The purpose of this summary provided by the Communications Department of The Florida Bar is to present media coverage that may be of interest to members. Opinions expressed in the articles are attributable solely to the authors. The Florida Bar does not adopt or endorse any opinions expressed below. For information on previous articles, please contact the publishing newspaper directly.
August 07, 2024
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The Florida Bar
PATRICK EMMANUEL, WWII HERO AND FORMER FLORIDA BAR PRESIDENT, DIES AT 104
The Florida Bar | Article | August 07, 2024
Patrick Emmanuel, a revered World War II veteran and former president of The Florida Bar, passed away in Pensacola at 104. Born January 25, 1920, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945, notably in the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Bronze Star. After the war, Emmanuel completed his law degree at the University of Florida in 1946 and became a partner at Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon. He was Florida Bar President from 1985-86 and was honored with numerous awards, including The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award in 1987. Emmanuel was deeply involved in his community, serving on various boards and receiving accolades such as the “Spirit of Pensacola” Award. He was married to Olivia Bobe Cooke for 74 years until her passing. Emmanuel is survived by six children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
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Florida Supreme Court
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT SETS ORAL ARGUMENTS FOR CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING CHALLENGE
Tallahassee Democrat | Article | August 06, 2024
The Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on September 12, 2024, regarding a lawsuit challenging the 2022 congressional redistricting that eliminated a district spanning Jacksonville to Tallahassee. The district, previously held by Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee), was a “Black opportunity district.” Voting rights groups, including Black Voters Matter and the Florida League of Women Voters, argue that the new map violates the state constitution by diminishing Black voting power. The original district was rejected by Governor Ron DeSantis, and the revised map was passed by the Legislature. A lower court ruled the new map unconstitutional, but the decision was overturned by the 1st District Court of Appeal in November 2023. The appellate court argued that the district was not a true community but was artificially created to enhance Black voting power.
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Civil Justice
JUDGE RECOMMENDS $424K IN ATTORNEY FEES IN BIOPLUS DATA BREACH SETTLEMENT
Daily Business Review | Article | August 06, 2024
On Monday [August 5] U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Irick of the Middle District of Florida recommended approving $424,128 in attorney fees and $15,000 in litigation expenses for the plaintiff class in a settlement with BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy Services LLC. The case involved a nationwide class action over a data security breach, resulting in a $1,025,000 non-reversionary fund and a $1,175,000 reversionary fund. Despite billing over 1,026 hours, the attorneys are receiving fees significantly less than their lodestar calculation of $710,759. Attorneys John Yanchunis, Dylan Gould, and Terence Coates led the case. The final approval of these fees is pending from U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. The case underscores the financial risks attorneys face in contingency cases.
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Civil Justice
FLORIDA LAW FIRM, CIRCLE K FACE EVIDENCE-DESTRUCTION LAWSUIT
Daily Business Review | Article | August 07, 2024
West Palm Beach attorney Jack Scarola of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley filed a lawsuit in Pinellas Circuit Court against the law firm Stoler Russell Keener Verona, its attorneys, and Circle K. The case involves the 2021 death of Sheryll Caballes, who was burned at a Circle K gas station in Palm Harbor, Florida. Scarola alleges that Circle K and its attorneys destroyed evidence, obstructing justice for Caballes’ family. A prior court ruling in April found Circle K violated its duty to preserve key evidence, shifting the burden of proof to the corporation. Scarola seeks justice for Caballes’ family and accountability for the alleged cover-up.