NEWS

Robert A. Goldman of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm is scheduled to teach The Institute for Paralegal Education's webinar on "Asset Research for Debt Collection: A Paralegal's Guide ."  The webinar will be held on February 23rd at 1 PM EST.  This one-hour webinar is the second part of a three-part series on debt workout, but is designed to stand alone and provide participants with valuable information they can use, even if they did not attend the first webinar.  The course offers one Florida Registered Paralegal continuing education credit.  It will provide the opportunity to learn effective ways to integrate asset research and discovery into the post-judgment plan in our to focus on a quicker recovery.   

Mr. Goldman has been practicing law for  over ten years and is a partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, L.L.P., located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart.  He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, construction and real property litigation, and foreclosure.  Mr. Goldman handles all levels of mortgage foreclosures, statutory lien foreclosures, community association lien foreclosures, construction lien foreclosures, and judgment lien foreclosures. He has previously lectured on contracts, mortgage and lien foreclosure topics, and practices in multiple circuits spanning much of the state. Mr. Goldman earned his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida, with honors, and is a member of the Martin County and American bar associations, as well as The Florida Bar.  Mr. Goldman has also authored and will teach “The Paralegal’s Guide to Post-Judgment Collections” on March 28. 

Robert L. Kilbride, a partner at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey law firm has been appointed the Chairman of the Martin County Bar Association Labor and Employment Committee.  Mr. Kilbride practices business litigation (including labor and employment law) and is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in the area of labor and employment law. The practice of labor and employment law encompasses advice and representation concerning the application and interpretation of public and private sector labor and employment law principles, as well as employment discrimination and employment-related civil rights law.  Certified attorneys are the only Florida lawyers allowed to identify or advertise themselves as specialists or experts. Kilbride is one of only two attorneys in Stuart certified as an expert in labor and employment law.

Mr. Kilbride earned his Juris Doctor from Florida State University. He is certified by the Fla. Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil mediator. His previous experience includes serving as an attorney for the City of Stuart, as Vice President and Division Counsel at Wackenhut Corporation and as Head of the Economic Crime Unit, Major Crimes Division at the State Attorney's office.  Mr. Kilbride joined the firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey in  2009. Fox, Wackeen, Dungey was recognized by The Florida Bar with the 2007 Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Board Certification.  The firm continues its multidisciplinary practice, providing legal services to clients in the following areas: Business Litigation, Employment Law, Personal Injury, Family Law, State and Local Government Law, Estate Planning and Probate, Ad Valorem Tax Litigation, Civil Litigation, Appellate Practice, Land Use, Environmental Law & Eminent Domain and Real Estate.

Robert A. Goldman of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm is scheduled to teach The National Business Institute’s seminar on  "Real Property Foreclosure:  A Step by Step Workshop."  The seminar will be held on February 1 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM in Jacksonville.  This full day course offers CLE credit for attorneys and provides the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how to make this difficult process go as smoothly as possible.  Seminar attendees will benefit by learning the legal missteps to avoid during the foreclosure process, discover effective strategies to avoid lengthy foreclosure and action, studying alternatives to foreclosure and more. 

Mr. Goldman has been practicing law for  over ten years and is a partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, L.L.P., located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart.  He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, construction and real property litigation, and foreclosure.  Mr. Goldman handles all levels of mortgage foreclosures, statutory lien foreclosures, community association lien foreclosures, construction lien foreclosures, and judgment lien foreclosures. He has previously lectured on contracts, mortgage and lien foreclosure topics, and practices in multiple circuits spanning much of the state. Mr. Goldman earned his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida, with honors, and is a member of the Martin County and American bar associations, as well as The Florida Bar.  Mr. Goldman has also authored and will teach “Asset Research for Debt Collection:  A Paralegal’s Guide” on February 23 and “The Paralegal’s Guide to Post-Judgment Collections” on March 28. 

M. Lanning Fox, W. Thomas Wackeen, Richard J. Dungey, Deborah B. Beard, Jack M. Sobel, George W. Bush, Jr. and Michael J. McCluskey take pleasure in announcing that Robert L. Kilbride has become a partner in the firm.  Mr. Kilbride practices in the of business litigation and is Board Certified by The Florida in the area of labor and employment law. The practice of labor and employment law encompasses advice and representation concerning the application and interpretation of public and private sector labor and employment law principles, as well as employment discrimination and employment-related civil rights law.  Certified attorneys are the only Florida lawyers allowed to identify or advertise themselves as specialists or experts. Kilbride is one of only two attorneys in Stuart certified as an expert in labor and employment law.

Mr. Kilbride earned his Juris Doctor from Florida State University. He is certified by the Fla. Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil mediator. His previous experience includes serving as an attorney for the City of Stuart, as Vice President and Division Counsel at Wackenhut Corporation and as Head of the Economic Crime Unit, Major Crimes Division at the State Attorney's office.  Mr. Kilbride joined the firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey in  2009. Fox, Wackeen, Dungey was recognized by The Florida Bar with the 2007 Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Board Certification.  The firm continues its multidisciplinary practice, providing legal services to clients in the following areas: Business Litigation, Employment Law, Personal Injury, Family Law, State and Local Government Law, Estate Planning and Probate, Ad Valorem Tax Litigation, Civil Litigation, Appellate Practice, Land Use, Environmental Law & Eminent Domain and Real Estate.

Robert A. Goldman of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm is scheduled to teach The Institute for Paralegal Education's webinar on  "The Paralegal’s Guide to Document Procurement and Collaboration for Loan Workouts and Foreclosure"  The webinar will be held on January 24th at 1 PM EST.  This one-hour webinar is part one of a three-part series on debt workout and  offers one Florida Registered Paralegal continuing education credit.  It will provide the opportunity to learn what documents comprise the loan file and how they can be used, the research that must be done regarding the lender and the history of the loan, and documents and information to be collected to provide to a lender so they will consider a loan workout.   
"This intermediate level course is designed to help paralegals to understand this complex situation," said Goldman. "A paralegal can benefit by attending this course alone or the entire series.”

George W. Bush, Jr., a partner at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey law firm has been installed as Secretary of the Martin County Bar Association.  Bush will serve in this position through July, 2011.  Mr. Bush, a Palm City resident, has been practicing law for almost twenty years.  He specializes in Business Litigation.  Mr. Bush is one of ten attorneys at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, et. al. who is Florida Bar Board Certified attorneys in their area of expertise.

STUART, Florida-  With the holiday season upon us and the economy as it is, many parents can barely afford the basics:  food clothing and shelter, without trying to consider a few toys under the Christmas tree.  With this in mind, local law firm Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush and McCluskey decided to collect toys for the US Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots® program.  The original plan was to collect toys from the attorneys and team members in the office; then the idea blossomed into collecting toys from the community as well.  With its convenient location in Willoughby Commons, it seemed a natural extension of the idea to act as a Toys for Tots® drop off location.  New unwrapped toys can be dropped off weekdays during business hours through December 19th.  Your donation can make a child smile this holiday season. 

          “This is such a worthwhile program,” said Managing Partner Richard Dungey.  “We’re glad to play even a small part in it.”

Fox, Wackeen, Dungey has been a strong community supporter since its beginnings over thirty years ago. In addition to its work with Toys for Tots®, over the past year alone Fox, Wackeen, Dungey and its employees have supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martin and Palm Beach Counties, The United Way, The Treasure Coast Food Bank, The Martin County Bar Association, The Susan G. Komen Foundation, Helping People Succeed, Florida Oceanographic, Treasure Coast Hospice, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Treasure Coast Wildlife Center and others through sponsorships, fundraising and volunteering. 

Robert A. Goldman, partner at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm is scheduled to teach at the National Business Institute's seminar "Nuts and Bolts of Collection Law."  The workshop will be held on September 13, 2010 in West Palm Beach.  This one-day seminar offers seven CLE credits for attorneys and provides the techniques designed to increase the  chances of debt recovery .  Seminar attendees will benefit by understanding which activities violate the FDCPA and/or state laws, learning the best practices for discovering debtor assets (both pre- and post-judgment), recognizing what provisional and final remedies are available to collect what is owed, and more. 

"Many clients think that winning a judgment means cash in hand," said Goldman. "However, it’s important to understand the strict guidelines governing how to lawfully and ethically collect their judgment."

Mr. Goldman has been practicing law for ten years and is a partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, L.L.P., located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart.  He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, construction and real property litigation, and foreclosure.  Mr. Goldman handles all levels of mortgage foreclosures, statutory lien foreclosures, community association lien foreclosures, construction lien foreclosures, and judgment lien foreclosures. He has previously lectured on contracts, mortgage and lien foreclosure topics, and practices in multiple circuits spanning much of the state. Mr. Goldman earned his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida, with honors, and is a member of the Martin County and American bar associations, as well as The Florida Bar.

Robert A. Goldman of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm is scheduled to teach at the National Business Institute's teleconference on  "Using Receiverships in Foreclosure:  The Who, How and Why (and Why Not)."  The Teleconference will be held on August 23 at 11 AM EST.  This 90-minute teleconference offers CLE credit for attorneys and provides the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the liabilities the “mortgagee in possession” is exposed to, including zoning violations, deterioration of the property, third party injuries and more.  Seminar attendees will benefit by discovering the advantages and disadvantages of appointing a receiver when dealing with distressed commercial property, reviewing the court procedures for requesting a receiver be appointed and identifying the receiver’s responsibilities. 

"This teleconference is designed to help attorneys, lenders, real estate developers and other professionals to understand this complex situation," said Goldman. "The economic environment continues to provide new  challenges and knowledge is key."

Mr. Goldman has been practicing law for  over ten years and is a partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, L.L.P., located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart.  He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, construction and real property litigation, and foreclosure.  Mr. Goldman handles all levels of mortgage foreclosures, statutory lien foreclosures, community association lien foreclosures, construction lien foreclosures, and judgment lien foreclosures. He has previously lectured on contracts, mortgage and lien foreclosure topics, and practices in multiple circuits spanning much of the state. Mr. Goldman earned his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida, with honors, and is a member of the Martin County and American bar associations, as well as The Florida Bar.  Mr. Goldman has also authored and will teach  a class in the NBI  "The Nuts and Bolts of Collection Law" workshop scheduled for September 13 in West Palm Beach.

 

Jennifer Alcorta Waters, an attorney at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm has been named Co-Chair of the Martin County Bar Association Social Committee.  Waters will serve in this position through July, 2011. 

Ms. Waters, a Jensen Beach resident, has been practicing law for almost ten years.  She practices in the areas of Marital and Family Law and Civil Litigation.  Ms. Waters is an associate at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart.  She is also serving on the executive committee of the Martin County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers Executive Committee through 2011.

Effective August 1, 2010, The Florida Bar certified Shelly J. Stirrat of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, et. al. law firm as a legal specialist in business litigation. Business litigation certified lawyers help solve problems arising from business relationships, including resolving disputes.  Certified attorneys are the only Florida lawyers allowed to identify or advertise themselves as specialists or experts.

"The Florida Bar's board certification program sets high standards for lawyers who aspire to further their professional credentials," said Florida Bar President Jesse H. Diner. "Attorneys who earn Florida Bar Board certification have demonstrated their expertise and commitment to excellence in the practice of law."
Ms. Stirrat earned her Juris Doctor with high honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.  Ms. Stirrat, a partner at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, joined the firm  in 2002. Fox, Wackeen, Dungey was recognized by The Florida Bar with the 2007 Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Board Certification.

Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida. Board certification evaluates attorneys' special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Florida currently offers 24 specialty areas of practice for which board certification is available - the greatest number of state-approved certification areas in the nation.

A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state's Supreme Court may become board certified in one or more of the 24 certification fields. Approximately 4,300 of Florida's 87,000 lawyers are board certified; only 199 Florida attorneys are certified as Labor and Employment experts.  Minimum requirements for certification are:

Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. Recertification requirements are similar to those for initial certification. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra steps to have their competence and experience evaluated.

FWD is proud to be the presenting sponsor of "A Taste of Martin County's Best" benefiting the programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The Taste will be held at Hammock Creek on Tuesday, March 23rd from 5-8 PM. Tickets are only $30 each, two for $50 or $40 at the door. This entitles guests to enjoy gourmet samplings from more than 25 local restaurants, cold libations including beer, wine and soft drinks and live music by SPAZ.

"We are pleased and proud to again sponsor this event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters," said FWD Managing Partner, Richard Dungey. "We've personally seen its positive impact as we are currently mentoring a "little" through the Career Skills Program. BBBS benefits not only those children whose lives are directly touched by it, but also our community as a whole."

BBBS seeks to "make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth...and to assist them in achieving their highest potential, as they grow to become confident, competent and caring individuals." It has been recognized nationally and locally for its effectiveness and efficiency in delivering exceptional programs and results to the children of our community. For more information about BBBS or to get tickets for The Taste, please contact Jeanie Flannigan at BBBS 772.283.8373.

Click here to view the video.

The partners of FWD take pleasure in announcing that Michael E. Blum has joined our firm as an associate. Mr. Blum concentrates his practice in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Bank Litigation, HOA Litigation and Personal Injury.

Mr. Blum was born in Livingston, NJ. He earned his J.D. from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. In 2005 he graduated magna cum laude from Rollins College with a B.A. in Political Science.

He is a member of the Florida Bar, a member of the Martin County Bar Association and the Florida Bar Business Law and Trial Lawyers Sections. Mr. Blum is also a member of the Young Professionals of Martin County and the Palm Beach County Bar Association.

The firm has been busy and continues to grow and change. Our 2009 summer intern, Michael Blum finished law school, passed the bar and joined us as an associate attorney. Attorney Raymond Robison has been admitted to and is attending the online Masters of Law and Taxation (LLM) program of the University of Alabama School of Law.

Tom Wackeen was recertified by The Florida Bar, making it twenty years for him as an expert in Civil Trial Law. My recent recertification also marks twenty years that I have been a Board Certified Real Estate Attorney. Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar of competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification. Did you know that fewer than 5% of Florida Bar Attorneys are board certified in their area of expertise? At FWD we are proud of the fact that eight of our attorneys have undertaken the additional work and commitment to achieve this distinction.

Shelly Stirrat, Aaron Foosaner and Bob Kilbride participated in MCBA Constitution Day presentations to local students. Goldman spoke to the Paralegal Association of Florida, Treasure Coast Chapter, on the issue of foreclosure litigation and has also been an instructor for the National Business Institute.

Jennifer Waters, Robert Goldman and Shelly Stirrat were named as “Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars” while Jack Sobel and George W. Bush Jr. were named “Super Lawyers.” (Jack’s fourth time!)

In these difficult economic times it’s easy for the less fortunate to get lost and left behind. Realizing this Bob and Mary Graves recently opened their Sailfish Point home to a fund raiser for HELPING PEOPLE SUCCEED (HPS).

HPS is a not-for-profit organization that works with children and adults who are developmentally impaired. For instance, HPS programs provide early developmental monitoring of young children and assist their families in coping with problems of parenting. In other programs, HPS trains and provides follow-on assistance to handicapped people in seeking and keeping meaningful employment. Many of these same people are introduced to independent living skills and opportunities.

One such individual is Ruth Lamb. Ruth spent much of her young life in institutionalized settings, receiving little training or education. But in 1976 she began to get assistance from HPS, then know as Tri-County Tec. Ruth was given rudimentary office training and began working at the Tri-County-Tec facility on U.S.1 in Stuart doing elementary clerical tasks. This started her on her wage earning career. But the tasks did not satisfy her desire to improve and grow.

Then in December 1990 she started at the Fox, Wackeen, Dungey law firm as the micro-fiche operator. In this capacity she was responsible for recording and storing all contracts and documents. When the micro-fiche technology faded, she stepped right into the computer age and now scans all the firms documents for storage.

All the law firm’s employees stressed her dedication to her work.   Richard J. Dungey, Fox, Wackeen, Dungey Managing partner says, "Ruth is always cheerful and full of humor. She hates to miss work for any reason and we couldn’t do without her."

Her dedicated work has won her many state and local employment awards including ones from the Florida Governor and the House of Representatives. Her steady work has also enabled her to own her own home in Stuart.
And so, at the fund raiser at the Graves home, Ruth was the honoree of the evening. She was introduced by Lanning Fox, senior partner at the law firm and her appreciative and proud boss for the last 18 years. Success like this makes us all proud.

Deborah B. Beard, a partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen,  Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush and McCluskey has been certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Family Mediator. 

Ms. Beard has been practicing family law for over fifteen years, having entered the field of law after a ten-year career in social work.  She is a Florida Bar Board Certified  Family Law attorney whose practice emphasizes counseling, negotiation, litigation when necessary and settlement as her ultimate goal.
"It was a natural fit for Ms. Beard to seek certification in family mediation," said Managing Partner, Richard Dungey. "As a family law attorney, whenever appropriate she encourages negotiation and settlement, the cornerstones of mediation."

Ms. Beard earned her Juris Doctor from Nova University Center for the Study of Law She is a member of The Florida Bar Family Law Committee, the Martin County Bar Association, the Palm Beach County Bar Association Family Law Committee and was the
President of the Martin County Bar Association from 2001 through 2002.

M. Lanning Fox, W. Thomas Wackeen, Richard J. Dungey, Deborah B. Beard, Jack M. Sobel, George W. Bush, Jr. and Michael J. McCluskey take pleasure in announcing that Robert L. Kilbride has joined our firm as an Of Counsel Attorney.

Mr. Kilbride will be practicing in the areas of business litigation and labor and employment law. "We're fortunate to have the ability to expand our litigation department with an attorney of Mr. Kilbride's caliber," said firm partner George W. Bush, Jr. "He brings a wealth of experience in business, labor, employment and human resources."

Mr. Kilbride earned his Juris Doctor from Florida State University. His previous experience includes serving as Vice President and Division Counsel at Wackenhut Corporation and as Head of the Economic Crime Unit, Major Crimes Division at the State Attorney's office. Mr. Kilbride will also continue his work with the city of Stuart.

Robert A. Goldman of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm is scheduled to teach at the National Business Institute "Real Property Foreclosure" Workshop. The workshop will be held on November 5, 2008 in Miami and November 6, 2008 in West Palm Beach. This one-day seminar offers seven CLE credits for attorneys and provides the opportunity to learn the best practices to handle foreclosures. Seminar attendees will benefit by learning about alternatives to foreclosure, missteps to avoid during the foreclosure, strategies to avoid lengthy foreclosure action, insight on the foreclosure sale's legal requirements, foreclosure "red flags," and more.

"This seminar is designed to help attorneys assist their clients during this very difficult situation," said Goldman. "Many clients want to keep their homes if possible and even some attorneys may not be aware of all alternatives to foreclosure."

Mr. Goldman has been practicing law for ten years and is a partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, L.L.P., located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart. He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, construction and real property litigation, and foreclosure. Mr. Goldman handles all levels of mortgage foreclosures, statutory lien foreclosures, community association lien foreclosures, construction lien foreclosures, and judgment lien foreclosures. He has previously lectured on mortgage and lien foreclosure topics, and practices in multiple circuits spanning much of the state. Mr. Goldman earned his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida, with honors, and is a member of the Martin County and American bar associations, as well as The Florida Bar. Mr. Goldman has authored and will teach classes regarding "Ethics In Foreclosure" and "Alterative to Foreclosures: Step-by-Step Procedure and Legal Issues."

For more information on this topic or many other legal issues, please call 772.287.4444 or visit www.FoxWackeen.com or contact The National Business Institute at 800.930.6182 or www.nbi-sems.com for more information regarding the seminar.

Susann B. Ward, devoted mother, dedicated attorney, partner at Fox Wackeen Dungey et. al., left this world on July 29, 2008 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Susann faced her illness in the same way she lived her life, with courage, determination and grace. She is survived by her former husband, Thomas M. Ward, her children, Ashley and Zachary Ward, her sisters, Patricia Kaiser and Mary Ann Berg and her many friends and colleagues.

Susann was born in Philadelphia where she lived before moving to and living in South Florida for 32 years. She was a member of the American Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Temple University, completed the Paralegal Program at Florida Atlantic University with a 4.0 G.P.A. and then earned her Juris Doctor, graduating Magna Cum Laude in the top three percent of her class at Nova University Law School. Susann concentrated her practice in the areas of Real Estate and Probate and Trust Law. She joined the law firm of Fox, Wackeen Dungey et. al in 1998 and became a partner in 2006.

However, all of Susann's accomplishments don't touch on the most important things. Susann was a competent attorney, an absolute professional, but most importantly a kind and caring person. When she decided to take some time away from the field of law in 1988, she and Tom owned and operated the well-known Helga's restaurant in Stuart, Florida. So popular were some of the dishes they served, that partners of the firm asked for several of her delicious recipes when she joined the firm. Of course, she was happy to share them, just as she was happy to share her good nature with all of those who were fortunate to have known her. Susann will be missed by her family and the many friends and colleagues she touched during her life.

Frederik van Vonno of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm has been appointed to serve on the The Florida Bar's Eminent Domain committee and continues to serve on The Florida Bar's City, County & Local Government Law Certification Committee. The term of both appointments will run through June of 2009. The scope and function of the Eminent Domain Committee is to study and remain informed of recent developments in the field of condemnation of private property for public use by governmental agencies or private companies who have the power of eminent domain. The committee keeps the members of the Bar informed of developments of great significance in this field, maintain liaison with private companies and governmental agencies who have and use the power of eminent domain, and study and consider legislation, law or problems in the area of eminent domain law as developed by the committee or assigned by the Florida Bar president or the Board of Governors.  Certification committee members play an important role in the certification process. FL bar board certified attorneys themselves, they draft the certification exams for future candidates, administer and grade the exams. Their expertise is essential in maintaining the rigor and integrity of the certification process.

"Serving on the City, County and Local Government Law Certification Committee has been an honor for me," said Van Vonno. "I'm pleased to have been appointed to the Eminent Domain Committee as well."

Mr. van Vonno, a Stuart resident, has been practicing law for over twenty years. He practices in the areas of Local Government Law, Eminent Domain, Land Development and Real Estate and is partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart. Mr. van Vonno has been a Florida Board Certified attorney since 2002, specializing in City, County & Local Government Law. In order to achieve FL Bar board certification, an attorney must pass peer and judicial review. He or she must then apply to take and pass the certification exam in the area of practice. Only after passing the certification exam is the attorney considered board certified in that area. In order to maintain certification, attorneys must complete continuing education requirements over and above the requirements for a non-certified attorney.

"The work of The Florida Bar's standing committees is critical to the administration of Justice," said Florida Bar President-elect John G. White, III. "Our bar would not be as effective without [each member's] help."

For more information on this topic or many other legal issues, please call 772-287-4444 or visit www.FoxWackeen.com.

Deborah Beard, Frank Garcia and Karen Jerome Smith of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, were all recent speakers at Martin County Schools during Constitution Week.   Each attorney taught one school class and covered the first ten amendments to United States Constitution that make up the "Bill of Rights."  Beard spoke at Murray Middle School, Garcia at Martin County High School and Jerome Smith at South Fork High School.

Constitution Week began in November 1952 when the US Congress passed a joint resolution declaring September 17 "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day."  In November 2004, Congress addressed this issue again by passing a national mandate requiring every school and college that receives federal money to teach about the Constitution on or around September 17.   The September 17 date was chosen to commemorate the date the United States Constitution was signed in 1787.  In his 2007 Constitution Day proclamation, President George W. Bush reminded us of the work of the delegates who "convened in Philadelphia to create 'a more perfect Union' and craft the document that is the foundation of our country. With great diligence, they worked to develop a framework that would balance authority and inherent freedoms, Federal interests and State powers, individual rights and national unity."   For more information on our Constitution, visit the National Constitution Center at www.constitutioncenter.org.

"It's important for people of all ages to understand our Constitution and the rights it guarantees us,” said Deborah  Beard.  "When speaking with students, I used situations that pertain to them to illustrate these rights."  Beard, Garcia and Jerome Smith were among attorneys and judges who spoke to various middle and high school classes during Constitution week.

Second-year University of Florida law student, Irina Ivanova received the Book Award in Civil Procedure for Spring Semester, 2007.  This  award was sponsored for the fifteenth successive year by Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, as a way to show support to law students.  Many FWD attorneys earned their law degree, bachelor’s degree or both from UF.  Recognizing the value of their education, and remembering the challenges  of law school, they saw the book award sponsorship as an opportunity to support those students who now share their dream of practicing law.

Ms. Ivanova is  ranked in the top 10% of her class.  Her favorite subject has been Administrative Law.  She plans to take classes on Corporations and Income Tax and looks forward to working as an  intern for the Northern District of Florida next semester.   She is a member of Law Review.

“Receiving the award was a great encouragement after completing my second semester at law school,” said Ms. Ivanova.

The Florida Bar presented its "Excellence in the Promotion of Board Certification Award" to Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, L.L.P. law firm during the Florida Bar annual meeting held June 28-29 in Orlando, Florida.

The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education established this annual award to recognize excellence and creativity by a Florida Bar Board Certified attorney or law firm in advancing the public's knowledge of and appreciate for legal board certification.

"We firmly believe that The Florida Bar and this Court must responsibly move forward to assist the public in determining those individuals who are qualified specialists and not leave that role to telephone directory editors, voluntary professional groups, or to entrepreneurs with high-sounding specialty certificates and advertising techniques...This Court recognizes its responsibility to ensure that Florida's legal system is responsive to public needs...We believe that the public is entitled to know which lawyers have demonstrated special skills and possess technical competency in specific legal areas..." --The Florida Supreme Court Opinion, May 21, 1981

Fewer than 8% of attorneys in Florida are board certified. Certification requires significant experience in the area of expertise. The attorney must pass peer and judicial review. He or she must then apply take to take and pass the certification exam in the area of practice. Only after passing is the attorney considered board certified in that area. In order to maintain certification, attorneys must complete continuing education requirements over and above the requirements for a non-certified attorney. Six attorneys at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey Dungey are board certified in their area of specialty. Managing Partner W. Thomas Wackeen and partner Jack Sobel are certified in Civil Trial Law. Partners Lanning Fox and Richard Dungey are certified in Real Estate Law. Deborah Beard is certified in Family and Marital Law. Partner Frederik van Vonno is certified in Board Certified City, County & Local Government Law.

"We certainly appreciate the importance of Florida Bar Board Certification," said managing partner Tom Wackeen. "Our support for the process and efforts to educate the public about it stem from our dedication to professionalism and the high standards that Florida Bar Board certification requires. Fox, Wackeen, Dungey Dungey is proud to be the first recipient of this award. We also congratulate the other firms who were nominated."

Maryellen A. Castellano, Director of Human Resources and at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm achieved Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR) Certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Requirements for SPHR Certification include minimum of two years progressive HR experience--six to eight years is recommended. By passing the SPHR Certification exam, the Castellano and other HR professionals demonstrate not only a high level of dedication to the Field of HR but also a breadth and depth of HR knowledge. An SPHR has the ability to use judgment obtained with time and application of knowledge and understands the business, not just the HR function.

"What more and more companies are beginning to understand is that when you make someone responsible for identifying mission critical personnel, that person instantly becomes mission critical as well," said R. Gregory Green, Chairman of the Board for HRCI. "Across the board employers--be they in government, nonprofit or private sectors--are coming to equate certification in the HR department with knowledge, excellence, efficiency and performance that contributes to the bottom line."

Ms. Castellano attended California State University at Fullerton and earned her BA degree in management. She went on to earn her Master Science degree in Human Resources Management and Labor Relations from Rutgers University Institute of Management and Labor Relations in 1990. She began her career at AT&T in 1986. After spending 15 years with AT&T, she moved to Stuart, Florida in 2001. She joined Fox, Wackeen, Dungey as Director of Human Resources and Marketing in 2005. She has been married to her husband, Bob since 1999, and they have four daughters and one grandson. She is on the Board of Directors of the Martin County Arts Council, served as the President of the St. Joseph Chapter Council of Catholic Women, and has been involved in the Human Resource Management Association of Martin County, the Association of Legal Administrators Palm Beach Chapter and the Columbiettes.

"Certification is something that we as attorneys recognize and value," said Fox, Wackeen, Dungey Dungey Managing Partner, Tom Wackeen. "Maryellen Castellano's certification is no surprise to us as she demonstrates Human Resources dedication, knowledge and professionalism every day."

Jack Sobel of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm has been named as a Florida Super Lawyer for the second year in a row.   The publishers of "Florida Super Lawyers" strictly adhere to a rigorous multi-step selection process, which incorporates peer recognition and professional achievement.  Evaluation peer review and final verification insures that only extremely qualified attorneys who meet the criteria are included. 

"I'm thrilled to considered a 'Super Lawyer' for two years running,” said Sobel.  "As a personal injury attorney, my primary focus is always on the client.  I truly care about my clients and want to achieve the best possible outcome for each of them" 

Mr. Sobel, a Jupiter resident, has been practicing law for over thirty years.  He is a practices in the area of Personal Injury and is partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart.  Mr. Sobel has been a Florida Board Certified attorney since 1991, specializing in Civil Trial Law.  In order to achieve FL board certification, an attorney must pass peer and judicial review. He or she must then apply take to take and pass the certification exam in the area of practice.  Only after passing is the attorney considered board certified in that area.  In order to maintain certification, attorneys must complete continuing education requirements over and above the requirements for a non-certified attorney.  

"Congratulations to Jack for receiving this recognition," said Fox Wackeen Dungey Managing Partner, Tom Wackeen.  "He's certainly a top-notch attorney and there's no doubt he deserves to be considered among the Super Lawyers of Florida."

Richard Dungey, long time partner at FWD and his wife, Mary were honored by the Atlantic Classical Orchestra for their volunteer work and dedication to the ACO, at a dinner held on March 25, 2007 at the Sailfish Point Country Club. Richard (Dick) Dungey attended the University of Florida and earned his BS/BA degree in accounting. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida College of Law in 1972 and started his practice in 1973. Mr. Dungey is board Certified by the Florida Bar in Real Estate Law, first earning his Certification in 1989. He has been married to his lovely wife, Mary, since 1969, and they have five daughters and six grandchildren. He has been involved in the YMCA, Little League, was president of the Civitan Club of Martin County, the Gator Club of Martin County and the Martin County Girls Softball Association. He served on the School Advisory Committee of St. Joseph Catholic School and John Carroll High School, acting as chairman of the latter for nine years.

Mr. Dungey is also admitted to practice in the Federal Bar for the Southern District of Florida. He has been president of the Martin County Bar Association and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. He is past Chairman of the Board of Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund, Inc. and remains on the Board of Directors.

Mr. Dungey became active with the ACO in 1993. He was recruited by Maxine Graber and elected to the Board. In that same year, he was elected president of the ACO and served for the next two years in that capacity. He was again elected president in 2004, serving until 2005. Mr. Dungey chaired the Search Committee for the new Music Director/Conductor for the ACO.

Mrs. Dungey retired this year after serving the last 12 years as Assistant Principal of St. Anastasia Catholic School in Fort Pierce. Prior to that, she was a Middle School Math teacher and very busy mother of five daughters.

M. Lanning Fox, W. Thomas Wackeen, Richard J. Dungey, Deborah B. Beard, Jack M. Sobel, George W. Bush, Jr. and Michael J. McCluskey take pleasure in announcing the association of J. Henry Cartwright with our firm.

Mr. Cartwright practices law in the areas of commercial litigation, probate litigation, personal injury litigation and appellate litigation.

"Mr. Cartwright has an excellent understanding of the litigation process," said Partner, George W. Bush, Jr.. "His experience is evident in the quality of his work product, as well as his interaction with clients."

Mr. Cartwright completed undergraduate school at Youngstown State University, in 1989 and continued on to earn an M.B.A. in 1996. He then attended the University of Akron, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1999. Mr. Cartwright is active in Friends of Abused Children, Lighthouse for the Blind, Lake Park Elementary School and Palm Beach County Golf Association. He is a member of the Martin County Bar. Reported cases include McCane v. Hanley, 886 So.2nd, 1053 (Fla.4th DCA 2004), and Day v. Nova, 923 So 2nd 1162 (Fla 2006) and 916 So 2nd 903 (Fla 4th DCA 2005).

Firm Partner Deborah B. Beard recently received her Florida Bar Board recertification in Marital and Family law. Ms. Beard was first certified by the Florida Bar in 2001. Partner and Personal Injury Attorney Jack M. Sobel recently earned Florida Bar Board recertification as a Civil Trial Lawyer. He was originally certified in 1991 and first recertified in 1996 and again in 2001 and 2006. In order to remain a certified attorney, the Board requires that attorneys meet standards for continuing education as well apply for recertification every five years.

The Supreme Court of Florida established Florida's Board Certification program in 1982 to enable consumers to identify attorneys who are qualified specialists. A lawyer who is Board Certified by the Florida Bar has demonstrated ability and experience in his or her field and professionalism within the legal community. Only attorneys who are Board Certified may call themselves a specialist or expert. To become a Board Certified specialist, a lawyer must be an active member in good standing of the Florida Bar, have practiced law for a minimum of five years, complete approved legal education programs, demonstrate substantial experience in the specialty area, be favorably evaluated by judges and other lawyers as to ability and experience in the specialty fields, exhibit character, ethics and professionalism and pass a written test in the specialty area. According to the Florida Bar, "Board certification requires high standards, continuing legal education and professionalism in the practice of law. " The Board considers an attorney's continued interest in board certification " a direct reflection of [the attorney's] commitment to high standards in [his or her] practice." In the eyes of the Supreme Court of Florida, the attorney posses the distinction of having "special knowledge, skills and proficiency in [his or her] practice area, as well as character, ethics and a reputation for professionalism in the practice of law." Overall, fewer than 8% of the attorneys in Florida are Board Certified.

We commend Ms. Beard and Mr. Sobel for their dedication to both their profession and their clients.

For more information, please visit The Florida Bar Web site at www.floridabar.org/certification.

FWD partners Jack M. Sobel and George W. Bush, Jr.,  were two of the speakers at a recent meeting of the Martin County Bar Association. Bush and Sobel led a workshop regarding professionalism. Their discussion included information on the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism, the Supreme Court's Commission on Professionalism and the Standing Committee on Professionalism's recent discussions on promoting professionalism. Also covered was information on the road map for the future and changes needed to enhance professionalism.

Bush explained some of the resources and training opportunities available through the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism. He also spoke about the Ideals and Goals of Professionalism adopted by the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar on May 16, 1990 and the Guidelines for Professional Conduct. Bush explained the ideals and goals of professionalism: Commitment to Equal Justice Under the Law and Public Good, Adherence to a Fundamental Sense of Honor, Integrity and Fair Play, Honesty and Candor, Fair and Efficient Administration of Justice, Courtesy, Respect for the Time and Commitments of Others, and Independence of Judgment, to which all attorneys strive as professionals. Sobel elaborated on the specific guidelines for professional conduct.

"My commitment to professionalism among attorneys stems from the realization that the actions of each individual attorney helps shape the public's perception of this vocation," said Bush, who practices in the area of Civil Litigation. "I believe that my integrity, combined with my knowledge of the law, are the most important things I can provide to my clients."

"Giving my clients the best possible work product that I can is what makes me enjoy my work," added Sobel, a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney who handles personal injury cases. "This can only be accomplished through strict adherence to integrity and professionalism."

Bush and Sobel spoke as part of the special Bench-Bar professionalism CLE program presented by the nineteenth circuit Court Judges, the MCBA's Professionalism Committee (which is chaired by George W. Bush, Jr.) and the MCBA's Judicial Relations Committee (which is chaired by Jack Cox and Richard Levenstein.) Other speakers included Jack Cox who led the discussions featuring the Judges of Martin County, where the topic of the standing orders of each Judge regarding maintaining and enhancing professionalism, professionalism guidelines, and criminal and civil division procedures were covered.

We're excited to let you know that we've moved into our new offices. We will be located on the east side of Willoughby Boulevard in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons, just north of the intersection at Indian Street. As always, our focus is on our clients. We decided to make this move because the firm has been growing and adding new attorneys and consequently, we need more space for meetings and mediations, our attorneys and staff. The site was chosen based on its convenient location, quality building and required floor space. Please join us for our grand opening on December 7, 2006 from 5:00-7:00 PM at our new offices at The Tower Building at Willoughby Commons, 3473 SE Willoughby Boulevard, Stuart. Our open house will include an art show featuring three fabulous local artists: Kim Rody, Julia Kelly and Kevin Hutchinson. Kim is a full time artist specializing in marine life and tropical scenes. Julia lives locally but her paintings focus on the beauty of Tuscany. Kevin's Florida landscapes will remind you of perfect days spent exploring the beauty of our area. We've also got other surprises planned-this is an event you won't want to miss!

AV-rated Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. is seeking a motivated, top-notch attorney with 3-5 years civil litigation experience. Great career opportunity in a thriving firm. The successful candidates will have a strong academic background and a record of professional achievement. We are located in Martin County, which offers an excellent quality of life and Florida's best school system. Competitive salary accompanied by a generous benefits package. E-mail resume and law school transcripts to Maryellen Castellano, HR Director, at mcastellano@foxwackeen.com or fax to 772.220.1489.

M. Lanning Fox, W. Thomas Wackeen, Richard J. Dungey, Deborah B. Beard, Jack M. Sobel, Sobel, George W. Bush, Jr. and Michael J. McCluskey take pleasure in announcing that Theodore J. (T.J.) Heinemann, J.D., LL.M. has become a partner in our law firm. Mr. Heinemann concentrates his practice in the areas of estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, charitable giving, asset protection planning, choice-of-entity planning, formation and transactions, tax planning for real property transactions, and probate and trust administration. Mr. Heinemann is also a member of the Board of Directors of Martin County Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Wildlife Foundation Frederik van Vonno was recently elected to the Treasure Coast Wildlife Federation. The Foundation administers an endowment for the Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital and Center and also assists with fund raising for the Construction of the Wildlife Center. The Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital (TCWH) is a private not-for-profit corporation, dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and the conservation of natural habitats. It is not a government agency. All funding comes from public and private grants and from concerned people throughout the community. Its goals and purposes include the rehabilitation and return to the wild of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, as well as informational services directed toward the public at large. Founded by Jean Henry and Ruth Stanwood in 1974, the Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital is the only facility of its kind serving Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Palm Beach counties in Florida. Other community services are also available through the TCWH. It is involved with the management of urban wildlife, offering both help and advice to homeowners as well as businesses who encounter wild animals in their daily lives. The TCWH staff answers about 100 telephone calls a day, many of which are requests for information about wildlife. "Fred's commitment to the Wildlife foundation is just an extension of his involvement in our community." noted managing partner Tom Wackeen. For more information on the Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital and Treasure Coast Wildlife Center, visit http://www.tcwh.org.

Tallahassee, Fla. - Frederik van Vonno has been reappointed for a three year term as a member of The Florida Bar City, County & Local Government Law Certification Committee, a nine-member panel that oversees the board certification process for city, county and local government lawyers. Committees for each of Florida's 22 certification areas are responsible for reviewing applications, establishing testing procedures, facilitating exams, and approving or denying certification status. Board certification recognizes attorneys' special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice.

"Board certification is synonymous with the terms 'specialist' and 'expert' for good reason," said Florida Bar President Henry M. Coxed, III. "The program maintains high standards for experience and integrity to help the public identify lawyers who strive for professional excellence." Certified attorneys are the only Florida lawyers allowed to identify or advertise themselves as "Florida Bar Board Certified," as specialists or as experts. Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida. Mr. van Vonno is a Board Certified City, County & Local Government Lawyer. City, county and local government law is the practice of law dealing with legal issues of county, municipal or other local governments. Mr. van Vonno concentrates his practice in the areas of eminent domain; land use, environmental law and local government law; real estate; development and permitting; administrative law; civil litigation. A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state's Supreme Court may become board certified in one or more of 22 certification fields. Approximately 4,200 Florida lawyers are board certified. For more information, please visit The Florida Bar Web site at www.floridabar.org/certification.

Maryellen A. Castellano, Director--Human Resources and Marketing, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Arts Council serving Stuart and Martin County for a three year term. The mission of the Arts Council is to provide leadership that instills passion for the arts to benefit our community. The council organizes numerous events in the community including the Sailfish Arts Show, Arts in Education Programs and the Public Art Program. Ms. Castellano has worked with the arts council for several years, beginning as a presenter for the Picture People program. The Picture People program is a curriculum-based elementary art program which seeks to develop a child's appreciation for art from an interdisciplinary approach. Volunteers take prints of museum art into any of the classrooms once a month to discuss content, style, etc. with the children while encouraging creative, imaginative responses. The program runs from October through April allowing for seven prints to be introduced to the students. More recently, Ms. Castellano worked with the Arts Council while preparing for the Sailfish Arts Show, an annual event held each February. This gave her the idea of inviting local artists to show their work at the firm's Open House in December. "It just seemed like a perfect fit. What better way to invite people to our new building than to feature some fabulous art? I think it will really make our grand opening celebration special." For more information on the Arts Council, visit their website www.martinarts.org.

The President-elect of the Florida Bar, Henry M. Coxe, III has appointed George W. Bush, Jr. partner at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, L.L.P., to serve on the Florida Bar's Committee on Professionalism for a three (3) year term beginning July 1, 2006.

Mr. Bush, a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and Cornell Law School, is the Chairman of the Martin County Professionalism Committee, which recently co-sponsored the Martin County Bench-Bar. He also serves on the Palm Beach County Professionalism Committee.

M. Lanning Fox, W. Thomas Wackeen, Richard J. Dungey, Deborah B. Beard, Jack M. Sobel, Sobel, George W. Bush, Jr. and Michael J. McCluskey are pleased to that the firm has formed an appellate law department.

Fox, Wackeen, Dungey offers extensive experience handling appellate matters in both the federal and state courts of appeal. Our team includes former law clerks for the Fourth District Court of Appeal, the appellate court serving the entire 19th Circuit, and the team carries that knowledge of the appellate court with it when arguing before other courts of appeal.

"The procedural and strategic issues on an appeal are very different than the issues involved in other types of litigation." said Fox Wackeen Dungey Managing Partner, W. Thomas Wackeen. This makes the experience that our appellate attorneys bring all the more important."

Fox, Wackeen, Dungey appellate attorneys are also available to assist in trial preparation and motion practice so that cases for our clients will have all issues preserved for appellate review if needed.

M. Lanning Fox, W. Thomas Wackeen, Richard J. Dungey, Deborah B. Beard, Jack M. Sobel, Sobel, George W. Bush, Jr. and Michael J. McCluskey take pleasure in announcing that Francisco J. (Frank) Garcia has joined our firm. Mr. Garcia concentrates his practice in civil litigation, commercial & business law, maritime law, and personal injury.

FWD recently demonstrated its support for arts in the community by sponsoring the Microbrewery at the Stuart Martin County Arts Council SailFish Arts show, held Saturday and Sunday, February 11th and 12th. SailFish Arts is an annual two-day celebration of the arts located on the grounds of Memorial Park and along East Ocean Boulevard in Historic Downtown Stuart, Florida. Visitors enjoyed fine arts and crafts, a children's area, live music entertainment, excellent food, wine tasting, microbrewery and a community area. For more information regarding SailFish Arts and the other fine events made possible through the Arts Council, visit their website: www.martinarts.org.

M. Lanning Fox, W. Thomas Wackeen, Richard J. Dungey, Deborah B. Beard, Jack M. Sobel, George W. Bush, Jr. and Michael J. McCluskey are pleased to announced that Robert A. Goldman and Shelly J. Stirrat have become Partners in our law firm.

Mr. Goldman practices in the area of Civil Commercial Litigation Representing clients in the areas of law enforcement representation, Construction industry licensing and litigation, Damage claims, Probate, consumer and contractual disputes, Real Property and Community Association Litigation and collections.

Ms. Stirrat practices in the areas of Civil Litigation and Appellate Law Representing clients in the areas of real property litigation, title claim defense, ad valorem tax litigation, landlord/tenant disputes and all aspects of an appeal including petitions for certiorari and final appeals.

M. Lanning Fox, W. Thomas Wackeen, Richard J. Dungey, Deborah B. Beard, Jack M. Sobel, Sobel, George W. Bush, Jr. and Michael J. McCluskey are pleased to announced that Frederik W. van Vonno and Susann B. Ward have become Partners in our law firm.

Mr. Van Vonno, Board Certified in City, County & Local Government Law, practices in the area of eminent domain, land use, environmental law and local government law, real estate, development and permitting, administrative law and civil litigation.

Ms. Ward practices in the area of Residential and commercial Real Estate, including acquisition, financing, development, title insurance and related matters.

Jennifer Alcorta Waters, an attorney at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey et. al. law firm has been named Co-Chair of the Martin County Bar Association Social Committee.  Waters will serve in this position through July, 2011. 

Ms. Waters, a Jensen Beach resident, has been practicing law for almost ten years.  She practices in the areas of Marital and Family Law and Civil Litigation.  Ms. Waters is an associate at the law firm of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush & McCluskey, located in the Tower Building at Willoughby Commons in Stuart.  She is also serving on the executive committee of the Martin County Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers Executive Committee through 2011.

Effective August 1, 2010, The Florida Bar certified Shelly J. Stirrat of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, et. al. law firm as a legal specialist in business litigation. Business litigation certified lawyers help solve problems arising from business relationships, including resolving disputes.  Certified attorneys are the only Florida lawyers allowed to identify or advertise themselves as specialists or experts.

"The Florida Bar's board certification program sets high standards for lawyers who aspire to further their professional credentials," said Florida Bar President Jesse H. Diner. "Attorneys who earn Florida Bar Board certification have demonstrated their expertise and commitment to excellence in the practice of law."
Ms. Stirrat earned her Juris Doctor with high honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.  Ms. Stirrat, a partner at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, joined the firm  in 2002. Fox, Wackeen, Dungey was recognized by The Florida Bar with the 2007 Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Board Certification.

After I finished my second year at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, I was extremely excited to start my 11-week clerkship at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey.  But as I began my first day of work, I wondered if two years of law school had prepared me for the “real world.”  In law school, students are faced with a barrage of difficult exam questions.  However, these questions are tailored to cover legal concepts that we meticulously analyze all semester.  I quickly realized that the “real world” was going to be very different from my academic experiences.

As soon as I settled in, I looked at my first assignments.  Each assignment posed a question very unlike the exam questions to which I was accustomed.  With these assignments, I was faced with issues for which the law did not provide direct answers.  So, under the guidance of the attorneys at the firm, I researched existing case law to determine the best strategy for our clients.  The rest of my assignments followed the same pattern, each question posing a complicated and challenging issue. 

As the summer progressed, I realized how fortunate I was to collaborate with the attorneys at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey.  The attorneys are all extremely dedicated to their clients and, as a result, work efficiently and aggressively to reach the best possible outcome for the client.  Each attorney is exceptionally knowledgeable and steered me through the complex legal issues.  Additionally, the attorneys made a point to stress the importance of practicing law in an ethical manner.

Overall, my summer experience at Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, was the perfect beginning to a career in law.  I realized this summer that, as a practicing lawyer, I will be faced with difficult issues and that the law will not always be on point.  I also realized that I have a lot to learn.  Nevertheless, I am grateful to have had such a great summer experience and am excited to come back for more.