Charles P. Pillans III

RETIRED | ATTORNEY AT LAW, DIRECTOR 1972 – 2020

Charles P. Pillans III

Now retired, Charles P. Pillans, III received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida, where he was a member of Florida Blue Key. While in law school, he was executive editor of the Law Review and a member with his partner, John DeVault, of the moot court team. He graduated with honors and with an appointment to the Order of the Coif and a membership in Phi Beta Phi. Mr. Pillans joined the Bedell Firm in 1966. He then joined the State Attorney’s Office in 1970 as a member of the Special Prosecution Unit to investigate and prosecute organized and other complex crimes, but returned to the Bedell Firm in 1972. He served as an attorney and director for the firm until his retirement in 2020.

Honors & Awards

  • The Best Lawyers in America (1993-2020) in the following practice areas: Bet-the-Company Litigation | Commercial Litigation | Criminal Defense: White-Collar | Litigation – Trusts and Estates
  • Chambers USA, Leading Lawyers in Florida in General Commercial Litigation
  • Florida Legal Elite
  • Florida Super Lawyers: 2006-2020 (Florida Top 100: 2006-2008, 2011, 2012, 2019)
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV
  • Master of the Bench, Chester Bedell Inn of Court

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • Florida Board of Bar Examiners, Member (1979-1985) Chairman (1984-1985)
  • Florida First District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission (1988-1992) Chairman (1992)
  • The Florida Bar, Professional Ethics Committee in Civil Cases (1995-2002) Chairman (2002)
  • Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions (1999-2004)
  • American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow (1985-2020)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates, Associate (2004-2020)

Past Employment Positions

  • State Attorney’s Office, Member, Special Prosecution Unit (1970-1972)

Fraternities/Sororities

  • Alpha Tau Omega
  • Phi Kappa Phi
  • Phi Beta Phi