Features
A Champion of Equal Rights
By Leslie Cowan (3L)
“Always surround yourself with people of the highest ethical and moral character.” That’s the philosophy by which Evan J. Yegelwel (JD 80) lives life and practices law.
If his success as a board certified personal injury attorney with Jacksonville firm Terrell Hogan Ellis Yegelwel P.A. is any indication, Yegelwel’s philosophy must be an effective one — that, and his devotion to the law, which has been an interest of his since childhood.
“I was influenced by lawyers and their role in society. I was moved by efforts lawyers had undertaken in representing the people who had less influence in society, such as immigrants and minorities,” Yegelwel said. “I thought the profession of a lawyer was a very noble one and had a significant impact in sustaining our country as a democracy.”
For decades, Yegelwel has been a member of the Anti-Defamation League’s Florida Board of Directors, and he notes that the ADL is the preeminent organization in the United States that fights anti-Semitism, ethnic and religious bigotry, racism, and extremism.
“I am personally very concerned about extreme elements in this country, both on the right and on the left, as they challenge and jeopardize our freedom,” Yegelwel said. “When extremists percolate and go unchallenged, history shows the horrors that can occur.”
In 2000, Yegelwel combined his desire to give back to the law school with his interest in promoting social justice. He founded the Evan J. Yegelwel Fellowship at UF Law, which places University of Florida law students in legal internships with the ADL. The fellowship enables one second-year law student each summer to spend 8-10 weeks working for the ADL regional office in Boca Raton, Fla. Yegelwel said he has been impressed with the caliber of students the fellowship has benefited and called the feedback he has received from the students heartwarming.
In recognition of his devotion to social justice, Yegelwel was presented with the 2009 Anti-Defamation League Jurisprudence Award in December. The award is given each year to an outstanding lawyer who believes in and adheres to the tenants of the ADL.
“He’s a tremendously well-respected community leader. He believes very strongly in making this country safe for everyone and in giving everybody an equal opportunity to succeed in this country,” said Andy Rozencrantz, ADL Florida regional director. “I know in the Jacksonville legal community, he is very well respected — not only as a lawyer, but as somebody who believes in giving back to the city.”
In addition to crediting his education at the University of Florida College of Law, Yegelwel also credits his success to the support of his family and his partner and mentor for the past 26 years, Wayne Hogan. Hogan is a past president of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.
“My association with Wayne has probably been my most valued career achievement, even more important than some unique jury results,” Yegelwel said. “I cannot emphasize how important it is to have a proper mentor.”
Of the value of mentorship, Yegelwel said humbly, “I really believe that no person is an island and we are really just the sum of our life’s experiences and the influences of the people we’ve encountered along the way. While on our life’s journey, we must never forget those people and institutions that contributed to our personal successes.”
“I am always proud to be a member of the legal profession, and I am always grateful I received my legal education at the University of Florida,” he said.
