Keith Appleby Elected President of Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association

Tampa, FL –  Keith T. Appleby has been elected President of the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association (TBBBA). He will serve a one-year term commencing in July 2012. The TBBBA has over 300 members representing debtors, creditors, and trustees in bankruptcy and provides its members with information necessary for the bankruptcy practice in the Tampa Division.

Keith T. Appleby practices in the Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring Practice Group at  Fowler White Boggs. He has experience in bankruptcy and creditor’s rights, foreclosures, commercial, corporate and general business litigation. Mr. Appleby received his B.A. from the University of Central Florida, his graduate certificate in Retail Bank Management from the Consumer Bankers Association at the University of Virginia, his M.B.A. from Stetson University, and his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. Prior to joining Fowler White Boggs, Mr. Appleby was a federal judicial intern for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida.

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Fowler White Boggs Bolsters Real Estate Practice With Courtenay Terrell and Timothy Zwerner

Court S. Terrell

Tampa, FL – Fowler White Boggs is pleased to announce that Court S. Terrell and Timothy M. Zwerner have joined the Firm’s Government, Environment and Real Estate Practice Group in its Tampa office.

Mr. Terrell focuses his practice in the areas of real estate and land development. His practice also includes the representation of commercial, residential, mixed-use and conversion condominium developers, deed restricted residential community developers, community development districts, homeowners’ associations, condominium associations, construction and acquisition loan borrowers, commercial landlords and tenants, franchise tenants, and commercial lending institutions. He is involved in numerous civic organizations, including the Bay Area Real Estate Council, the Exchange Club, the Princeton Club of Tampa Bay and Greyhound Rescue and Adoptions of Tampa Bay. Court received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his law degree from the University of Florida, where he also received his MBA.

Timothy M. Zwerner

Mr. Zwerner focuses his practice on commercial real estate acquisitions and sales; real estate finance; commercial leasing; property owners’ association law; title insurance; mortgage foreclosures and workouts; business and corporate law; and contracts. Tim received his undergraduate degree from Furman University and his law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

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W. CAMPBELL MCLEAN APPOINTED TO EXECUTIVE BOARD OF GULF RIDGE COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

W. Campbell McLean

TAMPA, FL — June 26, 2012 — W. Campbell McLean, an attorney in the Tampa office of GrayRobinson, P.A., has been appointed to the Executive Board of The Gulf Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America, where he will contribute to the success of several innovative state programs, such as a juvenile pre-trial intervention program and a career introduction program. The Gulf Ridge Council, Boys Scouts of America serves more than 30,000 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 21. As a Tampa native, McLean was a member of the Gulf Ridge Counsel's Troup 23 and was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in 1987.

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GRACE YANG ELECTED TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION BOARD

Grace H. Yang

TAMPA, FL — June 25, 2012 — Grace H. Yang, a shareholder in the Tampa office of GrayRobinson, P.A., has been elected to the Hillsborough County Bar Association's (HCBA) Board of Directors where she will work to promote respect for the law and the justice system through service to the legal profession and to the community. The HCBA works with attorneys in public practice in all areas of law and is a non-profit professional association with over 3,700 members.

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New Brazil Tampa Chamber Plans Organizational Meeting

Tampa, FL - The new Brazil Tampa Chamber will have an organization meeting at Boizao Brazilian Restaurant in Tampa on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Officially called the Florida Gulf Coast Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, its purposes is to promote trade, investment and employment opportunities between communities in the Gulf Coast of Florida and Brazil.

The guest speaker, Frank Ryll, Global Outreach Director of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, will speak on organizational and management issues. According to Florida Gulf Coast Brazilian Chamber organizer Joel Stewart, an attorney with Fowler White Boggs P.A., the Brazil Tampa Chamber will discuss its future plans and select persons to serve on committees at the July 18thmeeting.

The cost of the dinner and meeting will be $40 which includes the full salad bar, “Rodizio” barbecue served by Gauchos, and soft drinks. Wine, cocktails and desserts are available a la carte. The address of Boizao Steakhouse is 4606 W Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, Florida, 33607.

Persons wishing to attend must make reservations directly with the Chamber at 

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RIDGET MCNAMEE JOINS GRAYROBINSON’S BANKING & FINANCE PRACTICE

Bridget McNamee

TAMPA, FL— Bridget McNamee has joined the Tampa office of GrayRobinson, P.A., as an associate in the firm’s banking and finance litigation group. McNamee received her juris doctorate from Duke University School of Law and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. Prior to joining Gray Robinson, she interned for the Honorable Paul L. Huey at the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

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Michael Curry Joins Broad and Cassel’s Tampa Office

Michael A. Curry

TAMPA, Fla. — Michael A. Curry has joined Broad and Cassel's Tampa office as an associate in the Commercial Litigation Practice Group.

A Clearwater resident, Mr. Curry has been practicing in the Tampa area since 2006. His litigation practice spans a variety of areas, including real property litigation, title insurance litigation, and foreclosures.

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HOLLY GERSHOW JOINS HILL WARD HENDERSON

Holly L. Gershow

TAMPA – Holly L. Gershow has joined Hill Ward Henderson as an Associate in the firm’s Litigation Group. Her practice encompasses a broad range of complex litigation matters in federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels. Prior to joining Hill Ward Henderson, Gershow was an associate at Irell & Manella in Los Angeles. While at Irell, Gershow successfully defended the former CEO of the one-time largest mortgage originator against actions for securities and common law fraud in the sale of mortgage-backed securities and against actions brought by State Attorneys General for violations of consumer protection laws.

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Brad Kimbro Elected VP of University Club of Tampa Board

Brad Kimbro

Tampa, Fla. - Holland & Knight is pleased to announce that Brad Kimbro, Executive Partner of Holland & Knight's Tampa Bay Region, has been elected Vice President of the University Club of Tampa's Board of Directors. Mr. Kimbro has been a member of the Board since 2009.

Mr. Kimbro practices in the area of commercial litigation and is certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Circuit Mediator.

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GrayRobinson Expands Real Estate Practice in Tampa

Johanna P. Wood

TAMPA, FL— June 5, 2012 — Johanna P. Wood has joined the Tampa office of Gray Robinson, P.A., as an associate in the firm’s real estate practice. Wood previously served as a law clerk with the firm last summer and during her final semester of law school.

Wood focuses her practice in real estate law, including acquisition, financing, and leasing of commercial properties. Prior to attending law school, Wood became interested in real estate law while working at a boutique real estate law firm. While clerking at the GrayRobinson, she gained experience conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, and assisting with a variety of real estate transactions.

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Lydecker Diaz Expands Statewide Presence: Opens Offices in Tampa & Jacksonville

MIAMI, FL –May 11, 2012 – Florida law firm Lydecker Diaz continues its momentum of growth, opening offices in Tampa and Jacksonville and moving into more expansive offices in Orlando. These moves represent a significant increase in statewide presence, reflecting the firm’s client reach throughout Florida.

“While many law firms have been forced to cut back because of the state of economy, Lydecker Diaz has continued its strategic growth, first strengthening its core practices and now branching out into new parts of the state,” said Mark Hendricks, managing partner of Lydecker Diaz. “Lydecker Diaz’s three new offices in key Florida cities continue to solidify the firm’s presence and standing as one of the premier commercial litigation, corporate and transactional firms in the region.”

The Jacksonville office, located at 4720 Salisbury Road, the Tampa office located at 4511 North Himes Avenue, and the new Orlando office located at 390 N. Orlando Avenue will add to the firm’s footprint. In addition, the firm has named JW Webb as partner-in-charge of the Orlando office to manage the firm’s robust client list in the area. Mr. Webb has extensive experience managing law firm offices and focuses his practice in general civil trial and complex commercial litigation, insurance defense, and medical malpractice.

The new office openings come less than a year after Lydecker Diaz relocated its Miami office to an expanded space at 1221 Brickell Avenue, in the heart of downtown Miami’s Brickell Financial District. In the past four years, the firm has grown by nearly 60%, from 40 attorneys to 70.

Lydecker Diaz is a full service commercial law firm serving clients throughout Florida. The firm’s attorneys bring extensive experience in the areas of commercial and financial litigation, intellectual property, labor & employment, appeals, and corporate & business transactions. www.LydeckerDiaz.com

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Request to Contact Governor and Attorney General - Civil Legal Assistance Funding

Many of you may have heard that there is $2 million in the 2012-13 state budget for Civil Legal Assistance under the Florida Access to Civil Legal Assistance Act (FACLA). The funds go through the Attorney General's Office/Department of Legal Affairs to the Foundation and are granted out to local legal aid programs (see attached list of grantees from 2010-11 when state funding was $1 million).

We had no state funding last year as Governor Scott vetoed the $1 million appropriation. So, this year, we need to redouble our efforts to secure the Governor's and Attorney General's support. This state funding is especially critical to local legal aid programs in light of the Foundation having to cut its funding because of the drop in IOTA revenue.

We ask that you contact Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi this week or very early next week (and ask others to do so -- especially those who know the Governor and/or Attorney General) and encourage them to support the $2 million appropriation. There was no controversy in the Legislature about this funding (there never has been).

You can let the Governor and Attorney General know how important legal aid is in your community, the difference it makes in the lives of those most vulnerable and how much the state funds are needed.

Contact information, including email links follow. A list of attached resources to assist you follows the content information.

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STEVEN L. DANIELS ANNOUNCED AS NEW ADL FLORIDA CHAIR

Boca Raton, FL, April 4, 2012…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is proud to announce the installment of Steven L. Daniels as its new Florida Regional Chair.  Mr. Daniels is the coordinating partner in the West Palm Beach and Boca Raton offices of Arnstein & Lehr, LLP.  Mr. Daniels was installed as Chair of the ADL Florida Regional Board at the Board's April 3^rd meeting.  He replaces Seth Gadinsky of Miami Beach who served as Chair for the past two years.

"I am very excited about my new role with ADL,” stated Steven Daniels, ADL Florida Regional Chair. “It is an agency that does excellent work both locally and nationally and yet, there are still so many important initiatives to create, and to grow. There are people in this State who need to be educated, who need to be protected and who need to know that ADL is there for them. I am honored to lead the Florida Region of ADL in that challenge."

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Howard Scholl named partner at Cole Scott & Kissane PA

Howard Scholl was recently promoted to partner in the Tampa office of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. . He handles cases involving personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death, nursing home neglect, medical malpractice claims, contract disputes including insurance claims, construction defect as well as other general liability issues and claims for professional malpractice.

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American Bar Association 6-Month Free Membership

The American Bar Association offers an ABA and Section 6-Month Trial Membership. Depending on when you received your original Bar Admission, it's a possible savings of up to $399.

This complimentary ABA and Section membership is only available to non-members who are currently licensed to practice law in the United States. You may not utilize the complimentary membership offer if you were enrolled as an ABA member for the 2011-2012 membership year. Your complimentary membership will end at the end of the ABA Membership year on August 31, 2012. Your ABA membership will automatically renew and you will be billed for 2012-2013 ABA dues beginning in Sept, 2012. If you choose not to renew, simply cancel the membership when you send back your invoice, or call 800-285-2221

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U.S. Supreme Court Swearing-in May 14, 2012

If You Have Dreamed of Being Admitted to Practice before the United States Supreme Court--REGISTER NOW!
A Unique Opportunity Has Been Arranged For You By The Palm Beach County Bar Association in conjunction with the Clearwater and Hillsborough County Bar Associations

Arrangements have been made for a limited group of Bar Association members to be sworn in at the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 14, 2012. This is a great opportunity, however, the deadline is April 13, so you must act now to be included! Please carefully read all of the information below on how to apply to be included.

Click the link below for full details of this opportunity. Members will be required to make their own hotel and travel arrangements. However, a limited block of rooms is being held until April 13 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. Completed Supreme Court applications must be submitted to the County Bar Association by April 13. Click here for more details

Supreme Court Application & Instructions FIRST: Candidates must obtain a certificate of good standing from The Florida Supreme Court. Send a letter to the clerk's office requesting the certificate. You should include your name, Florida Bar number and a self addressed stamp envelope for return of the certificate. The fee for a certificate is $1.00 per certificate. Checks should be made payable to the "Clerk, Florida Supreme Court." Please send the request to: Florida Supreme Court, Attention: Clerk's Office, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1927 To be eligible for admission, candidates are required to complete an application which includes the certificate of good standing from The Florida Supreme Court and sponsorship by two local attorneys admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. The link below will take you to the Supreme Court's website where the application and instructions are posted and downloadable. Activities will include a reception with all candidates and guests Sunday night and a breakfast and tour at the Supreme Court on May 14. Each candidate may bring only one guest into the courtroom. Space is limited to only 50 candidates, so don't delay. Direct any questions to Kathy Clark by email at kclark@palmbeachbar.org U.S. Supreme Court Admission Rules & Application A complete packet needs to returned to the PBCBA by April 13 and must include all of the following: 1. Copy of the PBCBA application along with a check in the amount of $175 payable to PBCBA 2. Certificate of Good Standing from the Florida Supreme Court (instrux above) 3. Completed U.S. Supreme Court Application along with a check payable to US Supreme Court (do not send this to the Court).

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GRAYROBINSON ADDS RACHEL PETERKIN IN TAMPA

TAMPA, FL— March 7, 2012 —Rachel S. Peterkin has joined the Tampa office of GrayRobinson, P.A. as an of-counsel attorney in the real estate practice group. Peterkin brings over 13 years of experience to the firm and will focus her practice on commercial real estate. She has represented clients with the negotiation of commercial leases, purchase and sale agreements as well as reviewing, negotiating and drafting construction and design contracts, among others.

“Rachel is a well-rounded attorney who will bring additional depth to the GrayRobinson real estate practice group,” said GrayRobinson president Byrd F. “Biff” Marshall, Jr. “Her extensive knowledge and practice will be of significant benefit to our clients and our firm.”

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Rhea Law Named President of the United States Law Firm Group

Tampa, FL – Rhea F. Law, CEO and Chair of the Board of Fowler White Boggs, has been named president of the United States Law Firm Group (USLFG), a network of independent law firms with more than 6,000 lawyers operating globally. Ms. Law will serve as president for a one year term commencing February 2012.

Ms. Law has more than 30 years experience in Government, Environmental, Administrative & Land Use representation. Rhea’s practice has grown to include representation of some of the largest mixed use development projects in the State of Florida. Her representation of developers, landowners, governments, businesses and industries has covered a full range of permitting, entitlement, approvals, and policy creation and implementation.

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Clayton Bricklemyer has been made a shareholder in Bricklemyer Smolker & Bolves

Clayton Bricklemyer has been made a shareholder in Bricklemyer Smolker & Bolves in Tampa. A graduate of University of Florida Levin College of Law , Bricklemyer concentrates his practice in the area of real estate development, focusing on the purchase and sale, entitlement, and permitting of property, representing developers, builders, businesses, and land owners.

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Gregory M. Marks has joined Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick

Gregory M. Marks has joined Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick in Sarasota as a partner practicing in the areas of tax and corporate law. 

Greg was a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig (Miami office) for almost 15 years before joining Shumaker. 

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