Professionalism Awards

The Honorable Roy B. “Skip” Dalton, Jr.

While on the bench, Judge Dalton has served as a Member of the Judicial Conference Committee on Information Technology; Chair of the Space and Facilities Committee of the Middle District of Florida; Administrative Judge of the Orlando Division; Chair of the Court’s Congressional Relations Committee; and Member of the District Executive Committee.

Judge Dalton headed the effort to establish the Court’s Intensive Re-entry Program for felons released from prison. The program provides incentives and encouragement to those trying to reintegrate back into society. Once the program was up and running, Judge Dalton continued working on its improvement. The Florida Bar News referred to his leadership in this effort as a “Herculean Task.” And in 2020, The Florida Bar Foundation presented him with the President’s Award for excellence for promoting ethical representation and access to justice. But perhaps more important than any official recognition is that Judge Dalton has won the respect, admiration, and affection of all his judicial colleagues.

Orange County Bar Association members: John Antoon and Ava Doppelt nominated Judge Dalton for his dedication to professionalism. As Richard Dellinger, Esq., wrote in a letter of recommendation, “In all areas, Judge Dalton was committed, dedicated and professional. As a jurist, Judge Dalton was always prepared and knowledgeable on the subject matters before him. Judge Dalton’s knowledge of the Rules of Evidence stands out in my mind; Judge Dalton knows the Rules of Evidence as good as Professor Ehrhardt. Judge Dalton is committed to serving the Bar and is always available for Bar presentations and community outreach activities.”

As Warren Lindsey, Esq., states, “In my 42 years of practice, I have found Judge Dalton to be among the most outstanding judges, lawyers, and individuals I have has the honor of knowing. He treats all litigants, attorneys, witnesses, parties, and court personnel with respect at all times. His integrity and ethics are a beacon for all lawyers and other judges. Judge Dalton is extremely deserving of the 2023 James G. Glazebrook Memorial Bar Service Award.”

Judge Dalton received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He is married to his college sweetheart. They have four children and six grandchildren.

Mary Ann Morgan, Esq. Florida Bar. She was one of only five recipients of the award (and the only woman) which recognizes “dedication, integrity, intellectual excellence and extraordinary work in and on behalf of the lawyer discipline efforts of The Florida Bar.” She is currently on the Pro Bono Legal Services Committee for The Florida Bar and The Florida Bar’s Campaign Oversight Committee, fielding complaints for The Florida Bar President and Board of Governors Elections.

In 2001 through 2002, Ms. Morgan served as President of the Orange County Bar Association where she oversaw the complete renovation of the Bar building. She also served as President of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association where she has been a pro bono volunteer since 1986. She also served as the CFAWL State Representative to FAWL. However, to Mary Ann, far more important than these accomplishments, is her desire to mentor young lawyers. Her motto is “no lawyer left behind.” Mary Ann has a heart to ensure that young lawyers are feeling plugged into their legal community so they can immediately start making contributions and feel included. She has a policy of always sending a personal letter to job applicants offering to meet them, if they are in the Orlando area, to give tips on job hunting and bar events. She has become a mentor to dozens of attorneys in this way. Additionally, many years ago Mary Ann started noticing that the CFAWL luncheons did not provide an adequate forum for young women to get to know each other since time was short and there was usually a program agenda. Mary Ann began a successful program called “A Table for Eight” which she called a program without an agenda. A Table for Eight pairs young lawyers with “seasoned attorneys” in an informal dinner setting conducive to fos- tering true camaraderie. The program has become so successful it has been mirrored throughout the state.

Jamie Billotte Moses, Esq., remarks in her recommendation, “Mary Ann is an exceptional attorney who has conducted herself with the utmost professionalism during her lengthy and esteemed career. I don’t know a single person who has ever complained about litigating against her. She’s also been a dedicated Bar servant and advocate for the Ninth Circuit on TFB Board of Governors.”

Ms. Morgan received her Juris Doctor from Florida State College of Law. She has been married to her husband, Patrick, for 26 years. They have one child and one grandchild. She and her husband have close ties to St. Margaret Mary church in Winter Park.

Annie Po Lam Kwong, Esq. Award of Excellence-Pro Bono Service; Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyer Section-Pro Bono Award of Excellence Winter 2017; Florida Association of Women Lawyers 2017 Leader in the Law Award; and a Ninth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Award Certificate of Recognition of 3 Years Pro Bono Service for Legal Aid Tax Clinic. In her nomination, Onchanto Am, Esq. stated there is not an ounce of pride or vanity in Ms. Kwong. She continues to invest her time to voluntary bar organizations and pro bono activities. For the past five years, she has volunteered her time with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association’s VITA tax clinic. As Michael Barber, Esq., describes in his recommendation, “Despite all of her successes, Annie has always remained the humblest attorney that I can imagine. Annie is content to strive for success without needing to seek recognition for her work, which is one of many reasons that I am proud to advocate on her behalf for her to be awarded the Lawrence G. Mathews, Jr. Young Lawyer Professionalism Award.”

Ms. Kwong received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida in criminology, and her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. She is married with one child.