Harris Meyer

October 11, 2004 | Law.com

Managing partners at South Florida law firms are optimistic about their financial prospects -- they plan to significantly boost associate pay, open new offices and expand their business in the coming year. But even with the flourishing legal market, the firms still face major challenges; most agree the biggest are the rising cost of employee benefits and a deteriorating political climate. Says one partner: "There clearly is simmering hostility against lawyers in this state."

By Harris Meyer

9 minute read

March 22, 2007 | Law.com

Barbados-based Bancafe International Bank is the first company to file for newly established Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in a federal bankruptcy court in Florida. Chapter 15 filings, established by a 2005 federal bankruptcy law, are intended to allow foreign companies going through international bankruptcy proceedings easier access to U.S. courts. "No matter where creditors are this puts it all under one judicial roof," says Gregory S. Grossman, who is representing Bancafe International's custodian.

By Rebecca Riddick and Harris Meyer

7 minute read

September 30, 2005 | Law.com

Several recent Florida rulings have found in favor of medical malpractice plaintiffs who want to use a new state constitutional amendment to obtain previously confidential hospital records on medical errors and physician discipline. Defense and plaintiffs lawyers are battling over the amendment, which could have a major impact on malpractice litigation -- as well as on the ability of hospitals and their medical staffs to conduct physician peer review and monitor quality of care.

By Dan Lynch and Harris Meyer

10 minute read

December 18, 2006 | Law.com

To Google or not to Google is the dilemma plaguing The Florida Bar in its protracted debate over how to regulate law firm Internet sites. Because the Bar board of governors deadlocked on proposed new Web site rules at its monthly meeting Dec. 8, law firm sites could be completely unregulated as of Jan. 1 -- unless the Florida Supreme Court takes action. The impasse reflects the legal community's uncertainty and confusion about the brave new world of marketing to consumers via the Internet.

By Jordana Mishory and Harris Meyer

8 minute read

May 17, 2005 | Law.com

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy never mentioned the names of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay or other conservative leaders who are out for his head. But the justice's speech Friday at the 11th Circuit Judicial Conference in Florida could be interpreted as a low-key repudiation of their verbal attacks. Among other topics, Kennedy discussed the relationship between international law and U.S. law -- a flash point between conservatives and an emerging Court majority willing to look abroad for guidance.

By Harris Meyer

4 minute read

July 07, 2005 | Law.com

Responding to criticism that it wasn't adequately policing physician reporting and payment of malpractice claims, the Florida Department of Health says in a new report that its system for identifying doctors who don't comply with the rules is "effective," despite flaws such as unclear instructions and a confusing online reporting system. A Republican lawmaker who has been a persistent critic of the Health Department's oversight of physicians says the report shows the need for tougher enforcement.

By Harris Meyer

9 minute read

January 16, 2004 | Law.com

A Florida Bar panel will consider today whether members of a nominating commission appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush asked judicial candidates questions that were sexually discriminatory or were political or religious litmus tests. But Bar president Miles A. McGrane III said that even if commission members behaved improperly, any remedies are up to the governor.

By Harris Meyer and Julie Kay

12 minute read

August 18, 2003 | Law.com

Frank Shepherd, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's pick for an appeals bench, is a top attorney for the conservative Pacific Legal Foundation, which places special emphasis on a provision of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the government from taking private property for public use without just compensation. Shepherd is a controversial choice for both political and personal reasons.

By Laurie Cunningham and Harris Meyer

9 minute read

May 17, 2005 | Law.com

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy never mentioned the names of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay or other conservative leaders who are out for his head. But the justice's speech Friday at the 11th Circuit Judicial Conference in Florida could be interpreted as a low-key repudiation of their verbal attacks. Among other topics, Kennedy discussed the relationship between international law and U.S. law -- a flash point between conservatives and an emerging Court majority willing to look abroad for guidance.

By Harris Meyer

4 minute read

May 18, 2005 | The Legal Intelligencer

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy never mentioned the names of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay or other conservative leaders who are out for his head.

By Harris Meyer

4 minute read