Florida Bar News articles from October 2003

Florida Bar News archives from October 2003

Courts brace for budget uncertainties: chief judges face planning dilemmas.
October 1, 2003... Call it the chief judge conundrum: How to plan a court budget when there is so much uncertainty about court funding? "The devil is in the details, and we have all of these unknowns. I'm not trying to say the world is falling in, but if we...

Courts brace for budget uncertainties: panel drives for adequate resources.
October 1, 2003... A key to adequate funding for Florida trial courts will be getting the support of the Governor's Office before the 2004 session starts, according to court officials. Lawyers, judges, Bar officials, and others met last month during the...

Grievance group gears up for year-long examination.
October 1, 2003... A massive, year-long review of the Bar's discipline process kicked off September 5 with a review of the current system, comments by participants on what they want to explore, and a request for detailed information by those who have been...

Challenge for Children is making connections.
October 1, 2003... So far, 58 volunteer lawyers and 43 nonprofit organizations needing legal services for children have taken advantage of the Bar's Challenge for Children Web page to find each other, according to Bar President Miles McGrane. The way the...

Rules panel asks for DNA testing extension.
October 1, 2003... After hearing an impassioned plea from two law professors, a Bar rules committee has voted to seek an emergency extension giving inmates more time to seek DNA testing that could exonerate them. The Criminal Procedure Rules Committee voted...

Bar panel works to establish statewide advocate for kids.
October 1, 2003... The Bar's Legal Needs of Children Committee has taken its first steps in drafting proposed legislation to expand the newly created Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office into a Statewide Office of the Children's Advocate. It is envisioned the...

The American way.(Letters)
October 1, 2003... I found the September 1 News article headlined "The British pick up trial tips at Bennett training program" quite interesting--and quite mislabeled. Exactly what (usable) tips about trial practice in American courts did the visiting...

Year of the child.(Letters)
October 1, 2003... I am writing to suggest another pathway in this "year of the child." From my readings in the News concerning this humane endeavor, I am struck by what I perceive as misdirection. It is all well and good that the Bar endeavors to provide...

John Ashcroft.(Letters)
October 1, 2003... I respond to the September 1 letter defending Attorney General John Ashcroft against much justified criticism for the government's post-September 11, 2001, power grab. Unlike the author, I cannot accept the government's very successful...

Lawyer regulation.(Letters)
October 1, 2003... The Florida Bar claims a "Review panel wants to know (my) thoughts (o)n the Bar's disciplinary procedures process." If it wants the truth, I'm afraid the organization can't handle it, as a fictional U.S. Marine officer said to prosecutors...

Applications being accepted for director of the new Guardian ad Litem Program.
October 1, 2003... The Guardian ad Litem Qualifications Committee is now accepting applications for the position of executive director of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program. The legislature created this position to administer the Florida Guardian ad Litem...

Workers' comp judge needed.
October 1, 2003... The Statewide Nominating Commission for Judges of Compensation Claims is now accepting applications for a judge of compensation claims vacancy in the Tampa District office. This vacancy has been created by the announced retirement of Judge...

First Circuit judgeship available.
October 1, 2003... The First Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications for a circuit judge position being vacated as a result of Judge Lewis R. Lindsey's resignation effective December 31. Applicants must be residents of the First...

20th Circuit judgeship available.
October 1, 2003... The 20th Circuit JNC is now accepting application to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge William L. Blackwell, effective January 9. 2004. Applicants must be a registered voters, members of the Bar for the preceding five...

Johnson petitions for reinstatement.
October 1, 2003... Pursuant to Rule 3-7.10, Earl Mayberry Johnson, Jr., of Jacksonville has petitioned the Supreme Court for Bar reinstatement. Any persons having knowledge bearing upon Johnson's fitness or qualifications to resume the practice of law should...

Section promotes its diversity effort.
October 1, 2003... While working on improving its membership, the Equal Opportunity Law Section is also continuing to push its statement of principles promoting diversity. Chair Tammy Fields, at the section's September 5 meeting, said the statement "reflects...

December appointments to be filled.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the following vacancies to be filled during its December 5 meeting: Greater Orlando Area Legal Services, Inc., Board of Governors: One attorney to serve a two-year term on this 11-member...

Taking the message to the business community.
October 1, 2003... Joseph Hatchett, former Florida Supreme Court justice and chief judge of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, recently addressed the Capital Rotary Club of Tallahassee on the topic of Article V funding and the Florida judiciary as a whole....

Goldin Award nominations sought.
October 1, 2003... The Criminal Law Section is now seeking nominations for its Selig I. Goldin Memorial Award. Selection for this award is based upon the candidate's outstanding contribution to the criminal justice system of Florida. Last year's...

National Black Law Student's Association seeks volunteers.
October 1, 2003... Just a couple of days of volunteer participation in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial and Frederick L. Douglass Moot Court competitions could help to continue a legacy of truth and justice in Florida and other southern states, according to the...

Bar Foundation to award children's services grants.
October 1, 2003... Applications for The Florida Bar Foundation's 2004 children's legal services grants were recently distributed to the state's legal assistance providers. Due to increased contributions from Florida's lawyers, the Foundation expects to make...

Inn of Court named for Justice Harding.
October 1, 2003... The Martin County's Courthouse Cultural Center recently hosted the initial meeting of a new chapter of the American Inns of Court. Named the Justice Major B. Harding Inn of Court, in honor of the recently retired chief justice of the Florida...

Panel examines referral fees, disbursing disputed funds.
October 1, 2003... Whether an attorney can refer a client to a financial adviser in exchange for a referral fee is a question still vexing the Professional Ethics Committee, but the panel has approved an opinion on disbursing disputed property or funds. The...

FAPM gets active in the community.
October 1, 2003... The Florida Academy of Professional Mediators recently created a Community Involvement Committee to support both humanitarian causes as well as statewide programs promoting mediation, conflict resolution, and alternative dispute resolution. ...

Panel tweaks MJP rules to accommodate arbitrations.
October 1, 2003... A possible hindrance to an international business arbitration group locating its headquarters in Florida has been cleared up with a change to the proposed Florida Bar rules on multijurisdictional practices. The Multijurisdictional Practice...

Board to discuss professionalism seminar, multijurisdictional issues.
October 1, 2003... Proposed rule changes that will shorten the Young Lawyer Division's Practicing With Professionalism course and end government lawyers' exemption from taking the course will have a first reading before the Bar Board of Governors at its October 3...

Nominations for ADR awards sought.
October 1, 2003... The CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution, a nonprofit alliance of global corporations, law firms, scholars, and public institutions, is now accepting nominations for its 21st annual awards program, honoring achievement in both practice and...

Miami Kendall Bar to meet October 24.
October 1, 2003... The South Miami Kendall Bar Association will meet October 24 at the Fleming Restaurant on S.W. 36th Street beginning at noon. The association's officers include President Mitchell J. Panter, President-elect Michelle A. Pivar, Treasurer Lisa...

Health Law Section takes issue with med mal law.
October 1, 2003... Florida's new medical malpractice law made some key--and possibly unconstitutional--changes in the way the state handles grievances against medical professionals, according to an analysis prepared for the Bar's Health Law Section. The...

Family Law Section seeks comments on child custody.
October 1, 2003... Should there be a presumption that children of a divorcing couple should spend equal time with each parent? The Family Law Section is considering making that recommendation to Florida lawmakers and is seeking input from Bar members. The...

Davis applies for Bar readmission.
October 1, 2003... John Ray Davis, Jr., of Indian Shores resigned from the practice of law in Florida pursuant to a Supreme Court order, under allegations that he committed mail fraud. Davis now has submitted an application for Bar readmission. The Florida...

Puerto Rican Bar to meet on Miami Beach.
October 1, 2003... Bar President Miles McGrane will provide the keynote address when the Puerto Rican Bar Association meets on Miami Beach November 15 at the Wyndham Hotel on Collins Avenue to install its new officers. Jimmy Morales also will address the...

Chief Judge Farmer to lead DCA conference.
October 1, 2003... Fourth DCA Chief Judge Gary M. Farmer has been installed as president of the Florida Conference of District Court of Appeal Judges. The conference's other new officers include Fifth DCA Chief Judge Thomas D. Sawaya, president-elect, and...

Supreme Court of Ohio suspends Jeffrey Paine.
October 1, 2003... The Ohio Supreme Court has indefinitely suspended Jeffrey Allen Paine from the practice of law in the state of Ohio. Paine's last known business address was in West Palm Beach, and his attorney registration mumber is 15348. The Ohio...

Proposed Rules of Workers' Comp.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Florida Rules of Workers' Compensation Committee invites comment on the proposed two-year cycle amendments to the Florida Rules of Workers' Compensation shown below. After reviewing comments received in response to this publication, the...

Intuition drapes SWAGs over the window of your mind.(Stresslines)
October 1, 2003... In a less politically correct age, author G.K. Chesterton noted: "A woman uses her intelligence to find reasons to support her intuition." Is intuition truly an advantage for la deuxieme sexe? If so, why is it that so many women marry so...

Florida State grads lead the way on the bar exam.
October 1, 2003... Florida State University College of Law graduates passed the bar exam at a rate higher than counterparts from other law schools in the state. FSU grads, taking the exam for the first time, passed the July bar exam at a rate of 85.4...

Young lawyers seek pro bono award nominations.
October 1, 2003... The Bar's Young Lawyers Division is now accepting nominations for its Legal Aid Public Service Award. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions by a public sector attorney to those in need of free legal services. To qualify as a...

Proposed ethics advisory opinions.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Professional Ethics Committee has issued Proposed Advisory Opinion 02-4 reprinted below. Pursuant to Rule 4(c) and (d) of The Florida Bar Procedures for Ruling on Questions of Ethics, comments from Florida Bar members are solicited on the...

Proposed civil jury instructions.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases proposes amendments to instruction 1.3 and to the verdict form for Model Charge 1. The changes to instruction 1.3 are shown by underlies and strike-throughs. The proposed...

Free report shows lawyers how to get more clients.
October 1, 2003... CA.--Why do some lawyers get rich while others struggle to pay their bills? The answer, according to California lawyer David M. Ward, has nothing to do with talent, education, hard work, or even luck. "The lawyers who make the big...

Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure 2004 two-year cycle amendments.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Juvenile Court Rules Committee invites comment on proposed two-year cycle amendments to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure shown below. After reviewing comments received in response to this publication, the committee will make its...

Proposed Rules of Appellate Procedure.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Appellate Court Rules Committee invites comment on the proposed two-year cycle amendments to the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure shown below. After reviewing comments received in response to this publication, the committee will make...

Proposed Traffic Court Rules.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Traffic Court Rules Committee invites comment on the proposed two-year cycle amendments to the Florida Traffic Court Rules shown below. After reviewing comments received in response to this publication, the committee will make its final...

Proposed Rules of Criminal Procedure.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Criminal Procedure Rules Committee invites comment on proposed two-year cycle amendments to the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure shown below. After reviewing comments received in response to this publication, the committee will make its...

Proposed Code & Rules of Evidence.(Notice)
October 1, 2003... The Code & Rules of Evidence Committee invites comment on the proposed two-year cycle amendments to the Florida Code & Rules of Evidence shown below. After reviewing comments received in response to this publication, the committee will make its...

PBCTLA sets expert witness seminar.
October 1, 2003... Trauma epidemiologist Dr. Michael Freeman is only one recognized name on a program of expert witnesses set to speak at the upcoming Palm Beach County Trial Lawyers Association's seminar "Winning with Expert Witnesses: Maximizing Yours; Knocking...

Foundation grants available.
October 1, 2003... The Florida Bar Foundation recently distributed its 2004 legal assistance for the poor general support and special purpose grants to legal assistance providers in Florida. The presidents, presidents-elect, and executive directors of...

YLD offers grants for projects.
October 1, 2003... The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Youth Projects Committee is now accepting applications from any Florida young lawyer section, division, or committee that is interested in financial support for its Holidays in January or Child Friendly...

University of Miami Citizens Board.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Ronald Ravikoff, of Zuckerman Spaeder, LLP, was elected president of the University of Miami Citizens Board. He will also serve as the board's representative to the university's board of trustees.

Norma Stanley, a partner with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, presented Principles of Estate Planning to a group of Regions Bank clients.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Norma Stanley, a partner with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, presented Principles of Estate Planning to a group of Regions Bank clients. She has also begun her second Rollins Educational Series with her presentation of Jobs and...

Florida Network of IWIRC.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Allison R. Day, a partner with Genovese Joblove & Battista, has been elected president of the Florida Network of IWIRC, the International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation.

Zach Bancroft.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Zach Bancroft, an associate of Lowndes Drosdick, Doster Kantor & Reed, presented a seminar for property managers on lease defaults and related issues.

Orange County Bar Association.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... James W. McIlrath, of GrayHarris, was elected chair of the Business Law Committee of the Orange County Bar Association.

Richard Davidson.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Richard Davidson, a partner with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, presented Aspects of the Purchase Agreement at a seminar titled Buying and Selling a Florida Business in Orlando.

Todd Foster.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Todd Foster, of Cohen, Jayson & Foster, P.A., Tampa, spoke at the First Amendment Lawyers Association's annual meeting in Montreal, on the topic of First Amendment issues in high profile criminal cases.

Treasure Coast Food Bank.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Eli A, Franks, an associate of Rosenthal & Weissman, has been appointed to the Treasure Coast Food Bank where he will serve a three-year membership.

Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... James F. Johnston of GrayHarris, was appointed to the board of directors of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Miranda Fitzgerald.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Miranda Fitzgerald, a partner with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, spoke at the Environmental Permitting Summer School, sponsored by the Florida Chamber of Commerce in Marco Island. She was a member of the panel teaching the Growth...

Committee of 100 Campaign for Kids.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Kevin M. Levy, of Gunster Yoakley, has been appointed to the steering committee for the Committee of 100 Campaign for Kids, which raises funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami.

Sarah Stith.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Sarah Stith, of Fowler White Boggs Banker, has been elected to the board of directors for Dress for Success, which provides interview, suits; confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women entering the workforce.

ABA TIPS Trial Techniques Committee.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... David L. Deehl, of Deehl & Carlson, P.A., Coral Gables, was appointed chair of the ABA TIPS Trial Techniques Committee for 2003-04.

Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Rebecca O'Dell Townsend, of Haas, Dutton, Blackburn, Lewis & Longley, P.L., Tampa, spoke as a member of a panel on emerging issues in tort litigation at the 2003 Florida Defense Lawyer Association annual meeting in Key Biscayne Her topic was...

James S. Malloy.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Jennie S. Malloy, of Malloy & Malloy, P.A Miami, was a guest on the "Money Sense" radio program on 82.9 FM in South Florida and addressed issue relating to patents, trademarks and copy rights, and securing protection of and marketing inventions...

ALS Association.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... David L. Smith, of GrayHarris, has become the board chair of the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association, which is dedicated to fighting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often referred to as LouGehring's disease.

Scott E. Mitchell.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Scott E. Mitchell, of Gunster Yoakley, was a featured speaker at a ceremony during which Miami-Dade County and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an chair of the Miami River Commission's Dredging Working Group, he outlined the grass roots...

United Way's Young Leaders Society.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... David M. Seifer, of Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A., has been appointed rice chair of the United Way's Young Leaders Society for 2003-04.

VisionBROWARD.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Jonathan E. Cole, partner of Edwards & Angell, has been appointed to the steering committee for VisionBROWARD, a community economic development partnership formed to update the vision for the county's economic future.

Matthew Coglianese, of Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod, Miami, was a featured speaker on a panel titled Toxic Tort Law Update at The Florida Bar's annual update of the environmental and land use section.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Matthew Coglianese, of Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod, Miami, was a featured speaker on a panel titled Toxic Tort Law Update at The Florida Bar's annual update of the environmental and land use section. He covered several toxic tort...

Joel A. Bello.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Joel A. Bello, assistant board attorney for the School Board of Miami-Dade County, spoke on the topic of special education law at a gathering of school administrators in Miami.

Commission on Ethics.(News and Notes)
October 1, 2003... Peter Antonacci, of GrayHarris, was reappointed by Gov. Jeb Bush to the Commission on Ethics for 2003-05.

Barnett, Bolt, Kirkwood, Long & McBride.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Bill McBride, a Florida gubernatorial candidate in 2002, and former managing partner of Holland & Knight, has joined the newly named Barnett, Bolt, Kirkwood, Long & McBride, with offices at 601 Baysbore Blvd., Ste. 700, Tampa 33606, telephone...

10th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Office.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Pamela H. Izakowitz, former partner of Backhus & Izakowitz, P.A., Tampa, has joined the 10th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Office, with offices in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.

10th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Office.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Ginger Renee Cooper, formerly of Cobb, Cole & Bell, Daytona Beach, has joined the 10th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Office, with offices in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.

Law Offices of Dan W. Armstrong, P.A.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Dan Armstrong, of the Law Offices of Dan W. Armstrong, P.A., announces the opening of additional offices at 501 Centre St., Ste. 128, Fernandina Beach. The firm concentrates in elder law, wills, trusts, estate planning, probate, and corporate...

Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Stephen H. Luther and Chelse A. Ferrero have become associates of, and Michael Taylor has been made shareholder of Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A., with offices at 255 S. orange Ave., Ste. 1401, Orlando 32801, telephone (407)...

The Earnest Law Firm, P.A.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Mary M. Earnest, former partner with Truex & Earnest, P.A., announces the opening of The Earnest Law Firm, P.A., with offices located at 500 S.E. 15th St., Ste. 106, Ft. Lauderdale 33316, telephone (954) 525-5644. The firm concentrates in...

Smith & Fuller, P.A..(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Smith & Fuller, P.A., announces the relocation of its offices to 455 N. Indian Rocks Rd., Ste. A, Belleair Bluffs 33770, telephone (727) 252-5252. The firm practices in construction litigation and tire tread separation and rollover litigation.

Abel, Band, Russell, Collier, Pitchford & Gordon, Chartered.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Scott A. La Porta, has joined Abel, Band, Russell, Collier, Pitchford & Gordon, Chartered, with offices at 240 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota 34236, telephone (941) 366-6660. He concentrates in securities law, restrictive covenants, commercial...

Ruden, McClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell, P.A.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Daniel Matlow, formerly of Vezina, Lawrence & Piscitelli, P.A., Ft. Lauderdale, has joined Ruden, MeClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell, P.A., with offices at 200 E. Broward Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale 33302, telephone (954) 527-6214. He concentrates...

Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez & Silver, P.A.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Olga L. Martin has been promoted to partner of Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez & Silver, P.A., with offices located at 75 Valencia Ave., Ste. 800, Coral Gables 33134, telephone (305) 446-5228. The firm concentrates in workers' compensation and labor...

Mark Kluger has been promoted to partner of Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez & Silver, P.A., with offices located at 5900 N. Andrews Ave., Ste. 920, Ft. Lauderdale 33309.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Mark Kluger has been promoted to partner of Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez & Silver, P.A., with offices located at 5900 N. Andrews Ave., Ste. 920, Ft. Lauderdale 33309, telephone (954) 776-9966. The firm concentrates in workers' compensation and...

Trent Miller has been promoted to partner of Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez & Silver, P.A., with offices located at 8433 Enterprise Circle, Ste. 130, Bradenton 34202.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Trent Miller has been promoted to partner of Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez & Silver, P.A., with offices located at 8433 Enterprise Circle, Ste. 130, Bradenton 34202, telephone (941) 907-0129. The firm concentrates in workers' compensation and labor...

Thomas H. Justice III, P.A.(On the Move)
October 1, 2003... Thomas H. Justice III announces the formation of Thomas H. Justice III, P.A., with offices at 549 Wymore Rd. N., Ste. 107, Maitland 32751, telephone (407) 740-0077. He practices in the areas of complex business, commercial litigation, and...