Melanie E. Damian is a business and securities litigator with extensive experience serving as a court-appointed Receiver, Monitor, and Distribution Agent in federal and state matters. She also advises companies on governance issues and represents corporate officers and directors in litigation and investigations. In addition to her legal work, she is a dedicated advocate for...Read More

The Starfish Story by Loren C. Eiseley One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked “Young man, what are you doing?” The boy replied, ” Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up...Read More

This week, we celebrate Pro Bono Week, a time to recognize and amplify the incredible work our members do to expand access to justice across Florida. The Pro Bono Committee remains committed to achieving 100% participation in pro bono service and creating opportunities that fit every practice area. I encourage each of you to find...Read More

2025 Business Law Legislative and Practice Update – On-Demand Stay ahead of Florida’s evolving legal landscape with this must-watch series of expert-led sessions from leading practitioners and policy insiders. This comprehensive program covers the most important developments affecting business lawyers today — from new legislation and procedural rule changes to emerging technologies transforming the practice...Read More

Reprinted with permission from University of Miami School of Law After years of effort, the Eleanor R. Cristol and Judge A. Jay Cristol Bankruptcy Pro Bono Assistance Clinic recently successfully completed the longest-pending case in the clinic’s history. Since 2010, students of the clinic have lent their time and expertise to assist a client in his effort...Read More

Happy Autumn Business Law Section, As the days grow shorter and the air (hopefully) turns a little crisp, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have worked to make the first quarter of our bar year a success. Your steady efforts keep our Section thriving and help us prepare for the...Read More

Through a referral from Dade Legal Aid – Put Something Back, I had the privilege of representing an individual in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The client had accumulated significant unsecured medical and credit card debts she could no longer manage, and with her limited resources, she was desperate for a way out. With the assistance...Read More

Providing pro bono services becomes a passion for those who do it. The following are remarks from our newest bankruptcy judge in the Middle District of Florida, the Honorable Luis Rivera.  You too can feel good about what you give back to the community in which you work. Please read Judge Rivera’s words and consider...Read More

Specializing in securities arbitration, commercial litigation, and receivership work, I have been practicing law in Tampa for 30 years. During that time, I am proud to have led the Florida Bar Business Law Section, the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and the Florida Securities Dealers & Advisors association. As a partner at...Read More

Judges fill an integral role on our Executive Council. Meet one of them, Judge Specie. I became licensed to practice in Florida in 1978 and New York in 1979; I attended my first BLS meeting in Orlando in 1980. While in private practice I represented all types of parties in commercial litigation and a wide...Read More