Florida Bar News articles from June 2008

Florida Bar News archives from June 2008

Florida Bar President Francisco Angones discusses how laws protect individual freedoms and preserve peace in a democratic society with a group of seventh-graders from Ponce de Leon Middle School who visited the Coral Gables Branch Courthouse as part of a Law Day celebration.(Opportunity and Equality)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FLORIDA BAR PRESIDENT FRANCISCO ANGONES discusses how laws protect individual freedoms and preserve peace in a democratic society with a group of seventh-graders from Ponce de Leon Middle School who visited the Coral...

Court layoffs coming: 'they are figuring out a way to get by with less'.
June 1, 2008... Layoff notices will be received June 1 by court employees who fell victim to unprecedented legislative cuts to the court budget, in order to give them a month to find new jobs. "It is not a value judgment on the employees or the work they...

Audit to lay groundwork for stable court funding.
June 1, 2008... An upcoming legislatively ordered audit of the Florida court system is not an attempt to damage the judicial branch but rather a way to seek improvements and perhaps lay the groundwork for more stable funding. At least that's the way that...

Fees and costs hiked to offset some court cuts.
June 1, 2008... It has dozens of pages, multiple charts at the end, and enough of the standard strike-through language and underlined new verbiage to cross the average reader's eyes. But what might look like just another dry legislative enactment--titled...

Where the challenges lie.
June 1, 2008... Where the Challenges Lie The Supreme Court's Task Force on Judicial Branch Planning recently completed a general public telephone survey of 2,000 Floridians, asking about the top issues facing the courts. System is crowded ...

Health law section strives to stay on the cutting edge.
June 1, 2008... The practice of health law is so varied and changing that it's hard to believe it can be represented by any one Florida Bar section. One thing is clear, however--health law is almost always on the cutting edge of what's going on in the larger...

Palm Beach Public Defender Carey Haughwout, presented her office's annual "Gideon Award" last month to Bryan Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, based in Montgomery, Alabama.
June 1, 2008... PALM BEACH PUBLIC Defender Carey Haughwout, left, presented her office's annual "Gideon Award" last month to Bryan Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, based in Montgomery, Alabama. Stevenson and his staff at EJI have...

Ethics seminar set for Boca.
June 1, 2008... Hot button ethics issues facing practitioners--from limitations on the attorney-client/ work product privileges for government lawyers to hazards of outsourcing/off-shoring legal work to electronic discovery uses and abuses--will be addressed...

Lawyers are responsible for trust funds until the check clears.
June 1, 2008... The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that lawyers have an obligation to issue stop payment orders on checks issued from their trust accounts if they are served with writs of garnishment seeking that money. "We conclude that Florida law...

Candidates briefed on the do's and don'ts of campaigning.
June 1, 2008... If there was one familiar refrain running through the forum offered for Second Circuit judicial candidates in Tallahassee in May, it was a simple one: Don't embarrass us. The Florida Supreme Court, the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee,...

Florida's judicial races are set.
June 1, 2008... Voters in August will decide 35 contested circuit court races around Florida and another dozen county court races. In November they will decide any runoffs from those contested trial court judgeships, plus consider the merit retention of...

Poll to explore workers' comp judges, mediators.
June 1, 2008... Judicial polls have been used for years to evaluate Florida's judiciary and now a new survey will be sent to members of the Bar's Workers' Compensation Section that for the first time seeks to evaluate the state's judges of compensation claims...

Judge Hitt wins second literary award.(Fredric M. Hitt bags Patrick D. Smith Award for Best Fiction )
June 1, 2008... The Florida Historical Society has again honored retired Judge Fredric M. Hitt for his historical novels concerning the Indians of early Florida. The Patrick D. Smith Award for Best Fiction, 2008, was given to Judge Hitt for his second...

Florida lawyers assistance.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2008... About a decade ago, I was a struggling attorney in a litigation practice which was overwhelming, a first time mother of a baby girl, a woman still dealing with the glass ceiling. While in court one fall day, I was mentioning to an...

Spending priorities.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2008... I've been reading about the judiciary budget cuts in Florida and wondered if it is true all of our judges, and apparently some staff, were recently required to spend a full day in "diversity training" where they were taught not to refer to...

Court budget.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2008... On May 1, Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, chair of the Senate Civil and Criminal Justice Appropriations Committee, stated that budget cuts to Florida's state court system are "no reason for them to have to shut any doors, deny any services,...

Justice Scalia.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2008... After watching several hours of Justice Antonin Scalia's interview in aid of selling his new book, what became apparent was that his attitude was the face of a book salesman rather than that of a Supreme Court justice. His supposed doctrine of...

Religious views.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2008... I was very disappointed to open my May 15 News and discover the paper decided to print the lengthy Christian proselytizing of Richard S. Jackson of DeLand, otherwise titled "Life is a Tontine, Part II." As a professional publication, I...

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida rules amended.
June 1, 2008... United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida has amended its local rules, forms, guidelines, and instructions, which become effective June 2. Administrative Order 08-1 "Adoption of Amended Local Rules and...

Leppla to lead Ohio State Bar.(Gary J. Leppla)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Dayton attorney Gary J. Leppla--a former out of state member of The Florida Bar's Board of Governors--will become the Ohio State Bar Association's president July 1. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] He was officially recognized recently at the...

Medals of Honor go to Russell and Bell in Boca Raton.
June 1, 2008... Terry Russell and Elizabeth Lander "Budd" Bell will receive The Florida Bar Foundation's Medal of Honor Award at the Foundation's Annual Reception and Dinner June 19 at The Boca Raton Resort and Club. Russell, a former Bar and Foundation...

Jax young lawyers raise $20,000 for Special Olympics.
June 1, 2008... The Jacksonville Bar Young Lawyers Section's Fourth Annual "Tee It Up" for charity golf tournament raised over $20,000 for Special Olympics. The event was held at the Lagoon Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and the low gross winner of the...

SB 1790 filing fees, court costs, and service charges.(Table)
June 1, 2008... SB 1790 Filing Fees, Court Costs, and Service Charges Affected Statute Old Charge New Charge Application fee for public defender 27.52 (Indigent application for a public defender) ...

Disciplinary actions.
June 1, 2008... Prepared by The Florida Bar's Public Information and Bar Services Department The Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders disciplined 34 attorneys, disbarring 12, suspending 14, and placing three on probation. Seven attorneys were...

Women's history.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... Women's History: The Caribbean Bar Association, in conjunction with the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association, the Haitian Lawyers Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, Florida...

Jax Bar to train mediators.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... Jax Bar to Train Mediators: The Jacksonville Bar is offering a one-day, eight-hour seminar/program for mediators that will cover courses that are difficult to acquire, including one hour of diversity training, two hours of domestic violence...

Leadership Shumaker.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... Leadership Shumaker: Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick in Tampa has raised and donated over $20,000 to local charities last year through Leadership Shumaker, a charitable program within the firm. The firm partnered with A Brighter Community to "adopt"...

GEBA Founders Award.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... GEBA Founders Award: Carlton Fields won the inaugural George Edgecomb Bar Association's Founder's Award, based on its commitment to diversity. The firm was recognized at an awards banquet in Tampa.

Sarasota Bar releases DVD.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... Sarasota Bar Releases DVD: The Sarasota County Bar recently released its new DVD titled, "The Florida Criminal Justice System," or in Spanish, "El Sistema Juridico Criminal en la Florida." The DVD gives a brief description of law enforcement,...

NSU recognized.(Legal Roundup)(Nova Southeastern University)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... NSU Recognized: The Children and Families Law Clinic at Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad Law Center received the Legal Aid Service of Broward County's Community Advocacy Award for 2008. The award was presented to Professor Brion...

Williams, de Vlaming honored.(Legal Roundup)(Denis de Vlaming and Jeannine Smith Williams)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Williams, de Vlaming Honored: Stetson University College of Law honored Denis de Vlaming and Jeannine Smith Williams with its 2008 Wm. Reece Smith, Jr., Public Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary...

Freedman to lead FACDL-Miami.(Legal Roundup)(Rick Freedman in Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Freedman to lead FACDL-Miami: The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Miami Chapter recently swore in its new officers, including President Rick Freedman of the Law Firm of Gordon & Doner; Vice-president Hector Flores, a federal...

Legal Nurse Consultants.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... Legal Nurse Consultants: The Greater Orlando Chapter of The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants is seeking members. The AALNC is a nonprofit organization comprised of registered nurses who work with law firms, insurance companies,...

Chamber recognized Adoro & Yoss.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... Chamber Recognized Adoro & Yoss: Adorno & Yoss in Miami has received the Corporate Citizenship award--in the large company category--and has been named a Top 100 Minority Business by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. The awards program and...

Lawyer for a Day.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... Lawyer for a Day: Northeast Florida's Rogers Towers hosted 34 students from Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School as part of its "Lawyer for a Day" program. Throughout the day, students, grades six through eight, learned about different aspects of...

Kendall Bar sets banquet.(Legal Roundup)(South Miami Kendall Bar Association)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Kendall Bar Sets Banquet: The South Miami Kendall Bar Association will hold its annual banquet for the installation of 2008-2009 officers and directors at the Hotel Sofitel in Miami June 5 at 7 p.m. All are welcome. The cost is $85 per person....

Attorneys, staff and the families.(Legal Roundup)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATTORNEYS, STAFF, AND THE FAMILIES of Bilzin Sumberg volunteered as part of the Bilzin Sumberg Cares initiative, an employee-based community volunteer program. Service Juris Day is a community service project that...

Palm Beach County Bar has a hand in historic courthouse exhibits.
June 1, 2008... When 14-year-old Sekayia Holland speaks about her late grandfather's struggle to desegregate Palm Beach County's public schools, students listen. William M. Holland, Sr., a pioneer civil rights attorney in Palm Beach County, was one of...

Chief justice swears in new lawyers.
June 1, 2008... The young lawyers sworn into The Florida Bar in a May 5 Supreme Court induction ceremony may have felt like the stars of the show until Chief Justice Fred Lewis gave their family members a standing ovation. Parents, spouses, other family...

Students receive a history.
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] STUDENTS RECEIVE A HISTORY lesson from Palm Beach County Bar member Harvey Oyer during their visit to the 1916 Historic Courthouse and Museum in West Palm Beach. Transportation for four Title I schools was made...

Mark Fleisher and Ellen von Geyso have joined the Miami office of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis in Miami.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Mark Fleisher and Ellen von Geyso have joined the Miami office of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis in Miami. Fleisher will join the firm's corporate and securities practice as of counsel and von Geyso will join the firm's immigration...

Brennan J. Donnelly has joined Feldman Gale's Miami and Tampa offices as of counsel.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Brennan J. Donnelly has joined Feldman Gale's Miami and Tampa offices as of counsel. He will focus his practice on commercial litigation and labor and employment law.

Shana Rahavy has joined Clarke Silverglate & Campbell.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Shana Rahavy has joined Clarke Silverglate & Campbell in Miami as an associate.

Charles G. Vaccaro.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Charles G. Vaccaro, who has been practicing as a solicitor and barrister in New South Wales, Australia, for the past eight years, is returning to Orlando at the end of this year.

Marc S. Shuster has joined Berger Singerman in Ft. Lauderdale as an associate.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Marc S. Shuster has joined Berger Singerman in Ft. Lauderdale as an associate. He is a member of the firm's transaction team.

David B. Esau has joined Carlton Fields as an associate in the West Palm Beach office.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... David B. Esau has joined Carlton Fields as an associate in the West Palm Beach office. He practices in the business litigation and trade regulation practice group.

Nancy A. Johnson has joined the Jacksonville office of McGuireWoods as an associate in the firm's labor and employment department.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Nancy A. Johnson has joined the Jacksonville office of McGuireWoods as an associate in the firm's labor and employment department. Her practice includes litigating all types of employment-related matters in state and federal courts, and courts...

Vicki Gordon Kaufman has joined the ASG Litigation Group in Tallahassee, located at The Perkins House on Gadsden Street.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Vicki Gordon Kaufman has joined the ASG Litigation Group in Tallahassee, located at The Perkins House on Gadsden Street. She will practice in the the areas of administrative and public utility law.

Cat Inc.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... H. Scott Dulaney has been promoted to senior corporate counsel for Cat Inc. Dulaney currently manages a legal services group in Singapore that provides support for Cat Inc.'s financial products division activity in Southeast Asia and Australia....

Lynn A. Gross has joined Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs in West Palm Beach as an associate.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Lynn A. Gross has joined Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs in West Palm Beach as an associate. Her emphasis is on employment law and litigation in federal and state courts.

Mara B. Tickett has joined McCumber, Daniels, Buntz, Hartig, & Puig as an associate in Tampa.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Mara B. Tickett has joined McCumber, Daniels, Buntz, Hartig, & Puig as an associate in Tampa. Tickett will be focusing her practice on the handling of appellate matters.

Scot G. Nimmo has joined Moore, Peterson & Zeitler as an associate.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Scot G. Nimmo has joined Moore, Peterson & Zeitler as an associate. The firm specializes in workers' compensation defense throughout Central Florida. The office is located at 1780 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando 32803. The phone number is...

Ruben V. Chavez and Philip A. Gold have joined David A. Gold, P.A., in Coral Gables.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Ruben V. Chavez and Philip A. Gold have joined David A. Gold, P.A., in Coral Gables. Their practice focuses on representing individuals and families suffering significant losses due to the negligence of others. Telephone (305) 567-2525.

McClane Tessitore.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Penelope Perez-Kelly has become a partner with McClane Tessitore in Orlando. Perez-Kelly's practice centers on commercial litigation, trademarks, copyrights, and international business law. David B. Brown also has joined the firm as an...

Christina North has joined Dickinson & Gibbons in Sarasota as an associate.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Christina North has joined Dickinson & Gibbons in Sarasota as an associate. North will practice family law.

Amy Rani Nath has joined Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Amy Rani Nath has joined Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick in Tampa as an associate.

Kenneth D. Doerr has joined Dunlap & Moran as a shareholder in its downtown office.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Kenneth D. Doerr has joined Dunlap & Moran as a shareholder in its downtown office, located at 1990 Main Street, Suite 700, Sarasota 34236, (941) 366-0115. Doerr practices primarily in the areas of estate planning, probate administration, and...

Dal Singh has joined Panter, Panter & Sampedro in Miami as an associate.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Dal Singh has joined Panter, Panter & Sampedro in Miami as an associate. Singh will represent health care providers in first party claims.

Nivine K. Zakhari of Houston is now licensed to practice in both Texas and Florida.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Nivine K. Zakhari of Houston is now licensed to practice in both Texas and Florida. She continues to provide research and technology consulting services through Lexorati, LLC, and legal services under Zakhari, PLLC.

Luks Santaniello Perez Petrillo & Gold announces that six attorneys have joined its Florida offices.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Luks Santaniello Perez Petrillo & Gold announces that six attorneys have joined its Florida offices. Sherri Bauer has joined the Palm Beach office. Marie Montefusco and John Wein have joined the Ft. Lauderdale office. Michael Liebgold and...

W. Scott Callahan has joined Ruden McClosky.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... W. Scott Callahan has joined Ruden McClosky in Orlando as a partner in the real estate practice group.

Matthew S. Mazzarella has joined Clarke Silverglate & Campbell.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Matthew S. Mazzarella has joined Clarke Silverglate & Campbell in Miami as an associate.

James A. Marx and Michael M. Benchetrit have joined Akerman Senterfitt in Miami in the firm's corporate group as of counsel.(On the Move)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... James A. Marx and Michael M. Benchetrit have joined Akerman Senterfitt in Miami in the firm's corporate group as of counsel. Marx's practice is concentrated in areas of corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, financings, change of control...

Karl B. Hanson, Jr., has joined Fowler White Boggs Banker as a shareholder in the firm's Jacksonville office.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Karl B. Hanson, Jr., has joined Fowler White Boggs Banker as a shareholder in the firm's Jacksonville office. Hanson practices in the real estate practice group.

Suzannah Gilman has opened The Law Office of Suzannah Gilman, P.A.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Suzannah Gilman has opened The Law Office of Suzannah Gilman, P.A., located at 283 Cranes Roost Blvd., Suite 111, Altamonte Springs 32701, phone (407) 339-2300, fax (407) 834-7558, Web site www.gilmanlaw.net, e-mail suzannah@gilmanlaw.net. Her...

Frank P. Remsen announces the opening of the Law Offices of Frank P. Remsen, P.A.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Frank P. Remsen announces the opening of the Law Offices of Frank P. Remsen, P.A., with offices in Orange, Lake, and Seminole counties, with the primary office located at 1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 300, Orlando 32810, (407) 898-882, fax (407)...

Christopher Gagic has joined Broad and Cassel.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Christopher Gagic has joined Broad and Cassel in Boca Raton as of counsel in the estate planning and trusts practice group.

Joshua L. Spoont has joined Richman Greer.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Joshua L. Spoont has joined Richman Greer in West Palm Beach as an associate. Spoont practices primarily in the areas of complex and commercial litigation.

Jay Spechler, a former Broward County judge, has joined Center for Conflict Resolution as a full-time mediator.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Jay Spechler, a former Broward County judge, has joined Center for Conflict Resolution as a full-time mediator. He concentrates in civil and family law. The center is located at 12000 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 800, North Miami 33181, phone (305)...

John D. Gast has become a partner with Brennan, Manna & Diamond in Bonita Springs.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... John D. Gast has become a partner with Brennan, Manna & Diamond in Bonita Springs. Gast concentrates in the area of trusts and estate planning.

Jennifer E. Daku has joined Bricklemyer Smolker & Bolves as an associate in Tampa.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Jennifer E. Daku has joined Bricklemyer Smolker & Bolves as an associate in Tampa, concentrating in real estate, property rights, and general commercial litigation.

The Law Offices of Mark Eiglarsh has relocated its main office.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... The Law Offices of Mark Eiglarsh has relocated its main office to 4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 610, Miami 33137. The firm continues to dedicate its practice to state and federal criminal defense.

Erin E. Banks has rejoined Carlton Fields.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Erin E. Banks has rejoined Carlton Fields in St. Petersburg as an associate in the firm's real estate and finance practice group.

Jennifer M. Pearl has joined the law and governmental consulting firm of Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky & Abate.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Jennifer M. Pearl has joined the law and governmental consulting firm of Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky & Abate as an associate in its foster care/disabled persons damages division, where she practices in the area of civil rights and child...

Traci T. McKee has joined Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Traci T. McKee has joined Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt in Ft. Myers in its tort and insurance defense department.

Scott A. Burr has become a partner with Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler in Ft. Lauderdaler.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Scott A. Burr has become a partner with Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler in Ft. Lauderdaler. He practices in the firm's global practice and international law practice groups.

Berger Singerman announced that the attorneys from Libow & Shaheen have joined the firm.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Berger Singerman announced that the attorneys from Libow & Shaheen have joined the firm. Allen Libow, Melissa Melzer, and William Shaheen will be members of the transaction team in Boca Raton. Libow concentrates his practice in tax and state...

Joseph R. Englander has joined Shutts & Bowen as a partner in the firm's statewide intellectual property practice group.(On the Move)
June 1, 2008... Joseph R. Englander has joined Shutts & Bowen as a partner in the firm's statewide intellectual property practice group. Englander will work with statewide, national, and global companies in sectors as varied as high technology, manufacturing,...

Members of the 1968, 1978, and 1998 Constitution Revision Commissions recently gathered in Tallahassee for a reunion held in the Senate chamber.(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MEMBERS OF THE 1968, 1978, and 1998 Constitution Revision Commissions recently gathered in Tallahassee for a reunion held in the Senate chamber. Those present reminisced about their work and the event was presided...

Hillsborough judgeship available.(Hillborough County)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The 13th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Hillborough County bench created by the elevation of Judge Thomas Barber to the circuit court. Applicants must have been a member of the...

Help chart the courts' future: attorneys asked to take an online opinion survey.
June 1, 2008... There is still time to participate in an online survey to help the Task Force on Judicial Branch Planning identify emerging issues and trends. "In planning for the court system for the next 20 years, it's important to gather input from...

It's USDC-MDFL Bar renewal time.(U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The 2008-2009 renewal period for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida opened June 1. All attorneys who are members of the Bar of the USDC-MDFLas of May 1 have been mailed a renewal form. The renewal fee is $20,...

Fee statements are on the way: members may pay their fees online at floridabar.org.
June 1, 2008... Florida Bar members are now receiving their 2008-09 fee statements, reflecting no increase in annual fees and only minor modifications to the form. The fees are payable July 1 and are late after August 15. Members will receive one of...

Pro Bono Service Award.(News and Notes)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Alvin D. Lodish of Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod received the Dade County Bar and 11th Judicial Circuit's Put Something Back Pro Bono Service Award for his continuing support and contributions.