Court requests more judges, plus the return of funds, support staff
The Florida Supreme Court didn’t just ask for more judges in its annual certification opinion submitted to the state Legislature. Justices also “certified” the need to restore staff cuts caused by budget reductions over the past three years. Plus, justices said lawmakers should address the needs of state attorneys, public defenders, and related agencies.
Panel offers guidelines for lawyers using social networking Web sites
Lawyers using social networking and video sharing Web sites for commercial purposes must adhere to the lawyer advertising rules, according to the Bar’s Standing Committee on Advertising. But they won’t have to file those pages with the Bar for review.
Bill promotes more civics education in the public schools
Concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, is championing legislation that will bolster the study of local, state, and federal governments in Florida’s schools. HB 105 would add the following requirements for civics education:
FTC to appeal ruling that 'Red Flags' do not apply to lawyers
The Federal Trade Commission is appealing a federal judge’s ruling that the FTC exceeded its authority by applying its “Red Flags Rule” to practicing lawyers.
Court suspends Web ad enforcement
The Florida Supreme Court has agreed with the Bar Board of Governors and ordered a suspension of Bar advertising rules that affect lawyer and law firm Web sites until July 1.
__________________________________________
Hawkins in line to become Bar president
West Palm Beach attorney Scott G. Hawkins has become president-elect designate of The Florida Bar after Coral Gables attorney Ervin A. Gonzalez withdrew from the race.
Ballots for Board of Governors
and YLD board elections are due March 22
Here are the platform statements for the 2010 candidates for The Florida Bar Board of Governors and the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors. Ballots for the elections will be mailed on March 1, and must be returned no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 22. Bar members will have the choice of voting by the mailed paper ballot or voting online by following instructions with the mailed ballot. The winners will be sworn in during the Bar’s Annual Convention in June.
____________________________________________
The Florida Bar's Haiti Relief Efforts
The Florida Bar has expanded Haiti relief efforts to include the foundations of 19 nonprofit Florida trauma centers treating earthquake victims so that members may direct support to local efforts.