Florida Bar News articles from February 2009

Florida Bar News archives from February 2009

Court budget trimmed by 1.25%: new trust fund seen as a 'first step' to a long-term solution.
February 1, 2009... With a minimal cut in funds and employees and a new trust fund to help pay for continuing operations, Florida court officials and Bar leaders are calling last month's special legislative session at least a good first step. [ILLUSTRATION...

State attorneys, PDs still stretched thin: 'we're prosecuting more cases with less people and less money'.(public defenders)
February 1, 2009... Representatives of both the state attorneys and public defenders say that while they're grateful to have sustained only a 1.25 percent holdback in their budgets during the most recent legislative special session, by no means is it party time....

Why is this upside down?(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... In order to comply with U.S. Postal Service requirements, the News has relocated the mailing label that appears on your paper. The USPS says the new standards create consistent addressing for flat-size pieces and will help it take advantage of...

Business leaders feel the sting of court cuts.
February 1, 2009... Startling sound bites fell from the lips of Coral Gables economist Tony Villamil: Civil case delays caused by the court funding crisis are resulting in $17.4 billion lost in Florida economic output each year. And those civil case delays...

Lawyers' income is flat as firms brace for lean times.
February 1, 2009... Overall attorney income in Florida is holding steady, but many of the state's lawyers are pessimistic about the future. Forty-six percent of the lawyers responding to The Florida Bar's 2008 Economics and Law Office Management Survey said...

Florida's first black lawyers.
February 1, 2009... Chief Justice Peggy A. Quince made Florida's First Black Lawyers (1869-1979) one of her Supreme Court initiatives, and the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association (VHFCNBA) has implemented the project by researching and writing...

Florida should consider mediation in foreclosures.
February 1, 2009... Florida's courts are managing to keep pace with an exploding caseload of mortgage foreclosures, but the state should consider requiring mediation before a foreclosure is filed on a homestead. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Senate Judiciary...

Flury named director of Guardian ad Litem Office.(Theresa Flury)
February 1, 2009... Theresa Flury has been named the executive director of the statewide Guardian ad Litem Office. Appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist, Flury will serve as the office's second executive director, succeeding Angela Orkin, who led the GAL program...

Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar gives kids what they need.(Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association)
February 1, 2009... For six years, Gainesville lawyer Carl Schwait has donned his Santa suit to deliver holiday gifts to children attending schools in some of the poorest areas in the Eighth Circuit. While Schwait sees the smiles and gets the hugs when...

Despite challenges, CCCRCs are operational and anticipate saving money for the state.(Offices of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsels)
February 1, 2009... They've been sued--twice--and had trouble finding offices, but the state's Offices of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsels are up and running, and as anticipated saving money for the state. In a brief report at the January 14...

Central Florida Diversity Picnic slated for Tampa.(Annual Central Florida Diversity Picnic)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The Second Annual Central Florida Diversity Picnic is set for Saturday, February 28, at the Downtown Tampa Campus of the Stetson University College of Law. The Central Florida Diversity Picnic's goal is to allow minority law students an...

Supreme Court takes up lawyers' Web sites.
February 1, 2009... Bar member Tim Chinaris went to the Supreme Court on January 6 to make a simple request, as the justices considered Florida Bar-proposed advertising rule amendments on attorney and law firm Web sites. Chinaris, who served on the committee...

Send that message.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... I write in response to a January 1 letter complaining that a prosecutor had urged a harsh sentence in a case in order to "send a message." The letter writer suggested that such a consideration is entirely inappropriate in sentencing a...

Focus on quality.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... The headlines from the January 1 News were "Downs named president-elect," "Pro bono goes stagnant," and "Lawyers sound off on impact of budget cuts." To attach a relationship to these events, please consider that Ms. Downs is but one Bar...

The right thing to do.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... I am writing on behalf of my client who is very thankful for the attention to detail, professionalism, and care that Jim Wetzel of Stephens Lynn Kline La Cava Hoffman & Puya showed in a recent matter. Jim is a member of the Hillsborough County...

Pro bono.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... Prior to joining the ranks of government attorneys, I spent a large portion of my career practicing out of a three-attorney firm and trying to earn a reasonable living representing the poor. Although typically more than 1,000 of my...

Smart growth?(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... Imagine that the Florida Supreme Court approved a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that institutionalizes discrimination against Florida voters who serve in the military or National Guard. Imagine the amendment also discriminates...

Death penalty.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2009... In Marc T. Hardekopf's strong support for the death penalty in his January 15 letter, he stated concerns about keeping Floridians safe, making sure victims' families can feel that justice has been served, and ensuring that murderers are...

Proposed amendments to the Family Law Rules concerning relocation of a child.(Notice)
February 1, 2009... The Florida Supreme Court, on its own motion, proposes an amendment to the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. The proposed new rule is meant to implement section 61.13001, Florida Statutes (2007), governing parental relocation with a child....

Proposed amendments to Family Rules forms.(Notice)
February 1, 2009... The Florida Bar's Family Law Rules Committee has submitted to the Florida Supreme Court an out-of-cycle report proposing amendments to the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. The committee is proposing three new family law forms: 12.995(a),...

Marsicano Award nominations sought.(Notice)(Ralph A. Marsicano Award)(Public notice)
February 1, 2009... The City, County and Local Government Law Section is now accepting nominations for its Ralph A. Marsicano Award. The award is given to a lawyer who has made a significant contribution to the practice of local government law. The award...

Proposed instructions regarding justifiable use of force by law enforcement officers.(Notice)
February 1, 2009... The Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases submits the following new and amended instructions to the Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases for comment. The committee proposes the following...

Tampa Bay Hispanic Bar Association Board of Directors.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Jenay E. Iurato of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick in Tampa has been elected to the Tampa Bay Hispanic Bar Association Board of Directors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Michael Brooks.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Michael Brooks of Bricklemyer Smoker & Bolves was recognized by the Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties for outstanding service in government affairs.

Gregory C. Yadley.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gregory C. Yadley of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick in Tampa was the guest speaker at a meeting of lawyers and accountants sponsored by the St. Petersburg Bar Association's Business Law Section. Yadley's presentation was...

Suzanne M. Amaducci Adams of Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod in Miami was selected as the president-elect of the Miami chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Suzanne M. Amaducci Adams of Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod in Miami was selected as the president-elect of the Miami chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

University of Miami Law School.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Barry Nelson of Nelson & Nelson has been reappointed as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami Law School Graduate Program in Taxation for the spring 2009 semester where he will teach an Estate Planning Workshop.

Eileen LaCivita.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eileen LaCivita of Tritt & Franson in Jacksonville has been certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional by the Green Building Certification Institute.

USLAW Network's Board of Directors.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Richards H. Ford of Wicker, Smith, O'Hara, McCoy & Ford in Orlando was recently appointed to USLAW Network's Board of Directors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Robert D. Peltz.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Robert D. Peltz presented "Medicine on the Seas Update" at the recent Cruise Line International Association Annual Convention.

Jacksonville Transportation Authority.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Michael Cavendish of Gunster Yoakley in Jacksonville has been elected vice chair of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

Internet Committee of the ABA Section of Litigation.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Michael Garcia of Fowler White Burnett in Miami was appointed cochair of the Internet Committee of the ABA Section of Litigation.

Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Harvey E. Oyer III of Shutts & Bowen of West Palm Beach has been elected to the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Federal Bar Association.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Kevin J. Napper of Carlton Fields in Tampa was named president elect of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

2008 Tampa Bay CEO.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Rhea F. Law was named the 2008 Tampa Bay CEO of the Year by the Tampa Bay CFO magazine; she also won the individual category in legal service.

John F. Bradley.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... John F. Bradley of Ft. Lauderdale participated in a panel discussion at the 20th Anniversary Entertainment & Sports Law Conference in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Nicole C. Kibert.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Nicole C. Kibert of Carlton Fields in Tampa was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Folio Weekly.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... April Charney, of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, was named Person of the Year by Folio Weekly for her work in training Florida attorneys in foreclosure defense.

Mental Health Association of Broward County.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quentin E. Morgan, associate with the Ft. Lauderdale firm of Brinkley, Morgan, Solomon, Tatum, Stanley & Lunny, has been elected to the board of directors of the Mental Health Association of Broward County and has...

Pacific Legal Foundation's Board of Trustees.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Wade L. Hopping of Hopping, Green & Sams in Tallahassee has been elected chair of the Pacific Legal Foundation's Board of Trustees. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Keiser University.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Mitchell Panter of the firm Panter, Panter & Sampedro was recently appointed advisory board member to Keiser University. He will serve in the Legal Studies Program at the university's Kendall Campus.

Palm Healthcare Foundation, Inc.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Phillipe Jeck of Jeck, Harris, Raynor & Jones has been elected treasurer and serves on the Executive Committee for the Palm Healthcare Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees.

Ramon de la Cabada.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Ramon de la Cabada of Miami recently presented a lecture entitled "How to Protect Yourself in an Enforcement Proceeding" for a seminar presented by Export University entitled "Complying with U.S. Export Controls."

Justin B. Wineburgh.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Justin B. Wineburgh of Cozen O'Connor in Philadelphia recently participated in a panel discussion titled, "TV/Film Financing and Local Tax Credits" at the 20th Annual Sports and Entertainment Law Conference, held in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. ...

Kimberly Kolback.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kimberly Kolback moderated the panel "Sports Media and Broadcasting" during the 20th Annual Entertainment and Sports Law Seminar held in Los Cabos, Mexico. The seminar was sponsored by the Florida, Tennessee,...

Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Webber II of Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Richard Blackstone in Orlando was recently elected president of the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Joseph S. Karp.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Joseph S. Karp of The Karp Law Firm, with offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, and Port St. Lucie, has been named a Lifetime Legacy Fellow by the American Red Cross.

Jennifer Junker.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jennifer Junker of ShuffieldLowman in Orlando was published in the Atlantic Center for the Arts newsletter in an article titled, "It's That Time of Year Again!" on the topic of end-of-the-year charitable giving. She...

Suzanne Meehle.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Suzanne Meehle of ShuffieldLowman in Orlando spoke on "Legal Liability and Data Retention" to KForce Professional Staffing in Ybor City. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Lawrence M. Watson.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Lawrence M. Watson Jr., of Upchurch Watson White & Max presented "Lessons, Pitfalls and Tips for Mediators--The Florida Experience" at the 2009 MidWinter meeting of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry in Bonita Springs.

Robert A. Goldman.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Robert A. Goldman of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey in Stuart taught at the National Business Institute's "Alternatives to Foreclosure: Legal Issues" teleconference. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Tae Shin and Jason Davis of Shuffield-Lowman in Orlando spoke on mergers and acquisitions at the Florida Federal Tax Seminar.(News and Notes)
February 1, 2009... Tae Shin and Jason Davis of Shuffield-Lowman in Orlando spoke on mergers and acquisitions at the Florida Federal Tax Seminar sponsored by the Florida Institute of CPAs.

Rodney H. Dusinberre and Bruce B. Baldwin have joined Assouline & Berlowe as partners.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Rodney H. Dusinberre and Bruce B. Baldwin have joined Assouline & Berlowe as partners. Dusinberre practices in the area of corporate law and transactions and will be in the firm's Boca Raton office and Baldwin practices in the area of...

George M. Matteson joined the Harrelson Law Firm.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... George M. Matteson joined the Harrelson Law Firm in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Francisco J. Gonzalez and Benjamin P. Shenkman announce the formation of Gonzalez & Shenkman, with offices at 12008 South Shore Blvd., Suite 107, Wellington 33414.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Francisco J. Gonzalez and Benjamin P. Shenkman announce the formation of Gonzalez & Shenkman, with offices at 12008 South Shore Blvd., Suite 107, Wellington 33414. The firm concentrates in the areas of commercial and residential real estate,...

>Marni Scuderi has joined the firm Weldon & Rothman in Naples.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Marni Scuderi has joined the firm Weldon & Rothman in Naples. Scuderi concentrates her practice in family law and general civil litigation.

Former Fourth Circuit State Attorney Harry Shorstein has returned to private practice with Shorstein & Lasnetski at 6550 St. Augustine Road, Suite 303, Jacksonville 32217, www.jaxtriallaw.com.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Former Fourth Circuit State Attorney Harry Shorstein has returned to private practice with Shorstein & Lasnetski at 6550 St. Augustine Road, Suite 303, Jacksonville 32217, www.jaxtriallaw.com. The firm practices mainly in state and federal...

Adam R. Cowhey of Tallahassee announces the opening of Adam R. Cowhey, P.A.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Adam R. Cowhey of Tallahassee announces the opening of Adam R. Cowhey, P.A., concentrating in marital and family law at 241 E. 6th Ave., Tallahassee 32303; phone 850-701-1757; www.cowheylaw.com; adam@cowheylaw.com.

Michael J. Dewberry has rejoined Rogers Towers in Jacksonville and will practice in the business litigation department.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Michael J. Dewberry has rejoined Rogers Towers in Jacksonville and will practice in the business litigation department. Dewberry's practice focuses on commercial litigation, labor and employment law, health care law, and mediation and...

Nulman Mediation Services.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Nulman Mediation Services has relocated to 15880 Summerlin Road, Suite 300, PMB 146, Ft. Myers 33908, phone (239) 433-3539, fax (239) 433-0067, e-mail jim@nulmanmediation.com.

Marsha A. McCoy has joined Gunster Yoakley in Jacksonville as an associate.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Marsha A. McCoy has joined Gunster Yoakley in Jacksonville as an associate. McCoy concentrates her practice in business litigation, bankruptcy and debtor/creditor rights.

The Law Offices of Roy L. Weinfeld, P.A.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... The Law Offices of Roy L. Weinfeld, P.A., has moved its offices to 800 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1501, Miami 33131. Weinfeld. concentrates in the areas of creditors' rights and collections litigation.

James J. McNally has joined Alvarez, Sambol, Winthrop & Madson as senior counsel in Miami.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... James J. McNally has joined Alvarez, Sambol, Winthrop & Madson as senior counsel in Miami. His primary areas of practice include insurance and commercial litigation.

Adrienne Conrad has become a partner and Barbara Johnston has become managing partner of McGuireWoods' Jacksonville office.(On the Move)
February 1, 2009... Adrienne Conrad has become a partner and Barbara Johnston has become managing partner of McGuireWoods' Jacksonville office. Conrad works in the firm's labor and employment practice and Johnston practices in the mergers and acquisitions...

Board to make appointments in April.(Notice)
February 1, 2009... The Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the following vacancies to be filled during its April 3, 2009, meeting: Supreme Court's Bar Admissions Committee: One lawyer to serve a two-year term commencing July 1. This committee...

U.S. Middle District needs a magistrate.(Notice)(Public notice)
February 1, 2009... The United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, is currently accepting applications for a full-time magistrate judge position to be resident in Tampa. The basic jurisdiction of the United States magistrate judge is specified...

Ninth Circuit board member needed.(Notice)
February 1, 2009... Executive Director John F. Harkness, Jr., has announced a vacancy on The Florida Bar Board of Governors due to the election of Ninth Circuit board member Mayanne Downs as president-elect designate. Downs was finishing out a two-year term on...

Quince to kick off foster children's project in Daytona.(Notice)(Peggy Quince)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Chief Justice Peggy Quince will be the keynote speaker at the introduction of the Seventh Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program's Pro Bono "Fostering Independence Project." The project's goal is to recruit lawyers to step in as volunteer...

In a Crowd of 2 million attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama Board of Governors member Gene Pettis of Ft. Lauderdale and former out-of-state BOG member Gary J. Leppla of Dayton, Ohio,--the current president of the Ohio State Bar Association--found themselves standing within feet of each other on the national mall.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: IN A CROWD OF 2 million attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Board of Governors member Gene Pettis of Ft. Lauderdale and former out-of-state BOG member Gary J. Leppla of Dayton, Ohio,--the...

Florida's First District Court of Appeal.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: FLORIDA'S FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL, based in Tallahassee, took its show on the road and held workers' comp oral arguments in Miami January 14 and 15, which also coincided with the Bar's Miami Midyear...

E-mentoring in Miami going strong.
February 1, 2009... Aspiring lawyer-mentees from inner city high schools and a law school recently met their lawyer-mentors, along with other prominent lawyers in the Miami area, as a part of "Law Firm Night," hosted by the eMentoring Program, a service of the...

PDs bring up the death penalty as a way to reduce expenditures.
February 1, 2009... Florida's public defenders have offered a controversial new idea for saving money during tight fiscal times: a moratorium on the death penalty. "This Legislature would be remiss not to look at the most costly, least cost-efficient service...

Quince outlines principles for stabilizing court funding.(Peggy Quince)
February 1, 2009... Florida's courts need a sufficient and stable funding source in order to serve the public and meet its constitutional obligations, according to Chief Justice Peggy Quince. Addressing those attending The Florida Bar's "Funding Justice"...

Clerks expect a 14% decline in revenues.
February 1, 2009... Florida's clerks of court are not exempt from the financial storms hitting state and local governments. An official of the Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers told a Senate committee clerk revenues are expected to decline 14...

ABA Journal survey: nation's lawyers expect layoffs in '09.
February 1, 2009... Almost one-third of U.S. lawyers expect their employers will have layoffs in 2009, according to a survey conducted by the ABA Journal that was answered by 14,307 attorneys nationwide. The survey found 31 percent of lawyers expect that, by...