The Bedell Firm has provided three presidents to the state bar (George Bedell, John DeVault, and Hank Coxe) and four presidents to the local bar (including Hank Coxe).
The Chester Bedell Foundation is an independent foundation that seeks to recognize and encourage lawyers who are committed to public service, the improvement of the administration of justice, and the advancement of the art and science of jurisprudence. Eight of the Bedell Firm lawyers are members of this foundation. The Chester Bedell American Inn of Court received its charter in 1985 and was the thirteenth Inn of Court organized in the United States. Both the Chester Bedell Foundation and the Chester Bedell American Inn of Court were inspired by Chester Bedell, a renowned Florida trial lawyer. Chester’s father George was the firm’s original founder, in the 19th century.
Bedell attorneys have also contributed their time and efforts to the following bar and community organizations:
- Advisory Committee on Rules, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- American Arbitration Association
- American Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
- American Bar Association, House of Delegates
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- American College of Trial Lawyers
- The Chester Bedell Inn of Court
- Disciplinary Grievance Committee of the U.S. District Court, Jacksonville Division
- Executive Council, Criminal Law Section, The Florida Bar
- Federal Bar Association
- Federal Judicial Nominating Commission of Florida
- The Florida Bar Board of Bar Examiners
- The Florida Bar Civil Rules Committee
- The Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section Executive Council
- Florida Supreme Court Historical Society
- International Society of Barristers
- The Jacksonville Bar Association
- Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
- Judicial Nominating Commission for the First District Court of Appeal
- Judicial Nominating Commission for the Fourth Judicial Circuit
- Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases
