Florida Bar News – The Evolution of Discipline Cases and the Court’s Treatment of Professionalism

Most Florida Bar members uphold the high ethical standards the profession demands. But for the small fraction who risk discipline through unprofessional conduct, “The First Amendment is a poor defense.” So warns Tampa attorney Scott Tozian, a former prosecutor and former Florida Bar staff counsel who primarily defends lawyers in grievance cases. The Supreme Court…

[FLN – More Big Announcements] – Advocates Board Room – 2 Great Ways to Participate

  More Exciting Announcements . . . . 2 Great Ways to Participate  “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” -Jim Rohn Greetings Everyone: Cold temperatures in South Florida this morning have everyone scrambling for their favorite jackets and sweaters. It’s a nice change,  but many South Florida residents prefer…

Florida Bar News – Senate Judiciary Moves Measure to Protect City and County Attorneys

“Such attorneys have received death threats and emails from disgruntled persons. Other incidents have included the stalking of such attorneys and their spouses and children.”   Sen. Danny Burgess Citing a rash of death threats, the Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a proposal to shield the personal identifying information of current and former city and…

Florida Bar News – House Panel Moves Bill to Allow Businesses to Sue Over Lost Income Due to Ordinances

 Rep. Lawrence McClure Over the strong objection of  cities and counties, a House panel has approved a measure that would give businesses a right to sue when a local ordinance hurts their bottom line. The Civil Justice and Property Rights Subcommittee voted 12-3 on January 13 to approve HB 569 by Rep. Lawrence McClure, R-Plant City. “It’s…

Florida Bar News – Measure Would Create an ‘Office of Child Representation’

           Sen. Lauren Book Florida would create an “Office of Child Representation” to provide attorneys for abused, abandoned, or neglected children under a measure that is moving through the Florida Senate. The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee voted 7-0 on January 11 to approve SB 948 by Senate Democratic Leader Lauren…

Florida Bar News – Measure Aims at Strengthening Penalties for Drug Dealers When Customers Die

  Sen. Jason Brodeur The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a measure that would make it easier to charge drug dealers with first-degree murder when their customers die of an overdose. Over the objection of some Democrats, the committee voted 7-3 on January 10 to approve SB 190 by Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary. The measure merely…