Florida Bar News articles from July 2004

Florida Bar News archives from July 2004

Russian delegation tours Tallahassee.(Russians in the Sunshine)
July 1, 2004... Friendly smiles of greeting across the room, a shared love of raw oysters, and the patient services of fluent interpreters eliminated communication hurdles between Florida Bar staff and representatives of The Federal Chamber of Advocates of the...

Celebrating 50 years of practice: Florida lawyers recall the profession a half century ago.
July 1, 2004... From human cannon balls to judicial canons, and the evolution of the language of math to the logic of law was how the journey began for a few of The Florida Bar's 50-year members. They all became Florida lawyers in 1954, but traveled many...

Academy, FMA square off over amendments.
July 1, 2004... The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments in what Justice Barbara Pariente described as "tit for tat" proposed constitutional amendments being advanced by the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and the Florida Medical Association. The...

Court considers kids' right to representation; bar panel argues kids should talk with a lawyer before being able to waive their right to counsel.
July 1, 2004... Children in juvenile court should not be allowed to waive their right to counsel and enter a plea without first talking to an attorney and understanding fully what rights they are giving up. That was the top priority of The Florida Bar...

The stakes for UPL are higher; the crime is now a felony.
July 1, 2004... Beginning October 1, the criminal penalty for committing the unlicensed practice of law--including by suspended or disbarred attorneys-will carry a lot more bite. Gov. Jeb Bush on June 10 signed SB 1776, which increases the state's...

Attorneys v. physicians.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2004... Something is seriously wrong in the state of Florida when the top professions resort to a battle of constitutional amendments to protect their interests. During the 2003 legislative session Florida physicians attempted to obtain a cap on...

In memoriam.
July 1, 2004... David Edgar Bembry, Jasper Admitted 1973; Died March 28, 2004 Richard Antonio Bianco, Tampa Admitted 1951; Died August 10, 2003 Francis J. Christie, Coral Gables Admitted 1950; Died May 3, 2004 Robert Earl Collins, Wauchula Admitted...

Senior judges seek continued service.(Notice)
July 1, 2004... The following senior judges' current service will expire on September 30, 2004, and they are seeking service renewal. Any persons having knowledge bearing upon the fitness or qualifications of any of the senior judges on this list to continue...

Bar Examiner opening available.(Notice)
July 1, 2004... Florida Board of Bar Examiners Vacancy: Lawyer applicants are being sought to fill one vacancy on the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. The Board of Governors will be selecting three nominees for one lawyer vacancy at its August 13 meeting....

Friedman petitions for reinstatement.(Notice)
July 1, 2004... Pursuant to Rule 3-7.10, Seymour Friedman, formerly of New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA, has petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for Bar reinstatement. Pursuant to an order of the Florida Supreme Court dated December 1, 1993, Friedman...

Elliott petitions for Bar reinstatement.(Notice)
July 1, 2004... Pursuant to Rule 3-7.10(b), Nadege Elliott of Cape Coral has petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for Bar reinstatement. Elliott was suspended from the practice of law for six months by a June 26, 2003, order of the Supreme Court for...

Comments sought on workers' comp judges.(Notice)
July 1, 2004... The Statewide Nominating Commission for Judges of Compensation Claims will hold a public hearing July 12 at 9 a.m., at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport to conduct the interviews of the following applicants for reappointment as...

Florida A&M, FlU impress accreditation team.
July 1, 2004... Henry Latimer, a Florida Bar Board of Governors member from Ft. Lauderdale, is like the proud papa of twins who have gone beyond taking first steps and now run full speed ahead. The double dose of good news is that fledgling law schools at...

Proposed workers' comp rules amendments.(Notice)
July 1, 2004... The Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Rules Committee has filed its regular-cycle report of proposed rule changes. The committee proposes amendments to the roles: 4.020 (Definitions); 4.028 (Petition for Benefits); 4.029 (Review of Petition);...

Court publicly reprimands Judge Angel.
July 1, 2004... Editor's Note: Chief Justice Harry Lee Anstead has requested that the News begin running the text of the verbal reprimands administered to judges. What follows is the reprimand Chief Justice Anstead administered to Fifth Circuit Judge Carven...

Legislation of interest to the legal profession: The Florida Bar Governmental Affairs Office.
July 1, 2004... 2004 REGULAR SESSION Included in this report is a brief summary, by subject, of bills that passed the House and Senate during the 2004 Regular Session (March 2-April 30, 2004) that may be of interest to Florida Bar members. During the 2004...

Departing Board of Governors members have their final say.
July 1, 2004... It's a misconception that may keep some qualified lawyers from seeking to be Bar president, but it is possible to fulfill the Bar's top job and still practice law, according to immediate past President Miles McGrane. "I did practice law...

Bar investments remain vibrant.
July 1, 2004... Returns on Florida Bar investments have continued to be strong through the spring, despite a temporary setback when the stock market fluctuated early in the season. Investment Committee Chair Ian Comisky reported to the Board of Governors...

Bar works on putting legislators on procedural rules committees.
July 1, 2004... The Florida Bar is working on a compromise that will have state legislators appointed to procedural rule committees, but the issue of the Supreme Court overseeing procedural rules is likely to arise again in the legislature, according to new...

Proposed Rules of Judicial Administration.(Notice)
July 1, 2004... The Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration Committee has submitted to the Florida Supreme Court proposed out-of-cycle amendments to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.085(e)(1), Trial Court Time Standards. The committee proposes...

Communications Committee studies audit survey findings.
July 1, 2004... The Bar's Communications Committee is studying the results of an audit of the Bar's methods of supplying information to its members. Chair Jim Lupino recently reported on the results of the audit to the Board of Governors, and on other...

Bar beefs up its own reporting standards.
July 1, 2004... Although not required to follow its provisions, the Board of Governors has taken steps to beef up auditing of Bar financial operations to comply with the federal Sarbanes-Oxley law on corporate financial operations. Audit Committee Chair...

Lawyers would have to report charges: under a proposed new rule.
July 1, 2004... Bar members would have to report any criminal charge against them to the Bar under a proposed rule that is before the Board of Governors. The board reviewed three proposed rules from the Disciplinary Procedure Committee at its May 28...

Construction Law Certification Committee members needed.(Notice)
July 1, 2004... On May 20, the Supreme Court approved standards for board certification in construction law. Members of The Florida Bar who have an interest in serving on the inaugural nine-member certification committee should send a letter of interest...

Finding personal peace in a conflict-driven profession.(Stresslines)
July 1, 2004... Four years ago I almost fled the legal profession. I was burned out. I told some of my friends that I simply didn't want to have conflict as a driving force in my life any longer. I felt that continuing to engage in a litigation-based practice...

Tampa Bay, Inc.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Jozette V. Chack-On of Saxon, Gilmore, Carraway, Gibbons, Lash & Wilcox, P.A., in Tampa has been elected to the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Barry Nelson.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Barry Nelson of Miami recently presented "Current Trends & Traps in Estate Planning, Why Not Have Both?" at the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science's conference in Ft. Lauderdale.

Brian L. Tannebaum.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Brian L. Tannebaum of Miami has been honored by the National Law Journal as the recipient of one of the "top 10 defense verdicts in the United States for 2003." United States of America v. Francis Dow, was third on the list.

International Academy of Trial Lawyers.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Joel Hirschhorn of Coral Gables has been elected a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Scott D. Kirschbaum.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Scott D. Kirschbaum of Mintzer, Sarowitz, Zeris, Ledva & Meyers in Coral Gables recently spoke about legal issues involved in handling difficult consumer complaints and preserving evidence from the initial phone call at a conference entitled...

Neil St. John Rambana.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Neil St. John Rambana of Tallahassee Was selected by the NAACP's Salute to Black Achievers Award Program as a 2004 Black Achiever. The award recognizes extraordinary community accomplishments.

Brian A. Hart.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Brian A. Hart of Rafferty, Hart, Stolzenberg, Gelles & Tenenholtz, P.A., in Miami, spoke about U.S. real estate laws to a group of German investment advisors and business media representatives at a conference called "USA Real Estate" in...

National Business Institute Florida Advisory Council.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Brett Panter of Miami has become a charter member of the National Business Institute Florida Advisory Council.

Young Lawyers Division of the Hillsborough County Bar.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Lara J. Tibbals of Hill Ward & Henderson in Tampa, P.A., has become president of the Young Lawyers Division Of the Hillsborough County Bar.

Richard Bernstein.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Richard Bernstein of Steel Hector & Davis in Miami was honored by the Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center in South Dade for his help in the planning, design, and fundraising to build the new center.

Lou Conti.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Lou Conti of Holland & Knight in Orlando spoke about the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the "best practices" for U.S. companies at the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association's National Spring Institute in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

National Litigation Support Services Association.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Jim Atkins of Economic Forensics in Longwood has been elected vice president of the National Litigation Support Services Association.

Percy R. Luney, Jr.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Percy R. Luney, Jr., Florida A&M University College of Law dean, has been named a Fulbright Senior Specialist. Luney travelled to the Royal School for Judges and Prosecutors in Cambodia to serve as their Fulbright Senior Specialist this past...

Gerald T. Buhr.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Gerald T. Buhr of Lutz has had a town hall and civic center in Zolfo Springs named after him in recognition of his legal services. He has been the town's attorney since 1993, and has worked to get the city legislative grants for their...

Bob Murphy.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Bob Murphy, vice president and administrator of Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, presented "Creating a Culture of Employee and Customer Satisfaction" to executives of North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospitals.

Steve Marlowe.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Steve Marlowe of Tampa has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

Cheryl Smith-Khan.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Cheryl Smith-Khan of Boyer and Schiltz, P.A., in Clearwater has been elected as a Clearwater Bar director-at-large for 2004-2006 term.

Palm Beach County Bar.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Ted J. Leopold of Palm Beach Gardens has been elected president-elect of the Palm Beach County Bar.

Patricia Lowry.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Patricia Lowry of Steel Hector & Davis in West Palm Beach received the 21st Annual Women in Leadership Award for the private sector from the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches.

Joseph L. Caruncho.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Joseph L. Caruncho of Excalibur Health Systems in Miami has been named to the 2004 Florida International University, College of Business, Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

Oscar A. Sanchez.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Oscar A. Sanchez of Akerman Senterfitt in Miami spoke on landlord/tenant law at a seminar entitled "Evictions and Landlord/Tenant Law in Florida" in Miami.

Mark J. Neuberger.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Mark J. Neuberger of Buchanan Ingersoll in Miami received the Burton Award for excellence in legal writing for his article, "Punching The Clock Is Not So Simple," published in the January 13, 2003, issue of The National Law Journal.

University of Florida's Warrington College of Business.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Gordon H. Harris of Orlando has been appointed to serve on the real estate advisory board to the center for real estate studies at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business.

Southeast Florida Alzheimer's Association.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Patrick A. Moran of Ruden McClosky in Ft. Lauderdale recently has been appointed chair of the board of directors of the Southeast Florida Alzheimer's Association.

Paul C. Perkins Bar.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Odessia Y. Joyner of Saxon, Gilmore, Carraway, Gibbons, Lash & Wilcox, P.A., in Winter Park has been elected as president of the Paul C. Perkins Bar.

John Upchurch of Daytona Beach and Larry Watson of Maitland spoke at the 2004 spring meeting of the CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution and the Symposium of Issues Affecting the Professional Mediator of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators in New Orleans.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... John Upchurch of Daytona Beach and Larry Watson of Maitland spoke at the 2004 spring meeting of the CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution and the Symposium of Issues Affecting the Professional Mediator of the American College of Civil Trial...

Leighton Yates.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Leighton Yates of Holland & Knight in Orlando has been selected as the Florida Association of Blood Bank's 2004 board member trustee of the year.

David W. Singer.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... David W. Singer of Hollywood received a special recognition award from the United Jewish Community of Broward County for his work in co-chairing the inaugural event of "Men's Night Out."

Stephen R. Looney.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Stephen R. Looney of Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth, Capouano & Bozarth, P.A., participated in a panel discussion entitled "Converting a Personal Service Corporation," at the May meeting of the ABA Tax Section's S Corporations Committee in...

Oregon Bar House of Delegates to represent out-of-state members.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Russell B. Hale of Akerman Senterfitt in Orlando has been reelected to a three-year term in the Oregon Bar House of Delegates to represent out-of-state members.

Jeffrey M. Cohen.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Jeffrey M. Cohen of Carlton Fields in Miami served on the faculty of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Florida Regional Program in Ft. Lauderdale.

Charles F. Ketchey.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Charles F. Ketchey of Akerman Senterfitt in Tampa received the Olin Mott Golden Heart Award for his work with abused and neglected children in Hillsborough County.

David J. Lillesand.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... David J. Lillesand of Miami recently presented: "Social Security and SSI Disability Insurance Claims" to the Multiple Myeloma Support Group; "Protecting Your Clients' Assets: Assuring Access to Public Health Insurance Programs through Medicare...

Florida Builder's Association.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Robert Fine of Greenberg Traurig was appointed an honrary member on the board of directors of the Florida Builder's Association.

Bennett Brummer.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Bennett Brummer, Miami-Dade public defender, was recognized for his "valuable contributions to our community," by Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle on behalf of Mayor Alex Penelas at a ceremony held at the County Commission chambers.

Tico Perez.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Tico Perez of Baker & Hostetler in Orlando was honored with the Distingushed Service Award from the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America.

Jason J. Guari.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... Jason J. Guari presented "Legal Careers" at Indian Pines Elementary's Career Day in Lake Worth and also at Palm Beach Public Elementary in Palm Beach, and "Child Safety-proper Use of Seat Belts and Safety Seats" at Lighthouse Elementary in...

American Bar Association House of Delegates.(News and Notes)
July 1, 2004... William Aaron of Miami has been elected to represent the Dade County Bar as its delegate at the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Submissions for the News and Notes and On the Move columns of The Florida Bar News may be e-mailed...

Edward Rodgers.(Benchmarks)
July 1, 2004... Edward Rodgers, former 15th Judicial Circuit judge, was the keynote speaker for the Palm Beach County Bar Association Law Week Dinner, tying in the Law Week theme of "Brown v. Board of Ed. at 50."

William Fuente.(Benchmarks)
July 1, 2004... Hillsborough County Circuit Judge William Fuente was honored by the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency with the "Judicial Distinguished Service Award" at a ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

Judith L. Kreeger.(Benchmarks)
July 1, 2004... Judith L. Kreeger, circuit court judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit, was named, "Jurist of the Year" by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers--Florida Chapter. This distinction recognizes Judge Kreeger's contribution in the area of...

Barry University School of Law Advisory Board.(Benchmarks)
July 1, 2004... Carmine M. Bravo, 18th Judicial Circuit county judge for Seminole County, has been appointed vice chair of the Barry University School of Law Advisory Board.

Catholic Relief Services.(Benchmarks)
July 1, 2004... Judge Diana Lewis of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County has been appointed as a lay member to the board of directors of Catholic Relief Services.

Cynthia G. Imperato.(Benchmarks)
July 1, 2004... Cynthia G. Imperato, 17th Judicial Circuit court judge, has been appointed an honorary board member to the PACE school for girls in Broward County and the Broward County Crime Commission.

Jack R. St. Arnold.(Benchmarks)
July 1, 2004... Jack R. St. Arnold, Sixth Judicial Circuit court judge, graduated from Leadership Florida as a member of Class XXII known as "Can't Catch 22."

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & Wein, P.A.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... John R. Yoak has joined the commercial and civil litigation department of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & Wein, P.A., with offices in the Wachovia Bank Building, 980 Tyrone Blvd., St. Petersburg, 33743, phone: (727) 381-2300, fax: (727) 343-4059.

McIntosh, Sawran, Peltz, Cartaya & Petrucelli, P.A.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Edward L. Holloran, III, has become associated with McIntosh, Sawran, Peltz, Cartaya & Petrucelli, P.A., in West Palm Beach.

Stetson University College of Law.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Stetson University College of Law has promoted three faculty members to dean positions: Royal C. Gardner has become vice dean, John F. Cooper has become an associate dean for international and cooperative programs, and Theresa Pulley Radwan has...

JM Family Enterprises.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Kiernan P. Moylan has been promoted to vice president of community relations and marine departments for JM Family Enterprises in Deerfield Beach.

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Sharon M. Zuccaro has joined Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., in Ft. Myers as a stockholder. Zuccaro most recently practiced with Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf LLP. Zuccaro counsels clients on a number of real estate transactions,...

Karp & Genauer, P.A.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Stewart L. Kasner has been named a partner of Karp & Genauer, P.A., in Coral Gables. He focuses in matters of international taxation, international trusts and international estates. Offices are located at Two Alhambra Plaza, Ste. 1202, Coral...

Alderwoods Group Inc.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Steven R. Walker, formerly attorney-advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., has joined the Alderwoods Group, Inc., as vice president of law. He will be the managing attorney for U.S. operations and provide...

Brinkley, McNerney, Morgan, Solomon & Tatum.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Pamela M. M. Holcombe has joined Brinkley, McNerney, Morgan, Solomon & Tatum, with offices in the Sun-Sentinel Building, 19 Floor, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, 33301, phone: (954) 522-2200, fax: (954) 522-9123. She concentrates in...

Gievers, P.A.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Francesca Ramos Ostrow has become associated with Gievers, P.A., with offices located at 524 E. College Ave., Ste. 2, Tallahassee, 32301. The firm engages in diverse civil trial practice throughout the state.

Colson Hicks Eidson.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Curtis Miner, assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of Florida, has joined, as a partner, Colson Hicks Eidson in Miami.

Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Claire A. Dumas has become associated with Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A., in West Palm Beach. She concentrates in matters of corporate, transaction, and securities laws. Offices located at Flagler Center Tower, Ste. 1100, West Palm...

Fowler White Boggs Banker.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Paul A. Giordano has become associated with Fowler White Boggs Banker with offices at 501 E. Kennedy Blvd., Ste. 1700, Tampa, 33602, phone: (813) 222-2097.

Volpe, Bajalia, Wickes, Rogerson & Galloway.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Alan S. Wachs has joined, as a shareholder, the business and commercial litigation practice group of Volpe, Bajalia, Wickes, Rogerson & Galloway in Jacksonille.

Katz Barron.(On the Move)
July 1, 2004... Katz Barron has announced that Dennis M. Stotts has been named managing partner of the firm's Miami office, and Michele L. Stocker has been named managing partner of the Ft. Lauderdale office.