Melvin Wright Named Trial Lawyer of the Year

When the Central Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) announced its 2025 honorees, our team at Colling Gilbert Wright – The Florida Firm was proud to celebrate one of the most meaningful recognitions in our firm’s history. Melvin Bowen Wright, one of our shareholders and a respected voice in the trial community, was officially named Trial Lawyer of the Year. This recognition reflects decades of dedication to professionalism, justice, and the highest standards of advocacy.

This honor was first shared in our recent Facebook post, where we celebrated Mel alongside U.S. Middle District Judge Paul Byron, who was named Jurist of the Year. We invite you to follow us on Facebook to stay connected with firm news, awards, and community updates. You can also watch Mel’s official acceptance speech on YouTube.

A Legacy of Professionalism, Dedication, and Unmatched Integrity

At the ceremony, Mel was introduced by his longtime partner and friend, Ronald Gilbert, who spoke about ABOTA’s Code of Professionalism and how Mel has embodied each principle throughout his forty-year career. Civility, integrity, respect for the courts, honoring one’s word, and protecting individual rights—these ideals are not slogans in our firm. They are the foundation of Mel’s life’s work.

Mel’s story is the story of true dedication. Raised in a family of peanut and watermelon farmers in Southwest Georgia, he carried those values of hard work and humility into his legal career. After earning his law degree from Mercer University, he built a practice rooted in serving people harmed by negligence. For more than three decades, Mel and Ron have tried cases together, supported clients through life-changing losses, and remained relentless in the pursuit of results.

His track record includes significant victories that have shaped the legal landscape in Florida and across the nation. Mel has championed clients to the Florida Supreme Court when justice demanded it. He was instrumental in securing a nationwide settlement of nearly $200 million for victims harmed by contaminated pharmaceutical products. He won a plaintiff’s verdict of $6.8 million against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. He pursued justice for a quadriplegic client, securing a $20 million judgment and continuing collection efforts to support that client’s lifelong care.

These results are not accidents. They reflect a lifetime of discipline, preparation, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

The Florida Firm: Trusted by Attorneys, Clients, and the Community

Mel’s speech emphasized gratitude—toward mentors, colleagues, adversaries who shaped his skills, paralegals who have stood by him for more than 30 years, and the family members who supported him through years of trials and travel. His message was clear: no great trial lawyer succeeds alone.

At Colling Gilbert Wright, we share that philosophy. We are proud that most of our cases come from referrals by attorneys, judges, and professionals across Florida who trust our experience and results. We are honored to be known for real courtroom advocacy, compassion for our clients, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Watch the Speech and Stay Connected

We encourage you to watch Mel’s full acceptance speech on YouTube and hear, in his own words, what this recognition means to him and to our firm. You can view it here:

And do not forget to follow Colling Gilbert Wright on Facebook to stay updated on news, achievements, and resources from The Florida Firm.