On March 5, Scott Costantino was elected the 62nd president of the International Society of Barristers (ISOB) at the annual meeting in Hawaii.
About the ISOB
Founded in 1965, the ISOB preserves trial by jury, the adversary system, and an independent judiciary.
Its founders sought to unite leading trial lawyers in a setting free from partisan interests. The ISOB fosters fellowship among professionals, whether they represent plaintiffs or defendants, and provides a forum for thoughtful, respectful discussion of ethics, advocacy, and litigation’s role in society. Fellows are committed to the highest ethical standards and to civility in all personal and professional relationships. A defining feature of the ISOB is the full participation of members’ spouses or significant others in its activities.
With limited membership, the ISOB includes fellows from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, and Ireland, with most fellows residing in the United States.
Lawyers may not apply for membership. New fellows are elected by the board of governors after nomination by an existing fellow and an inquiry into the nominee’s trial skills, integrity, and professionalism. The inquiry includes input from barristers in the nominee’s region and from judges before whom the nominee has tried cases.
Fellows on Costantino
“I have known Scott for many years,” says Timothy S. Tomaski of TKK Law. “At all times, Scott embodies the great traditions of the Barristers. He’s exceptionally professional and a highly skilled and trial lawyer. Scott always is the model of integrity and civility – his word is his word. By the same measure, Scott is always fighting for the fundamental underpinnings of our society – a fierce guardian of the Rule of Law and of the right to trial by jury. Equally true, he is an unwavering vigilant protector of the independence of the judiciary.
“Scott and his wonderful wife, Monica, first welcomed my wife, Jennifer, and I into the Barristers 15 years ago,” Tomaski adds. “They are emblematic of one of the most important hallmarks of the International Society of Barristers – the inclusion of member’s spouses or significant others as full participants in all activities of the society. We look forward to spending time with them at every annual meeting. We are excited for the fantastic year Scott is having leading the Barristers as our president!”
“I coincidentally delivered the commencement address at Scott’s graduation from the University of Florida College of Law in December 1988,” says Rut Liles, a past president of the ISOB. “I will always remember that when they called out his name there was an unusual uproar of cheers. I should have known then that he was special. And then, our law firm hired him. What a wonderful move. As time moved forward, I opened my own law firm and hired Scott. Our relationship grew and given our close bond I have always looked upon Scott as a younger brother. I remember his wedding to Monica and have followed them over the years as his beautiful family grew. Monica has been a beautiful and supportive wife and companion of Scott.
“As time passed, I proposed Scott for fellowship in the Barristers,” Liles adds. “He has been an exceptional member and now our leader. We are proud and blessed to have Scott as our president.”
The Annual Meeting
The ISOB holds a week-long annual convention featuring distinguished speakers from a wide range of disciplines and interests. The program is designed to broaden members’ perspectives and deepen their commitment to professional responsibility and service.
This year, the annual meeting was held in Hawaii from March 1–6, 2026, at the Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island. In 2027, the annual meeting will be held in April at Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy.
The Foundation
The International Society of Barristers Foundation was created in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) private charitable foundation. The foundation exists to support the same ideals as the ISOB – to retain trial by jury; provide training in trial advocacy; encourage civility in the adversary system; and support and improve our system of justice. The foundation receives tax-deductible contributions, often in honor or in memory of named individuals, and makes grants in support of its mission. Because the ISOB pays all the expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations are available to be distributed in the form of grants.
In 2018, the foundation embarked on a special project – seeking donations in memory of John W. Reed, the administrative secretary of the ISOB from 1981-2010. The response was outstanding with more than 120 fellows and friends of the ISOB gifting a total of $100,000.
For more information about the ISOB visit, www.isob.com
