News from 2016
Betancourt Construction Inc. alleges it was not paid for federal project work
ORLANDO – A Davie contractor alleges it was not paid for work on a federal project.
Florida Bar Foundation adds attorney as new pro bono program officer
MIAMI -- On Nov. 7, the Florida Bar Foundation brought on Anais Taboas as its new pro bono program officer.
Pacific Legal Foundation asks Florida Supreme Court to hear undertakings case
MARATHON – The Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) has asked the Florida Supreme Court to review a regulatory undertakings case that pits the owners of a small island in the Florida Keys against the town that allegedly took jurisdiction over the property nearly three decades after it was purchased.
Jones Day argues that federal law on smoking lawsuits should preempt state laws
TALLAHASSEE -- Attorney Gregory Katsas with Jones Day in Washington, representing tobacco company R.J. Reynolds, recently argued before the Florida Supreme Court that in Florida courts, the liability and negligence claims of smokers are preempted by federal law.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida operating with half the staff needed
GAINESVILLE — The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida will be operating with half the judicial staff they require after Judge Robert Hinkle was reassigned to senior status. The court now has two vacancies.
Florida floral business asks U.S. Supreme Court to hear tax dispute
TALLAHASSEE — A Florida florist has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the state’s flower tax after the Florida Supreme Court upheld the levy in a decision issued in May.
Former employee accuses paving company of not paying overtime
FORT LAUDERDALE — A former employee is suing a paving company and officials, alleging violations of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by failing to pay overtime.
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.
Miami attorney Julie Braman Kane to lead American Association for Justice
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The American Association for Justice (AAJ) has named Julie Braman Kane as president for 2017. Kane is a partner of Colson Hicks Eidson in its Coral Gables, Florida office. Colson Hicks Eidson also has offices in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans.
Employee alleges Liberty Mutual failed to pay proper benefits
MIAMI — A Florida woman is suing Liberty Life, alleging breach of contract in failing to pay disability benefits.
Employee accuses janitorial business of failing to pay overtime
OCALA — A Pinellas County woman is suing a Lake County janitorial business, alleging unpaid overtime wages and violation of workers compensation acts.
Attorney files motion for rehearing in Trump competency case
BOCA RATON - A Florida attorney continues his fight to have the mental capacity of President-elect Donald Trump examined.
Financial services company accuses competitor of trademark infringement
FORT LAUDERDALE — A financial services company is suing a similarly named business, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.
Florida Supreme Court foreclosure ruling expected to increase filings, provide clarity
TALLAHASSEE – A Florida Supreme Court ruling allowing mortgage lenders to resume suspended foreclosure proceedings at any time likely will mean an increase in foreclosure filings, according to three mortgage experts, who also agree the ruling provides much-needed clarity and consistency to lenders.
Guardian blames Carnival Cruise Line for minor's golf ball injury
MIAMI — A minor is suing a Carnival Cruise Line, alleging the defendant's negligence led to the plaintiff getting in his eye by a golf ball.
Former employee alleges Broward County companies failed to pay overtime
FORT LAUDERDALE — A Florida man is suing his Broward County employers, alleging unpaid wages, violation of applicable minimum wage law, and violation of workers compensation acts.
Dade County man alleges employer failed to pay overtime
MIAMI — A Dade County man is suing his employer, alleging unpaid wages, violation of applicable minimum wage law and violation of workers compensation acts.
Punta Gorda attorney still practicing law, despite facing heroin trafficking charges
PUNTA GORDA - Criminal defense attorney Steven Burch continues to practice law despite facing federal charges for trafficking heroin.
Services company alleges cargo vessel owners owe $256,000
JACKSONVILLE — A services company is suing cargo vessel owners, alleging breach of contract and failure to pay $256,000 for completed work.
Jacksonville motorist alleges driver's negligence caused crash
JACKSONVILLE — A Jacksonville motorist is suing another driver and a carrier, alleging their negligence caused a crash that injured the plaintiff.