News from August 2016
State's judges 'underpaid,' may deter lawyers from entering profession
JACKSONVILLE – Recent scrutiny has been placed on judges’ salaries in Florida as some of the lowest in the country.
Graphic designer alleges she was terminated in retaliation by House of Wu
FORT MYERS – A former employee has filed a class-action lawsuit against a Fort Myers retail business claiming she was terminated in retaliation for complaining about the employer's allegedly unlawful wage practices.
Vessel owners seek declaratory judgment over former yacht captains claims
TAMPA – Three companies and owners of a vessel alleges a former Manatee County man has filed a claim against them and seek declaratory judgment.
Suit filed against Brother International Corp. over use of QR codes in advertising
MIAMI – A Texas company alleges a New Jersey corporation uses its patented technology in advertising.
Man claims debt collectors filed suit against him over debt that wasn't his
MIAMI – A Broward County man alleges debt collectors improperly took legal action against him over a debt that did not belong to him.
Bank of America accused of harassing woman over alleged debt that isn't hers
MIAMI – A Broward County woman claims a bank has repeatedly harassed her with calls trying to collect an alleged debt belonging to another person.
Couple alleges hernia mesh patch was defective
PANAMA CITY – A Jackson County couple alleges that the wife was injured by a defective medical device.
Atit Inc. did not pay overtime, minimum wage, employee says
PENSACOLA – A man has filed suit against the operator of wine and liquor stores alleging he was not paid overtime wages or a proper minimum wage.
Bradenton attorney recognized as 50-year member of Florida Bar
Michael J. Furen has been an attorney since 1966
First GREEN Bank opens specialized department for attorneys
ORLANDO – First GREEN Bank (FGB) recently announced it is now offering specialized banking services to the 90,000-plus licensed attorneys in the state of Florida through its Attorney Banking Department.
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.
Court approves Bar's petition to suspend Coral Gables attorney
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Bar filed a petition to the Florida Supreme Court for contempt and order to show cause requesting a one-year suspension against attorney George Joseph Charnota, who practices law in Coral Gables, for alleged noncompliance to past Bar and court inquiries and orders.
Woman alleged to have not paid education loan
MIAMI – An Indian River County woman is alleged to have not paid back a loan.
Ocwen Loan Servicing accused of telephone harassment
MIAMI – A Broward County woman alleges invasion of privacy against a debt collector.
Marc Jacobs alleges sellers offer counterfeit goods
MIAMI – Two New York companies allege that online sellers are distributing counterfeit copies of its goods.
Carbamericas alleges carrier damaged mangos in transport
MIAMI – A Broward County business alleges its cargo of mangos was damaged in transport and has filed a suit against the carrier.
Woman alleges Sacred Heart Health System wrongfully terminated her
PENSACOLA – A Pensacola woman alleges she was wrongfully terminated and not properly paid by her former nonprofit employer.
Howard Law Group accused of misleading debt collection practices
MIAMI – A Miami-Dade man claims that a debt collector sent a letter that violated laws and regulations in an attempt to collect the alleged debt.