13th Annual Circuit Court Boot Camp: The Nuts and Bolts (FL) (OnDemand Streaming and Recorded Packages)

What You Will Learn

Part 1:  Tuesday, May 21, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time
(Including Breaks)

Two-Part Webinar

Agenda is tentative – times and topics may shift slightly

Judge Commenting Throughout Part 1: Hon. Jose Rodriguez 

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

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

• 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 Q&A

Part 2: Thursday, May 23, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time
(Including Breaks)

Two-Part Webinar

Judge Commenting Throughout Part 2: Hon. John Thornton (Ret.) (JAMS) 

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Discovery and E-Discovery
Laura Reich and Kim 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

2:40 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

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

• 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 Q&A

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. Jose M. Rodriguez
Circuit Court Judge
11th Judicial Circuit of Florida

Hon. Jose Rodriguez was appointed to the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in Florida by Governor Jeb Bush in the year 2000. Judge Rodriguez was previously a County Judge in the same Circuit appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1994. Judge Rodriguez has served in the Complex Business Litigation, Criminal, and Family Divisions and he is presently assigned to the International Commercial Arbitration Division of which he is the Administrative Judge. He also serves in the Asbestos and Civil General Jurisdiction Trial and Appellate Divisions in the Circuit. Judge Rodriguez attended Indiana University (Maurer) School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana where he received his J.D. degree and Florida International University where he received his B.A. degree. Judge Rodriguez has been thrice nominated for judicial appointment to the Third District Court of Appeal of Florida and has been thrice considered for appointment by Florida Governor Rick Scott. Judge Rodriguez is an adjunct professor at the Florida International University, College of law since 2011 and teaches “Florida Civil Procedure” and “Law, Science and Technology”. He is also part of the Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University (Maurer) School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana and teaches “Courtroom Procedure”. Judge Rodriguez is a member of the faculty at the Florida International University Legal Studies Institute and teaches Introduction to the U.S. Legal System and U.S. Constitutional Law, since 1994.

Judge Rodriguez is a published author, his works include a “Florida Civil Procedure” Cases and Materials, Second Edition, text book, Carolina Academic Press and two practice treatises, “Florida Civil Procedure” and “Florida Evidence” with publisher Mathew Bender/Lexis Nexis.

Judge Rodriguez is a former Faculty Instructor of the Florida Judicial College and is a former member of the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee. Judge Rodriguez presents seminars on behalf of the “National Business Institute” and he is also a contributing author for the “WHAT CIVIL COURT JUDGES WANT YOU TO KNOW” manual being used at CLE seminars in various States around the Country by the National Business Institute. Judge Rodriguez also travels around the country as part of the “American Conference Institute” speaking on different areas of the law. Prior to his career on the bench, Judge Rodriguez was a trial lawyer from 1981 to 1994.

Hon. John W. Thornton (Ret)
Retired Judge 11th Judicial Circuit
JAMS – Mediator, Arbitrator and Special Magistrate

John W. Thornton, Jr., Retired Judge 11th Judicial Circuit, joined JAMS after serving for more than 12 years in the civil, criminal and circuit court appellate divisions. Mr. Thornton headed the complex business litigation division for five years, including four years as the International Commercial Arbitration Division judge. He has presided over more than 100 jury trials. During his time on the bench, Mr. Thornton handled a range of complex matters involving commercial and contractual disputes, class actions, insurance, real estate, construction, health care, professional malpractice, personal injury and complex business law.

Before his appointment to the circuit court in 2007, Mr. Thornton was in private practice, where he was a founding partner of Thornton & Rothman, P.A., a Miami-based defense firm, where he represented individual and institutional clients, including the University of Miami and the Archdiocese of Miami. One of Florida’s first board-certified criminal trial lawyers, he tried to verdict more than 100 jury trials. Prior to establishing the firm, Mr. Thornton served as an assistant state attorney, including as a division chief, for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.

In addition to his commitment to the practice of law, Mr. Thornton has dedicated himself to bar activities and pro bono causes, among them serving as chair of the Board of Directors of Camillus Health Concern, a private, nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive health and social services to homeless people in Miami-Dade County. He was a member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors for 10 years; president of the Florida Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of The Florida Bar; and president of the Miami Dade County Bar Association. He has participated in countless seminars and panels, and has taught in the University of Miami School of Law’s Litigation Skills programs for 28 years.

Yusuf E. Haidermota, Esq.
Partner
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

A seasoned litigator, Yusuf zealously represents his clients’ interests inside and outside of the courtroom. He regularly provides counsel on issues ranging from creditors’ rights, commercial and consumer collections, breach of contract, replevins, and general business and commercial litigation to real estate, commercial foreclosures, and commercial landlord-tenant complaints. Yusuf also has particular experience regarding the Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA).

Prior to 2011, Yusuf was 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 over 25 jury trials and numerous non-jury trials.

Yusuf was raised in Tampa, Florida. He attended the University of Florida, where he received his Bachelor of Arts. In 2008, Yusuf received his Juris Doctor degree from Florida State University College of Law. 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 American Legal and Financial Network. 

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.

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.     

Benjamin L. Reiss, Esq.
Partner
Perlman, Bajandas, Yevoli & Albright, P.L.

Benjamin Reiss is a partner and civil litigation attorney at PBY&A. Mr. Reiss brings many years of experience to his practice, having represented clients in 60 jury trials, acting as lead trial lawyer on 45 of those cases. His main focus areas include general commercial, product liability, construction, real estate, criminal defense, and property tax appeals in federal and state courts.

He has presented to lawyers many times on trial and litigation practice, including discussing professionalism at the Florida Bar’s Practicing with Professionalism seminar. Mr. Reiss was formerly Chair of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Professionalism, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., an associate and shareholder attorney at Greenberg Traurig, P.A. for 19 years, and an assistant public defender. He was also a board member for Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., and was a member of the national council and board of directors for the University of Miami Hurricane Club. Mr. Reiss received his JD with high honors from Duke University School of Law in 1993 after obtaining a BA (cum laude) in politics in political affairs from the University of Miami in 1990. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association, the Dade County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association, and has been a member and chair of many committees within those associations. He was a member of the City Year Miami Board of Advisors from 2015 to 2018 and the American Inn of Court from 1999 to 2007.

He won the Pro Bono Award, “Ensuring Equal Justice Pro Bono Initiative,” from the Miami-Dade Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez Office in 2011. He also won the DCBA’s “Put Something Back” Pro Bono Award for co-coordinating Acción USA, a non-profit organization that provides pro bono legal services to low- and moderate-income commercial borrowers.

John S. Riordan, Esq.
Partner
Kelley Kronenberg, P.A.

John S. Riordan is an “AV” rated civil trial attorney and Partner in the firm’s West Palm Beach office, focusing his practice on General Liability, First Party Property Insurance Defense, and Commercial Litigation. He is a highly experienced trial attorney and represents clients in both State and Federal courts throughout the Florida.

Prior to joining the firm, John was the Managing Partner of a West Palm Beach boutique law firm and focused his practice on General Liability, Commercial Litigation, and Criminal Defense. Prior to that, John proudly served as an Assistant State Attorney with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office prosecuting misdemeanor and felony crimes. John has tried more than 150 jury and non-jury trials in civil and criminal matters in both state and Federal court.

John has earned a reputation as an excellent trial attorney and is highly regarded by judges and peers. In both 2012, and 2013 he was honored as a Super Lawyer Rising Star, a prestigious distinction only awarded to the top 5% of lawyers in the state who are recognized for their skill, ethical services, and professional excellence. He was also distinguished as a Florida Top Young Lawyer for 2012. John has spoken as a guest lecturer at Florida Atlantic University, speaking on the topic of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). An accomplished author, he has published articles for NakedLaw, the Daily Business Review and other online publications.

John is a native of Miami, Florida, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Miami in 1997. Thereafter, he earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University School of Law where he graduated in 2002. John is licensed to practice law in Florida and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Southern, Northern and Middle Districts of Florida.

John is also a Certified Water Damage Restoration Technician, accredited by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

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.

Fees

Choose OnDemand Streaming or Recorded Packages in Download or DVD format

OnDemand Streaming:  $429
Your OnDemand access is good for up to one-year from the time of purchase.  Please be sure to select OnDemand Streaming to the right and check out.  OnDemand can be watched from any type of device.

Alternatively, you can order a Recorded Package in Download or DVD** formats as follows:

Video (with sound)* Recording & Materials Package (DVD or Download): $429
Audio Only* Recording & Materials Package – CD or Download:  $429
Order both the Video* and Audio Only* Packages for only $50 more – DVD or Download:  $479

** CD/DVD orders will be charged $8.50 shipping.

This program will be recorded live on May 21 & May 23, 2024. Because we record our seminars live and they are edited, OnDemand Streaming and Recorded Packages are available approximately two to three weeks after the seminar is held.)

*The Video recording is a video of the webinar (with sound). The Audio Only recording are audio files only and are for those who wish to listen to it without watching a video (such as in the car or while walking).

Note: OnDemand Streaming can be watched from any device. However, all download packages must be downloaded to a computer first, before transferring them to another device due to downloading as zip files containing both the video/audio and a large folder with seminar materials contained in the download package.

CLE Credit

FL General: The recorded version of this program is approved for 8.5 general CLE and .5 ethics CLE through 11/30/2025.

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.