SARASOTA, Fla. — Bill Robertson, CEO and personal injury attorney for the prestigious Kirk Pinkerton, PA law firm in Sarasota, was recently the sponsor for a lunch-and-learn event by the Manatee Veterans Treatment Court.
Held on Sept. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Manatee County courthouse, the 85 attendees included several judges, other key personnel and staff from the state attorney’s office and public defender’s office. Guests had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the post-traumatic stress disorder from Patrick Diggs with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and hear from three veterans about their personal journeys with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“I had the privilege and honor to address those who attended the event and emphasize how an attorney’s help can impact these veterans,” said Robertson, whose family military service dates back to the Civil War when his great-great-grandfather fought for the Confederacy in the 7th Tennessee Infantry. “It’s important we take the time to help these heroes and given them hope for the future.”
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida’s Veterans Treatment Court is a court-supervised program coupled with intensive treatment and supervision for high risk-high need criminal offenders. It is designed for veterans who have substance abuse, mental health issues or problems adjusting to civilian life and have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor crime.
“During this lunch-and-learn event, our goal was to educate individuals on the scientific difference in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder in the criminal justice system and illustrate a therapeutic and scientific view of how we can help these specific veterans,” said Chris Landis, a Veterans Treatment Court coordinator. “We also wanted fellow veterans that are successful in their field to share their experiences and explain how to reach out to other veterans in need.”
With more than 30 years of law experience, Robertson, a Sarasota native and fifth generation attorney, represents clients throughout the state who have been injured or lost a loved one as the result of another’s negligence.
“Growing up with my family’s history of service, I learned early on that all the freedoms we enjoy are due to the American soldiers protecting us around the globe,” said Robertson. “I’m grateful to be able to practice law in a free country, thanks to all the brave Americans who put their lives on the line. The least we can do is make sure we give them every opportunity to succeed when they return.”
About Kirk Pinkerton, PA
Kirk Pinkerton, P.A. has been serving Sarasota and Manatee counties with distinction since 1926, representing prominent clients and Sarasota pioneers like John Ringling. Since that time, the law firm has continued to provide clients with quality, results-driven legal services at the highest level. For more information, visit www.KirkPinkerton.com.
About Bill Robertson
Celebrating his 33rd year at Kirk Pinkerton, P.A., Bill Robertson is a fifth generation attorney in Sarasota. Continuing in the tradition started by his great-grandfather and grandfather, who opened their practice here in 1925, Robertson is the CEO of Kirk Pinkerton, PA and a personal injury attorney. For the 14th year, he has received an AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings, the highest peer review rating in legal ability and ethical standards.