Tallahassee attorney Donald Hinkle has been honored with the prestigious 2025 War Horse Award by the Southern Trial Lawyers Association for his exceptional career in championing justice and advancing public safety through the legal system. The award recognizes Hinkle’s courtroom achievements and broader impact on the legal community and public safety through precedent-setting litigation in areas such as medical malpractice, auto and truck crashes, and claims against establishments selling alcohol to minors.
Hinkle’s influence extends beyond the courtroom, as he has served as president of the Tallahassee Bar Association and the local chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He co-founded the Capital City Justice Association to preserve access to justice and protect the right to trial by jury. Hinkle’s commitment to legal excellence and ethics has earned him the ABOTA Civility Award, and he has also endowed the Donald Hinkle Professor of Law at Florida State University College of Law.
In addition to the War Horse Award, Hinkle has been recognized by the Florida Justice Association with the Crystal Eagle and Shoe Leather Awards for his advocacy for consumers. He holds three board certifications, an AV rating, and has been recognized among the American Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America. Hinkle’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of legal advocates is evident through his endowment at his alma mater and his numerous accolades in the legal field.
