Kerry Goff News
Florida company fights Google over search results rankings
MIAMI -- Wagoner Firm PLLC, an Albany law firm focused on startups, technology companies and securities, has been representing a Miami-based business in a suit against Google, which has not fared well for the internet giant.
Well-known Monticello attorney dies
GAINESVILLE -- Well-known and successful Monticello attorney John David Caminez passed away Sept. 25 in Chance Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. For almost 43 years, he litigated cases involving personal injury and wrongful death in northern Florida, as well as served as co-counsel for numerous cases in Georgia, Alabama and other states.
Medicaid suit creates more taxpayer drain in legal fees
If you thought taxpayer fees would go up because of Obamacare, what happens when a suit against the system creates more drain on the taxpayer? In recent legal invoices submitted by multiple state agencies, they show that Florida's Medicaid health agencies have accrued up $7.8 million in legal costs since 2006 during a drawn-out lawsuit over the program.
Appeals court seeks second opinion from Supreme Court on construction defect claims
TALLAHASSEE -- In a recent Florida federal district court case, the court addressed whether insurance companies issuing insurance policies in Florida must provide a defense to their insureds from construction defect claims.
Florida urged to follow DOJ's footsteps in phasing out private prisons
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Justice Department recently announced that it is ending its relationship with private prison companies, citing poor results in safety, services and affordability. The new inspector general's report found that contract facilities were inferior to government-run ones.
Florida lawyer joins prominent law firm GrayRobinson
TALLAHASSEE -- George T. Levesque, who is known as one of the top lawyers for the Florida Senate, recently joined the GrayRobinson law firm in Tallahassee. His practice areas include administrative and regulatory, appellate, government, government relations and lobbying, and litigation services for the firm.
Partisan attacks are creating issues for judiciary, Florida judges write
TALLAHASSEE – Justice Barbara J. Pariente and F. James Robinson recently wrote an
article for the May 2016 issue of the Florida Bar Journal that addressed how merit-based selection and retention is affected by partisan attacks.
Florida Bar Journal addresses the need for adult civic education
TALLAHASSEE – The May 2016 issue of the Florida Bar Journal addressed multiple angles of civic education and ways to create a more trusting relationship between the people and the legal system.
Defamation not easy to determine on the internet regarding hyperlinks
TALLAHASSEE – Donna Eng, Roy E. Fitzgerald III and Gregory S. Weiss recently published an article in the May 2016 issue of the Florida Bar Journal that addressed online defamation and whether or not the rules need to be revisited with regards to hyperlinks that lead to defamatory and libelous information.
Judge hopes Justice Teaching program continues goal of 'well-informed citizenry that can operate and maintain the government structure'
TALLAHASSEE – In the May 2016 issue of the Florida Bar Journal, Justice R. Fred Lewis wrote an article addressing his dedication to educating students on the importance of democracy and the legal system, and how his Justice Teaching program has become a success in Florida.
Supreme Court brief reaffirms 2013 decision regarding limits in workers' comp claims
TALLAHASSEE – The state Supreme Court submitted a brief on June 9 in regards to the Westphal v. City of St. Petersburg case, which involved a challenge to the constitutionality of Florida’s workers’ compensation scheme.
Supreme Court disciplines 32 attorneys, Florida Bar summary reports
TALLAHASSEE – Based on the summaries of orders that were issued between April 4 and June 30, the Florida Bar disciplined 32 attorneys for various offenses, ranging from six disbarments, two revocations, 16 suspensions, and eight public reprimands. Additionally, two attorneys received probation and one was required to pay restitution.
Florida Bar members to share opinions in poll on 31 judges up for retention in November
TALLAHASSEE – Florida law requires Florida Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges to be placed on the ballot in nonpartisan elections every six years for voters to re-elect them or not, and this year, there will be 31 such options on the ballot.
Filthaut faces permanent disbarment for 'despicable acts'
TALLAHASSEE – Adam Robert Filthaut, an attorney who practiced law with Adams & Diaco in Tampa, is still facing the possibility of permanent disbarment for allegedly participating in the orchestration of the wrongful arrest of an opposing counsel in a high-profile, multimillion dollar case.
Adams faces possible permanent disbarment after allegedly plotting opposing attorney's arrest
TALLAHASSEE – Robert Adams, a Tampa attorney who worked with the Adams & Diaco law firm, was charged by the Florida Bar with several violations of the ethical standards for lawyers. He, along with two other attorneys, was accused of acting to orchestrate the DUI arrest of opposing counsel in a high-profile, multimillion dollar case to benefit his firm and his client.
FJRI's mission: 'Restoring accountability and predictability' to state's justice system
TALLAHASSEE – In a recent survey taken by Harris poll for the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, Florida is ranked as one of the 10 worst legal climates in the country, ranking 44th out of all 50 states. The Florida Justice Reform Institute (FJRI) is one organization dedicated to making it harder for trial lawyers to target businesses for lawsuits.
Bondi at RNC: 'America's for Trump, and so am I'
CLEVELAND – Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke at the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on the third day of the convention on July 20, supporting a Trump presidency and criticizing President Barack Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in her speech.
Florida Supreme Court suspends attorney for contempt, alleged lack of response
TALLAHASSEE – On May 13, the Florida Supreme Court found attorney Mirta Desir, who practices law in West Palm Beach, in contempt of the court after she allegedly failed to respond to a request from the Bar to show cause for a client complaint.
Attorney ordered to attend ethics school after allegedly charging excessive fees
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Supreme Court filed a petition on May 19 for attorney Sarah E. Cox, who practices law in Fort Myers, reprimanding and ordering her to attend the Florida Bar's Ethics School and pay all fines and costs.
Attorney receives Bar revocation after alleged misappropriation of client's settlement
TALLAHASSEE – The Supreme Court of Florida filed a petition on May 19 for disciplinary revocation of attorney Richard John DeSanto, who practices in Fort Lauderdale.