Florida Bar News back issues from February 2005:
Senator wants to clean up Florida Constitution.
Feb 01, 2005; ... The chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee is launching a two-year program aimed at streamlining the Florida Constitution, although the panel has been warned that will be a difficult task and could have unintended consequences. Sen. Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, discussed ...
Court hears PWP arguments: YLD wants all new lawyers to take the professionalism course.
Feb 01, 2005; ... Requiring all lawyers, including government attorneys, to take the Practicing With Professionalism course, would establish a basic level of professionalism with all Bar members, according to the Young Lawyers Division. The YLD presented its case for amending the Practicing With ...
Judge writes to honor unforgettable children.
Feb 01, 2005; ... When Laura Melvin was a First Judicial Circuit judge, she winced at the tortured faces of damaged children who appeared in her courtroom. She grappled with how best to deal with their cruel abusers, while deep down feeling like tearing their faces off. To diffuse her anger, she went home ...
This could be the year for lots of new judges: bills filed to create as many as 108 new jurists.
Feb 01, 2005; ... There are optimistic signs in both the Florida House and Senate that much of the Supreme Court's request for new judges will be met by lawmakers this year. Certification bills have been filed in both chambers and key appropriations legislators say they are committed to a ...
Foundation works out deal to increase IOTA revenues.
Feb 01, 2005 ... The Florida Bar Foundation has reached an agreement with Florida banks that has reduced the expenses charged on IOTA accounts and boosts the Foundation's income. Foundation President Terry Russell reported to the Bar Board of Governors recently that the organization is looking ...
Gay adoptions.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
Feb 01, 2005; ... In fight of Florida Rule of Professional Conduct 4-8.4(d), which prohibits all forms of bias against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation, how can any Florida lawyer seriously argue that it is now "divisive" for our organization to lobby against a law that prohibits gays and ...
The mandatory Bar.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
Feb 01, 2005; ... Proposals that The Florida Bar endorse legitimation of gay adoptions have highlighted the serious moral, if not legal, flaw in the status of the organization in its present configuration as an arm of government. Many correspondents to the News have objected to the state mandate that they ...
Electronic court records.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
Feb 01, 2005; ... For a brief, shining moment, practicing small town law in Charlotte County was like living out a Jetsons episode. As members of the public, we lawyers had virtually unlimited Internet access to local court files. When a potential criminal client called up, I could quickly look up the ...
The Bar's origins.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
Feb 01, 2005; ... I would have sought to be Florida Bar president-elect, if I had known that the only one seeking the post would be Henry M. Coxe III. I do not know Mr. Coxe. But he has made a lasting impression on me, if he has been quoted accurately here. He allegedly stated: "There is really ...
Fifty-year member?(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
Feb 01, 2005; ... I had set aside my copy of the June 15, 2004, News and picked it up yesterday and reread the article titled "50 year members of The Florida Bar." It seems strange to me that an organization that is dedicated to equal protection under the law then seems to ignore those of us who ...
Spittler petitions for Bar reinstatement.(Letters)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Pursuant to Rule 3-7.10, John Joseph Spittler, Jr., has petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for Bar reinstatement from a rehabilitative suspension. Spittler's suspension was effective July 17, 2001, and was for a period of nine months resulting from misconduct in the filing of ...
Pena petitions for Bar reinstatement.(Letters)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Pursuant to Rule 3-7.10, Guillermo E. Pena has petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for Bar reinstatement from a disciplinary suspension. This suspension was effective November 24, 2003, and was for a period of one year as a result of failure to maintain complete and accurate ...
Webster applies for Bar readmission.(Letters)
Feb 01, 2005 ... David B. Webster of Tampa has submitted an application for Bar readmission. Webster was disbarred pursuant to a November 16, 1995, Supreme Court order for engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. The Board of Bar Examiners will ...
Comments sought on Bar convention, midyear meetings.(Letters)
Feb 01, 2005 ... The Program Evaluation Committee of The Florida bar's Board of Governors is seeking member input regarding the meeting structure of The Florida Bar. If you have any comments or suggestions ...
Bar President Kelly Overstreet Johnson.(Notice)
Feb 01, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: BAR PRESIDENT KELLY OVERSTREET JOHNSON recently hosted a holiday reception for Board of Governors members, local lawyers, and area legislators when the board met in Naples ....
Seventh JNC seeks applicants.(Notice)
Feb 01, 2005 ... The Seventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting application to fill a circuit court vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Robert K. Mathis. Applicants must be registered voters, members of the Bar in good standing for the proceeding five years, and ...
Red Mass set for Tallahassee.(Notice)
Feb 01, 2005 ... A 700-year-old tradition will be observed in Tallahassee March 9 when the Catholic Bishops of Florida will gather with area judges, lawyers, as well as others serving in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government to celebrate "The Red Mass of the Holy Spirit." ...
U.S. district court fees are going up.(Notice)
Feb 01, 2005 ... President George W. Bush recently signed the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2005, which includes a provision raising the district court filing fee by $100--from $150 to $250. The new fee will become effective on February 7, 2005. Copies of the District Court ...
Board to make appointments.(Notice)
Feb 01, 2005 ... The Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the following vacancy to be filled during its April 8, 2005 meeting: Supreme Court's Bar Admissions Committee: One lawyer to serve a two-year term commencing July 1, 2005. This committee coordinates the work of the bench, bar, law ...
Ninth Circuit judges set African American Town Hall Meeting.(Notice)
Feb 01, 2005 ... The judges of the Ninth Judicial Circuit will continue their outreach program by holding an African American Judicial Town Hall Meeting in honor of February being Black History Month. The Town Hall will be held at the St. Mark A.M.E. Church, 1968 Bruton Boulevard in Orlando ...
Serving up justice in the desert.(Dispatches from Iraq)
Feb 01, 2005; ... (Editor's Note: Capt. Greg Weiss, in his last dispatch to The Florida Bar News, published in the January 15 paper, began telling us the story about one of his cases involving an altercation between a couple of soldiers. We pick up the story now.) In my case the accused, the ...
Bar sections take legislative positions.
Feb 01, 2005 ... Three sections have received authorization from the Bar Board of Governors to lobby the Florida Legislature on six different legislative positions. The board acted at its December meeting on issues ranging from international contract disputes to appointing and paying guardians ...
Campaign to promote certification.
Feb 01, 2005 ... The Bar's Board of Legal Specialization & Education recently launched a statewide strategic communication plan to raise public and lawyer awareness of the Bar's board-certification program. The campaign, using certification program funds, is based on research about attitudes ...
The Paul C. Perkins Bar Association.
Feb 01, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: THE PAUL C, PERKINS BAR ASSOCIATION recently partnered with the Caribbean Bar Association and the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers to host a Las Vegas Night in Orlando to raise money for its scholarship program. Pictured from ...
Committee appointments made in the Florida House and Senate.
Feb 01, 2005 ... Committee and council appointments have been made for 2004-2006 in both the House and the Senate. There are 10 councils in the House, containing 35 committees. Additionally, there are four joint committees that are shared by both the House and Senate. Appointments to House ...
Disciplinary actions.
Feb 01, 2005 ... The Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders suspended six, disbarred four, and reprimanded three attorneys. The following lawyers are disciplined: Eduardo Cantera, 801 Brickell Ave., Floor 9, Miami, suspended from practicing law in Florida until further court ...
Bar board OKs funds for diversity program.
Feb 01, 2005 ... Funding for a second diversity symposium and possibly for a survey that may be needed with new advertising rules has been approved by the Bar Board of Governors. Budget Committee Chair Jerald Beer, at the board's recent meeting, also won governors' approval for budget amendments ...
Technology Board prepares for the future: 'it could be a fingerprint today, a retinal scan tomorrow, or a face-recognition algorithm in three years'.
Feb 01, 2005; ... Future shock jolted the Article V Technology Board when the group met in Tallahassee January 10 to fine-tune its interim report to the legislature and chief justice. At one point, the discussion focused on the need for "unique personal identifiers"--not just the old names, ...
Hourly rates continue to climb.
Feb 01, 2005; ... Seventy-eight percent of Florida lawyers who bill by the hour say their rate is $150 an hour or higher and the percentage of Florida lawyers who report they charge in excess of $200 has been steadily increasing, according to The Florida Bar's 2004 Economics and Law Office Management ...
The Nova Southeastern University.
Feb 01, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Law Center has established a Palm Beach County chapter, which includes five judges. Pictured from the left are Judge Jeffrey Colbath; Joanna Rivera, secretary; Mark Walters; Eunice Baros, president; and Henry ...
House panel reminded of its impeachment powers.
Feb 01, 2005; ... You have the power to remove bad judges from the bench, Rep. Bruce Kyle reminded fellow legislators serving on the House Justice Council. The Republican prosecutor from Ft. Myers said January 12 that he was inspired by the Judge Charles W. Cope case to remind the members of the ...
House panel considers initiative process.
Feb 01, 2005; ... Protecting pregnant pigs, banning certain kinds of fishing nets, creating expensive high-speed trains have all found their way into the Florida Constitution through the initiative process--and sparked controversy along the way. That was the hot topic of a January 12 workshop of ...
FSU, St. Thomas team up to go hi-tech.
Feb 01, 2005; ... The familiar sound of pens and pencils feverishly scratching notebook paper is a thing of the past at most law schools. The clicking of swift keystrokes and the soft glow of individual laptop screens fill today's lecture halls. Law schools are now matching their tech-savvy ...
Nancy Wear.
Feb 01, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: NANCY WEAR of Coral Gables is shown here with a plaque presented to her in recognition of her 20 years of service as a volunteer reader of lawbooks for the Miami Unit of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. The presentation was made by Miami Heat ...
Hank Jackson.
Feb 01, 2005 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: HANK JACKSON, from the left, Pat Lowry, and Judge James Hopkins gather at The Governor's Club in West Palm Beach to celebrate the close of The Florida Bar ...
North County Section assists kids.
Feb 01, 2005 ... The Palm Beach County Bar's North County Section recently hosted a holiday party for more than 125 abused and neglected children in the guardian ad litem program. The party included an afternoon of bowling, lunch, and gifts. ...
Hardy to lead Scheb American Inn of Court.
Feb 01, 2005 ... Arthur M. Hardy of Sarasota will serve as the new president of the Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court. Other officers include Judge Barbara Briggs, president-elect; W. Russell Snyder, counselor; Bonnie Polk, ...
Rosenthal & Levy raise money for needy children.
Feb 01, 2005 ... Rosenthal & Levy recently donated $5,000 to the Love Doctors Charities, Inc., Love Doctors' Marathon Toy Drive. For the second consecutive year, Rosenthal & Levy have served as the signature ...
Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Thomas Bishop of Holland & Knight was elected president ...
Enterprise Florida, Inc.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Fred Leonhardt of Gray Robinson in Orlando was reappointed by ...
Alliance for Human Services.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Mark Buchbinder of Miami was named executive ...
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Scott M. Solkoff of Solkoff & Zellen, P.A., was elected to the ...
Center for a Free Cuba.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Albert Tellechea of Akerman Senterfitt in Orlando was ...
Robert L. Parks.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Robert L. Parks of Haggard, Parks, Haggard & Lewis in Coral Gables participated in a workshop in Beijing, China, ...
Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr., Bar Association.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Mia A. Burroughs of Steel, Hector & Davis in Miami was honored by ...
Children's Home Society.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Marjorie A. Baron of Miami was elected chair of ...
The Youth Law Center.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Richard Rosenbaum of Ft. Lauderdale was recently awarded ...
Joan Nelson Hook.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Joan Nelson Hook of New Port Richey attended a joint conference of the National Academy of Elder ...
National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Spencer Levine, of the Florida Attorney General's Office, was named to the Executive Committee of the ...
Florida A&M University College of Law.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Nicola BoothePerry of Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A., is ...
Goldberg Inns of Court.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Anthony Battaglia of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & Wein, P.A., was awarded the Jack Edmonds Award for ...
University of Miami Law School Graduate Program in Taxation.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Barry Nelson of Nelson & Levine, P.A., in North Miami Beach presented, "Current Trends & Traps in Estate Planning 2004/2005--Estate Planning and Asset Protection Techniques to Consider and Traps to Avoid" at the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Florida Institute on ...
Elizabeth Ricci.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Elizabeth Ricci of & Ricci, P.A. in Tallahassee presented, "America: ...
John V. Tucker.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... John V. Tucker of The Law Offices of Anderson & Tucker in St Petersburg recently presented, "Social Security, Long Term Disability ...
Lex Mundi Board of Directors.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Rebekah Poston of Steel Hector & Davis LLP, has been elected chair for the ...
Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad Law Center.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Martin Press of Gunster Yoakley in Ft. Lauderdale was appointed chair of the ...
Big Brothers, Big Sisters.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Gregory A. Hearing of Thompson, Sizemore & Gonzalez, P.A., was elected ...
Sterling Bank.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Jeffrey Ostrow of Taylor, Hodkin, Kopelowitz & Ostrow, P.A., in ...
David J. Lillesand.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... David J. Lillesand of Lillesand & Associates, P.A., in Miami spoke at two national conferences: the SocialSecurity Disability Law Conference in ...
Jordi Guso.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Jordi Guso of Berger Singerman in Miami participated in a panel discussion titled, "Who is Driving the Chapter 11 Bus?" at a meeting ...
Rebecca Morgan.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Rebecca Morgan of Stetson University was presented with the National Academy of ...
Commercial Law League.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Ivan J. Reich with Becker & Poliakoff, P.A was appointed chair of the young members' section ...
Rochelle A. Reback.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Rochelle A. Reback was recently presented a 2004 Human ...
Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... John W. Merting was recently elected chair of the Southeastern Admiralty Law ...
Robert S. Reiff.(News and Notes)
Feb 01, 2005 ... Robert S. Reiff of the Law Offices of Robert S. Reiff, P.A., in Miami, recently lectured at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers/ ...