Justice Alan C. Sundberg

Justice Alan C. Sundberg

Former Justice Alan Carl Sundberg was the 64th Justice to serve on the Supreme Court. He served from 1975 to 1982.

Sundberg attended Duval County public schools, received a B.S. degree from Florida State University in 1955 and an LL.B. degree from Harvard Law School in 1958.  He began private law practice in St. Petersburg, where he remained until he was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court in 1975, by Gov. Reuben Askew.  At that time, the Court was facing impeachment inquiries for three of its justices.  Sundberg helped to restore the image and reputation of the Court.

While on the Court, Sundberg wrote the unanimous 1979 ruling which allowed news cameras in Florida courtrooms, and also worked to make legal services available to the poor.

After resigning from the Court, partly because of financial obligations, Sundberg returned to private practice in Tallahassee. 

In 1995, he represented the Philip Morris Company in the state of Florida’s $1.4 billion lawsuit against major tobacco companies.  He also served as Florida State University’s general counsel from 1997 – 2001, before returning, once again, to private practice.

Quick facts about Justice Sundberg:

• (Pinellas) [served 7 years, 4 months]
• Served May 5, 1975 – September 15, 1982 as Justice [appointed at age 41]
• Served July 1, 1980 – June 30, 1982 as Chief Justice
• b. Jacksonville, Florida, June 23, 1933 d. January 25, 2002 , Jacksonville, Florida
• County Judge: No. Circuit Judge: No.