Evan J. Yegelwel has been a cornerstone of Terrell Hogan Law for over 38 years, dedicating his career to representing victims of personal injury, product liability, and mass torts. As a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Evan is known for his meticulous preparation, legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice.
A proud graduate of Rutgers College, where he earned his B.A. with Highest Honors and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Evan went on to the University of Florida, Holland Law Center, earning his J.D. with Honors in 1980. His exceptional academic achievements include receiving the Book Award in Law and Medicine and induction into the Order of the Coif.
Champion for Justice and Legal Leadership
Evan has built a career rooted in accountability and advocacy, representing victims harmed by negligence and corporate misconduct. As an experienced trial lawyer, Evan has lectured nationally and internationally on toxic torts and chaired numerous seminars for legal professionals, including nearly a decade leading the Jacksonville Bar Association Trial Advocacy Retreat Seminar.
His work extends beyond the courtroom. As Chair of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee in 2014 and a member of The Florida Bar Grievance Committee, Evan has demonstrated his commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the legal profession. His leadership roles within the Chester Bedell Inn of Court and the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) further underscore his dedication to elevating the practice of law.
Advocacy Through Education and Community Impact
Evan’s passion for justice extends into education and philanthropy. In 1995, he established the Evan J. Yegelwel Book Award in Environmental Law at the University of Florida, recognizing excellence in the field of toxic torts. In 2000, he founded the Evan J. Yegelwel Fellowship Fund, which supports legal internships with the Anti-Defamation League to combat anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry.
A Trustee Emeritus of the University of Florida School of Law, Evan has worked tirelessly to support students and advance diversity in the legal profession. His contributions include co-creating Evan’s Hope, an endowment at the Mayo Clinic for ALS research and patient care, and establishing the Evan and Arlene Yegelwel Endowed Fund for Primary Lateral Sclerosis Research and Care at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Recognition and Awards
Evan’s dedication to justice and his community has earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (2006–2023) in Mass Tort Litigation.
- Recognition as a Florida Super Lawyer (2006–2021) in Personal Injury and Class Action/Mass Torts.
- The Anti-Defamation League Jurisprudence Award (2009).
- The Florida ALS Association Ambassador of Hope Award (2020).
- The Rabbi David Gaffney Leadership in Education Award (2020).
Evan is also the recipient of many community honors, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the Jacksonville Jewish Federation, the Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award, FJA’s EAGLE Legend Award, and ABOTA’s Presidents’ Award.
A Life of Purpose and Commitment
Beyond his professional achievements, Evan is deeply committed to the Jacksonville community. He has served in leadership roles for numerous organizations, including:
- The Florida Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League.
- President and Chairman of the Jacksonville Jewish Center.
- Founding President of the Foundation for River Garden Hebrew Home for the Aged.
- Board of Directors for Edward Waters College.
Evan’s philanthropic efforts include co-chairing finance committees for charitable organizations and political campaigns and supporting initiatives that promote education, diversity, and equity.
Family and Personal Life
Evan has been married to his wife, Arlene, a kindergarten teacher, since 1979. Together, they have two daughters, Esther (Mike Raffol) and Tania (Jordan Moser), and are proud grandparents to twins Jack and Eliana. Evan’s dedication to his family and community is at the heart of his work, and his legacy reflects a lifetime of service, compassion, and justice.
