About Eugene Keith
Eugene K. Pettis is a co-founder and senior partner at Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm, P.A., a prominent law firm located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Established in 1996, the firm is known for strong client advocacy and integrity, focusing on medical malpractice, personal injury, and commercial litigation. With nearly four decades of legal experience, Pettis has become a respected figure in the legal community, known for his commitment to justice and client representation. Pettis graduated from the University of Florida, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1982. He continued his education at the same institution, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1985.
That same year, he was admitted to The Florida Bar, starting a distinguished legal career. Since then, he has remained an active member of the Bar, contributing to the legal field in Florida through various roles and initiatives. In 2013, Pettis made history by becoming the first African American president of The Florida Bar. His election was a significant milestone, reflecting his dedication to diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. During his tenure, he launched the William Reece Smith Leadership Academy, a program aimed at fostering leadership skills among a diverse group of lawyers. This initiative has had a lasting impact, empowering many attorneys to take on leadership roles in their communities and the legal field.
Beyond his presidency at The Florida Bar, Pettis has been actively involved in several professional organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, contributing to the development of future legal professionals. Since 2007, he has been a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor that recognizes excellence in trial practice and commitment to the legal profession. His involvement in these organizations shows his dedication to legal education and professional development. Throughout his career, Pettis has received numerous accolades for his contributions to both the legal field and his community. In 2025, he was honored with the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Friend of the Bar Award, recognizing his support for fellow attorneys.
He also received the Medal of Honor from the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association, highlighting his commitment to civil rights and justice. Additionally, the YMCA South Florida presented him with the Spirit of Community Award, celebrating his efforts to improve the lives of those in his community. Outside of his professional achievements, Pettis is married to Cheryl Kempf, and they have two daughters. His oldest daughter is a litigation attorney in Orlando, while the youngest recently earned her doctoral degree in child psychology.
