Hackett New Farr President, Partner heads 81-year-old law firm

December 14, 2005 (Punta Gorda, FL) – The law firm of Farr, Farr, Emerich, Hackett and Carr, P.A. is pleased to announce that real estate and business attorney Jack O. Hackett II has been elected the fourth president of the firm in the 81 year history.  With 16 lawyers, Farr, Farr, Emerich, Hackett and Carr, P.A. has been providing quality legal services to southwest Florida since 1924. In addition to the Punta Gorda location, the firm also has an office in Englewood.

Hackett succeeds Guy Emerich, who decided to step down as firm president after serving the role for nine years.  Emerich will continue to serve as a director on the firm’s executive committee.  “I will continue to practice full time to service the legal needs of our firm’s clients,” Emerich said.

Hackett is a past president of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and was a governor’s appointee on the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.  In addition to being a member of the Charlotte County Bar Association, he has also served as the Bar’s president.  Hackett served on the Executive Council of The Florida Bar General Practice Section in numerous capacities, including chairman, and on The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors.  He is past chairman of The Florida Bar, 20th Circuit Grievance Committee C.

“I am deeply honored that the firm has selected me to follow in the footsteps of Earl Farr, Drayton Farr and Guy Emerich as the leader of the Farr family,” Hackett said.  “They are certainly large shoes to fill, but I still have Drayton, Guy, and the rest of my partners to help guide the firm.”

“Jack is very well respected inside the firm and outside in the community. I believe he will be an outstanding president as the firm continues its growth,” Emerich said.

Hackett joined the firm in 1979 after receiving his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Florida.  He is Board Certified in real estate law and also focuses on corporate and business law.  Hackett is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and Florida state courts.

“The success of the firm has always been built on great lawyers, great staff, and great clients.  I intend to continue that tradition on my watch,” said Hackett.