By Janette M. Smith, City, County and Local Government Law Section Chair of the Florida Bar With the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks, phishing, ransomware, and other cyber intrusions, governments have been taking proactive steps to strengthen their cyber security and data privacy measures. Florida has recently enacted several… Read More
Important D&I Calendar Dates – April 2023
April 2023 Month-long observance: Arab-American Heritage Month Autism Awareness Month Celebrate Diversity Month Earth Month National Child Abuse Prevention Month National Volunteer Month Important D&I calendar dates: 2ndWorld Autism Awareness Day 2ndPalm Sunday (Christian) 5thPassover begins (Jewish) 7thGood Friday (Christian) 14thNational Day of Silence (LGBTQ+) 9-10thEaster (Christian) 13thPassover ends (Jewish) 17thLaylat al-Qadr (Muslim) 18thYom Hashoah… Read More
Florida Passes Substantial Tort Reform
The Florida legislature passed sweeping tort reform legislation yesterday, March 23, 2023, and it was signed by the Governor at 9:30 am this morning. The new legislation has prompted Plaintiff’s attorneys to file tens of thousands of lawsuits in anticipation of this enactment of these new laws. The new laws reduce the statute of limitations… Read More
Women’s History Month: Timeline of Legal History of Women in the United States, 1990’s-present
In celebration of Women’s History Month, these are significant events affecting women in legal history that have occurred during the time that Vernis & Bowling has been in practice. 1993The Family and Medical Leave Act goes into effect. 1994Congress adopts the Gender Equity in Education Act to train teachers in gender equity, promote math and… Read More
Women’s History Month: Timeline of Legal History of Women in the United States, 1970’s-1980’s
In celebration of Women’s History Month, these are significant events affecting women in legal history that have occurred during the time that Vernis & Bowling has been in practice. 1971Phillips v. Martin Marietta Corporation, 400 U.S. 542: The U.S. Supreme Court outlaws the practice of private employers refusing to hire women with preschool children. 1972Title… Read More