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.
September 17, 2024
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The Florida Bar
NEW RULES FOR COURT-APPOINTED AND CERTIFIED MEDIATORS
The Florida Bar | Article | September 16, 2024
On September 12, the Florida Supreme Court approved revisions to the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, following recommendations from its Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules & Policy. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2025. Significant amendments include updates to Rule 10.100, revising certification processes for mediators, and raising mentorship requirements from 30 to 40 points. Rule 10.105 clarifies point system categories, requiring applicants to be mentored by two mediators. Rule 10.340 addresses conflicts of interest, including social media’s impact, and Rule 10.380 mandates written explanations of fees. The case, In Re: Amendments to the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, Case No. SC2023-1537, outlines all revisions.
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Legal Discipline
BROWARD ATTORNEY FACES FLORIDA BAR COMPLAINT OVER PROMISSORY NOTES
Daily Business Review | Article | September 16, 2024
On September 20, 2023, The Florida Bar filed a complaint with the Florida Supreme Court against Broward County attorney Charles David Franken for violating multiple Bar rules. Franken, alongside Michael Love, was accused of grand theft in May 2017 during a real estate transaction involving victim Anny Teran-Rey. Instead of providing cash, Franken issued a fraudulent promissory note. In December 2019, Love was convicted, and in September 2023, Franken pled no contest to petit theft, agreeing to pay $10,000 restitution and resign from the Bar. According to the complaint, Franken’s Bar matter was placed on deferral due to his pending criminal case. Legal experts emphasized the significance of the Bar’s reliance on Rule 3-4.3 in prosecuting Franken’s misconduct outside traditional legal practice.
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Legal Discipline
A MIAMI LAWYER GOT CAUGHT LYING ABOUT CASES — AND HER TIME AS A BROWARD PUBLIC DEFENDER
Miami Herald | Article | September 16, 2024
Miami attorney Willishia Plant was suspended for 180 days starting September 7, by the Florida Supreme Court for professional misconduct. Judge Peter Lopez, the case referee, recommended the suspension due to Plant’s dishonesty and misrepresentation in handling two 2020 cases for Gabrielle Brown. Plant misled Brown about filing lawsuits, providing false updates on case progress. Additionally, Plant’s evasive testimony, including her failure to disclose a brief, tumultuous employment at the Broward Public Defender’s Office in early 2020, further damaged her credibility. Despite claiming inexperience, Plant’s attempts to cover her mistakes and lack of candor led to harsher disciplinary action. Lopez emphasized Plant’s lack of remorse and failure to take responsibility for her actions.
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Judiciary
NEW LIBERTY COUNTY JUDGE WILL BE CEREMONIALLY SWORN IN ON FRIDAY IN BRISTOL COURTHOUSE
Tallahassee Democrat | Article | September 16, 2024
Christopher D. Bufano will be sworn in as the new Liberty County judge on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 3 p.m. in the Liberty County Courthouse in Bristol. Bufano, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 14, replaces Judge Kenneth Hosford, who retired amid a judicial misconduct investigation. Bufano previously served as deputy general counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and as an assistant state attorney in both the 18th and 12th Judicial Circuits. He also worked in private practice as a civil litigation attorney before entering state employment.
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Criminal Justice
FL V. DONNA ADELSON: MATRIARCH MASTERMIND MURDER TRIAL
Court TV | Article | September 16, 2024
Donna Adelson, accused of orchestrating the 2014 murder of her ex-son-in-law, FSU law professor Dan Markel, faces trial starting Tuesday, [September 17]. Prosecutors allege she arranged the murder to bring her daughter, Wendi Adelson, and grandsons closer to her Miami home. Markel, who shared custody of the children, was shot in his Tallahassee garage on July 18, 2014. Hitmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera were hired through Donna’s son, Charlie Adelson, and his ex-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua. Donna Adelson was arrested at Miami International Airport in November 2023, after Charlie’s conviction.