Florida Bar News articles from May 2004

Florida Bar News archives from May 2004

Courts pleased with Art. V funding transition.
May 15, 2004... On paper Florida's courts had a rough budget year at the Florida Legislature, getting more than $50 million less than they wanted. But the surface is deceiving and "overall, I'm very pleased," said Sixth Circuit Judge Susan Schaeffer,...

Art. V glitch bill finalized.
May 15, 2004... A bill outlining how the state will pay for more of the trial court system--and that gives counties some enhanced abilities to raise revenues for court functions--cleared the Florida Legislature in its closing days. SB 2962 was passed by...

New courthouse named for Judge Wilkie Ferguson.
May 15, 2004... Congress has passed legislation to name the new United States Courthouse in Miami after the late Judge Wilkie Ferguson, Jr. The measure passed the House in April by a vote of 406 to 0. The Senate version of the bill was approved in March....

Bar fee statements are on the way: members asked to support 'Lawyers' Challenge for Children'.
May 15, 2004... Florida Bar members soon will receive their 2004-05 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, according to Bar Finance Director...

Ready to make justice happen.
May 15, 2004... CHIEF JUSTICE HARRY LEE ANSTEAD administered the Oath of Attorney to about 50 recent law school graduates at the Supreme Court in Tallahassee May 3, telling the brand new lawyers they now have the privilege of defending our country's system of...

Bar leaders happy with '04 session.
May 15, 2004... Suspended or disbarred lawyers who continue to practice could face prison time as well as additional Bar sanctions under an unlicensed practice of law bill that passed the Florida Legislature and is awaiting the governor's signature. ...

Diversity.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 15, 2004... So, the entire Florida Bar is off on the road to diversity. Reminds me of the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby movies of comedic knights--errant on their way to some exotic location, except, of course, that Bob and Bing were a lot funnier than The...

U.S. Middle District ups its fees.
May 15, 2004... Pursuant to Rule 2.01(d) of the Local Rules of the United States for the Middle District of Florida, effective May 15 notice is hereby given of an annual renewal fee and an increase in attorney fee for admission and membership in the U.S....

15th JNC seeks judicial applicants.
May 15, 2004... The 15th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications to fill a circuit bench opening created by the retirement of Judge Mary E. Lupo. Applicants most be a member of the Bar in good standing for the preceeding five...

In memoriam.
May 15, 2004... Leonard Frank Binder, Miami Admitted 1985; Died March 1, 2004 Jack R. Bissell, Sarasota Admitted 1951; Died August 17, 2003 Richard John Brodeur, Sanibel Admitted 1968; Died February 8, 2004 John Steven Burnett, St....

Culpepper appointed to Board of Governors.
May 15, 2004... A Central Florida banker with experience administering a law firm and in real estate will become the next public member on the Bar Board of Governors. The Supreme Court picked J. Blair Culpepper of Winter Park last month from a list of...

Trapp petitions for Bar reinstatement.
May 15, 2004... Pursuant to Rule 3-7.10, Richard Earl Trapp has petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for Bar reinstatement. Pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court, Trapp was suspended from the practice of law for three years, effective May 22, 2001, for...

Kuehne wins Miami runoff.
May 15, 2004... Miami attorney Benedict P. Kuehne has won a runoff race for an 11th Circuit seat on The Florida Bar Board of Governors. Kuehne defeated William Aaron 1,307 to 844 in results that were certified on April 23 in the contest for Seat 7 in the...

Professionalism retreat looks to the year ahead.
May 15, 2004... THE SUPREME COURT'S Commission on Professionalism and the Bar's Committee on Professionalism recently held a joint retreat in Tallahassee to set out plans for the coming year. The groups dedicated themselves to creating an online mentor...

Some judicial candidate forums dates amended.
May 15, 2004... A number of times and locations for judicial campaign conduct forums scheduled May 24-28 have been changed. The forums, sponsored by the Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar Board of Governors, in conjunction with the Judicial Ethics...

Board of Governors to meet in Hollywood.
May 15, 2004... Rule changes suggested by an ABA report, the final review of the Bar's 2004-05 budget, and nominations to judicial nominating commissions are set to go to the Bar Board of Governors later this month. The board also will act on a...

Shepherd named D'Alemberte professor.
May 15, 2004... Florida State University College of Law Professor Lois Shepherd has been appointed the D'Alemberte Professor of Law. The D'Alemberte Professorship was donated to the law school by the Miami-based Steel Hector & Davis. It was named for Sandy...

Attorneys not subject to Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
May 15, 2004... A federal judge has ruled that lawyers are not required to send government-mandated "privacy notices" to their clients, finding in favor of the ABA and the New York State Bar Association, which sued the Federal Trade Commission to stop...

What can judges say on the campaign trail?
May 15, 2004... Florida's canons permit judicial candidates to state their personal views, even on disputed issues, so long as they stress that as judges, they will uphold the law, according to the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee. The panel also...

Little wins civil liberties award.
May 15, 2004... Cheryl Little, executive director of the Miami-based Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, will be presented with the 2004 Nelson Poynter Civil Liberties Award for her "outstanding commitment to preserving individual rights and liberties" at the...

Foundation Annual Dinner set for June.
May 15, 2004... The Florida Bar Foundation Annual Dinner is set for June 24 in conjunction with The Florida Bar Annual Meeting in Boca Raton. Fellows of the Foundation will be honored at a reception immediately preceding the dinner, and the Foundation will...

Dade legal services groups recognized.
May 15, 2004... The Legal/kid Society and Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., have been awarded The Dade Partner Exemplary Award for their joint venture at Holmes Elementary School. The partnership brings free legal services to the school campus with...

Elder Law Section conducts advanced directive meetings.
May 15, 2004... The Florida Bar Elder Law Section is joining with the Department of Elder Affairs Statewide Public Guardianship to conduct free advance directives workshops at various locations throughout the state. The workshops will take place during the...

Relations with CPAS panel puts on Goodwill Gathering.
May 15, 2004... The Florida Bar's Committee on Relations with CPAs has organized its first Miami-Dade Country Goodwill Gathering to be held at the Miami City Club June 3. The Florida Bar Committee on Relations with Certified Public Accountants strives to...

Paul C. Perkins Bar Association.
May 15, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: PAUL C. PERKINS BAR ASSOCIATION members recently attended the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association and Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter Judicial Council Third Quarterly Meeting in...

The Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center.
May 15, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: THE FLORIDA IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY CENTER recently held its Sixth Annual Awards Dinner in Miami. Nearly 400 people turned out for the event which featured special keynote speaker, award winning Haitian...

Law Week activities focus on Brown v. Board of Ed.
May 15, 2004... Florida lawyers, statewide and national bar associations, and community and judicial groups participated in a variety of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the U. S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education during...

Students tour courthouse.
May 15, 2004... Fifth-grade students toured the George Edgecomb Courthouse to begin the traditional kick-off of the Courthouse Tours during Law Week. Lawyers from the Hillsborough County Bar Association show the student the highlights of their professional...

Florida law center names its board.
May 15, 2004... Five attorneys, a metropolitan city mayor, and two business executives have been named to the board of trustees of the University of Florida Levin College of Law Center Association. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, business executives W. Michael...

Elizabeth Ricci of Tallahassee was nominated "Volunteer of the Year" by Pineview Elementary, an ESOL (English as a Second Language) elementary school in Tallahassee for her contributions to the community in the area of education.
May 15, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: ELIZABETH RICCI of Tallahassee was nominated "Volunteer of the Year" by Pineview Elementary, an ESOL (English as a Second Language) elementary school in Tallahassee for her contributions to the community in...

How to prepare your client for deposition.(Tips for the Young Lawyer)
May 15, 2004... The most important deposition in your case is not one you will take. Rather, it is one you will defend, namely the deposition of your client. What he says in deposition may help you win the case or may cause you to lose it. Accordingly, great...

Florida attorney General Charlie Crist, was recently presented Samford University's Cumberland School of Law's "Distinguished Alumnus Award" for his service to the community and leadership in the legal profession.
May 15, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL Charlie Crist, right, was recently presented Samford University's Cumberland School of Law's "Distinguished Alumnus Award" for his service to the community and leadership in the...

Edgecomb Bar celebrates Brown, awards scholarships.
May 15, 2004... The George Edgecomb Bar Association recently hosted its 21st Annual Law Week Scholarship Banquet in Tampa. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education an exhibit on the landmark case--on loan from the City of Tampa--was...

Are you sure that person is a member of Florida Bar?(UPL Update)
May 15, 2004... I was recently transferred a telephone call from the Bar's CLE department. Someone who had hired a new associate to work at their law term was calling The Florida Bar to inquire about the attorney's CLE hours. The new firm wanted to make...

Boca Raton Mayor Steven L. Abrams issued a proclamation declaring May 3-8 as "Law Week USA".(UPL Update)
May 15, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: BOCA RATON MAYOR STEVEN L. ABRAMS issued a proclamation declaring May 3-8 as "Law Week USA." In celebration of Law Week members of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association, judges, and other legal...

Disciplinary actions.
May 15, 2004... The Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders reprimanded six attorneys, suspended five, and accepted the resignation of one attorney. The following lawyers are disciplined: James E. Brown Jr., 2700 W. Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 204,...

Akerman Senterfitt.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... J. Thomas Cardwell of Akerman Senterfitt in Orlando was honored by the Orange County Commission for his leadership and dedicated service on the Orange County Housing Finance Authority.

Bruce A. Blitman.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Bruce A. Blitman of Ft. Lauderdale presented "Becoming Excellent: An Examination of Mediation Cases and a Discussion of Strategies and Techniques That Work" at The Florida Academy of Professional Mediators' Advanced Training seminar in Orlando....

Florida Association for Women Lawyers.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Ena T. Diaz of Akerman Senterfitt has been appointed director of the Miami-Dade County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.

Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Jeff Diamond of Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell in Tampa recently spoke about tort reform to the Insurance Women of Tampa. His speech covered the topics of statute of repose, products liability, employer liability, landowner liability, trespassers,...

Tom Culmo.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Tom Culmo of Miami presented the plaintiff's opening statement at the "Masters in the Courtroom" seminar sponsored by the Dade County Trial Lawyer's Association in conjunction with the University of Miami School of Law.

Jonathan L. Rubin.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Jonathan L. Rubin published an article in the ABAAntitrust Section Economics Newsletter entitled, "Cointegration and Antitrust: A Primer," that will be distributed at the ABAAntitrust spring meeting in Washington, D.C.

Florida Hospital Foundation.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... William A. Boyles of Gray Robinson in Orlando was appointed chair of the finance and investment committee of the Florida Hospital Foundation, and he will serve on the foundation's executive board of directors.

Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... David W. Henry of Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A., in Orlando presented "Advertising Injury and Insuring Intellectual Property" for the Kentucky PIA CIC Graduate Seminar in Louisville.

Easter Seals.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Steve Rossman of Coral Gables has been appointed to the membership and organizational structure committee for Easter Seals nationwide.

Dennis J. Wall.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Dennis J. Wall of Orlando spoke about bad faith punitive damages at Mealey's Insurance Law Conference recently held in Philadelphia.

Epstein Becker & Green.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Michael W. Casey III of Epstein Becker & Green in Miami recently moderated a program called "Employers and Medicare Reform: This Changes Everything" in Ft. Lauderdale.

Mental Health Association of Central Florida, Inc.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Michael L. Smith of The Health Law Firm in Altamonte Springs, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, Inc.

Lawyers for Children America.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Lori Weems of Holland & Knight in Tallahassee has been recognized by Lawyers for Children America for her exceptional contributions in providing pro bono legal services.

David Sampredo.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... David Sampredo of Miami presented "Trial Advocacy in Florida" on behalf of the National Business Institute in Miami.

Nancy Van Sant.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Nancy Van Sant of Miami participated as a moderator at the Florida International Bankers Association's Anti-Money Laundering & USA Patriot Act Compliance Conference.

John F. Bradley.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... John F. Bradley of Ft. Lauderdale recently presented "The Future of the Music Industry" at the Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Section's Annual Music and Film Symposium in Miami Beach.

City of Miami Beach.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Rhonda Muntoya Hasan, City of Miami Beach senior assistant city attorney and fire department legal advisor, presented "Legal Enforcement of Nightclub Overcrowding: A City of Miami Beach Perspective" to the Southeastern Association of Fire...

Stetson University's Alumni Association.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Luis Prats of Carlton Fields in Tampa has been inducted as the 79th president of Stetson University's Alumni Association.

Baptist Hospital.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Bob Murphy of Pensacola has been named administrator of Baptist Hospital, a 492-bed tertiary care facility and trauma center.

City Theatre.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Jeff Kucera of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart in Miami has been named to the executive committee of the board of directors for City Theatre.

National Law Alumni Board for Georgetown University.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Robert S. Williams of Akerman Senterfitt in Tampa has been elected to serve as a member of the National Law Alumni Board for Georgetown University.

Patricia Donlevy-Rosen and Howard S. Rosen of Coral Gables recently presented a full-day seminar called "Asset Protection in Georgia".(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Patricia Donlevy-Rosen and Howard S. Rosen of Coral Gables recently presented a full-day seminar called "Asset Protection in Georgia" for attorneys and CPAs in Atlanta on behalf of Lorman Education Services.

Philip DeBerard.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Philip DeBerard of Smart recently presented "Do's and Dont's of Proper Medical Documentation--Being Named in a Lawsuit" at a half-day seminar for the Florida Nurses Association in Indian River County. Nurses who attended the seminar received a...

Florida Supreme Court.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Amy A. Perry of Destin has recently received certification as a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator, and will conduct mediations for the Panhandle area.

Frank M. Petosa.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Frank M. Petosa of Boca Raton was a speaker on jury selection in nursing home cases at the 2004 Jury Selection Seminar held in Tampa and sponsored by the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.

Gregory T. Zele.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Gregory T. Zele recently spoke on the topic of current trends in rollover litigation at the American Bar Association's 2004 Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liabilty Litigation Seminar in Phoenix.

Joseph M. Dobkin.(News and Notes)
May 15, 2004... Joseph M. Dobkin of Miami recently participated in a Law Day Speech Contest at Carver Middle School in Miami-Dade County in honor of Law Week.

Edwards & Angell.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... John G. Igoe of Edwards & Angell in West Palm Beach has been elected to serve on the law firm's seven-member executive committee whose members include other partners in the firm as well as the firm's managing partner. Igoe has been with the...

Watterson Hyland & Fleming, P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Joshua M. Fleming and Scott W. Zappolo have become shareholders with Watterson Hyland & Fleming, P.A., in Palm Beach Gardens. Fleming concentrates on matters of trusts and estates, and Zappolo practices in civil and commercial litigation....

Jill S. Schwartz & Associates, P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Gary D. Wilson, Joan S. Okun, and David H. Spalter have become associated with Jill S. Schwartz & Associates, P.A. Wilson, Okun, and Spalter practice in labor and employment law. In addition, Jeffrey Feulner now practices exclusively in marital...

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., has opened a new office at a second location in Bonita Springs. David L. Cook and Sharon M. Zuccaro, formerly of Windels, Marx, Lane & Mittendorf, have joined the firm as stockholders, but will...

Wilson Suarez Lopez & Gennett.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Manuel E. Iglesias and Elizabeth Perez have joined Wilson Suarez Lopez & Gennett in Coral Gables. Iglesias has become a partner with the firm. He focuses on health care related business transactions, contracts, and asset protection. Perez,...

Rosenberg & McAuliffe.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Rosenberg & McAuliffe, an employment litigation firm in West Palm Beach, has moved to Centurion Tower, 1601 Forum Place, Ste. 303, West Palm Beach 33401, phone: (561) 712-4746, fax: (561) 712-4964.

Tripp Scott P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Gary W. Cole II has become associated with Tripp Scott P.A., in Ft. Lauderdale. Cole focuses his practice on general commercial litigation and aviation law.

Simpson & Simpson.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Robert P. Simpson and Ellen Swartz Simpson announce the opening of Simpson & Simpson, 11380 Prosperity Farms Rd., Ste. 114, Palm Beach Gardens 33410. The firm practices in matters of intellectual property law. Mr. Simpson is a registered patent...

Ashley M. Myers.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Ashley M. Myers, board certified marital and family law attorney, has relocated her office to The Crown Bldg., 3825 Henderson Blvd., Ste. 208, Tampa 33629, phone: (813) 289-7770, fax: (813) 289-7775.

Hill, Ward & Henderson, P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Gina K. Grimes, former chief assistant city attorney, has joined Hill, Ward & Henderson, P.A., in Tampa. She concentrates in matters of land use, zoning, and governmental matters.

Allison M. Perry.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Allison M. Perry has relocated her office to The Crown Building, 3825 Henderson Blvd., Ste. 208, Tampa 33629, phone: (813) 287-9800, fax: (813) 637-9156. Perry's practice concentrates in marital and family law appeals.

Gurley, Dramis, Lazo.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... David E. Gurley and Conrad J. Lazo of Gurley, Dramis, Lazo in Sarasota have been sworn in by Federal District Judge Garcia Gregory of San Juan, Puerto Rico. They are now able to represent clients before the U.S. District Court in the...

Angelo, Barry & Banta, P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Angelo, Barry & Banta, P.A., in Ft. Lauderdale has announced that Kathleen E. Angione, former in-house counsel for NCCI Holdings, Inc., in Boca Raton, has joined the firm as an associate in the real estate and corporate and business law...

Kennedy & Associates.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Paul T. Trinley has become a senior partner of Kennedy & Associates. The firm concentrates in federal tax law; wills, trusts and estate planning; probate and trust administration; business planning; corporate, partnership and LLC law,...

Florida State University School of Law.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Nancy Benavides has been promoted to associate dean for student affairs at the Florida State University School of Law in Tallahassee. Benavides came to work at the law school in 2000 as director of career planning and placement, and has been...

Harper Meyer Perez Ferret & Hagen.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Harper Meyer announces that Steven H. Hagen, formerly a partner with Holland & Knight, has joined the firm as partner and the firm name has changed to Harper Meyer Perez Ferret & Hagen. Hagen concentrates his practice on international tax...

Silver, Levy, Feldman & Bass, P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Aaron S. Bass has become a shareholder in the firm of Silver, Levy and Feldman, P.A., which shall now be known as Silver, Levy, Feldman & Bass, P.A. The firm concentrates in insurance defense and civil and commercial litigation. Offices are...

Hunton & Williams.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Hunton & Williams of Richmond, VA., has elected the following attorneys to partnership: Curtis G. Carlson, John Gary Maynard III, and Leslie B. Zacks. In addition, Rafael G. Prohias has been elevated to of counsel status. Carlson focuses on...

Laura J. Rodgers, P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Laura J. Rodgers, formerly with the law firm of Dickstein, Reynolds, Woods & Murasko, P.A., and a former Broward County assistant state attorney, announces the opening of Laura J. Rodgers, P.A., located at 15 Southwest 10 St., Ft. Lauderdale,...

Law Offices of Grady H. Williams, Jr., LL.M, P.A.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... Nancy E. Kemner has joined the Law Offices of Grady H. Williams, Jr., LL.M, P.A., practicing primarily in the areas of wills and trusts, estate planning, and elder law. Her office is located at 1543-5 Kinsley Ave., Orange Park 32073, phone:...

Sachs Sax Klein.(On the Move)
May 15, 2004... David M. Butterbaugh and Paula S. Colson have joined Sachs Sax Klein in Boca Raton. Butterbaugh concentrates in matters of probate, estate planning, and guardianship law. Colson focuses on matters of condominium, homeowner association, real...