William Harrell, principal in the personal injury law firm Harrell & Harrell, recently received the “Spartans at Thermopylae” award from the Florida Justice Association (FJA) where he served on the board for five years.

In three of the past five years, Harrell has been a member of the FJA executive committee, the highest decision making body of the association. Harrell is retiring from the FJA board and the association wanted to give him its prestigious award to recognize his contributions.

“The award was given to him for his leadership committing to justice and his stalwart service to the association,” said Lori Poole, communications coordinator for FJA. “We wanted to honor him because no matter what the issue, Bill has always been there.”

Harrell was presented with the award from trial lawyer Howard Coker in late May on behalf of the FJA.

“Bill has been at the forefront of every battle with a sword in hand ready to fight for justice,” said Coker.

It was only fitting that Coker presented Harrell with the award because the “Spartans at Thermopylae” award has only been given to two people. First, Coker in 2003 at the end of his presidency of FJA and now Harrell.

“The idea of the award and those who receive it are always standing to fight against great odds,” said Poole.

Poole explained the story behind the “Spartans at Thermopylae” award. She said the award stems from the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., when an alliance of Greek cities fought the Persian Empire in Thermopylae. The Greeks were outnumbered, but they were able to hold off the Persians for three days. The Greeks were led by King Leonidas of Sparta. This part of the battle has become a symbol of courage against tremendous odds.

Poole said this award is not given out every year.

“We only bring it out to honor extraordinary individuals,” she said. “He has been with us for five years and in that period of time he has won awards for his service and fundraising achievements.

“We wanted to honor him and thank him for all that he has done.”

While Harrell was a member of the FJA board, he also served as a trustee of the FJA political action committee, F.L.A.G., since 2004. He has received four Golden Eagle Awards for his fundraising, which includes the association’s “Tiger in the Bush” award for his political and fundraising contributions to the FJA’s 2004 amendment campaign.

Harrell could not be reached for comment.