In Memory of Barbara Pankau

April 4, 1951 – January 10, 2009

The Health Law Section of The Florida Bar respectfully commemorates the memory of Barbara Ropes Pankau, Esq. She practiced law in Florida from 1975 until her untimely death.

Barbara was involved with the Health Law Section from its formation, its Certification status, The Florida Health Law Journal and many other activities.

Professionally, Barbara was an outstanding lawyer.  She had an unending thirst for knowledge, coupled with a genuine desire to use her expertise to help others.  She was a Board Certified Health Lawyer, designated by The Florida Bar. She was on the Editorial Board of the Florida Health Law Journal and was committed to using it to enhance the professional knowledge of other health lawyers. She was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida Academy of Healthcare Attorneys in 2007, was selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America®, recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer®, and a consummate professional.

She was a lawyer’s lawyer. She was tireless in her efforts to improve access to health care and gracious in her commitment to share her expertise and elevate the standards for health lawyers.  Her sudden and untimely death will not erase her mark as a lawyer and an exceptional individual.

The Health Law Section commemorated a part of Barbara’s professional life Thursday, January 21, 2010, when it dedicated the inaugural issue of Florida Health Care Lawyer to her memory and in her honor.