“I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed. . .”  When we took the Florida Bar Oath, we each pledged to do pro bono work. But that isn’t why I always did pro bono cases, and that isn’t why I encourage others to take pro bono...Read More

We love our sponsors! Meet RealAdvice, a new Diamond Sponsor. We spoke with Todd Jones, Principal and CEO. What services does your firm provide? We work with buyers and sellers of institutional grade commercial real estate to minimize state and local tax liabilities at the closing table. What is your name? Todd D. Jones What...Read More

Dear BLS Members: During the Executive Council meeting at the Labor Day Retreat, I asked everyone that was a Fellow of the Florida Bar Foundation to tell me, so that the BLS has an accurate list. Since several members of the BLS has asked me how to become a Fellow of the Foundation, here is what...Read More

By: Michael Chesal Counsel for the Applicant, Michael Chesal and Peretz Chesal & Herrmann, P.L. It’s rare to have a client willing to appeal a refusal to register a mark at the USPTO.  It’s even more rare to prevail on appeal, as the TTAB historically affirms about 90% of refusals based on likelihood of confusion. Therefore,...Read More

The Business Law Section 2023 Annual Labor Day Retreat included a fundraiser for Laces of Love. Members collected 45 pairs of shoes as well as generous monetary donations.  September 11, 2023 Dear Mike and all the wonderful members of the Fl Bar Association Retreat Day! It is with great appreciation that I address this letter...Read More

Congratulations to BLS Members who earned Board Certification BUSINESS LITIGATION Shyamie Dixit, Tampa Przemyslaw Lukasz Dominko, Sarasota Joey M. Lampert, Fort Lauderdale Aaron Stenzler Weiss, Miami INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Peter Andrew Koziol, Boca Raton William Rafael Trueba, Miami REAL ESTATE Giacomo Bossa, Coral Gables For a complete list, click here.Read More

In keeping with the tradition established at last year’s Retreat of the Section participating in a Service Project, this year the Business Law Section is working with Laces of Love. This very worthwhile organization provides new shoes to low-income and disadvantaged children and educates the public about the needs of these children. Since its incorporation in...Read More

Katherine Van de Bogart, 2021-2023 Fellow Van de Bogart Law, P.A., Ft. Lauderdale, FL Your practice areas: business and real estate litigation Service in the Business Law Section: 2023-2024 Mentoring and Fellowship Vice Chair What was the most beneficial about your time as a Fellow? Meeting other members of the Business Law Section and making...Read More

Juan Mendoza, 2020-2022 Fellow Sequor Law, P.A., Miami, FL Your practice areas: Bankruptcy litigation and asset recovery. Service in the Business Law Section: 2023-2024 Membership Committee Chair What was your most memorable experience as a Fellow? My most memorable experience was meeting and meeting the other Fellows and Section members. They’re not just impressive professionals...Read More

Toni Tsvetanova, 2020-2022 Fellow Senior Counsel, Altria Client Services, Boca Raton, FL Your practice areas: International and domestic mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, reorganizations and other transactions. Service in the Business Law Section: 2023-2024 Corporations, Securities and Financial Services Chair Chair of the Chapter 617 Task Force What was your drive to apply for the BLS Fellowship?...Read More