Michelle de Leon News
Former Florida trial attorney is new CEO of Martin Health
A former Florida trial lawyer was named the new president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Martin Health System this past summer.
Florida attorney contributes $28,000 to Active Shooter Response Kits for Tampa police
TAMPA -- A local legal foundation has partnered with Rise Tampa Our Police Foundation to donate Active Shooter Response Kits worth $28,000 to the Tampa police force.
Orlando law firm launches deaf and disability rights unit
ORLANDO -- An Orlando-based law firm has created a deaf and disability rights unit to provide legal assistance to people with disabilities.
Retired football player files suit against NFL for denial of disability claim
PALM BEACH -– A former professional football player who is now a Palm Beach resident has filed a lawsuit against the National Football League (NFL) to claim the medical benefits he allegedly earned. The lawsuit was filed in the West Palm Beach Division of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Appellate court allows whistleblower to pursue suit against Miami alleging retaliation
MIAMI – The appellate court declared that a former independent auditor general (IAG), who exposed indiscretions in Miami’s government offices, was protected under the Whistleblower’s Act.
Florida Supreme Court suspends Maria Elena Perez for ethics violations
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Supreme Court has suspended Maria Elena Perez, the Coral Gables lawyer who represented Nevin Shapiro in his Ponzi scheme case, for ethics violations of the rules regulating the Florida Bar.
Lawyer for ‘meritless’ audit petition over Pulse nightclub victims’ donations leaves firm
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – The attorney who filed for an audit lawsuit on behalf of one of the victims of the June 12 Pulse nightclub shooting incident has cut ties with his law firm.
Lawyer says legislation has not stopped texting and driving
MILTON, FLORIDA – The new law against texting while driving in Florida received a lukewarm response from citizens as offenders could only be punished if they are caught committing another traffic violation. That is, the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving” law classified the violation as a secondary offense.
Court imposes restraining order, freezes assets of Florida-based pop-up 'security' ad maker
CHICAGO – A federal judge issued a restraining order and a freeze of assets against a
Boynton Beach, Florida, tech support group for allegedly tricking consumers into using its services.
Medicaid lawsuit concludes with settlement over failure to provide prompt care to children
MIAMI – The 10-year battle over the Medicaid program in Florida finally came to an end with taxpayers tasked to pay the legal bills and settlement fees to the families and medical practitioners involved in the case.
Appeals court judge questions couples' claim in fee-only case against CFP Board
The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has questioned the allegations of prejudice raised by Jeff Camarda and his wife, Kimberly, against the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) during an appeals hearing.
Florida Bar honors William Young Jr. with pro bono service award
TALLAHASSEE -- An associate from Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter has been named as a recipient of The Florida Bar's exceptional pro bono service award.
Construction lawyers added to Boyd & Jenerette's new Orlando office
ORLANDO -- Two new construction lawyers have joined the firm Boyd & Jenerette, which recently opened a new office in Orlando.
Coral Gables attorney elected to Fiduciary Trust International of the South board of directors
MIAMI -- A senior vice president in a Miami-based law firm has been named one of the newly appointed members of the Fiduciary Trust International of the South board of directors.
Multi-million-dollar claim by smoker against R.J. Reynolds denied
WEST PALM BEACH -- R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. was found not liable to pay for the health problems of a 70-year-old man who is suffering from emphysema.
Three Florida firms join in program to welcome women back from career breaks
Law firms in Florida have become more open to hiring women lawyers who voluntarily took a break from their profession to attend to personal matters such as raising their children and managing their households date, three Florida firms have expressed support of the program granting assistance to these women.
Poll says Floridians dubious about trial lawyers
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The latest poll conducted by the Florida Chamber Political Institute revealed that Floridians do not see trial lawyers in a favorable light.
Federal court denies collective action claim in suit alleging wage-law violation
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – A Florida federal district court has denied the collective action claim of the petitioners in the case of Tamera Goers, et. al. v. L.A. Entertainment Group and Amer Salameh, a case concerning workers who allegedly were paid only in tips.
Questions are raised about defender who has seen several clients go to death row
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – Amid the spending concerns raised against outgoing Fourth Judicial Circuit public defender Matt Shirk, questions on his choice of second-in-command have been bombarding him since his election in 2008. Experts believe that failure to properly prepare for cases has caused unnecessary suffering to the office's clients.
Pulse nightclub first responders denied PTSD compensation
ORLANDO -- The state of Florida is being urged by one of the first responders in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting incident to allow those in their profession who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to receive long-term disability payments from the state.