14th Annual Circuit Court Boot Camp: The Nuts and Bolts (FL) [Two-Part Webinar] (Watch Live or via OnDemand Streaming)

Agenda

Agenda

Part 1:   Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Part 2:  Thursday, May 22, 2025

Times for both parts:
1:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. EDT

Faculty: Kathryn Ender,Yusuf Haidermota, Jeannete Lewis, Jessica Kramer, Douglas McCarron, Anthony (Tony) Sos, Peter Sotolongo, Joshua Spector and Kimberly Wald
Tentative:  Laura Reich

Judge: Hon. Milena Abreu

Part 1:  Tuesday, May 20, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. EDT

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
The Early Parts of your Case: Themes, Complaints, Answers, and More.
Joshua Spector and Jeannete Lewis

• Early case assessment and themes
• The Complaint – advice and strategies
• Answering the complaint
• Defenses vs. Affirmative Defenses
• Motions directed at the pleadings
  • Motions to dismiss
  • Motions for a more definite statement
  • Motions to strike
• Practice pointers and pitfalls
• Additional important rules
• Mistakes not to make

2:15 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
BREAK

2:25 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Depositions
Peter Sotolongo

• State v. Federal rule differences
• Timelines and Deadlines
• Circuit Court Rules
• Easy/common mistakes to avoid
• Deciding whom to depose
• Taking good depositions – mistakes not to make
• Making effective use of depositions at trial
• Using depositions for settlement talks
• Objections to depositions
• Dealing with difficult counsel
• Bringing in the judge
• Deposition related sanctions motions

4:00 p.m. – 4:35 p.m.
Other Motions
Jessica Kramer

• Continuances
• Ex Parte Motions
• TROs and Preliminary Injunctions
• Sanctions
• Common hearings
  • Differences between various hearings, such as Ex Parte, Evidentiary, MSJ  and other standard issue hearings.

4:35 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Final Questions

 ** End Part 1 **

Part 2: Thursday, May 22, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. EDT

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Discovery and E-Discovery
Kimberly Wald

• Deciding what matters to your case
• New discovery / E-Discovery rules
• Scope of discovery / proportionality
• Interrogatories, Requests for Production and responses
• Failure to preserve / sanctions
• Subpoenas and Affidavits
• Meet and confer requirements/creating a good record
• Considerations for trial and settlement
• Key Rules, Timelines and Overlooked Deadlines
• Common Procedural Issues
• Preparing your client
• Preparing your expert witness
• Motions to Compel/for Protective Order
• Sanctions
• Cost cutting measures
• Dealing with unresponsive opposing counsel
• E-Discovery: Costs, Authentication, Sources and preservation

2:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
BREAK

2:40 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Motions for Summary Judgment
Yusuf Haidermota

• Timing
• Strategic considerations
• Cost considerations
• Writing Persuasive Briefs
  • Intro
  • Headers
  • Content
  • Conclusion
• Mistakes to Avoid
• What judges want, need and don’t want to see
• Oral Argument tips

3:45 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
BREAK

3:55 p.m. – 4:35 p.m.
Pre-Trial Matters

• Pretrial Conference and Order
• Trial Briefs
• Pretrial Statement
• Motions in Limine
• Final Status Conference
• Trier of Fact Decisions

4:35 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Final Questions

 ** End Part 2 **

The following agenda is tentative, please check back soon for updates.

Date/Time/Location

Two- Part Webinar

Dates:
Part 1: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Part 2: Thursday, May 22, 2025

Times for both sessions:
1:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time

We will send your Zoom login details and handout materials about a week before your program.

Testimonials

“I really enjoyed the step-by-step analysis from case inception to appeals. I thought all topics were relevant.” ­– Lauren M. Allen, Esq.

“I took it last year and really enjoyed it. Great program for lawyers making the transition from criminal to civil. It gives participants a great overview of civil. I liked the perspective of the judges being contrasted in real-time with practitioners.” – MaryAnn Braun, Esq.

“The speakers were great!  I’ve been practicing for over 20 years and they were still able to keep me engaged throughout, great reminders that can be easily forgotten.” – Lisa Ann Gorshe, Esq.

“The program was incredibly educational. Wish these were available for third-year law students.” – Juliette Orozco, Esq.

“Keep up the good work!” – Ramesh Gudur, Esq.

“Thanks for a very informative program. I see why these lawyers are successful in their trial practice.” –Rodney C. Wade, Esq.

“Loved day one of this program. The speakers were engaging and provided great insight about aspects of practice that I didn’t think about. This is a great program not only for new lawyers but for more seasoned lawyers, like myself, who practice in Florida State courts that can gain value from the insight.” – Khalia Rhoden, Esq.

“Very informative!” – MaryAnn Braun, Esq.

“I practice mainly criminal defense, but the information I received is invaluable to me beginning civil practice.” – Susan Delbosq, Esq.

“I find personal accounts of more experienced attorneys very helpful, especially in topics such as trial practice and pre-trial preparation. Real-life examples of issues are not as easily noted in written materials. Webinars or live events are best.” – Sara Bazzigaluppi, Esq.

“The panel was amazing.” – Jessa Shettle, Esq.

“The program was well prepared and provided good study aids.” – Rodney C. Wade, Esq.

“Good for someone like me that hasn’t tried a jury trial in this century!” – Andrew Sapiro, Esq.

“Fantastic program.” – Albert Sanchez, Esq.

“The presentations and speakers were excellent. The materials are complete and helpful. I have done many CLE’s and generally find that the purpose of the CLE is to further and promote the business of the person giving the CLE. This presentation was very different – it was clearly designed to improve the attendee’s lawyering skills. I would be most inclined to participate in other classes that you give.” – Debra L. Fein, Esq.

“Powerful program with insightful, practical tips.” – Hecter Concepcion, Esq.

“Getting a judge’s perspective about Motions to Dismiss and Summary Judgment was very helpful in learning how to present my arguments in future hearings.” – Mitchell Morneault, Esq.

“Excellent points on e-discovery and trial preparation.” – Lovecia Oglesby, Esq.

“Very relevant and practical.” – Michelle Carey, Esq.

“I am a 20+ year general counsel. I don’t typically enjoy seminars, but this was excellent.” – Doug Griffin, Esq.

“Good examples were given by the speakers. I also enjoyed that the speakers directed us to specific Florida Rules of Civil Procedures.” – Lauren Allen, Esq.

“It was very useful.” – Lovecia Oglesby, Esq.

“Satisfied with learning more about civil practice.” – Marissa Constant, Esq.

“I like the materials provided and the speakers, who were really knowledgeable and good speakers. I congratulate all of them. I’ve had a very good experience.” – Regina Pitarch, Esq.

“This was a good refresher on trial practice in circuit court.” – Rodney C. Wade, Esq.

“Extremely valuable information…I learned a lot of valuable information about what judges feel is important. Learned more than I did in law school.” – Barbara Billiot Stage, Esq.

“Enjoyed hearing the judges give their thoughts on how we can be better attorneys. It was very insightful.” – Chelsea Ewart, Esq.

“It was very thorough, with details and experiences that helped put the information into context. I am so glad I chose to come to this program.” – Karen Descafano, Esq.

“Great program. Definitely helped with clarifying some areas of practice.” – Khalia Rhoden, Esq.

“As a recently barred attorney, this program gave me great insight as to the best practices to utilize in the field. I strongly appreciated the feedback given by the judges, as they hold a unique understanding of the practice of law.” – Nathalie Benito-Revollo, Esq.

“Speakers and handouts were perfect for filling in the ‘holes’ in my litigation knowledge.” – Christopher Posner, Esq.

“Good course for new attorneys to civil practice.” – Matthew Skinner, Esq.

“Excellent, thanks!” – Richard Sierra, Esq.

“Very good pointers regarding prepping a case for trial.” – Lourdes Brea, Esq.

“Very helpful to get judges’ point of view.” – Jennifer Fitch, Esq.

“Informative and educational seminar. It was a very good program. Highly recommended.” – Christine Forsythe, Esq.

“I really enjoyed the overall program and the speakers were witty and provided great answers to various questions. The program was very informative and I will be using a lot of their tips!” – Erica K. Ramos, Esq.

“It was wonderful to hear the perspective of both judges.”

“Good job, good speakers…All were awesome and very knowledgeable.” – James Carlson, Esq.

“Gained great practical insight…great materials provided in the handout.” – Michelle Hardin, Esq.

“All the presenters were great.” – Corey Cartwright, Esq.

“The Q&A was particularly helpful.” – Lindsay M. Bosquez, Esq.

“I came to learn from seasoned attorneys and judges. I’m quite satisfied.” – Nina E. Patterson, Esq.

“I thought it was very practical and relevant.” – Michelle Carey, Esq.

“Great first day! Very clear and concise material.” – Hillary Mesa, Esq.

“Great program and learning experience.” – Alexis Trematerra, Esq.

“Very practical and knowledgeable.” – Lourdes Brea, Esq.

“Very informative and reinforcing seminar.” – David B. Russell, Esq.

“Great to get a judge’s perspective.” – Jack Kramer, Esq

“Very thorough and well-structured with knowledgeable and relatable speakers.” – Jon Morris, Esq.

“All faculty members did a great job. I liked all of them.” – Frank Minton, Esq.

“I think all the speakers did a great job. I found this presentation very informative.” – Waynice Green, Esq.

“This was a great review/reinforcement of material with relatable practice techniques.” – Meghan McComas, Esq.

“Good refresher for an old lawyer who doesn’t go to Circuit Court.” – Andrew Sapiro, Esq.

“Very good!! Informative and knowledgeable.” – Robert Hartsell, Esq.

“Peter Sotolongo had great real-life experience and advice. Judd Rosen was very engaging, and had great examples of applying the principles discussed.” – Alicia Socha, Esq.

“Very relevant content and highly knowledgeable presenters.” – Michelle Carey, Esq.

”Seminar included a great overview of Litigation Proceedings from start to finish.” – Daylen Docampo Perez, Esq.

“Excellent.” – Amado Alan Alvarez, Esq.

“Very informative.” – Lovecia Oglesby, Esq.

“It was very helpful, and the speakers were very knowledgeable and gave great examples of real-world practice.”

“Overall, outstanding and very useful.”

“Satisfied–I really valued fellow attorneys’ insight on the topics discussed, especially a judge’s point of view. Helps those like me, who are new or newish to the bar/circuit court/litigation, or even seasoned attorneys who need a refresher or returning to practice, to be equipped on what to do/know and what not to do.”

“Very informative, engaging, and also provided practical and useful tips.”

“Great judicial insight. Great presentation on trial and pre-trial. Overall, very informative!”

“Great overview of many important topics for litigation. The speakers were knowledgeable. Excellent presentation on depositions. Good, honest feedback from judges. Wonderful presentation by Judd Rosen with great information that was very relevant. Elliot Kula was very knowledgeable and gave very specific, important guidance to avoid losing on appeals.”

“I enjoyed the program and thought the speakers were knowledgeable and well chosen.”

“The presentations and Q&As gave me an understanding of the law and courts from the perspective of experienced professionals.”

“Very informative. I enjoyed the different speakers. Well put together. Thank you.”

“This was one of the best general civil procedure CLE’s I’ve attended. It actually also addressed practice tips rather than simply “Here’s the rule.” A “here’s the rule” approach does nothing. I can read the rule. What I need is someone to give me applications in real-life scenarios, answer questions, and hypotheticals, and show me the analysis. The questions of why a course of action might be better. Just because you can do something, should you? As to the platform itself – I appreciated being able to ask questions anonymously.”

“Excellent two-day program.”

“Informative. Reminded me of what I have forgotten.”

“Panel was outstanding.”

“I enjoyed the program and thought it held valuable information.”

“As a young lawyer, this info is beneficial for me, and I really appreciate the commentary from each of the speakers and tips to use going forward.”

“Appreciate you making available such useful CLE.”

“I loved this program – all speakers were very engaging.”

“I find personal accounts of more experienced attorneys very helpful. Especially in topics such as trial practice and pre-trial preparation.”

“Very satisfied with the Judges and the speaker on depositions.”

“It was very informative. Thank you to the speakers for providing very detailed information/bullet points as to the issues/tools that are used during civil litigation.”

“Very well organized and good variety of speakers.”

“The content was stellar.”

“The material was presented clearly and effectively. The Panelists were very knowledgeable and pleasant.”

“I thought it was great! As an attorney who earned her license under a year ago, I thought it was eye-opening to hear senior attorneys break down the pretrial and trial processes.”

“This seminar brought to light certain things I did not have clear on how to proceed – especially depositions and objections during depositions. Very informative and educational!”

“It is always good to get the perspective of a judge.”

“I thought it was good, panelists seemed to be very experienced in various types of cases; general law. I got some great tips.”

“I was able to learn additional forms of practice regarding personal injury suits as well as how to initiate and maneuver pleadings required.”

“The panel was dynamic and interactive.”

“The presentation was very thorough and well organized.”

“It was wonderful, very informative and great answers to questions asked.”

“I very much enjoyed the first panel.”

“I thought it was very informative.”

“The speakers worked together well; this was a great program.”

“I enjoyed the deposition lecturer. He did a great job.”

“Good check on Florida procedure.”

“I thought the program was great and it kept my attention.”

“Well-organized. Excellent observations and practical tips. Persuasive arguments and interesting observations contrary to conventional wisdom in jury selection.”

“Excellent use of time to cram in extensive material in Heading to Trial session. Judd Rosen was also very engaging.”

“Great content.”

“The content was great, and the speakers are always great communicators.”

“I felt many of the points I was looking to gain additional information on were met.”

“Good overview of circuit civil matters for a newly barred attorney.”

“Good information.”

“I liked the availability of the handouts.”

“Interesting. Good to know a tough judge’s mind. Excellent insight.”

“Speakers during Part 2 were excellent and diverse in experience.”

“Overall, it was a very good program!! Lots of very useful information. Very good speakers.”

“Very practical, lively presentation by Peter Sotolongo.”

“Great post-seminar materials.”

“I really enjoyed the program and how fluid the discussion was between all the panelists.”

“Very informative with practical pointers.”

“The presenters were all top-tier. Program had a good combination of procedure and war stories.”

“Excellent speakers; very knowledgeable and well-prepared.”

“I like that it provided practical tips and judicial perspective.”

“Great and informative program.”

“Incredibly useful for new attorneys. Thank you.”

“The trial presentation portion was extremely good.”

“The information was instructive for lawyers at all levels.”

“Very thorough, technology was seamless. Very qualified presenters.”

“Gained valuable insight.”

“Very helpful – well done.”

“Excellent judges!”

“Great information on Motion to Dismiss and Motion for Summary Judgment.”

“As a litigation assistant, I was able to get a fair overview of various procedures that I have not been exposed to yet in my practice.”

“Part One was well-presented.”

“Great panel!”

“Overall this seminar was outstanding.”

“Speakers from both days were awesome.”

“Very knowledgeable and good presentation.”

“Program was great.”

“Loved the judges!”

“Enjoyed the overall knowledge shown by all speakers. Worth taking and would recommend it.”

Faculty

Hon. Milena Abreu
Judge
11th Judicial Circuit of Florida

Judge Abreu was elected to the bench in August of 2019.   She currently serves in the Hialeah Civil Division wherein she presides over Personal Injury Protection cases, landlord tenant, small claims and Domestic Violence cases. She was also a four time nominee to the Governor’s office for judicial appointment prior to being elected. 

While in practice, Judge Abreu was a licensed trial attorney for over 20 years, handling death penalty and homicide cases. She has tried well over 100 jury trials to verdict and was one of only six women in the entire county certified to try death penalty cases.  Prior to winning the election, Judge Abreu also served as one of the Traffic Hearing Magistrates for the County presiding over civil traffic infractions. She was a Martindale Hubbell AV rated Preeminent attorney proudly serving our South Florida community.

Judge Abreu has served on many voluntary bar organizations and is the former chair of two Florida Bar Ethics Grievance Committees overseeing lawyers professionalism conduct.   

Judge Abreu has dedicated a lifetime to public service both professionally and personally serving her community with fairness, respect and humility. 

Kathryn L. Ender, Esq.
Partner • Florida Bar Board Certified Appellate Specialist
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Kathryn (“Katie”) Ender is a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Appellate Litigation. Katie co-chairs Dinsmore’s national Appellate and Legal Issues practice, and chairs Florida’s appellate group. With 17 years of litigation and appellate experience, Katie provides skilled representation and legal counsel to clients from pre-suit demand through trial, and to conclusion of any appeal. Katie’s primary areas of practice include insurance coverage, contract law, construction disputes, premises liability negligence, professional negligence, and attorneys’ fee disputes.

Katie has significant experience handling complex civil appeals, and has handled over 350 appeals, argued over 50 oral arguments, and obtained over 75 written decisions in Florida’s state and federal courts. At the trial level, Katie routinely acts as embedded litigation support counsel, offering strategic support to trial counsel, and handling all legal issues, dispositive motions, jury instructions, and pre- and post-trial motion practice.

As a former member and Vice-Chair of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Civil Rules, Katie has a multilayered knowledge of Florida’s rules of procedure, and uses this to her advantage throughout her practice. Katie has also authored chapters for Florida’s Civil Practice Before Trial secondary source (14th edition), and is a frequent presenter on preservation of error, appellate procedure, and issues involving attorneys’ fees.

Katie received her law degree from the American University Washington College of Law and, post-graduation, served as a law clerk for the Honorable Vance E. Salter at the Third District Court of Appeal.

Yusuf E. Haidermota, Esq.
Partner
The Law Offices of Ryan Cappy

Yusuf is a seasoned litigator at The Law Offices of Ryan Cappy. Raised in Tampa, FL, Yusuf graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in History and earned his Juris Doctorate from Florida State College of Law in 2008. He served as an Assistant State Attorney, handling numerous trials, and later led a complex litigation group at a civil firm. Now with The Law Offices of Ryan Cappy, he litigates statewide in state and federal courts.

Yusuf Haidermota was raised Tampa, FL, where he where he attended Plant High School. He attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, receiving his B.A. in History. He received his Juris Doctorate from Florida State College of Law in 2008. While in law school, Yusuf served as President of the FSU Real Estate Law Society and a member of the William H. Stafford American Inn of Court.

Following graduation from law school, Yusuf served as an Assistant State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit, advocating on behalf of the people of the State of Florida. While a prosecutor, Mr. Haidermota tried numerous jury trials and countless non-jury trials.

Prior to joining The Law Offices of Ryan Cappy, Yusuf was a Partner/Shareholder with a Civil litigation firm where he led the complex litigation group. Yusuf, a seasoned litigator, zealously represents his clients’ interests inside and outside of the court room. Yusuf handles cases statewide in both state and federal courts, including in both the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. He is a frequent speaker on the Florida Consumer Collection Protection Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Yusuf’s current memberships include the Tampa Bay American Inn of Court, the Hillsborough County Diversity Committee, Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, and the Florida Justice Association. 

Jessica S. Kramer, Esq.

Holland & Knight LLP

Jessica Kramer is a litigation attorney in Holland & Knight’s Tampa office. Ms. Kramer has extensive experience assisting individuals and businesses with contract disputes, class action lawsuits, appeals, and other complex litigation.

Since joining Holland & Knight, Ms. Kramer has gained significant experience representing companies in data privacy litigation, and has defended dozens of companies in high-stakes lawsuits arising from data breaches, a company’s use of technology on company websites, and other privacy issues. Ms. Kramer also advises clients on data privacy-related issues, including responses to data breaches and updates to customer-facing privacy policies and other terms.  Ms. Kramer has experience litigating cases in arbitration proceedings as well as jury trials and bench trials throughout the State of Florida.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Ms. Kramer served as a federal law clerk for two years to the Honorable James S. Moody Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. 

Jeannete C. Lewis, Esq.
Founder
Lewis Legal Group, P.A.

Jeannete Lewis has spent her entire legal career handling complex personal injury and death cases from inception through trial. Since 1993 she has devoted exceptional legal and academic skills and resources to the compassionate pursuit of justice for those who are seriously injured as well as for the families of those who have lost their lives due to the negligence and gross negligence of others. Her law office is located in Plantation, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale in Broward County, Florida. However, she serves clients and handles serious injury and death cases from all over the United States and internationally as well.

Prior to opening her own practice in 2013, Jeannete Lewis represented catastrophically injured plaintiffs and the families of fatally injured victims at the well-respected Haggard Law firm in Coral Gables, in Miami-Dade County, Florida where she was a partner since 2001. Since opening her own practice in 2013, she has continued the honored tradition of personal commitment, excellence, and success.

Douglas J. McCarron, Esq.
Partner
The Haggard Law Firm

Douglas J. McCarron is an accomplished trial lawyer with significant experience handling a wide variety of cases including negligent security, pool drowning, dram shop, and construction and auto accidents. 

Doug served as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County for four years. While there, Doug was a member of the Career Criminal Unit where he distinguished himself in over 50 trials prosecuting violent crime. Upon leaving the State Attorney’s Office in 2000, Doug began to focus on representing victims of serious and catastrophic injury. 

Doug joined The Haggard Law Firm in 2006 and became a partner in 2007. Since joining the firm, he has recovered over 150 million in verdicts and settlements for his clients. In Garcia v. Arbors Apartments, Doug successfully obtained a million jury verdict on behalf of the Garcia family. This negligent security/wrongful death case found the owners and managers of the apartment complex guilty of failing to provide adequate security on their property. Doug has been able to recover similar results in cases throughout Florida. Doug served as President of the Miami-Dade Trial Lawyers Association in 2013 and was recently appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to serve on the Civil Standard Jury Instructions Committee. Doug is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Florida Justice Association. 

Outside the office, Doug enjoys spending time with his wife Becky and their three boys, Jack, Finn and William Andrew (Drew). Doug and Becky are extremely active in a number of local charities and truly believe in giving back to the community. Doug was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey but moved to Miami as a young boy. He graduated from Miami Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School. Doug received his Bachelors of Science in 1993 and his Juris Doctorate in 1995, both with Honors, from Florida State University.

Tentative:

Laura M. Reich, Esq.
Partner
Harper Meyer LLP

Laura Reich is a commercial litigator with a practice focusing on complex, commercial disputes and arbitration. 

Laura represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as before arbitration panels, at both the trial and appellate court levels.   Laura is also a neutral (i.e., an arbitrator) on the American Arbitration Associations’ roster of neutrals for commercial and consumer disputes and was recognized as an “Up and Coming” attorney in Chambers USA 2017, Florida, Litigation: General Commercial.   

Laura has represented international and U.S. corporations and individual clients on a wide variety of issues, including breach of contract, violations of consumer protection statutes, breach of fiduciary duties, antitrust, garnishment, business torts, and regulatory matters.    

Laura also has significant experience in class action litigation, both at the trial level and on appeal, with emphasis on the issues specific to defending companies involved in such actions.     

Anthony (Tony) Sos, Esq.
Partner
Dellecker, Wilson, King, McKenna, Ruffier & Sos LLP

Meet Tony, a seasoned litigator recognized across Central Florida for his adept handling of complex cases and unwavering commitment to securing favorable outcomes for his clients. With a stellar reputation built on consistently achieving successful outcomes, Tony has earned numerous accolades, including the esteemed AV Preeminent® and multiple recognitions as a Florida Super Lawyer and Legal Elite.

A graduate of the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida, Tony not only excels in the courtroom but also dedicates himself to sharing his legal expertise within the community. He has served in leadership roles, including serving as President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Section, reflecting his passion for contributing to the legal profession.

Tony’s commitment to the community extends beyond his legal career. As an executive board member of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida since 2010 and Chairman of the Board of Directors (2016-2018), he actively works towards building a better community and assisting those in need. Driven by his experiences working with individuals who have suffered serious injuries, Tony is also a fervent advocate for accident prevention.

Outside of the courtroom, Tony enjoys playing tennis and spending time with his wife, Rebecca, and their two children. With a blend of legal expertise, community involvement, and dedication to accident prevention, Tony embodies the values of compassion and excellence both in and out of the courtroom.

Peter P. Sotolongo, Esq.
Founder
Sotolongo Law

Peter P. Sotolongo, Esq. is the founder of Sotolongo Law. He focuses his practice on Admiralty and Maritime law, Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice. Mr. Sotolongo attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, where he obtained his Bachelors’ degree in Criminal Justice. Thereafter, he moved to Miami, Florida where he worked as a Bailiff in the Miami-Dade County Courthouse, Circuit Civil Division for four years. During this time, Mr. Sotolongo had the privilege of observing hundreds of trials. Realizing this was his calling, Mr. Sotolongo attended Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, where he received his Juris Doctorate in 2002. A native of Cuba, Mr. Sotolongo migrated to the United States in 1980 with his family at age nine. Mr. Sotolongo enjoys living a healthy lifestyle, reading and helping those in need. Mr. Sotolongo is admitted to practice by The Florida Bar and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida.

Joshua B. Spector, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Law Offices of Joshua Spector, P.A.

A board certified business litigator, Joshua Spector has advocated for clients in disputes ranging into tens of millions of dollars in controversy. As lead counsel, Mr. Spector has tried jury trials in both state and federal courts, and represented clients in federal appeals and appeals in Florida’s district courts and the Florida Supreme Court. Mr. Spector has represented a foreign head of state, Grammy-nominated artists, record labels, models, artist managers, songwriters, and film production companies, in addition to numerous related businesses, officers, and directors.

Core specialties in Mr. Spector’s practice include complex business litigation and related arbitrations, trade dress infringement, cybersquatting and domain name disputes, copyright infringement, all ambits of trademark infringement under the Lanham Act, state common law unfair competition, defamation and trade libel, commercial litigation, appeals, non-competition agreements (non-competes), trade secrets (both under the Florida Trade Secret Act and the new DTSA), intra-company management disputes, dissolution, receiverships, and shareholder derivative claims.  Mr. Spector has also qualified as an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and is available to act as a private arbitrator by agreement of the parties.

Among several publications, Mr. Spector is the co-author of the definitive book on Florida defense practice, “Florida Affirmative Defenses and Procedural Objections” in its 7th edition, and the 8th edition (2024) on the way. 

Mr. Spector has lectured and instructed attorneys on subjects including affirmative defenses and defensive motion practice, Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practice Act, and piercing the corporate veil. Appointed by the Florida Supreme Court in 2011, Mr. Spector served on the Court’s committee on standard jury instructions for business and contract cases for eight years where he led the drafting, among other instructions, on the standard instruction for misappropriation of trade secrets.

Kimberly L. Wald, Esq.
Partner
The Haggard Law Firm

Kimberly L. Wald is a partner and trial attorney at The Haggard Law Firm.  Her focus areas of practice include sexual assault,  catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, products liability, drowning, and boating injuries.

In 2023 Ms. Wald was inducted in the National Trial Lawyers Association in their Top 40 Under 40 section and in 2021 she was honored to be selected by the Broward County Trial Lawyers Association to receive the inaugural “Rising Star Award.”  She also was named a “Rising Star” by the Super Lawyers organization in both 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and additionally was named one of the Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.

She has been recognized by the Daily Business Review as one of the “Most Effective Lawyers” for her involvement in a million medical malpractice arbitration.

Career: Ms. Wald began her legal career as a law clerk with Kelley|Uustal in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, specializing in complex product liability and medical malpractice cases. During her last year of law school, she served as a Certified Legal Intern with the Office of the State Attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit where she tried numerous misdemeanor cases.

Ms. Wald graduated with honors from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business in 2011 where she received her Bachelor of Science in Management. She earned a double major in Legal Studies and Business and Marketing, with a minor in Jewish Studies. Upon graduating summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University Law School in 2014, Ms. Wald returned to Kelley|Uustal to help victims of negligence and their families.

Ms. Wald has served as a guest lecturer at NSU Shepard Broad Law Center and serves on the faculty of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.

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Early Bird Rate: $355

Law Student*/Paralegal Rate: $240 (current JD students only)
Early Bird Rate: $215

We will send your login details and handout materials approximately one week before your program.

Program materials:

Registration includes an electronic copy (.pdf) of your seminar handbook.  This will be emailed to you a few days before the program.  Be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see it by then.  Please put info@pincusproed.com in your address book to make sure you receive your pdf of the program handbook.

* Law Student Rate is for current law students only.  Please provide your law school ID number when you register.

** Legal Aid attorneys are those attorneys employed by Legal Aid/non-profit firms.  It does not include attorneys who have their own practice, or are employed by law firms, that volunteer their time for non-profit causes or take on pro-bono cases. It also does not include attorneys who serve on non-profit boards.

Full and partial scholarships may be available to a limited number of Legal Aid attorneys, based upon registration. Please call (877) 858-3848 to discuss or email your request to info@pincusproed.com.

CLE Credits

FL General: This program is pending approval in Florida.

CA General: This program is approved for 7.0 CLE units in California.

NY General:   This program is available for 7.0 CLE units in New York under New York’s reciprocal jurisdiction policy.  Professional Education is a CA Accredited Provider, which is a NY approved jurisdiction. See Section 6 of the New York State CLE Board Regulations and Guidelines for further information.

This program is approved for CLE in the states listed above.  Upon request, Pincus Pro Ed will provide any information an attorney needs to support their application for CLE approval in other states other than what is listed above. Many attorneys ask for this and are approved in other states.