TLo recovers over $600,000 for clients in separate public records disputes
In two recent, hotly contested public records cases, Thomas & LoCicero attorneys won access to newsworthy public records and – just as critically – recovered more than $600,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs its clients were forced to spend in order to obtain access to the requested public records. In McClatchy Company, LLC v. Florida Department…
Florida Supreme Court Holds That Traffic Ticket Defense Business Is Unauthorized Practice Of Law
The Florida Supreme Court confirmed that when non-lawyers control or derive income from providing legal services, there is “a substantial risk that the public will be exposed to and harmed by incompetent, unethical, or irresponsible representation. In The Florida Bar v. TIKD Services, LLC, No. SC18-149 (Fla. Oct. 14, 2021), the Florida Supreme Court enjoined non-lawyers…
TLo wins dismissal of tortious interference and FDUPTA claims in Southern District of Florida
The single-action rule and the imputed defamation statute of limitations defense both bar Plaintiff’s tortious interference claim because the claim is premised on defamatory statements and does not set forth an independent tort for the recovery of damages. Agreeing with arguments made by Thomas & LoCicero attorneys, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District…
TLo Wins Dismissal of Suit Claiming Facebook Fact-Checker Conspired Against Anti-Vaccine Group
A federal court in California dismissed a four-count complaint filed by Children’s Health Defense (“CHD,” an anti-vaccine group led by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.) against the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, Inc. Poynter conducts fact-checking on Facebook though its PolitiFact service. CHD also sued Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg. All claims against them were…
Thomas & LoCicero Leads Effort to Facilitate Speedier Access to Civil Cases
Under the rule change, the burden to black out confidential information typically will be on only lawyers and others who file court papers, not court clerks. The Florida Supreme Court has dropped a statewide rule that requires court clerks to review all civil filings and to redact information deemed confidential. The rule change is designed…
TLo Wins Dismissal of Defamation Suit with an Award of Attorney’s Fees
A federal court in Florida has dismissed a defamation claim against a media company and awarded attorney’s fees under the Florida anti-SLAPP statute. Thomas & LoCicero represented Korangy Publishing Inc., which had been sued for defamation based on statements published in its paper The Real Deal, which addressed a $200 million lawsuit filed by the…
Court Tosses Doctor’s $200+ Million Defamation Claims
A federal court has dismissed a South Florida physician’s defamation claims against three media companies. The lawsuit was seeking over $200 million in damages. Judge Rodney Smith in West Palm Beach dismissed all three counts in a lawsuit against TEGNA Inc., Gannett Co., Inc., and News Corp. Plaintiffs Gary Marder and his former medical practice, Allergy, Dermatology…
Southern District of Florida Grants Summary Judgment in Favor of TLo Client on Defamation and Tortious Interference Claims
From the outset, TLo lawyers argued that discovery would show the Plaintiff’s claims to be baseless. The Court ultimately agreed. On June 12, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida granted summary judgment in favor of Thomas & LoCicero’s client, Tramontina U.S.A., Inc., in a defamation and tortious interference case seeking…
Judge Slaps Down Lawsuit Over Campaign Flier
A political campaign flier is protected free speech under Florida’s Anti-SLAPP law, a Florida judge has ruled, dismissing a former city commissioner’s defamation suit for statements published by a political opponent. A political campaign flier is protected free speech under Florida’s Anti-SLAPP law, a Florida judge has ruled, dismissing a former city commissioner’s defamation suit for…
TLo Attorney Weighs in on Attempts to Exempt Certain Public Records
Daniela Abratt shares concerns about the chipping away of the public’s right to access what is going on in their government and ensuring transparency. The Palm Beach Post published a news story yesterday regarding Palm Beach County’s plans to seek exemption for certain public records during Florida’s upcoming 2020 Legislative Session. Daniela B. Abratt, attorney in Thomas &…