April 16, 2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our Founding Partner, Paul Butler. Paul was many things to many people – a fierce advocate, leader, family man, counselor, and philanthropist.
Paul led with compassion, saw the good in people, and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. In 1979, Paul founded the firm that would grow into what we know today as Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP. Before beginning his legal career, Paul was an ordained Methodist minister, a calling that reflected his devotion to service and faith. That calling to serve others remained central to the way he practiced law and led this firm. He was a fervent advocate of mental health and addiction and a fearless champion of anyone who needed inspiration. Paul led by example, he asked challenging questions, and did not spare the difficult realities to which so many often avoid. His sense of humor was gracious and timely, even in his final days. Paul’s vision and leadership impacted not only our firm but also the many attorneys, clients, and friends who had the privilege of knowing him.
Paul built an exceptional legal career and earned widespread respect as a distinguished trial lawyer, trusted leader, and true legend in the legal profession. Over the years, he developed a national reputation in property insurance law and held numerous leadership roles in prominent professional organizations, including the American Bar Association (ABA), the Defense Research Institute (DRI), and the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC). Within the ABA, he lead many committees, including but not limited to: chairing the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) National Institutes Committee, serving on the TIPS Council, chairing a TIPS Task Force on Civil Justice Reform, representing TIPS on an ABA Presidential Working Group on Civil Justice Proposals, and serving as a TIPS Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates. These distinguished roles represented only a fraction of the impact he made during his career.
His talents and skills were so widely recognized by other leaders that when those organizations were confronted with new challenges or pursued new initiatives, Paul was often selected to head up the committee. By putting Paul in charge, the other leaders knew that they could rely not only on his intelligence and insight but also on his creativity, wit, sense of fairness, and ability to bring out the best in the other members of the working group.
Paul’s commitment to serving his communities extended far beyond the practice of law. In later years, Paul returned to ministry while remaining closely connected to the firm he founded. No matter where he was, he continued to find ways to help those in need. Alongside his wife, Ginah, he made numerous trips to South Africa to support the Manaleni Center’s work providing food, clothing, life skills, and community to children and orphans in need. He often helped sponsor members of the homeless community in Florida and beyond.
Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig is dedicated to continuing and expanding Paul’s mission far beyond what he ever could have imagined back in 1979. Even when he was no longer involved in the daily practice of law, Paul never truly left this firm. He remained a critical source of encouragement, wisdom, and leadership, and his legacy will continue to live on through the firm he founded, the people he mentored, and the many lives he touched.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Paul’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.