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.
November 07, 2024
-
The Florida Bar
VOTERS CHOOSE FOUR STATE ATTORNEYS
The Florida Bar | Article | November 07, 2024
Voters elected four state attorneys in the November 5 general elections, including Monique Worrell in the Ninth Circuit, who was originally removed by the governor in August of 2023. Andrew Warren, who was also suspended by the governor in August 2022, failed in his bid to regain his position in the 13th Circuit. Alexcia Cox will replace retiring 15th Circuit Attorney Dave Aronberg, while incumbent Brian Kramer successfully won re-election in the Eighth Circuit.
-
Legal Discipline
AN ELDERLY COUPLE’S $2 MILLION INVOLVED IN SUSPENSIONS OF MIAMI TO PALM BEACH LAWYERS
Miami Herald | Article | November 06, 2024
Four South Florida attorneys were suspended by the state Supreme Court last month. Last month’s disciplinary actions were in response to an attempted overbilling of $100,000, a $2 million bank account and $40,000 of possibly misappropriated funds. West Palm Beach attorney Curtis Alva’s one-year suspension begins on Nov. 16. Alva was found to have violated Bar rules for fees and costs for legal services; misconduct; violating or attempting to violate rules of professional conduct. Meanwhile, the Bar was granted an emergency suspension for Fort Lauderdale Marc Brown, who is accused of misappropriating $40,000 of his client’s money. Pinecrest attorney Joseph George is suspended for three years after he was found to have acted with a “dishonest or selfish motive” in his behavior toward two especially vulnerable clients. Coral Springs attorney Scott Gelfand received a public reprimand and a 10-day suspension, which ended Oct. 29.
-
The Florida Bar
‘BOARD CERTIFIED’ COULD SOON BE AN ADVERTISING THING FOR FLORIDA INSURANCE LAWYERS
Insurance Journal | Article | November 07, 2024
By this time next year, plaintiffs lawyers could have a stamp of credibility to brandish in advertisements: “board certified in insurance coverage law.” The Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization and Education is scheduled to vote Friday, Nov. 8, on creating the new certification. Other Bar committees and the Bar’s Board of Governors would then review. The state Supreme Court will have the final say, perhaps in late 2025. The idea has been in the works for more than six years and attorneys on both sides say the new moniker will benefit insurance defense lawyers as well as plaintiffs’ attorneys who specialize in insurance matters.
-
The Florida Bar
APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR FUNDING FLORIDA LEGAL AID – BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ATTORNEY VACANCIES
Florida Record | Article | November 06, 2024
The Florida Bar Board of Governors is seeking two attorneys to serve three-year terms on the FFLA Board of Directors. The vacancies will be filled during the Board of Governors’ January 17, 2025, meeting. Lawyer applicants must be members of The Florida Bar and in good standing. The Florida Bar president receives recommendations from FFLA for consideration. This 33 (currently 32 but does have a max of 33) – member Board of Directors administers Florida’s IOTA program. Directors shall be members of the FFLA during their term(s) as directors. Applications will be accepted until close of business on Monday, December 9, 2024. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application. The Board of Governors will review all applications and may request telephone or personal interviews. Persons interested in applying for these vacancies may download the Application for Special Appointment or call Bar headquarters at (850) 561-3127, to obtain the application form.
-
The Florida Bar
FOSTERING TOMORROW’S LEGAL LEADERS
Jacksonville Daily Record | Column | November 07, 2024
Tamla Lloyd, a Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Leadership Academy Class XII Fellow, writes: “The Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Leadership Academy stands as a beacon for attorneys who aspire to ascend to the pinnacle of leadership within the legal community. Its mission resonates with the core values of the profession, emphasizing the enhancement of lawyering skills and the nurturing of future leaders. The academy’s focus on professional growth and community service align with the aspirations of many in the field, offering an opportunity to refine leadership abilities and forge enduring connections . . . The knowledge and support system provided by the academy serve as a foundation upon which fellows can build a career marked by influence and distinction . . . It is a call to those who seek not just to excel in their careers but to leave an indelible mark on the world through the power of enlightened leadership.”
-
Legal Profession
YOU’RE A NEWLY BARRED ATTORNEY … NOW WHAT?
Daily Business Review | Column | November 06, 2024
In this column, Stephanie Rodriguez, an associate in Hall Booth Smith’s Miami office, addresses new attorneys who may be anxious about networking, which, she says “is 90% of our job.” Her advice for new lawyers includes joining local voluntary bars, attending networking events, taking advantage of LinkedIn, finding a mentor, and providing pro bono services. Rodriguez also offers advice on following up with contacts from networking events or groups and developing genuine relationships within the legal community. She writes: “At the end of the day, being a lawyer is only partially about knowing the law and wearing suits that somehow always feel a little too formal. The other, arguably larger, part is learning how to navigate networking. It’s an intimidating jungle but one you can learn to traverse with practice, a bit of bravery and maybe a few awkward handshakes along the way.”
-
Legal Profession
MIAMI LAW’S CLASS ACTION FORUM TO FEATURE JUDGES, NEW RULES, AND INSIGHTS ON MDL PRACTICE
Daily Business Review | Article | November 06, 2024
The annual Miami Class Action & Complex Litigation Forum will take place at the University of Miami on Jan. 31, 2025. The forum will include a deep dive into the new Judicial Panel of Multidistrict Litigation Rule 16.1 and the ability to question Southern District of Florida judges from both the plaintiff’s and defense side on local practice and how they handle class actions. One of the event organizers, attorney Harley S. Tropin says, “This year is going to be a signature year for the program because we have judges from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in addition to other outstanding judges. That’s significant because this is the group that decides where major multidistrict cases are sent.” U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor for the Northern District of Alabama will moderate the panel with MDL Judges from all over the country.