PRACTICE AREAS

Labor and Employment Law

The Firm’s representation in this practice area encompasses virtually all issues affecting the workplace. In traditional Labor Law, the Firm represents private and public sector employers in a variety of matters, including:

• representation hearings
• union clarification proceedings and amendment to certification hearings
• union elections
• litigation of unfair labor practice cases before the Public Employees Relations Commission and the National Labor Relations Board
• contract negotiation

The Firm also represents private and public sector employers in EEO and civil rights litigation including the defense of employers in the litigation of discrimination claims, Family and Medical Leave Act claims, whistle-blower actions, retaliation lawsuits and overtime claims and additional claims arising from the hiring, firing and retention of employees.

The Firm also provides transactional advice to its clients in Americans With Disabilities Act compliance issues, sexual harassment policy creation, overtime and other wage and hour matters, contract disputes, Family and Medical Leave Act compliance, occupational safety and health issues and other concerns arising from the hiring, retention and firing of employees.

Our firm emphasizes a preventative approach for employers, including counseling on legal issues which affect the workplace. We also assist clients in preventing litigation whenever possible.

Civil Rights Litigation

The Firm represents public sector entities in lawsuits filed under Federal civil rights laws, including 42 U.S.C.§1983.

Commercial Transactions and Commercial Litigation

The Firm represents its clients in contract negotiations and the litigation of commercial contract disputes. The Firm also represents clients in ERISA matters and in other commercial disputes arising under State and Federal law.

School Law

The Firm represents several school boards and Superintendents around the State. In addition, the Firm represents several charter schools in all aspects of their operation.

Special Education Litigation

The Firm represents school districts in the defense of IDEA and Section 504 lawsuits. The Firm also provides advice to districts with regard to the creation and implementation of student Individualized Education Plans.

Local Government

The firm has served as general counsel to various local government entities, including special districts and muti-jurisdictional water and wastewater utility authorities.  One of our firm attorneys also previously served in the role of assistant city attorney for a number of years prior to entering private practice.  The firm has also served as special counsel to state agencies and counties and cities. The firm has provided transactional and litigation service to clients in various substantive legal areas, including public records and Sunshine Laws, public ethics, water and wastewater utilities, employment and labor law, elections, voting rights, grievances, arbitrations, property taxation, education and school law, and collective bargaining negotiations.

Water & Wastewater Utilities

The Firm represents clients with legal issues involving or affecting water and wastewater utilities, including acquisition, financing and funding, ratemaking, policy development, interpretation and advice regarding Federal and State laws and rules, permitting issues, enforcement actions, procurement, and property matters. The Firm presently serves as General Counsel to two public water authorities.

Professional License Defense

The Firm represents professional license holders in discipline proceedings, application denials and other license defense matters. Our attorneys have experience in appearing before professional licensing boards, assisting clients during the investigative process, and aggressively defending clients in administrative litigation proceedings. The Firm represents certified educators and clients before health care licensing boards, contractor boards and other professional boards.

Law Enforcement Liability

Our police and corrections liability practice area is focused on the defense of local and state government agencies as well as police and correctional officers sued in their individual and official capacities.  Our attorneys have experience defending a wide variety of civil rights violations brought pursuant to “Section 1983” including violations of the Fourth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, as well as a variety of state law claims.  We are well versed in the immunities available to agencies and individuals and are cognizant of the public scrutiny and media intensive nature of police liability litigation.

Administrative Law

The Firm represents its clients in administrative matters at the local and State levels. This representation includes informal resolutions of matters with agency staff, participation in rule-making proceedings and declaratory statements, administrative litigation, license defense proceedings and appellate work.

Alcoholic Beverage Law

The Firm provides representation in the area of alcohol beverage and liquor law, including beer and liquor licensing, regulatory defense, transactional issues and litigation on behalf of clients involved in the manufacture, distribution and retail sale of malt beverages, wine and distilled spirits. The Firm also serves as counsel to the Beer Industry of Florida, a professional trade and advocacy group that promotes the ethical, legal and business interests of the beer industry and its member distributors.

123 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850.205.1996
850.205.3004 FAX