News

'Everything Went to Hell': Coral Gables Attorney Sues Former Co-Counsel Over Tobacco Cases

Samantha Joseph | June 22, 2018

Two plaintiffs attorneys are fighting each other after their plan to work together on smoker cases disintegrated. Tobacco litigation is expensive to bring because cigarette makers put on aggressive defenses.

Big Doral Warehouse Trades for $10 Million

Daily Business Review| June 22, 2018

Address: 1500 NW 95th Ave. in Doral Property type: This is a 115,477-square-foot, one-story warehouse and storage building on a 6.5-acre lot. It…

News

Justices, in Nod to Privacy, Restrict Police Power to Obtain Mobile Phone Data

Tony Mauro | Marcia Coyle | June 22, 2018

The 5-4 decision in Carpenter v. United States marks a win for privacy interests in the ongoing tug-of-war over data privacy in the digital age. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. wrote the majority opinion.

Commentary

Embracing Paternity Leave: A Father’s Sabbatical Can be Part of a Successful Career

Steven J. Wernick| June 22, 2018

People thought I was joking when I told them that I was taking four weeks off after my wife and I welcomed our third boy earlier this year. My law career was in full swing. My billable hours were strong.

Friday Newspaper

Daily Business Review| June 22, 2018

Click on the selected day to download the News section of the The Daily Business Review in PDF format.

News

South Florida Contractors Charged With Deflating Bids to Scoop Public Housing Contracts

Lidia Dinkova | June 21, 2018

Javier Estepa of Davie and Diego Estepa Vazquez of Boca Raton face conspiracy and wire fraud charges.

News

Construction Defects Alleged at Miami's Loft 2 Condos

Lidia Dinkova | June 21, 2018

The association for the condominium, at 133 NE Second Ave., says fire sprinklers were blocked and would have malfunctioned if there were a fire. It also has alleged problems with the HVAC system.

News

Good Fences Made Bad Neighbors in Dezer Mall Parking Lot Feud

Samantha Joseph | June 21, 2018

Dezer Intracoastal Mall LLC is feuding with ASA College Inc. over the parking arrangements for neighboring commercial parcels in North Miami Beach.

Florida Sheriff Sued for Jailing Teen Suspects in Solitary

Terry Spencer and Curt Anderson| June 21, 2018

A civil rights group filed suit Thursday against a Florida sheriff and school district, claiming that juvenile suspects are unjustly kept in solitary…

Court Backs Moves to Shutter Nursing Home After Deaths

Jim Saunders| June 21, 2018

A state appeals court Wednesday upheld moves by Gov. Rick Scott’s administration to shut down a Broward County nursing home that drew nationwide…

Fort Lauderdale Warehouse, Distribution Terminal Sells for $3.3 Million

Daily Business Review| June 21, 2018

Address: 6850 NW 12th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale Property type: This is a 42,664-square-foot warehouse and distribution terminal. Price: $3,275,000 Seller: North…

News

'The Person I Knew Had a Conscience': Kirstjen Nielsen's Law School Classmates Call Her Out

Karen Sloan | June 21, 2018

"It's hard for all of us to reconcile who she has become," says a UVA graduate who attended law school with the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

North Bay Village Home Trades for More Than $2 Million

Daily Business Review| June 21, 2018

Address: 1660 S. Treasure Drive in North Bay Village Property type: This is a 2,698-square-foot, two-story home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.…

Commentary

Learning from Hurricane Irma: Properly Insuring and Protecting Your Business

Gina Clausen Lozier and Christopher B. Choquette| June 21, 2018

Hurricane Irma is not a distant memory for most of South Florida and yet we find ourselves already facing the next hurricane season.

US Supreme Court Says SEC In-House Judges Are More Than 'Mere Employees'

Tony Mauro | June 21, 2018

But the court does not address DOJ's request about the power of the president to fire officers of the United States. "No court has addressed that question, and we ordinarily await 'thorough lower court opinions to guide our analysis of the merits,'" Justice Kagan wrote.

Thursday Newspaper

Daily Business Review| June 21, 2018

Click on the selected day to download the News section of the The Daily Business Review in PDF format.

Slideshow

After Hours

Ellen Villafuerte | June 20, 2018

Legal Services of Greater Miami held its ninth annual Heart of Giving celebration and judicial reception at the Moore Building in Miami.

News

11th Circuit Revives Website Accessibility Lawsuit Against Hooters

Katheryn Tucker | June 20, 2018

“The court disagrees and finds that this case is not moot. Hooters’ assurance to an unrelated third party to remediate its website does not alone moot Haynes’ claims for relief.”—District Court Judge Eleanor Ross of the Northern District of Georgia

News

Judge Appoints Special Master in Flint Water Contamination Case

Amanda Bronstad | June 20, 2018

A federal judge in Michigan has refused to remove lead attorneys in the Flint water contamination case but plans to bring in a special master to review their fees and expenses.

In Brief

Dewey CFO Joel Sanders Disbarred After Felony Conviction

Christine Simmons | June 20, 2018

While he was never imprisoned, the felony conviction of former Dewey & LeBoeuf executive Joel Sanders had led to his disbarment.

Charles Canady Sworn In as Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice

Raychel Lean | June 20, 2018

July 1 will mark the second time Charles T. Canady takes over the leadership of the court.

News

South Florida Jury Convicts Lawyer of Making False Statements in Real Estate Paperwork

Samantha Joseph | June 20, 2018

The attorney owned a title company handling condo-hotel unit closings.

News

Look for Implicit Bias at Your Own Firm, ABA President Tells Attorneys

Raychel Lean | June 20, 2018

Hilarie Bass, president of the America Bar Association, shared her reaction to the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements with a packed room of lawyers and paralegals at the annual Florida Bar Convention last week. 

News

Salvador Juncadella Retires From the World of International GCs

Catherine Wilson | June 20, 2018

Salvador Juncadella, a soft-spoken pitch man for international general counsel, is retiring as a consultant at Morgan Lewis in Miami.

News

Judge Denies Florida Coastal Law School's TRO Bid Against ABA

Karen Sloan | June 20, 2018

Although Judge Brian Davis rejected the school's bid to restrain several ABA accreditation actions, he expedited the schedule for the school's preliminary injunction motion.

Coral Springs Gas Station Sells for $2.5 Million

Daily Business Review| June 20, 2018

Address: 7380 Wiles Road in Coral Springs Property type: This is a 5,325-square-foot gas station. Price: $2,500,000 Seller: 7380 Management…

Michael Vick Lists Plush Davie Estate for $1.4 Million

Associated Press| June 20, 2018

The former NFL quarterback plans to focus on his new coaching job in Atlanta.

Commentary

GDPR—A New Fundamental Right Protecting Personal Identifiable Information, More

Pablo Meles| June 20, 2018

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a broad and comprehensive European Union (EU) data privacy law that went into effect on May 25. This is a great example of the law trying to catch up with the technology and our digital lives.

Wednesday Newspaper

Daily Business Review| June 20, 2018

Click on the selected day to download the News section of the The Daily Business Review in PDF format.

Commentary

Why This GC of a $25B Company Has Migrated Work Away From the Largest, Most Elite Firms

Bill Deckelman| June 19, 2018

DXC Technology general counsel Bill Deckelman reacts to the GC Thought Leaders Experiment findings on performance of the largest, most pedigreed firms and what he has found from moving work away from those firms.

News

Boca Raton Attorneys Take Leadership Roles in Intel, AMD Chip Security Flaw Cases

Amanda Bronstad| June 19, 2018

A federal judge in Oregon appoints 11 lawyers to lead more than 40 class actions brought over alleged security flaws in Intel Corp.’s microprocessor chips.

News

New Marriott in West Palm Beach Moves Ahead With $42M Loan Thanks to Aztec Group

Lidia Dinkova | June 19, 2018

The Marriott Autograph Collection hotel is rising next to the former West Palm Beach City Hall, a 3-acre redevelopment site.

Florida Sen. Nelson Will Vote Against Judge He Backed

Gary Fineout| June 19, 2018

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, in a dramatic turnaround, said on Friday that he will now vote against the confirmation of a Florida judge who he interviewed…

South Floridians Honored at the 2018 Florida Bar Convention

Raychel Lean | June 19, 2018

South Florida lawyers, judges and teachers were among those honored at this year's Florida Bar convention.

Prior Acts Exclusion Barred Coverage Of Bankruptcy Trustee’s Suit Against Director Of Homeowners’ Association

Steven A. Meyerowitz, Esq., Director, FC&S Legal| June 19, 2018

This story is reprinted with permission from FC&S Legal, the industry’s only comprehensive digital resource designed for insurance coverage law professionals.…

HFF Brokers Sale of LSG Sky Chefs Meal Prep Center Near MIA for $22.8M

Lidia Dinkova | June 19, 2018

LSG Sky Chefs prepares the meals in its facilities and trucks them to airlines at nearby Miami International Airport.

Commentary

Employment Arbitration Agreements Can Contain Class Action Waivers

April Boyer, Andrew C. Glass and Roger L. Smerage| June 19, 2018

Many employers prefer to resolve disputes with employees through arbitration as opposed to more costly litigation in court.

Retail Building in Coral Gables Trades for $4.6 Million

Daily Business Review| June 19, 2018

Address: 361 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables  Property type: This is a 5,940-square-foot, two-story retail building. It was built in 1946. Price: $4,600,000 Seller:…

News

Midsize and Small Law Firms Skip the Lockstep Pay Dance

Catherine Wilson | June 19, 2018

While Am Law 200 firms sway to the annual associate pay dance, midsize and small law firms are happy to be wallflowers. A lockstep salary scale…

Tuesday Newspaper

Daily Business Review| June 19, 2018

Click on the selected day to download the News section of the The Daily Business Review in PDF format.

News

Greenberg IP Team Decamps for Goodwin Procter

Scott Graham | June 18, 2018

The moves boost Goodwin's ITC practice, and come a few weeks after Greenberg hired a new leader to head its ITC group.

News

Security Giant ADT's Boca Raton Headquarters Sells for $42M

Lidia Dinkova | June 18, 2018

The property is part of the 700-acre Park at Broken Sound residential and commercial area northeast of North Military Trail and Yamato Road.

News

US Supreme Court Sides With South Florida Man Over City Hall Arrest

Samantha Joseph | June 18, 2018

The case required the court to examine the intersection of the principles of free speech and probable cause for arrest.

Brickell's Sabadell Financial Center Sells for Reported $250M to KKR, Parkway Properties

Lidia Dinkova | June 18, 2018

This is the latest Miami office tower to trade for a top-dollar price.

News

Morgan Lewis, Skadden Arps Advise as Royal Caribbean Buys Stake in Silversea

Catherine Wilson | June 18, 2018

Morgan Lewis is advising Silversea Cruises as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., represented by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, buys a two-thirds stake valued $1 billion.

News

Florida Coastal School of Law Seeks Restraining Order Against ABA

Karen Sloan | June 18, 2018

In its latest round of litigation with the American Bar Association, the law school wants a court to temporarily halt a requirement that it report bar pass rates to all current students and indicate whether or not they are likely to fail.

Commentary

Points to Consider Before ‘Take Your Dog to Work Day’

Aaron Tandy| June 18, 2018

On June 22, it will be the 20th year of Pet Sitters International’s “Take Your Dog to Work Day®,” which encourages employers to allow pets to accompany employees to the office.

Miami Lawyers Negotiate $3 Million Settlement for Visitor Shot at Apartment Complex

Raychel Lean | June 18, 2018

Jason Brenner and Doug McCarron of the Haggard Law Firm argued that C&F Properties and United Property Management could have avoided a shooting if they'd implemented better security.

Doctor Not Liable in Death Blamed on Opioid Overdose

Verdict Search| June 18, 2018

A Boca Raton attorney failed to persuade a jury to hold a doctor liable in a 55-year-old man's death.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Cleared of Reverse Discrimination Claim

Verdict Search| June 18, 2018

A federal jury rejects claims that a deputy was unfairly passed over for promotion to sergeant twice in favor of African-American officers.

Commentary

New Tax Act May Be Complicated, But the Savings Potential Is Significant

Robert Kramer| June 18, 2018

It is stunning how few people realize the significance of one provision of the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which became effective earlier this year. Perhaps the reason for this is that it is conceptually complicated, but that should be your tax professional’s problem; it should not be yours.

Apartments in North Miami Beach Trade for $3.9 Million

Daily Business Review| June 18, 2018

Address: 16030 NE 19th Court in North Miami Beach Property type: This is a 26,661-square-foot, three-story, 27-unit apartment building that sits…

News

Miami Partner Chosen to Open White & Case Office in Chicago

Meghan Tribe| June 18, 2018

Jason Zakia is moving from Miami to Chicago to launch the new office.

News

Florida, Georgia AGs Talk Up Elder Abuse Enforcement

Katheryn Tucker | June 15, 2018

“Anyone who would prey on these great citizens in their golden years is lower than dirt." —Florida AG Pam Bondi. “We owe it to our older, at-risk Georgians to do all we can to protect them.” —Georgia AG Chris Carr

News

Inmate Who Won Lawsuit Against Guard Loses Bid to Collect in Eleventh Circuit

Katheryn Tucker | June 15, 2018

Judges Gerald Tjoflat, William Pryor and R. Lanier Anderson denied David Cassady’s motion for garnishment against state corrections officer Steven Hall in a per curiam opinion Friday.

News

Miami-Dade Judge Faces Public Reprimand for Writing Letter of Support Before Sentencing

Samantha Joseph | June 15, 2018

The JQC alleges the judge wrote a character reference in January for a defendant awaiting sentencing in federal court.

Slideshow

After Hours

J. Albert Diaz | June 15, 2018

The Daily Business Review held its Professional Excellence Awards event at the Rusty Pelican in Miami.

On the Move

ALM Staff| June 15, 2018

Legal industry hiring and promotions in South Florida.

Profile

From New York Socialite to Public Defender: Akerman's Whitney Untiedt Talks Career Change

Lidia Dinkova | June 15, 2018

Untiedt left a New York lifestyle many dream of to pursue personal and career fulfillment by working as a public defender and pro bono coordinator.

News

Conrad & Scherer Loses Case Over Loan; Plaintiff Plans to Ask Court to Appoint Receiver for the Firm

Samantha Joseph | June 15, 2018

Former client-turned-lender Douglas Von Allmen will argue at a June 19 hearing that the firm won't be able to repay him and still remain in business.

Slideshow

8 Photos Showing Highlights from the 2018 Florida Bar Convention

Raychel Lean | June 15, 2018

Here are some highlights from the 2018 Florida Bar convention, held June 13-15 in Orlando.

News

Supreme Court Targets Juror Anti-Gay Views in Death Case

Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida| June 15, 2018

The justices ordered a new sentencing hearing for inmate Eric Kurt Patrick because the jury split 7-5 in recommending the death penalty to a judge.

News

Trump’s Move to Redefine Water Rule Threatens Wetlands Banks

Jason Dearen, Associated Press| June 15, 2018

The Panther Island Mitigation Bank is part of a federal system designed to restore wetlands across the United States.

News

8 Projects That Hope to Hack Access to Justice

Gabrielle Orum Hernández | June 15, 2018

The Florida Justice Technology Center's recent Legal Aid Hackathon produced the seeds of eight new projects hoping to tackle access to justice in different ways.

News

SEC Halts ‘Revolutionary’ Shopping App Scheme Based in South Florida

Emily Zulz| June 15, 2018

Securities regulators charge elderly victims were preyed upon by a couple that used investor funds for gambling and luxuries.

News

Lose the Warrior Facade: Outgoing Florida Bar President Gets Candid About Mental Illness, Suicide

Raychel Lean | June 15, 2018

As Michael Higer bows out after a year as Florida Bar president, he urges more members to stand up and talk about their struggles with mental illness.

Commentary

Jury Trials Are Alive and Well in Dade County and Have a Promising Future

Paul A. McKenna| June 15, 2018

Although the trends are toward settlement of disputes, either through mediation or arbitration, there are still some situations where you have to scratch and claw for what you and your client believe is right. That is never going to change, and that is what juries are for.

Analysis

Supreme Court Justices Continue to Shed Stock Holdings, New Disclosures Show

Tony Mauro | Marcia Coyle | June 14, 2018

Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. and Justices Samuel Alito Jr. and Stephen Breyer each reported selling stock holdings, according to the latest financial disclosure forms, released Thursday. Other stock sales reported in the forms also help explain justices' recusal behavior in cases before the Supreme Court.

It Took Two Sentences to Uphold Malpractice Finding Against This Broward Lawyer

Samantha Joseph | June 14, 2018

"I had never seen a case as simple as a bounced-check case go as weirdly and badly as this one," said attorney George Gaskell, who helped a client win a malpractice suit against a Coral Springs lawyer.

News

Houston Boutique Firm Closes as Lawyers Jump to Holland & Knight

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | June 14, 2018

The three former Ostrom Morris attorneys will help expand Holland & Knight's private wealth services practice.

News

New Bill Would Protect Law Licenses of Student Loan Defaulters

Karen Sloan | June 14, 2018

A bipartisan effort would prohibit states from revoking professional licenses from people who default on their federal student loans, which would help protect lawyers struggling with education debt.

News

You Can’t Teach What You Don’t Remember, Constitutional Civics Committee Tells Lawyers at Florida Bar Convention

Raychel Lean | June 14, 2018

Lawyers went back to basics today in efforts to figure out best strategies for educating the public on the U.S. Constitution.

News

Putnam Says Public Safety ‘Not at Risk’ in License Snafu

Lloyd Dunkelberger, News Service of Florida| June 14, 2018

The problem has led to heavy criticism of Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam amid his campaign for governor.

News

Scott Treads Carefully About Republican-Led Obamacare Lawsuit

Christine Sexton, News Service of Florida| June 14, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott avoided directly discussing the litigation, which, if successful, could dismantle changes to how insurance is bought and sold in the state, including eliminating protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

Miami Retail Building Sells for $1.3 Million

Daily Business Review| June 14, 2018

Address: 3423 Main Highway in Miami Property type: This is a 1,500-square-foot, one-story retail building that appears to have been a restaurant. Price: $1,280,000 Seller: Globe…

Fort Lauderdale Home Trades for $1.7 Million

Daily Business Review| June 14, 2018

Address: 1117 Ponce De Leon Drive in Fort Lauderdale Property type: This is a 3,703-square-foot, four-bedroom and four-bathroom home. Price: $1,665,000 Seller:…

Commentary

Immigration Policy: Reducing the Impact on Your Foreign Construction Workforce

Maria Mejia-Opaciuch| June 14, 2018

In the past 17 months, the Trump administration has issued far-reaching executive orders (EOs) that require the U.S. government agencies overseeing immigration to shift their focus from assisting immigrants to making it harder for them to remain in the United States.

Rising Rates Put U.S. Homebuilders in a Spot

Prashant Gopal| June 14, 2018

Higher rates and higher home prices cause a significant worry about affordability.

News

Federal Judges in the Hot Seat Discuss Their Own Data Protection Practices

Dan Clark | June 13, 2018

Three judges spoke at a Philadelphia cybersecurity conference Wednesday about their own experiences with data security in the courts.

News

Akerman's Midmarket PE Growth Continues With Vedder Price Hire

Dan Packel | June 13, 2018

New York partner Michael O'Brien spent just over a year at Vedder Price, after stints at Sidley Austin, Wilmer and King & Spalding.

News

SEC Advice Plan Requires Big Change in Broker Behavior: Clayton

Melanie Waddell | June 13, 2018

SEC chief responded to questions at agency’s first town hall, held in Atlanta.

News

Ruff Day: Attorneys Rely on Pets at Law Firms to Bring Cheer to High-Stress Profession

Samantha Joseph | June 13, 2018

"My dog gives me balance," said attorney Matthew Dietz. "It makes me into a better lawyer, it makes me into a better person."

News

Senate Committee Questions Judiciary's Anti-Harassment Efforts After Kozinski Scandal

Ross Todd | June 13, 2018

"The judicial branch has a problem," said Sen. Charles Grassley at the beginning of Wednesday's Senate judiciary hearing. "They have to deal with it or Congress will have to do it for the courts."

Security Worries Have Consumers Clinging to Cash, Study Says

Tina Orem | June 13, 2018

The new report drives home the point that consumers aren’t ready to lose visibility of the payment process.

News

AT&T Judge Richard Leon Wasn't Mocking Trump! Exclamation Points Are His Mark!

Ellis Kim | June 13, 2018

Anyone who's ever had occasion to read a ruling from U.S. District Judge Richard Leon has probably run into an exclamation point somewhere along the line.

Fort Lauderdale Storage Buildings Sell for $3.9 Million

Daily Business Review| June 13, 2018

This is an 89,626-square-foot property with several buildings on it with a designated use as storage and auto wrecking.

News

Fight Over Judicial Vacancy Ratchets Up After Court Steps In

Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida| June 13, 2018

The First District Court of Appeal issued an order after a flurry of activity that included Scott administration attorneys filing a request late Monday to block a ruling earlier in the day by Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson.

News

Tallahassee Judge Again Backs Nursing Home in Records Fight

Dara Kam, News Service of Florida| June 13, 2018

Lawyers for The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, which incurred the wrath of Gov. Rick Scott after elderly residents died following Hurricane Irma last year, asked Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis to hold the department in contempt in a legal tangle over copies of death certificates.

News

BlackRock, Wells Fargo Are Said to Push ESG Funds in 401(k)s

Melissa Karsh and Emily Chasan| June 13, 2018

Assets in ESG funds tracked by Bloomberg stood at $445 billion in 2017, but less than 10% of 401(k) plans now offer such choices, according to Natixis Investment Managers.

Debt Collector Accused of Scamming Credit Unions Loses Appeal

Peter Strozniak | June 13, 2018

Charles V. Stanley remains in jail after allegedly committing more debt collection crimes while out on bail.

News

Broward Circuit Just Made It Easier for Litigants to Represent Themselves

Raychel Lean | June 12, 2018

Five self-help programs open for pro se litigants in the Broward County Courthouse.

Investor Pays $3M for Mostly Vacant Tamarac Building. Why?

Lidia Dinkova | June 12, 2018

Current Capital Real Estate Group bought the retail strip center at 6001-6091 N. University Drive with the plan to fill the holes.

Melo Group's Art Plaza Project Gets $85M Loan With Help From Holland & Knight

Lidia Dinkova | June 12, 2018

The Art Plaza project is a transit-oriented development near a Miami Metromover stop.

News

South Florida Law Firm That Served Drinks to Alcoholic Employee Isn't Responsible for Her Death

Raychel Lean | June 12, 2018

Paralegal Susan M. Salerno was struck and killed by a train on her way home from work, where she'd been served alcohol.

News

Chamber of Commerce Poll Points to Trouble for Many Ballot Proposals

Lloyd Dunkelberger, News Service of Florida| June 12, 2018

The poll, conducted in late May and early June, showed four amendments with the necessary 60 percent of voter support.

South Florida Attorneys Help Extradite Former Panamanian President Who Allegedly Spied on Judges

Samantha Joseph | June 12, 2018

Former Panamanian President Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Berrocal is set to stand trial in his country on embezzlement and wiretapping charges.

News

In Expansion Mode, Lubell Rosen Names 5 Partners, Plans Tampa Office

Catherine Wilson | June 12, 2018

Originally a medical malpractice defense firm, Lubell Rosen has added practice areas keyed to physicians' needs.

Sunrise Commercial Building Trades for $1.6 Million

Daily Business Review| June 12, 2018

Address: 2451 N. University Drive in Sunrise Property type: This is a 2,363-square-foot building with a designated use as a restaurant. Price:…

Commentary

Community Associations Should Make Effective Use of Social Media

Gary M. Mars| June 12, 2018

The use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites by community associations has gained some traction during the last several years.

News

How an Ex-Customer’s Complaint Shook Up Schwab

Ginger Szala | June 11, 2018

CEO Walt Bettinger once asked customers why they were leaving Schwab, and one answer really stuck with him.