellows are generally at the partner or shareholder level, or are independent practitioners with recognized advanced status among their peers. The CLSA is dedicated to promoting superior advocacy and ethical standards in construction law and fostering a scholarly and advanced exchange of ideas in all practices related to the specialty.

For more information about the CLSA Community Service Awards, please contact Beth.Rich@ConstructionSociety.org.