William Carl "W.C." Gentry

Education

University of Florida:

Doctor of Law (J.D.) magna cum laude, 1971

Jacksonville University

B.A., Political Science, 1969

University of Florida

Political Science, 1967

Professional Associations

Jacksonville Bar Association
American Bar Association
American Board of Trial Advocates – Diplomat
The American Chester Bedell Inn of Courts – Master Emeritus

Federal Judicial Nominating Commission (2006 – 2020)

Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator
Supreme Court/Florida Bar Special Committee on Judicial Evaluations (2006-07) Florida Code and Rules of Evidence Committee (2002-06)
Judicial Administration Selection and Tenure Committee (1998-2003) (Chairman 2001-2002)
Florida Bar Special Committee on Regulation of Practice of Law (1996-97)
Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Committee (1987-92; 94-01; Chairman 1995-96)
Florida Bar Special Committee on Advertising (1986-88)
Board of Civil Trial Certification (1984-86)
Judicial Nominating Committee, 4th Judicial Circuit (1982-84)
Florida Justice Association (f/k/a Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers):
Past President Board of Directors Recipient- Career Leadership Award, 1994
Recipient-1999 “Perry Nichols” Award (Presented by Chief Justice M. Harding) for “Outstanding and Distinguished Service in the Pursuit of Justice”
American Justice Association (f/k/a Association of Trial Lawyers of America):
Sustaining Member, 1975 – Present
Board of Governors (1985-91; 93-97)
Founding Board Member, Trial Lawyers Care dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to the victims of 9/11 (2001-2003)
AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Other

Jacksonville Lawyer of the Year (2009)
Special Counsel to the Florida Senate on Constitutional Issues (2006-07)
Special Counsel to the Mayor on the Environment, City of Jacksonville (1987-90)
Woodward and White, The Best Lawyers in America (1st Edition 1986)
Florida Guidebook, Law & Leading Attorneys (1st Edition 1996)
Florida Trend Magazine, Florida’s Top Trial Lawyers (1st Edition, 1999)

Jacksonville native W.C. Gentry is a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer who has handled some of Florida’s most high-profile cases involving public health, safety and education. He is a past President of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and has received its highest award for Outstanding and Distinguished Service in the Pursuit of Justice. Mr. Gentry received his J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Florida College of Law in 1971. Since 1976, he has had the highest rating possible from Martindale Hubbell, which is the most prestigious attorney-peer-review system.

Mr. Gentry has been recognized as one of Florida’s Top Trial Lawyers and has broad experience and a record of achievement. He successfully represented the State of Florida against the Tobacco Industry, culminating in a multi-billion-dollar settlement and major public health benefits. Mr. Gentry has been successfully engaged in numerous complex issues and much of his career has been devoted to leading and working with others to achieve collaborative success.

Mr. Gentry was a Founding Board Member of Trial Lawyers Care, Inc. from 2001-2003, which was dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to the victims of 9/11. He was heavily engaged in the initial research and analysis of the various issues involved in the multi-jurisdictional plane crashes and helped develop processes, protocols and guidelines for intake and handling claims by the hundreds of volunteer attorneys who offered free legal assistance to victims and their families.

When Gentry is not practicing law, he has used his passion for his hometown to help the Jacksonville community. Gentry played a key role in establishing Jacksonville’s first Ethics Commission, led Mayor Tommy Hazouri’s campaign to eliminate the city’s odor problem, and served as Education Chair of The Jacksonville Journey, Mayor John Peyton’s community-wide anti-crime initiative.

William Carl “W.C.” Gentry