Tag Archives: Legal and Law

VLP Law Group Continues Its Growth with the Addition of Real Estate Partner Craig P. Wood

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Craig P. Wood has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in Los Angeles, California.

Mr. Wood's practice encompasses the representation of institutional investors, private equity sponsors, high net-worth individuals, pension funds, pension fund advisors and private companies in a broad range of real estate projects throughout the United States.

Mr. Wood's 37 years of experience includes not only the legal representation of clients but also business counselling, guiding clients in transaction structuring and techniques to maximizing their opportunities in various transactions.

"Craig is a seasoned commercial real estate attorney and his addition will further strengthen the depth and breadth of our real estate team," said Stephen Wright, Chair of the firm's Real Estate Group. "He is a welcome addition to the VLP Real Estate Group."

Mr. Wood said, "I am grateful to have this opportunity to join VLP and work with such fine collection of excellent lawyers. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the Real Estate Practice Group."

Prior to joining VLP, Mr. Wood was a sole practitioner and before that a partner and West Coast Chair of the Real Estate Practice Group at Foley & Lardner LLP.

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate.

VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace. VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals. We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

More information: https://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Craig P. Wood has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Wood's 37 years of experience includes not only the legal representation of clients but also business counselling, guiding clients in transaction structuring and techniques to maximizing their opportunities in various transactions.

Related link: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/

Attorney Stephen M. Fernandez Becomes Member of The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Civil trial and personal injury attorney Stephen Fernandez, of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, has been recognized as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum by the National Trial Lawyers Top Trial Lawyers of America(R).

Created by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers in 1993, the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Forums were founded to allow members a way to demonstrate an objective measure of their competence as an attorney to prospective clients. The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum inducts members based on a strict set of criteria and ethical standards. Membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum requires candidates to have successfully achieved an outcome of two million dollars or more for their client as primary counsel.

Each candidate's application is subject to independent review by experienced trial attorneys, including exhaustive scrutiny of the candidate's professional record, academic history, and ethics.

Attorney Stephen Fernandez had this to say about becoming a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Form, "It's an honor to have been selected as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In serious injury cases, the stakes could not be higher for our clients. Often the long-term financial and physical well-being of an entire family is on the line.

"Achieving justice against a well-funded and aggressive insurance company is a difficult and demanding process. Clients should only place their trust in the most qualified attorneys. Being recognized as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum lets potential clients know the attorney they have chosen can be relied on to fight for their interests in even the toughest personal injury cases."

About Attorney Stephen M. Fernandez:

Mr. Fernandez is an equity partner in the law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh. He regularly handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims caused by car accidents, motorcycle accidents, commercial trucking crashes, construction accidents, boating accidents, as well as claims involving nursing home neglect. Mr. Fernandez takes great pride in representing accident victims and their families during the difficult period following a serious injury or loss.

A member of The National Trial Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Stephen Fernandez maintains a "Superb" rating at Avvo.com. Stephen M. Fernandez received his law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law. While in law school he focused on courses relevant to the field of personal injury and trial practice. Mr. Fernandez was also an active member of the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy. Prior to studying law, he graduated with high honors from the University of Florida.

More at http://www.getmejustice.com

Civil trial and personal injury attorney Stephen Fernandez, of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez and Walsh, has been recognized as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum by the National Trial Lawyers Top Trial Lawyers of America(R).

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

Bernard Walsh Named Member of Elite Trial Lawyers Group 5th Consecutive Year

BRADENTON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bernard Walsh of the Personal Injury Law Firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh has been recognized as a member of the The American Society of Legal Advocates for the 5th consecutive year.

The American Society of Legal Advocates is an elite group of trial attorneys comprised from the most experienced and successful lawyers around the nation. Only attorneys that have a long-term proven record of professional success and high ethical standards are considered for membership. In addition to the highest professional standards, candidates for membership must also have a record of long-term commitment to their community and justice system.

Founded to bring together the nation's best trial attorneys with the public, it is the goal of The American Society of Legal Advocates to provide a source of the highest caliber of legal advocates. Additionally, The American Society of Legal Advocates aims to strengthen professional relationships between attorneys and promote best practices throughout the legal community.

Attorney Bernard Walsh offered this comment about becoming a member, "It's been an honor to be accepted into a group such as the ASLA five times. Over the years working as a personal injury attorney, I have seen an increased effort by the insurance industry to undermine consumer protections by lobbying state legislatures in Florida and beyond. As such it is essential that members of the civil legal community come together to defend the rights of citizens and promote a strong legal system. Organizations such as ASLA help by bringing professionals together and facilitate discussion and awareness. I look forward to another year of fighting to protect the rights of Floridians alongside members of ASLA."

About Attorney Bernard Walsh:
Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(R) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(R), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200

More at: http://www.GetMejustice.com/.

Attorney Bernard Walsh of the Personal Injury Law Firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez and Walsh has been recognized as a member of the The American Society of Legal Advocates for the 5th consecutive year.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

New York Christian Radio Station, The Bridge 95.1 FM, Takes On Illegal Radio Pirates, And Wins

OLD BRIDGE, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- OLD BRIDGE, N.J., Nov. 28, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- When The Bridge Christian Radio Network, based in Old Bridge, N.J., gained authorization to expand its Christian Bible teaching broadcasts into New York City in November 2013, no one could have anticipated the battle that would ensue before the station could actually begin broadcasting on its own frequency, 95.1 FM in the heart of Manhattan.

Unauthorized broadcasters, or "pirates," had co-opted over 80 percent of The Bridge's signal on 95.1 FM. As a result, listeners tuning into 95.1, expecting The Bridge's signature Bible teaching, could hear anything but that, including a variety of music formats all illegally broadcasting on the signal.

"We brought the pirate problem to the government's attention," said Lloyd Pulley, CEO of The Bridge and senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, which owns the station. "We fought hard, and we won. While the pirates continue to encroach on the signal in some areas, we are delighted that The Bridge is now broadcasting clearly in 70 percent of its own coverage area, which covers from the Bronx to Lower Manhattan."

A listener-supported, noncommercial Christian teaching station, The Bridge originally launched in 2004. The station's David v. Goliath battle with radio pirates is not the only unique aspect of the station's expansion into New York. Currently, The Bridge is the ONLY Christian FM radio station broadcasting directly from New York City. The addition of this tower, located near the United Nations Building, makes it possible for The Bridge to reach over four million more potential listeners, in addition to the potentially seven million already reached throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania on the station's other frequencies.

One New York listener notes, "We have waited a long time to hear clear, precise, and doctrinally sound, powerfully relevant Bible teaching for some time, and now we have The Bridge."

The station's expansion into New York enables The Bridge to share its message of hope in Christ to people from every tribe and tongue, including the approximately 600 language groups residing in New York. By bringing The Bridge to New York City, supporters of the station are often reminded, on and off the air, that they are essentially "bringing the Gospel to the world."

As well as being the only Christian FM station broadcasting from Manhattan, The Bridge is also unique in its format.

"The Bridge has not followed the trend of many other Christian radio stations to broadcast primarily music, and continues to air some of the finest Bible teaching in the nation," says Rob Taylor, general manager of The Bridge. "With this format, the Gospel is preached, the Word of God is taught, and the name of Jesus is clearly proclaimed to all, without compromise, 24 hours a day, 7 days week, 365 days a year."

In addition to its New York frequency, 95.1 FM, The Bridge can currently be heard on several frequencies throughout the Tri-state area, including 89.7 FM in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in N.J., 91.9 FM in Southern Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties in N.J., 103.1 FM in Northern N.J., and nationwide via its mobile app or http://www.bridgeradio.org/.

Of the powerful impact of The Bridge, one listener writing to the station notes, "Thank you for the courage and God's blessing to have this wonderful radio station full of teachings... I love listening to The Bridge and absorbing the Word on a daily basis. Thank you, and keep spreading God's word to believers, so that we may be lifted up each day and to the unbelievers, so that they may be led to Christ."

The Bridge Christian Radio, Bridgelight, LLC is a radio ministry of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, N.J. Learn more about The Bridge 95.1 FM in New York City, and support its ongoing effort to broadcast Bible teaching in the greatest city in the world by visiting http://www.bridgeradio.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rob Taylor, General Manager
The Bridge Christian Radio
127 White Oak Lane, Old Bridge, N.J. 08857
732-588-0861
info@bridgeradio.org

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1128s2p-bridgefm-300dpi.jpg

When The Bridge Christian Radio Network, based in Old Bridge, N.J., gained authorization to expand its Christian Bible teaching broadcasts into New York City in November 2013, no one could have anticipated the battle that would ensue before the station could actually begin broadcasting on its own frequency, 95.1 FM in the heart of Manhattan.

Related link: http://www.bridgeradio.org/

Attorney Brian O. Sutter Receives Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Attorney Brian O. Sutter of Southwest Florida-based All Injuries Law Firm, has been named a 2017 Silver "Client Champion."

Attorneys who have been recognized as a Client Champion, are chosen for maintaining the highest degree of client satisfaction. Only attorneys that have receive a significant quantity of high-rated positive client reviews are considered eligible for a Client Champion Award. Additionally, the client reviews must have been received within the past year, and the review must be at least four out of five or higher to qualify.

By restricting the time period of the eligible client reviews, it ensures the feedback is up to date, and is an accurate reflection of the attorney's performance. Attorneys who have been designated as a Client Champion by Martindale-Hubble, have demonstrated a commitment to providing the highest quality service and have a highest ethical standards.

Attorney Brian O Sutter had this to say about the award: "Having so many of our clients take the time to post a positive review for our firm is truly an honor. All of us at All Injuries Law Firm fully understand the immense burden being seriously injured in an auto accident can have on a family, and we work very hard every day to win justice for our clients. I am proud of our team and want to thank each and every client for sharing their experiences."

About Attorney Brian O. Sutter:

Attorney Brian Sutter practices personal injury, wrongful death, automobile accidents, workers' compensation and Social Security Disability law from his office in Port Charlotte, Florida.

He is a member of the Charlotte County Bar Association, the Lee County Bar Association, the Litigation Section of the Florida Bar, the American Bar Association, the Florida Bar Association, the Florida Justice Association, the American Justice Association and the Workplace Injury Litigation Group. As a board member of the Florida Workers' Advocates, he has actively lobbied on behalf of injured workers for several years and has served as its president.

He has been Board Certified in Florida Workers' Compensation since 1990 and re-certified in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. He is a member of the Executive Council of the Workers' Compensation section of the Florida Bar Association. He enjoys an AV(r) rating, the highest possible from Martindale-Hubbell(r).

Learn more: http://www.allinjurieslawfirm.com/.

All Injuries Law Firm
941-625-4878
2340 Tamiami Trail,
Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Attorney Brian O. Sutter of Southwest Florida-based All Injuries Law Firm, has been named a 2017 Silver "Client Champion." Attorneys who have been recognized as a Client Champion, are chosen for maintaining the highest degree of client satisfaction.

Related link: http://www.allinjurieslawfirm.com/

Attorneys Bernard Walsh & David Goldman Supported The 2017 Sarasota Pride Festival

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Attorney Bernard Walsh, Attorney David Goldman, and members of the civil trial law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh have sponsored and attended Sarasota Pride Fest.

Held at J.D. Hamel Park in Sarasota Florida, the Sarasota Pride Festival drew hundreds of visitors from the Sarasota LGBT community as well as members of the wider Sarasota area. Entitled "Resist & Rise Up," the event was held to forge stronger community ties, and increase awareness of the Sarasota area LGBT community in a fun and engaging festival. Event sponsors and vendors involved with the festival included dozens of local businesses from a wide variety of industries.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, a "Silver" sponsor of the event, also attended the event hosting a booth. Several members of the law firm engaged with festival goers including Event Coordinator Debra Burger, Legal Assistant Clara Padelford, Attorney Bernard Walsh and Attorney David Goldman.

Attorney Bernard Walsh had this to share about the Sarasota Pride Festival: "We have returned as a sponsor of Sarasota Pride year after year. The event has always been lively, and a great time for everyone involved and this year was no different.

"Sarasota Pride has been working to help eliminate prejudice and discrimination, while supporting the defense of human and civil rights for the LGBT community. Given the current political climate, groups like Sarasota Pride are more important than ever. As a civil trial law firm we fully support a fair and just society for all citizens and are proud to aid Sarasota Pride in their efforts to end discrimination and promote a positive image in the Sarasota area."

About Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh:

The lawyers of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh have more than 100 years of combined Florida legal experience in personal injury, wrongful death and other negligence cases. Our partners have handled more than 10,000 non-fatal and fatal personal injury cases, where death or brain, head, neck, back, spinal cord, shoulder and knee injuries have resulted from car, truck, motorcycle or boat accidents. Attorneys at Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez and Walsh are active and deeply involved in the communities of Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Punta Gorda, Lakeland, Tampa, Venice, Fort Myers, and Englewood.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
308 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota FL, 34236
941-954-4000

https://www.GetMeJustice.com/.

Photo Caption: Attorney David Goldman (far right) and members of the personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh at Sarasota Pride.

Attorney Bernard Walsh, Attorney David Goldman, and members of the civil trial law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh have sponsored and attended 2017 Sarasota Pride Fest in Florida.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

Attorneys David Goldman, Bernard Walsh and Stephan Fernandez Attend FJA’s Masters Of Justice Conference

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The October Florida Justice Association's Masters Of Justice conference was attended by several partners from the personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh.

Held at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Sarasota the conference featured dozens of seminars on a wide variety of civil trial law topics.

Headlining the conference were several advanced lectures including a presentation on auto accident representation entitled "Winning From The Beginning" given by attorney Keith Mitnik; a lecture on defective roadway infrastructure entitled "Defective and Improperly Installed Guardrails" given by speakers Leslie Kroeger and Poorad Razavi; and a seminar on Life Care Planning after a severe injury entitled "Truth, Lies, Myths, and Legends," given by Dr. Santo Steven BiFulco, a CLCP of BiFulco Medical Group in Tampa, Florida.

Several members of the Personal Injury Law Firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh were in attendance including Attorney David Goldman, Attorney Stephan Fernandez, Attorney Bernard Walsh, and Attorney Daniel Murphy.

Attendees received presentation materials useful for a variety of case types and could potentially earn up to 17 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits during the conference. In addition to the educational value, attendees also were able to network with other members of the Florida Justice Association and stay up to date in many areas of civil trial law including auto negligence, insurance bad faith and medical malpractice.

The event also featured the 5th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Reception. This year's reception honored retired Florida Supreme Court Justice James E. C. Perry. Nominated in 2009 by then Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Perry was the 85th Justice to the Florida Supreme Court.

Other notable guests of the Reception included The Honorable Charles E. Williams of the 12th Circuit Court of Florida, who serves on the Sarasota County Bar Association's Diversity Committee, and Christina Walsh, secretary of the Tampa Student Bar Association and former FJA liaison to Cooley Law School.

Attorney David L. Goldman had this to say about the FJA conference: "Events like the Masters of Justice held by the FJA are a valuable tool in the effort to keep our civil justice system strong. Over the past several years lobbyists from the insurance industry and many other special interest groups have used the present political climate to weaken consumer protections in the name of jobs. More often than not these efforts to influence our state legislature have led to higher corporate profits, reduced protections for our citizens, and little in the way of good paying jobs.

"The Florida Justice Association and other members of the legal system have stood to protect the rights of our citizens, and the 'Masters of Justice' seminars allow for experienced attorneys to share knowledge and experience to help protect our legal system, and become better prepared to defend the integrity of our society."

About Attorney David L. Goldman:

Mr. Goldman is a member of the American Association of Justice, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Goldman is an Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, and received the prestigious Legislative Leadership Award by that organization in 1997.

David Goldman has a long-standing commitment to the community and has served as a board member of many civic organizations. He has worked extensively with the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, the Sarasota African-American Chamber of Commerce, Second Chance Last Opportunity and the Westcoast Center for Human Development. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Community Center and has been a director and member of the Endowment Fund of his local synagogue.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
308 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota, FL, 34236

More information: http://www.getmejustice.com/

*PHOTO Caption: The Honorable Charles E. Williams of the 12th Circuit Court of Florida and Christina Walsh, secretary of the Tampa Student Bar Association and former FJA liaison to Cooley Law School.

The October Florida Justice Association's Masters Of Justice conference was attended by several partners from the personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez and Walsh. Held at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Sarasota the conference featured dozens of seminars on a wide variety of civil trial law topics.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

Thread.Legal – the Missing piece of Microsoft Office 365 for Lawyers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- If you are a law firm using Microsoft Office 365 and need something extra to complete your document and case management, then Thread is for you. Built in Microsoft Office 365, it gives you a practice management solution with software you already know. Thread is the latest case management software from eXpd8 Ltd, harnessing 30 years' legal IT industry experience and specifically designed for lawyers and paralegals.

Thread was launched at Microsoft's campus in Charlotte on September 18th and has received tremendous reviews from both paralegals and lawyers. It has been described as disruptive, refreshing, easy to use and at $39 per user per month offers lawyers a very affordable solution to manage their firms' business and clients.

Thread is a brand-new cloud-based legal case management software, built in collaboration with Microsoft which enables legal practices to free up valuable time, be more productive, increase profitability and truly digitally transform their firms.

"80 percent of legal firms in the US currently do not have a Case Management system in place," said Liam Mullaney, CEO, eXpd8. "Instead, they are reliant on in-house developed systems that are becoming obsolete due to increasing client demands."

With Microsoft Azure as its foundation, Thread incorporates several Microsoft technologies including Microsoft Office 365, One Drive for Business and SharePoint. This enables Thread to provide law firms with the ability to manage their entire practice smoothly and efficiently whilst also ensuring government level security, compliance and seamless connectivity. Thread brings together all the essentials of a modern legal practice.

Growing legal firms need a capable, customizable, yet affordable solution to automate and optimize their entire business in order to survive and thrive in today's competitive market. Thread can help them do just that.

"Thread is truly the missing piece of Microsoft Office 365 for lawyers," said John Cuddy, Cuddy & Co Solicitors.

About eXpd8:

eXpd8 Ltd, founded in 2001 in Dublin, Ireland was established to provide IT solutions to the legal sector. The Founder, Declan Branagan, recognized a gap in the market to help legal firms be more productive. With a small team and a big vision, the eXpd8 legal case management software was set in motion. There are now over 3,500 users of eXpd8 software around the world and it is the Irish market leader.

About Thread:

Thread, the missing piece of Microsoft Office 365 for lawyers, is a new innovative solution that includes legal case management, time and expense management, document management, scanning and billing. Thread is the first to market with such a comprehensive solution for small to medium legal firms. Learn more: http://thread.legal/

About Microsoft:

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Learn more: http://www.microsoft.com/.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0912s2p-thread-300dpi.jpg

If you are a law firm using Microsoft Office 365 and need something extra to complete your document and case management, then Thread is for you. Built in Microsoft Office 365, it gives you a practice management solution with software you already know. Thread is the latest case management software from eXpd8 Ltd, harnessing 30 years' legal IT industry experience and specifically designed for lawyers and paralegals.

Related link: http://www.expd8.com/

Attorney Bernard Walsh Warns the Corporate Push for Arbitration Threatens Our Constitutional Right to a Jury of Our Peers

BRADENTON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Personal injury lawyer Bernard Walsh warns efforts by large corporations to resolve disputes in arbitration rather than trial by jury threaten constitutional rights. Corporations seeking to reduce their financial risk and increase long-term profits have been turning to arbitration clauses more and more.

Arbitration essentially is an agreement that any legal disputes will be settled in a private negotiation moderated by an 'Arbitrator.' More often than not the moderating arbitrator is also employed by the company and as such, has their employer's interests in mind during any negotiation of financial or legal settlement.

Arbitration agreements have quietly been added to service contracts of many important services or product purchases including everything from banking to automobile manufacturing to nursing home care providers and even food products. Often the customer is completely unaware that when they sign a service agreement, they have also consented to binding arbitration and waved their right to a trial by a jury. In some high profile cases bad publicity has resulted in corporations removing the arbitration clause from their service or product. The push for more arbitration and less trials is increasing in other ways as well.

In one such case, financial giant Wells Fargo sought in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to have a dispute over "reordering transactions," a practice in which financial transactions are reordered to maximize overdraft fees, thrown out and instead settle out of court in arbitration. However by enlarge, legal departments and business executives are more and more attempting to avoid responsibility by having customers wave their right to a jury and agree to settle dispute through binding arbitration.

Despite the effort to stop this erosion of consumer protections by a group of sixteen states and the District Of Columbia, the Trump Administration, supported by nursing home operators and the lobbyist group the American Health Care Association, is working to remove limitations for forced arbitration in nursing home services, essentially stripping nursing home residents' right to take facilities to court over alleged abuse, neglect and sexual assault.

Civil trial lawyer Bernard F. Walsh of the Bradenton Office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh offered this warning to consumers, "Out of sight - out of mind, combined with lobbying law makers at every level of the government, has been the strategy for many large corporations to advance forced arbitration into almost every major industry. Should the federal government and state law makers continue to bend to the will of special interests and corporate lobbyists, the constitutional right of every American citizen to a trial by a jury of peers will be side stepped. Every year we see more and more cases where people have been harmed by negligent companies and seek justice only to discover that they have waived their constitutional rights to a jury. We cannot allow forced arbitration to become the new norm and still maintain a fair and just society."

About Attorney Bernard Walsh:

Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(r) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(r), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200
More at: http://www.GetMejustice.com/

Personal injury lawyer Bernard Walsh warns efforts by large corporations to resolve disputes in arbitration rather than trial by jury threaten constitutional rights. Corporations seeking to reduce their financial risk and increase long-term profits have been turning to arbitration clauses more and more.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

States Reaction to National Opioid Crisis Draws Comment from Bradenton Injury Lawyer Bernard Walsh

BRADENTON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Aggressive legal action by states to curb national opioid addiction crisis draws comments from southwest Florida civil trial lawyer Bernard Walsh.

In response to growing political pressure to stop the opioid addiction crisis, many State and municipal governments are filing lawsuits against a range of drug manufacturers.

As many areas of the United States are faced with a deepening opioid addiction crisis, state and local governments are responding by targeting the opioid manufacturers and distributors citing their aggressive marketing and sales tactics.

Opioids are a class of drug often prescribed as a pain-killer for patients who suffer from chronic pain. However, opioids are very powerful drugs that in addition to being highly effective at dulling pain, also induce a feeling of euphoria and are extremely habit forming. Opioids can be made either from their natural source the opium poppy, or as is most common in modern medicine, from synthetic sources as a product of drug engineering.

However whether the drug is from opium poppies such as morphine, a synthetic engineered drug such as Fentanyl, or a semi-synthetic drug such as Oxycodone, they all are highly addictive and should only be used when absolutely necessary.

In addition to the fact that opioids are potentially highly addictive drugs, there are more than 60 different opioid or opioid derived drugs available to physicians. Many patients may be completely unaware that the drug they have been prescribed is in fact a dangerously addictive opioid.

As a result, physicians - often motived by highly aggressive incentive marketing plans by drug manufacturers and distributors, have been prescribing these drugs in larger amounts and at much higher rates. With legitimate patients becoming addicted and often turning to illegitimate sources to feed their habit, opioid overdoses have skyrocketed. For example, in the first three months of this year in Maryland alone, there have been 550 overdose deaths.

So far six states, including Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts and Virginia, have declared emergencies to access more resources to fight the additional crisis. More states such as New Jersey, Washington, and South Carolina have begun to take action with lawsuits against drug makers.

The legal actions are not limited to States, cities have also begun to file suit against drug manufacturers. According to The Indianapolis Business Journal, Indianapolis will be suing several drug manufacturers, including Purdue Pharma, Endo and Teva, as well as naming opioid distributors Cardinal Health, McKesson Corporation and AmerisourceBergen as likely defendants in the lawsuit. Counties have also taken up the effort such as Pennsylvania's Lackawanna County which announced a lawsuit against opioid painkiller maker Allergan.

Many of the lawsuits claim that both makers and distributors of opioids 'unfairly and deceptively' marketed opioids helping fuel the opioid crisis.

The additional crisis and growing legal response have not gone unnoticed by many in the legal community.

Personal Injury Attorney Bernard F. Walsh of the Bradenton Florida office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh offered this comment on the crisis, "For far too long, we have allowed the financial interests of drug makers and physicians to influence the prescription of opioids. Florida has been hit very hard with many people hopelessly addicted to drugs like Oxycodone and Fentanyl.

"While there is a legitimate need for these drugs in some cases of chronic pain, doctors motivated by lucrative sales incentives and aggressive marketing tactics have been prescribing these drugs far too often and in amounts that almost guarantee addiction. With the federal government failing to act in a timely or effective fashion, it will be up to the judiciaries of state and local governments to address this process, and civil trial lawyers will play an important role in winning these cases."

About Attorney Bernard Walsh:

Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(r) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(r), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200
More at: http://www.GetMejustice.com/

Aggressive legal action by states to curb national opioid addiction crisis draws comments from southwest Florida civil trial lawyer Bernard Walsh. In response to growing political pressure to stop the opioid addiction crisis, many State and municipal governments are filing lawsuits against a range of drug manufacturers.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

Sarasota Injury Lawyer David Shapiro Named Top 10 Plaintiff’s Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- ATTORNEY AND PRACTICE Magazine has awarded David Shapiro Esq., with a Top 10 Plaintiff's Attorney Designation. David Shapiro Esq., founding partner of the Sarasota based personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, has been awarded a Top 10 Plaintiff's Attorney Designation by the popular legal industry and legal news website Attorney and Practice Magazine.

Specializing in providing attorneys and legal practitioners with insight and advice from other legal professionals, as well as opinions and updates on the latest legal news in a wide variety of practice areas, Attorney and Practice Magazines awards list was created to recognize the achievements of the top 1% of trial lawyers.

The organization awards the top attorneys in several legal practice areas including Plaintiff's Attorneys, Family Law, Criminal Defense and DUI Defense.

With personal injury cases frequently having millions of dollars and quality of life issues at stake, the plaintiff's attorneys awards category drew some of the nation's best trial lawyers.

Attorney David Shapiro offered this comment about winning the award, "It's an honor to be selected as one of Attorney and Practice Magazines Top 10. Having credentials such as this helps an attorney reassure their potential clients that they have the experience and recognition to handle their case. Victims of personal injury are often in a very vulnerable state both financially and emotionally and any way an attorney can reassure their client will be helpful."

About Sarasota Attorney M. David Shapiro:

Attorney M. David Shapiro is an AV-rated civil trial lawyer, the highest rating awarded to litigation attorneys. He is also Board Certified by the Florida Bar. Mr. Shapiro is an experienced trial lawyer who has earned the respect of his peers in the legal community. David has successfully litigated civil rights cases involving access to courts and rights under the Rehabilitation Act to the United States Supreme Court. For more than 20 years, Mr. Shapiro has practiced exclusively in the area of personal injury and wrongful death in Sarasota, Florida.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
308 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota FL, 34236
Local: 941-954-4000

More about M. David Shapiro at: http://www.getmejustice.com/.

ATTORNEY AND PRACTICE Magazine has awarded David Shapiro Esq., with a Top 10 Plaintiff's Attorney Designation. David Shapiro Esq., founding partner of the Sarasota based personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, has been awarded a Top 10 Plaintiff's Attorney Designation by the popular legal industry and legal news website Attorney and Practice Magazine.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

eXpd8 in Collaboration with Microsoft Launches Thread, a new Legal Case Management Software on Sept. 18 in Microsoft’s Charlotte Campus

CHARLOTTE, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Brett Wolfe, Microsoft to unveil eXpd8's latest legal case management software. eXpd8, the Irish market leader in case management software, today announced its official launch of Thread in North America. Thread is a brand-new cloud-based legal case management software, built in collaboration with Microsoft which enables legal practices to free up valuable time, be more productive, increase profitability and truly digitally transform their firms.

The pure cloud software, will be unveiled at an official launch in Microsoft's campus in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 18 at 12 noon.

Guest speakers include Dr. John Young, Honorary Consul for Ireland in North Carolina and Declan Branagan, Chairman and Founder, eXpd8.

To reserve a place at this event or other events planned in cities across North Carolina and South Carolina, details can be found here http://www.thread.legal/#events.

"80 percent of legal firms in the US currently do not have a Case Management system in place," said Liam Mullaney, CEO, eXpd8. "Instead, they are reliant on in-house developed systems that are becoming obsolete due to changing client demands. We are very pleased and excited to launch Thread in the U.S."

Built on the Microsoft Azure platform, Thread incorporates several Microsoft technologies including Microsoft Office 365, One Drive for Business and SharePoint. This enables Thread to provide law firms with the ability to manage their entire practice smoothly and efficiently whilst also ensuring government level security, compliance and seamless connectivity. Thread binds all the threads of a legal practice together.

Growing legal firms need a capable, customizable, yet affordable solution to automate and optimize their entire business in order to survive and thrive in today's competitive market. Thread can help them do just that.

"Thread is truly the missing piece of Microsoft Office 365 for lawyers." said John Cuddy, Cuddy & Co Solicitors.

Register for event (Eventbrite): https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/thread-launch-in-association-with-microsoft-tickets-37334870603

About eXpd8:
eXpd8 Ltd, founded in 2001 in Dublin, Ireland was established to provide IT solutions to the legal sector. The Founder, Declan Branagan, recognized a gap in the market to help legal firms be more productive. With a small team and a big vision, the eXpd8 legal case management software was set in motion. There are now over 2,000 users of eXpd8 software around the world and it is the Irish market leader.

About Thread:
Thread, the missing piece of Microsoft Office 365 for lawyers, is a new innovative solution that includes legal case management, time and expense management, document management, scanning and billing. Thread is the first to market with such a comprehensive solution for small to medium legal firms. http://thread.legal/

About Microsoft:
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. More information: https://www.microsoft.com/.

Thread Media Contact:
Leanne Keegan
Marketing Executive
eXpd8 Ltd.
T: +353 85 703 1822
E: lkeegan@expd8.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/threadlegal
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Thread_Legal

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0912s2p-thread-300dpi.jpg

Brett Wolfe, Microsoft to unveil eXpd8's latest legal case management software. eXpd8, the Irish market leader in case management software, today announced its official launch of Thread in North America. Thread is a brand-new cloud-based legal case management software, built in collaboration with Microsoft which enables legal practices to free up valuable time, be more productive, increase profitability and truly digitally transform their firms.

Related link: http://www.expd8.com/

VLP Law Group Announces the Return of David Jargiello as Partner and General Counsel

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David Jargiello has rejoined the firm as a partner in the Corporate Practice Group and the firm's General Counsel. Mr. Jargiello is a business transactional lawyer with more than 25 years' experience in San Francisco and Silicon Valley primarily representing venture capital funds, professional service firms and legal technology companies in complex corporate finance, corporate securities, fiduciary duty and risk management matters.

Mr. Jargiello is among the most experienced law firm general counsel in the country, and as such writes, speaks and consults frequently on the spectrum of professional and business matters that confront lawyers and law firms.

He is a current member of the State Bar of California's Committee on Professional Liability Insurance and a former member of its Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct.

Mr. Jargiello was instrumental in working with VLP's founders in the structure and formation of the firm in 2008. Since then he has continued to counsel VLP on professional responsibility, risk management and partnership matters from his own extensive solo platform. As a partner at VLP, Mr. Jargiello will continue in that role, as well as engage in a business transactional practice and a practice focused on the law governing lawyers.

"David is a valued counselor and colleague and I am very pleased that he will continue in that role as a partner and our General Counsel. We are also excited to add a Professional Responsibility and Risk Management Practice Group at VLP, which David will lead," said Cathryn Chinn, CEO of VLP Law Group LLP.

In addition to practicing law, Mr. Jargiello serves as an Adjunct Professor and Assistant Director of Business Law and Entrepreneurship at Golden Gate University where he teaches Securities Regulation, Venture Capital Financing, Transactional Drafting, and Professional Responsibility. He is also a Venture Partner at Flywheel Ventures, a seed and early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

"VLP was among the very first national, virtual platforms for the practice of law, and in my opinion it has developed some of the most sophisticated practice management, risk management and technological tools in the legal industry today. It is my honor to rejoin my colleagues and partners at VLP," noted Mr. Jargiello.

About VLP:
Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate. VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals. We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

More information: https://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0905s2p-David-Jargiello-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: VLP Law Group Announces the Return of David Jargiello as Partner and General Counsel.

VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David Jargiello has rejoined the firm as a partner in the Corporate Practice Group and the firm's General Counsel. Mr. Jargiello is a business transactional lawyer with more than 25 years' experience in San Francisco and Silicon Valley primarily representing venture capital funds, professional service firms and legal technology companies in complex corporate finance, corporate securities, fiduciary duty and risk management matters.

Related link: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/

Attorney David L. Goldman Honored as Community Leader at Sarasota Men’s Conference

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Attorney David L. Goldman from the Sarasota Personal Injury Law Firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh was honored by Sarasota community organizations, West Coast Center For Human Development and the Coalition For A Better Family.

Held at Michael's On East, the annual awards ceremony entitled, 'Flames of Distinction' honored several members of the local Sarasota community for their ongoing efforts to improve the lives and quality of life of families in the greater Sarasota area who, lead by example and 'pay it forward.'

David L. Goldman of the law firm Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, & Walsh was one of the honorees. Also honored were Trevor Harvey, who headed the local chapter of the NAACP for over a decade, and local homebuilder and philanthropist, Lee Wetherington.

Mr. Goldman spoke of the importance of children having a positive male role model in one's life, and how fortunate he was to have a supportive and loving father to mentor him. He noted that leaders in the community, such as teachers, coaches, other relatives, and even law enforcement officials, can help fill that void in the absence of a strong father figure. Dr. Eddy Regnier, an eminent local psychologist, spoke in great detail about studies demonstrating the positive effect of the male role models, whether fathers or father figures, particularly with respect to the need for children to "play" and know limits.

In accepting the award recognizing his longstanding contributions to local charitable organizations in our community, Mr. Goldman made reference to "Tikkun Olam," a Jewish concept defined by acts of kindness performed to perfect or repair the world. He noted that what the honorees and the Westcoast Center all had in common was a sense of purpose to repair the world by helping others in our community who may be at a disadvantage. Mr. Goldman added that this was a universal mission felt by all people of good faith from diverse backgrounds, and that he looked forward to being able to continue to help serve the needs of our community.

About Attorney David L. Goldman:

Mr. Goldman is a member of the American Association of Justice, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Goldman is an Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, and received the prestigious Legislative Leadership Award by that organization in 1997.

David Goldman has a long-standing commitment to the community and has served as a board member of many civic organizations. He has worked extensively with the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, the Sarasota African-American Chamber of Commerce, Second Chance Last Opportunity and the Westcoast Center for Human Development. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Community Center and has been a director and member of the Endowment Fund of his local synagogue.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
308 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota, FL, 34236

More information: http://www.getmejustice.com/.

*PHOTO CAPTION: Attorney David Goldman (Center) with Attorney Bernard Walsh (right) with Member of The West Coast Center For Human Development.

Attorney David L. Goldman from the Sarasota Personal Injury Law Firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez and Walsh was honored by Sarasota community organizations, West Coast Center For Human Development and the Coalition For A Better Family.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

Troubling Trend of Increased Zip-Line Injuries Addressed In Published Article By Christina Walsh, JD and Bernard F. Walsh, Esq.

BRADENTON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- An article co-written by Christina Walsh JD, and Personal Injury Attorney Bernard F. Walsh of the Bradenton, Florida office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, has been published in the 2017 Summer Edition of The Trial Lawyer.

Entitled, "Zip-Line & Pre-Injury Releases," the article brings attention to the troubling rise of serious and fatal accidents arising from zip-lining at private businesses. The article cites a study by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine which examined zip-line accidents nationally from 1997 to 2012.

The study found that over the sixteen year period, nearly 17,000 people were treated for zip-line related injuries, and that the injuries were most common in children and teenagers. The article makes particular note of the apparent spike in the frequency of accidents over the last four years, with nearly ten injuries per day.

The article also points out that while not included in the study, there were more than six deaths from zip-line accidents in 2015 alone, and that the number of both commercial and amateur zip-lines in outdoor educational programs, camps and backyards has increased dramatically as well, to more than 13,000.

In addition to the sheer number of injuries, the study found that many of the injuries sustained from zip-lining were quite serious and included, traumatic head injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, torn ligaments, ripped muscles, friction burns, lost digits as well as deaths as a result from collisions with other riders, trees and structures or failure of equipment.

Having defined the very real risk and frequency of serious injury and death resulting from zip-line accidents, the article focuses on strategies plaintiff's attorneys should consider when representing victims of zip-line accidents in personal injury cases, and how to overcome the pre-injury release forms most injured parties would have been made to sign. Additionally, many of the zip-line operators have elected not to carry liability insurance.

As with many dangerous outdoor activities such as tandem skydiving and parasailing, participants are usually required to sign a pre-injury release agreement before participating. Such agreements are designed to release the activity provider from any legal liability should injury occur. However in some cases, these agreements are poorly drafted or other circumstances affect the case that will allow an attorney to win compensation for an injured client.

Co-author of the article injury attorney Bernard F. Walsh offered this comment about the article, "It's easy to see the appeal zip-lining has, especially for young people. On the surface, zip-lining looks like a fun and exciting outdoor activity that would be a memorable experience.

"However, while collaborating with my daughter to outline the dangers and legal perils of zip-lining, it has become clear that serious injuries from zip-lining are surprisingly common, and that this industry, like so many others has adopted the practice of requiring a pre-injury release which in many cases will make obtaining medical compensation for injuries from equipment failures or a negligent operation much more difficult for a plaintiff's legal team. Additionally, many of the zip-line operations have elected to carry no liability insurance."

About Attorney Bernard Walsh:

Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(R) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(R), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200

More at: http://www.GetMejustice.com/.

An article co-written by Attorney Bernard F. Walsh Esq., and Christina Walsh JD, has been published in the summer edition of The Trial Lawyer. Entitled, 'Zip-Line & Pre-Injury Releases', the article brings attention to the troubling rise of serious and fatal accidents arising from zip-lining at private businesses.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

EPIC Insurance adds Denise Walsh as Assistant General Counsel

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

Said EPIC Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Dan Crawford, "Denise is a strong negotiator with exceptional skills in buying and selling businesses; as well as drafting operating and shareholder agreements, business formation documents, corporate resolutions and complex contracts. Denise will use these skills to great advantage as she assumes responsibility for all legal work related to EPIC's future mergers and acquisitions. We are very fortunate to add a top professional of her caliber to our legal team."

Walsh will report to Crawford and will be based in EPIC's New York City office.

Walsh joins from Saiber, LLC in Florham Park, N.J. She was previous with Marcus, Brody, Ford & Kessler, LLC in Roseland, N.J., who merged with Saiber in January 2014. Walsh was a member of the Corporate Law and Business Counseling Practice Group and the Financial Services Practice Group at both firms. Walsh began her legal career with Lowenstein Sandler PC, in Roseland, N.J., an Associate in their Litigation Department.

Professionally, Walsh has been recognized as a New Jersey Rising Star(tm) in the area of Business/Corporate Law (2012 - 2016) as well as one of the New Jersey Law Journal's "New Leaders of the Bar" (2012).

Academically, Walsh attended Seton Hall University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Psychology. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor, also magna cum laude, from the Seton Hall University School of Law.

Denise Walsh can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
denise.walsh@epicbrokers.com
201-661-2436 - Direct.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0802s2p-denise-walsh-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

VLP Law Group Continues Its Growth with the Addition of Intellectual Property Partner David J. Thibodeau

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David J. Thibodeau has joined the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group as a partner, based in Boston and New Hampshire. Mr. Thibodeau's law practice emphasizes the development and refining of patent portfolios, strategic advice concerning competitive intellectual property rights, and due diligence for technology-based financial, merger/acquisition and other business transactions.

He regularly works with company founders, investors, engineers and scientists across the information technology industry in areas such as data storage, database systems, financial services, social media, network security, medical devices, semiconductors, optics, and antennas.

"We are very excited to have David join our Intellectual Property practice," said David Roise, Co-Chair of VLP's Intellectual Property Practice Group. "His extensive experience in patent prosecution, diligence, and strategic IP counseling mesh well with our already strong group of patent partners. In addition, his technology focus further extends the breadth and expertise of our group. We look forward to having him join the VLP team."

Mr. Thibodeau said the move to VLP will be beneficial for both him and his clients: "More than ever, technology companies require effective counsel to protect their innovations while avoiding litigation. Corporate consumers of legal services feel increasing pressure on their legal budgets, while demanding the best possible legal representation. I believe that VLP's cost-effective model is uniquely positioned to resolve these very valid client concerns." He added, "VLP's focus on corporate, finance, securities regulation, and technology transactions is the perfect complement to my own IP counseling and prosecution practice."

Prior to joining VLP, Mr. Thibodeau was a partner at several intellectual property law boutique firms and General Counsel of AirNet Communications, a venture funded start-up in the wireless infrastructure industry.

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate.

VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals. We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

More information: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0801s2p-Thibodeau-300dpi.jpg

VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David J. Thibodeau has joined the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group as a partner, based in Boston and New Hampshire. Mr. Thibodeau's law practice emphasizes the development and refining of patent portfolios, strategic advice concerning competitive intellectual property rights, and due diligence for technology-based financial, merger/acquisition and other business transactions.

Related link: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/

Attorney Bernard Walsh Honors The Legacy Of America’s Most Famous Trial Lawyer At The Melvin M. Belli Society Seminar

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Attorney Bernard F. Walsh from the Bradenton Florida office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, joined with fellow trial lawyers from around the United States in honoring the legacy of America's most famous trial lawyer, Melvin M. Belli.

Held at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston Massachusetts, the 70th Annual Melvin M. Belli Society seminar drew prominent trial attorneys from around the country to honor and continue the legacy of legal icon Mel Belli. Founded in 1981, The Belli Society is a group of civil trial lawyers from many countries dedicated to preserving and enhancing Belli's legacy.

Widely considered to be one of the most influential trial lawyers in American history, Mel Belli has been called the "Father of Demonstrative Evidence" for his innovative methods of illustrating clients' injuries within the courtroom. Belli often used many objects to help the court understand the nature of his clients' injuries, including artificial legs, scale models, human skeletons, photography, actual vehicle and more devices to increase the understanding of the jury. Belli's methods have become best practice for representing clients in personal injury cases, and his multi-volume legal books Modern Trials is still considered the standard textbook on demonstrative evidence in trials.

Given in conjunction with the American Association of Justice Convention, the event featured more than 28 individual seminars from nationally recognized trial attorneys in a variety of issues related to representing clients in civil trial law. Attendees earned CLE (continuing legal education) credits required by many State Bar Associations.

Attorney Bernard Walsh had this to say about attending the event, "Melvin M. Belli is one of the most important individuals that most people have never heard of. Belli's methods have shaped the way civil trial cases are represented in court to the great benefit of the American Justice system, and provide civil trial attorneys effective means of representing the rights of their clients.

"The Melvin M. Belli Society does important work in ensuring that the lessons learned and strides made in our civil court systems are not forgotten."

About Attorney Bernard Walsh:
Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(r) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(r), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200

More at: http://www.GetMejustice.com/.

Attorney Bernard F. Walsh from the Bradenton Florida office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, joined with fellow trial lawyers from around the United States in honoring the legacy of America's most famous trial lawyer, Melvin M. Belli.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

Hoge Fenton Shareholder Crystal Riggins Honored In The Silicon Valley Business Journal ‘40 Under 40’ 2017

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hoge Fenton is pleased to announce that its shareholder Crystal Riggins has been named a 2017 Silicon Valley Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. As a recipient of this award, Crystal is recognized for her contributions to her profession and community and represents the best of Silicon Valley.

Crystal has been recognized for her outstanding work as a business litigator and appellate attorney. Her career had led Crystal into the courtroom earlier and with much greater frequency than her counterparts. With prominent trials that have received world-wide attention and her appellate expertise, Crystal has already tried numerous cases to verdict, an accomplishment that most attorneys in her cohort cannot claim.

Her passion for client advocacy -- particularly with her exemplary and high-profile work with Title IX matters -- have solidified Crystal as a leading Title IX advocate. Crystal has not only represented complainants through the often-daunting process, but has also helped institutions shape their Title IX procedures.

Crystal is also heavily involved in the community, with commitments to the Ladies' Guild Board at St. Christopher Church and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose. As a mentor to young lawyers and law students, she helps to guide and navigate their budding legal careers. She is also an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University, School of Law, where she teaches appellate advocacy.

Crystal has told the Silicon Valley Business Journal that her little girls Frankie and Toni are her inspiration and motivate her to contribute to the community both professionally and personally. "They inspire me to strive to make the world a better and more caring place," she said.

"Crystal's approach and dedication to her clients and community have always been top notch. She practices law the way it was meant to be practiced," said Daniel W. Ballesteros, Managing Shareholder of the firm. "Please join us in congratulating Crystal. Her selection to the Business Journal's 40 Under 40 is well-deserved."

ABOUT HOGE FENTON:

Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, with highly focused practitioners who can meet most of its clients' ongoing needs. As a member of Mackrell International, a premier network of independent law firms in 60 countries, the firm's reach extends around the world. Mackrell International has been named a Top Ranked Chambers Global Leading Law Firm Network.

More information: http://www.hogefenton.com/ and http://www.mackrell.net/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0717s2p-criggins-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Crystal Riggins has been named a 2017 Silicon Valley Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.

Hoge Fenton is pleased to announce that its shareholder Crystal Riggins has been named a 2017 Silicon Valley Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. As a recipient of this award, Crystal is recognized for her contributions to her profession and community and represents the best of Silicon Valley.

Related link: http://www.hogefenton.com/

Actor Steve Comisar Gets Released From Prison on July 21, Hollywood’s Biggest Stars Asked to Help Him

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On July 21 the prison gates will open and actor Steve Comisar will once again be a free man. After spending 15 years in federal prison for fraud Comisar will try to pick up the pieces and resume an acting career. Unfortunately, after such a long absence the odds will be stacked against him.

Enter some of Hollywood's biggest celebrities who have been called upon by Comisar for a little help. For the past year Comisar has personally contacted some of the industry's top A-list actors, directors, producers, and agents, to assist him with a career jump start. With a few movie roles under his belt after his release, Comisar should have a decent chance at success. This plea for assistance has received national media coverage over the past year.

Victor Kruglov, Comisar's longtime manager says, "Hollywood A-listers are unlike the government brainwashed sheep who shy away from anyone with a criminal record. They have the courage to step up and help someone in need regardless of their past transgressions. That's what I love about this business."

Barry Freed, a retired ICM talent agent says, "The guy committed fraud for God's sake. He didn't kill anyone. He deserves a second chance. Nobody's perfect and everyone screws up. I can't even count how many major players in this industry broke the law, went to jail or prison, and got another chance. I encourage everyone to help him."

Some of the industry A-Lister's asked to help Comisar include, Steven Spielberg, Brian Grazer, Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler, Ari Emanuel, Seth Rogan, Ben Stiller, Jim Toth, Mark Wahlberg, Graham King, Sean Penn, Jack Dorsey, Joel & Ethan Coen, J.J. Abrams, and Oprah.

Comisar, now 55, is from Beverly Hills, California. Since a teenager he has had many acting roles in movies, television shows, and commercials. He has written a book on fraud prevention and has appeared regularly as a fraud guru on "The View" and "Dateline NBC." Comisar is best known for being the only Hollywood actor on the planet who is also a famous fraudster. He is also the first celebrity felon to acquire close to one million Twitter followers and over one million YouTube views while in prison.

MEDIA ALERT:
On July 21, Comisar will arrive at LAX on Southwest flight #1104 at 7:30 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Levine, Publicist
Celebrity News LLC
CelebrityNewsPR@gmail.com

Official Website: http://www.stevecomisar.com
Official Email: stevencomisar@gmail.com

ONLINE REFERENCES:
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveComisar
Official Facebook: https://facebook.com/SteveComisarFanPage
Official YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/stevec9689/videos/
Official IMDB: http://imdb.com/name/nm0131409/
Official Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Comisar
Official Wikia: http://steve-comisar.wikia.com/wiki/Steve_Comisar
Official Net Worth: http://richestcelebrities.org/richest-actors/steve-comisar-net-worth/

MULTIMEDIA:
*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0717s2p-steve-comisar-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Actor Steve Comisar returns to Hollywood after July 21 prison release, top stars asked to help him.

On July 21, 2017, the prison gates will open and actor Steve Comisar will once again be a free man. After spending 15 years in federal prison for fraud Comisar will try to pick up the pieces and resume an acting career. Unfortunately, after such a long absence the odds will be stacked against him.

Related link: http://www.stevecomisar.com/

Political Pot Prisoner Ed Forchion Ends Hunger Strike, Secures Bail Detention Hearing

TRENTON, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- For over 125 days, New Jersey's most prominent cannabis and bail reform activist Ed Forchion aka NJ Weedman, has languished in a Mercer County cell, held with no bail. On Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 13, at 1 p.m. Forchion finally gets his day in court per a Bail Detention Hearing. Mercer County Court is located at 400 South Warren St in Trenton. Media and supporters are encouraged to attend.

It is sure to be a pivotal moment as new bail law reformists and cannabis activists around the world will be taking notice. Forchion, who is a jury nullification advocate, will represent himself in court.

As one of the more vocal casualties of New Jersey's controversial New Bail Reform law, Forchion's case has garnered international attention as the ethics of the law are being publicly debated. Under the state's new law, which went into effect January 1, officials cite that certain conditions can warrant pre-trial detention, like danger to the community, flight risk or threat to a witness. Opponents, including a wide contingency of bail bond agents, argue that the law denies defendants their constitutional right to bail.

NJ Weedman, the noted "Super Hero of the Potheads" recently ended a two week plus "Hunger Strike for Bail" at the prompting of celebrity bondsman / bounty hunter, Duane "Dog" Chapman, star of the reality TV show, "Dog the Bounty Hunter." Forchion initiated the strike to call national media attention to the New Jersey New Bail Reform Law. With the divisive law inciting a massive uproar, Chapman is positioned as one of its outspoken challengers. Chapman and his wife recently traveled from Hawaii to speak at a town hall meeting on bail reform in Edgewater, NJ and made trips to the Statehouse in Trenton as well, speaking in front of a panel regarding the New Bail Reform. Governor Chris Christie refused to meet with them.

Cites Forchion, "This isn't about cannabis it is about the constitution. For over 200 years The US Constitution guaranteed bail and now Governor Chris Christie has eviscerated it with the NJ Bail Reform Act. I am a political prisoner that has been unconstitutionally detained since March 3, 2017."

Forchion's long standing battle for marijuana law reform has been documented for over two decades. Considered by many as the "grandfather of marijuana reform in New Jersey," Forchion is a bone cancer patient who states he needs marijuana for his symptoms.

This most recent detainment stems from an early March arrest related to witness tampering. Forchion, after learning the name of a confidential informant, posted the information, with his lawyer's clearance, on Facebook. The original charges against Forchion were related to a raid last year on the popular New Jersey eatery, NJWeedman's Joint. Forchion co-owns the restaurant with his partner, Debi Madaio.

To keep abreast of Ed Forchion's battle, follow his page on Facebook at "Ed Forchion." Concerned citizens can support the cause with contributions to his PayPal account at NJWeedmans_Joint@yahoo.com.

A barbeque fundraiser and birthday celebration is scheduled for Ed Forchion on his birthday, at 4:20 p.m. ET on July 23 at NJWeedman's Joint at 322 E. State St. in Trenton, NJ. Follow NJWeedman's Joint on Facebook at "NJWeedman's Joint" for updates and details.

Check out the footage of medical marijuana mom activist Debi Madaio as she campaigns for Forchion's support at the Bounty Hunter's Bail Reform Town Hall Meeting with Duane "Dog" Chapman at https://youtu.be/4N7R4h-iiyM.

Edward Forchion (NJweedman) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NJWEEDMAN

Media Contact:
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
Phone: 323-380-8819

For over 125 days, New Jersey's most prominent cannabis and bail reform activist Ed Forchion aka NJ Weedman, has languished in a Mercer County cell, held with no bail. On Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 13, at 1 p.m. Forchion finally gets his day in court per a Bail Detention Hearing. Mercer County Court is located at 400 South Warren St in Trenton. Media and supporters are encouraged to attend.

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/NJWEEDMAN

Veteran Corporate Attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt Joins Hoge Fenton

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- We are pleased to announce that veteran corporate attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt, formerly a shareholder at Hopkins & Carley, has joined Hoge Fenton. With over 30 years of experience advising companies and business owners, Lloyd is a well-known and respected corporate, M & A and business transactions attorney.

A graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law and admitted to practice in California, Illinois and Indiana, Lloyd will be based in our Silicon Valley office. He will continue to serve clients in the technology, financial services, e-commerce, retail, food & beverage, and manufacturing sectors. Lloyd provides strategic business and legal advice to companies, often serving as outside general counsel, and advises on formation, governance, stock plans, mergers and acquisitions, strategic joint ventures, corporate dissolution, and partnership and shareholder disputes.

"Lloyd's sophisticated expertise deepens our bench, expanding our ability to serve our clients and strengthening our M & A and high level corporate practice," said Karl D. Chandler, Chair of Hoge Fenton's Corporate group. "I've had the pleasure of knowing Lloyd personally over the years. His commitment to professional excellence and client service makes him a great fit for Hoge Fenton, and I very much look forward to having him on the team."

"I am very pleased and excited to join the Hoge Fenton Team. The firm has been a mainstay of the Silicon Valley legal services community for more than six decades, and has an excellent reputation for providing superior legal services," said Lloyd Schmidt. "I have known or worked with several of the Hoge Fenton attorneys over the years, and I am confident that we share the same vision for dedicated client service, quality advice and counsel, and adherence to the highest standards of professionalism."

"We are pleased to have Lloyd on the Hoge Fenton team. He brings an added layer of 'wise counsel' to our Corporate group," said Daniel W. Ballesteros, Managing Shareholder of the firm. "Finding great lawyers and great people is our top priority when recruiting. We are grateful to have found such a person in Lloyd."

ABOUT HOGE FENTON:

Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, with highly focused practitioners who can meet most of its clients' ongoing needs. As a member of Mackrell International, a premier network of independent law firms in 60 countries, the firm's reach extends around the world. Mackrell International has been named a Top Ranked Chambers Global Leading Law Firm Network.

More information: http://www.hogefenton.com/ and http://www.mackrell.net/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0705s2p-Schmidt-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt Joins Hoge Fenton.

We are pleased to announce that veteran corporate attorney Lloyd A. Schmidt, formerly a shareholder at Hopkins & Carley, has joined Hoge Fenton. With over 30 years of experience advising companies and business owners, Lloyd is a well-known and respected corporate, M & A and business transactions attorney.

Related link: http://www.hogefenton.com/

Bernard Walsh Joins Ranks Of Trial Attorneys Immortalized By Irish Portrait Artist Trevor Goring

BRADENTON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The likeness of Bernard F. Walsh has been added to the Trial Lawyers National Portrait Gallery, a collection of paintings from world-renowned portrait artist Trevor Goring.

Attorney Bernard Walsh from the Bradenton office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh has joined the ranks of notable lawyers from across the nation in the 'Contemporary Portraits Collection' of the Trial Lawyers National Portrait Gallery.

Created by Artist Trevor Goring, Trial Lawyers National Portrait Gallery is a large body of work showcasing unique portraits which document and celebrate the contemporary and historical trial lawyer community.

Trial lawyers are committed to insuring that all people see justice in our nation's courtrooms. They strive to promote justice and fairness for injured persons, safeguards victims' rights, particularly the right to trial by jury, and strengthen the civil justice system. Trial lawyers work tirelessly to serve their clients for positive outcomes and protect the democratic values inherent in the civil justice system.

Bernard Walsh had this to say about being included in the Trial Lawyers National Portrait Gallery, "Few things shape the society we live in, and have as much impact on the success and happiness of the people in our nation as much as law and our legal system. Every year attorneys work, study and strive to better represent clients and strengthen the legal system as a whole, yet few in the public will think about the role lawyers have in our day to day lives.

"Having a renowned artist such as Trevor Goring dedicate so much of his creative energy to record so many dedicated attorneys is wonderful. I am honored to have been included in this exceptional group and thank Trevor for his fine work."

The portrait of Attorney Bernard F. Walsh and many other attorneys can be viewed online at the Trial Lawyer National Portrait Gallery.

About Attorney Bernard Walsh:

Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(r) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(r), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200

More at: http://www.GetMejustice.com/.

The likeness of Bernard F. Walsh has been added to the Trial Lawyers National Portrait Gallery, a collection of paintings from world-renowned portrait artist Trevor Goring. Trial lawyers are committed to insuring that all people see justice in our nation's courtrooms.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

New Jersey Political Prisoner NJ Weedman Does ‘Hunger Strike for Bail’ from Mercer County Jail

TRENTON, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Is orange the new green? Cannabis activist, cancer patient and self-proclaimed "Superhero of the Potheads" Ed Forchion aka "NJ Weedman" might well be pondering this dilemma as he sits out his "Hunger Strike for Bail" protest in New Jersey's Mercer County Jail.

The free speech activist was originally incarcerated on March 3, 2017 and is being held without bail on charges of witness tampering. Forchion has since filed a Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus in U.S. Federal District Court of Trenton New Jersey (Case No. 317CV02669PGS) claiming a tragic violation of his civil rights under New Jersey's new bail reform laws. Forchion has gone without food for over 11 days.

The charges were filed after Forchion, per the approval of his former attorney, posted the name and photo of a police informant on his Facebook page, requesting the public to help him find information on the man. Forchion believed the individual was a paid informant, hired by the Trenton Police, to build a drug case against him. Under New Jersey's new bail reform laws, which went into effect January 1, officials cite that certain conditions can warrant pre-trial detention, like danger to the community, flight risk or threat to a witness.

"I am a peaceful, proud and patriotic pothead," cites Forchion. "Yet I have sat here for over 100 days in a cell while watching real criminals, like murderers and rapists, get released daily on bail. Nothing I did was illegal," Forchion has stated from jail. "Nothing I did was wrong. In fact, I actually thought I was in accordance with the law per the advice of my attorney." (Forchion's attorney has since been removed from the case per his own request.)

Forchion's long standing battle for marijuana law reform has been documented for over two decades. Considered by many as the "grandfather of marijuana reform in New Jersey," Forchion is a bone cancer patient who states he needs marijuana for his symptoms. Forchion's most recent travails with the Trenton Police Department have shined an international media spotlight on the state's current cannabis policy. Forchion contends he is political prisoner due to the "politics of pot Jersey style."

Amongst his many trials and tribulations over the years, Forchion pleaded guilty in 2000 to charges of conspiracy to distribute and marijuana possession and was released on parole after serving 18 months on a reduced sentence. He was arrested again in Burlington County, N.J., in 2010 on marijuana possession and distribution charges. He has fought those charges. Forchion argued his medical condition gave him a "medical necessity" defense to possess and appealed the decision to the NJ Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Forchion achieved Hollywood notoriety when he opened a marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles in 2008, saying it was a temple that used marijuana as part of its religious ceremonies. The California temple was shut down after a federal drug raid in 2011.

Currently Forchion, a Rastafarian, is the co-owner of New Jersey's only cannabis-themed restaurant, NJWeedman's Joint and a spiritual sanctuary, Liberty Bell Temple III, located directly across from New Jersey's Trenton City Hall. He opened the businesses, alongside his partner, medical marijuana mom activist and registered nurse, Debi Madaio. The restaurant and sanctuary receive not only a steady stream of customers but also worldwide media attention.

Follow Ed Forchion's court case on Facebook at "Ed Forchion". Concerned citizens can support the cause with contributions to his PayPal account at NJWeedmans_Joint@yahoo.com.

Witness the most recent court proceedings at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJexiSU0SFE and check for Debi Madaio's interview about the matter on New York's PIX11 at http://pix11.com/2017/06/19/nj-nurse-with-adopted-son-who-suffers-from-seizures-calls-for-less-strict-marijuana-laws/ .

A barbeque fundraiser and birthday celebration is scheduled for Ed Forchion on his birthday, July 23 at NJWeedman's Joint at 322 E. State St. in Trenton, N.J. Follow NJWeedman's Joint on Facebook at "NJWeedman's Joint" for updates and details.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
323-380-8819

Is orange the new green? Cannabis activist, cancer patient and self-proclaimed "Superhero of the Potheads" Ed Forchion aka "NJ Weedman" might well be pondering this dilemma as he sits out his "Hunger Strike for Bail" protest in New Jersey's Mercer County Jail.

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/NJWEEDMAN

Personal Injury Attorney David L. Goldman Master of Ceremonies at ‘Men of Purpose’ Event

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Attorney David L. Goldman of the personal injury law firm, Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, was master of ceremonies for an event honoring the work of local volunteers who have engaged with the local community.

Attorney David L. Goldman was the master of ceremonies at the annual "Men of Purpose" event honoring the unsung local heroes who volunteer their time and energies to help make our communities stronger by serving as role models for young people.

The event was organized by Second Chance Last Opportunity and April Glasco Jones and took place at Mount Cavalry First Baptist Church in Sarasota, Fla. Among the honorees were local religious leaders, police officers and others who work with at-risk youth, serving as mentors on a one-to-one basis.

Attorney Goldman noted that "Too often the people who affect the lives of our youth go unnoticed, whether they serve as athletic coaches, counselors or big brothers, they are the ones who make a real difference in changing lives for the better." David added that "It's really nice that organizations like Second Chance can give those who mentor young people a night in the limelight to celebrate all the good they do in our community."

About Attorney David L. Goldman:

Mr. Goldman is a member of the American Association of Justice, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Goldman is an Eagle Member of the Florida Justice Association and The Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, and received the prestigious Legislative Leadership Award by that organization in 1997.

David Goldman has a long-standing commitment to the community and has served as a board member of many civic organizations. He has worked extensively with the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, the Sarasota African-American Chamber of Commerce, Second Chance Last Opportunity and the Westcoast Center for Human Development. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Community Center and has been a director and member of the Endowment Fund of his local synagogue.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
308 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota, FL, 34236

More information: http://www.getmejustice.com/.

Attorney David L. Goldman of the personal injury law firm, Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh, was master of ceremonies for an event honoring the work of local volunteers who have engaged with the local community.

Related link: http://www.getmejustice.com/

New Cannabis Compliance Company Launches Public Funding Effort with GrowthFountain

HORSESHOE LAKE, Ark. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Herbal Compliance Co. announces the launch of its compliance consulting services for legal medical cannabis and hemp businesses. This unique company will also be partnering with GrowthFountain to raise $1 million in funds through a unique form of investor funding called Regulation Crowdfunding.

Interested investors can see the offering and make an investment by visiting Growth Fountain at https://growthfountain.com/herbal-compliance/.

Herbal Compliance fills a need created by differences in marijuana legislation at the state and federal levels. While it is currently legal in 26 states and the District of Columbia to grow and sell marijuana for medical purposes, it is still illegal on a federal level, resulting in thousands of conflicts between state and federal regulations.

"Understanding the laws governing medical marijuana and hemp is our core competency," explains Chuck Carpenter, president of Herbal Compliance. "But we also offer other types of business consulting like inventory management, branding, and employee education. Our mission is to help companies in this new area of American enterprise to grow and thrive."

To fully fund their startup, Herbal Compliance is using a new form of funding enabled by recent changes in securities law in the JOBS Act called Regulation Crowdfunding. The rules for this sort of investing went into effect May 2016, allowing non-accredited investors to participate in a funding round for a private company for the first time in history.

"We're excited to help Herbal Compliance raise the money they need to grow," says Abe Orden, operations manager of GrowthFountain. "For the first time in 80 years, average Americans now have the opportunity to support and invest in local businesses and entrepreneurs they believe in."

Herbal Compliance's campaign started on June 6, 2017 and will continue through Oct. 4, 2017. Their aim is to raise between $100,000 and $1 million with a minimum buy-in of $100 per investor.

About Herbal Compliance:

Launched in January 2017, The Herbal Compliance Co. provides companies in the legal medical cannabis and hemp business with services to ensure that they remain compliant with the law. Services include design and buildout, equipment fulfillment, regulator compliance, remote inventory control and reporting, vendor relationships, brand and marketing, and tax management and education. Learn more at http://www.herbalcompliance.com/.

About GrowthFountain:

GrowthFountain Capital LLC is a Regulation Crowdfunding platform aimed at simplifying fundraising and helping businesses build collateral. GrowthFountain is registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA. Learn more at https://growthfountain.com/.

*IMAGE for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0612s2p-cannacompliance-300dpi.jpg

The Herbal Compliance Co. announces the launch of its compliance consulting services for legal medical cannabis and hemp businesses. This unique company will also be partnering with GrowthFountain to raise $1 million in funds through a unique form of investor funding called Regulation Crowdfunding.

Sarasota Attorney David Shapiro Named Best Lawyer 5th Consecutive Year

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- For a fifth year in a row, personal injury and civil trial attorney M. David Shapiro, of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh has been accepted as a member of Best Lawyers.

Highly regarded within the legal industry, Best Lawyers has been cited as one of the most respected peer review publication in the legal profession.

Producing publications for over 30 years, Best Lawyers has become one of the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals for many legal areas of practice.

Members of Best Lawyers must be nominated by peers or clients and undergo a vigorous peer review process. To remain as a member of Best Lawyers, each attorney is voted on and only members who maintain sufficient votes remain a member of Best Lawyers.

Recognized for his many years of exceptional legal services for clients as well as maintaining the highest professional standards, attorney M. David Shapiro was once again inducted into the Best Lawyers.

Mr. Shapiro offered this comment on his membership, "Over the years representing injured clients, I have found many people often have difficulty in determining if their lawyer has the experience, respect and integrity to be trusted with their case and deciding on which attorney to represent them.

"While being accepted into the Best Lawyers is an honor, having the distinction helps to show prospective clients qualifications that go beyond a resume, and help them choose the lawyer that will be so important to their financial future and peace of mind."

About Sarasota Attorney M. David Shapiro:
Attorney M. David Shapiro is an AV-rated civil trial lawyer, the highest rating awarded to litigation attorneys. He is also Board Certified by the Florida Bar. Mr. Shapiro is an experienced trial lawyer who has earned the respect of his peers in the legal community. David has successfully litigated civil rights cases involving access to courts and rights under the Rehabilitation Act to the United States Supreme Court. For more than 20 years, Mr. Shapiro has practiced exclusively in the area of personal injury and wrongful death in Sarasota, Florida.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
308 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota FL, 34236
Local: 941-954-4000

More about M. David Shapiro at: http://www.getmejustice.com/.

For a fifth year in a row, personal injury and civil trial attorney M. David Shapiro, of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh has been accepted as a member of Best Lawyers. Highly regarded within the legal industry, Best Lawyers has been cited as one of the most respected peer review publication in the legal profession.

VLP Law Group Continues Its Growth with the Addition of Real Estate Partner David B. Franklin

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David B. Franklin has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mr. Franklin's practice concentrates on real estate transactions and land use, primarily in California and Hawaii. He represents clients in acquiring, leasing, financing, entitling, developing, constructing, selling and exchanging real estate. Additionally, he regularly represents clients regarding general business needs, including formation, entity structure and multi-state operations.

"David brings over 40 years of real estate experience to VLP's very active group," said Byron Rodriquez, Chair of the firm's Affordable Housing & Community Development Practice Group. "We're especially looking forward to adding his California and Hawaii land use experience, which will complement our existing developer-focused practices in those states."

Prior to joining VLP, Mr. Franklin was a partner of Dentons US LLP and its predecessor-by-merger firms McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP and Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps LLP. He is a graduate of Duke University School of Law and member of the state bars of both California and Hawaii.

"When I began practicing law, few if any law firms had more than a single office. As technology developed, faxes and then emails made it possible to communicate across continents as easily as to the colleague in the next room. Then we began emailing even to that colleague in the next room," Mr. Franklin said. "Now I am excited to join a firm that is taking the technology to the next level, doing away with the 'next room' while maintaining the degree of connection between colleagues."

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate. VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals. We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

Learn more at: http://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that David B. Franklin has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as a partner based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Franklin's practice concentrates on real estate transactions and land use, primarily in California and Hawaii.

Attorney Bernard Walsh Speaks on Trucking Accident Representation at The APITLA Interstate Trucking Super Summit

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Attorney Bernard Walsh of the Bradenton office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh gave a presentation at the APITLA Interstate Trucking Super Summit.

Prominent trucking accident injury lawyer Bernard F. Walsh, spoke on legal representation for victims of commercial trucking accidents at the APITLA Interstate Trucking Super Summit.

Entitled, "How an Attorney Works a Trucking Case: The A to Z Basics," the CLE accredited seminar instructed the audience of attorney and law students on the essential steps a plaintiff's attorney must take when handling a trucking accident case. The presentation outlined the many areas needed for effective representation during trucking accident cases, which are frequently much more challenging and demanding cases when compared with other types of personal injury law.

Held by the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel in Tampa, Florida, the event included a host of highly experience trucking litigation plaintiff's attorneys as guest speakers, and drew attorney's from across the nation as both participants and attendees.

In addition to speaking at the event and on the behalf of APITLA, Attorney Bernard Walsh invited law students to attend the seminar.

Lauded as a valuable networking and educational resource for plaintiff's trial attorneys across the United States, APITLA's stated goal is to use the law to dramatically reduce the number of traffic accidents caused by unsafe trucking companies.

Attorney Bernard Walsh offered this comment about the event: "Speaking at an APITLA conference is always an honor, but his year I was thrilled that so many attorney and students were in attendance. One aspect of legal studies that is often not emphasized enough in the education environment is the high level of networking and number of professional memberships that a practicing attorney should be engaged in.

"Having the students attend the seminar and see for themselves the importance of attending events like the Trucking Summit is excellent real world experience, and helps the students have a better understanding of what the legal profession is like after school."

About Attorney Bernard Walsh:

Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(R) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(R), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200

More at: http://www.GetMejustice.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0526s2p-walsh-apitla-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Attorney Walsh (far right) Speaks on 'Trucking Accident Representation' at The APITLA Interstate Trucking Super Summit.

Attorney Bernard Walsh of the Bradenton office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh gave a presentation at the APITLA Interstate Trucking Super Summit. Entitled, "How an Attorney Works a Trucking Case: The A to Z Basics," the CLE accredited seminar instructed the audience of attorney and law students.

Hoge Fenton Introduces Student Loan Repayment Benefit for Associates

SAN JOSE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Hoge Fenton, a leading Northern California law firm, announced today that they have signed on with Boston-based Gradifi, the industry's first provider of the Employer SLP Plan(TM) (Student Loan Paydown Plan) to introduce a new benefit for its associate attorneys: financial assistance with student loans.

Hoge Fenton is the first law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area to join the ranks of other progressive companies, including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), in taking on our nation's student loan debt crisis.

Gradifi's SLP Plan(TM), announced in 2015, gives businesses the opportunity to help put a dent in the $1.3 trillion student loan problem. Companies contribute directly - through structured and secure channels - towards their employees' student loan principal each month, which can take years off loan balances. Beginning in June 2017, Hoge Fenton will supplement eligible associates' regular student loan payments with a monthly contribution through the Gradifi-managed SLP Plan(TM).

"With the high cost of living in Silicon Valley, our associates experience more financial pressures than their peers in other parts of the country. And after four-plus years of college and three years of law school, student loans often account for a significant portion of their overall debt," commented Grace Carr Lee, Hoge Fenton's Executive Director. "By supplementing the payments on our associates' loans, Hoge Fenton can help them retire those loans more quickly. It's one small but meaningful way in which we can help."

"The burden of having student debt has an indisputable impact on the financial stability of an employee, not to mention the paralyzing effect loans have on the overall economy," said Tim DeMello, Gradifi founder and CEO. Hoge Fenton's move to offer Gradifi's SLP Plan as a benefit shows their commitment to helping alleviate that burden for its associates, as well as exhibiting leadership for others to follow suit to tackle this national crisis."

ABOUT HOGE FENTON:
Hoge Fenton is a multi-service law firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, with highly focused practitioners who can meet most of its clients' ongoing needs. As a member of Mackrell International, a premier network of independent law firms in 60 countries, the firm's reach extends around the world. Mackrell International has been named a Top Ranked Chambers Global Leading Law Firm Network. More information: http://www.hogefenton.com/ and http://www.mackrell.net/.

About Gradifi:
Gradifi is a best-in-class employer-based student loan repayment solution aimed at tackling the nation's $1.3 trillion student loan debt problem. Gradifi helps employers attract and retain talent by enabling them to make direct contributions to their employees' student loans, accelerating the pay-off of the debt. Acquired by First Republic Bank (NYSE:FRC) in 2016 and based in Boston, Gradifi is a pioneer of this employee benefit and the SLP Plan(TM) (Student Loan Paydown). To learn more about Gradifi, visit https://www.gradifi.com/ or https://twitter.com/gradifi.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0524s2p-gcarr-300dpi.jpg
*PHOTO Caption: Grace Carr Lee, Hoge Fenton's Executive Director.

Hoge Fenton, a leading Northern California law firm, announced today that they have signed on with Boston-based Gradifi, the industry's first provider of the Employer SLP Plan(TM) (Student Loan Paydown Plan) to introduce a new benefit for its associate attorneys: financial assistance with student loans.

Attorney Bernard Walsh Recommends Increased Safety Regulations and Label Warnings Are Needed for Energy Drinks After Teen Death

BRADENTON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The report that a teenager died as a result of drinking an energy drink in combination with other caffeinated drinks has prompted calls for improved safety regulations on energy supplements by Attorney Bernard F. Walsh.

Personal injury Attorney Bernard F. Walsh has called for improved safety regulations of energy drinks following the death of a teenager as a result of consuming multiple caffeinated drinks. Several news outlets have reported on the death of a teenager that was caused by consuming several caffeinated drinks including a coffee, a soft drink and an energy drink within a short span of time.

Often taken for granted, and nearly ubiquitous in soft drinks, many do not realize that caffeine is a drug. Classified as a central nervous system stimulant, caffeine is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world. However, with the increasing popularity of so-called energy drinks, caffeine is also frequently being included with a host other ingredients designed to increase alertness while maintaining a sweet taste that is easy to drink.

Many such "energy drinks" are also readily available in large, multi-serving containers, and often are marketed specifically to young people.

Personal Injury Attorney Bernard Walsh of the Bradenton office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh had this comment on the safety of energy drinks, "While it's certainly true that in most cases caffeine has been a safe addition to beverages for many years, the potential harm of highly potent, multi-serving energy drinks should be cause for concern. Many do not know that due to their classification as dietary supplements, energy drinks are not regulated by the FDA allowing manufacturers to sidestep limits on caffeine.

"Many such drinks contain a potent combination of large amounts of caffeine combined with vitamins and any number of additional herbal extracts without any regulatory oversight by the FDA. When you combine that, with the fact that many energy drinks are developed to taste similar to sweet soft drinks and the fact that they are often sold in large cans with multiple servings, the potential danger to children and individuals with heart health issues raises concerns.

"As with many other potentially harmful products such as e-cigarettes, energy drinks are frequently marketed to a younger audience. Given the tragic events in South Carolina, I urge lawmakers to re-think the rules about energy drinks to reflect the reality of the supplements and drinks that are being marketed to young people."

About Attorney Bernard Walsh:

Bernard Walsh is an active member in multiple legal organizations including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member of the Florida Justice Association Board of Governors, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

A partner at the Personal Injury law firm of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez and Walsh; Bernard Walsh has won one of Florida's largest motorcycle accident recoveries and has an AV Preeminent(r) rating on Martindale-Hubbell(r), and is a Superb rated attorney with Avvo.com.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard, Bradenton FL, 34203
Local: 941-752-7200

More at: http://www.GetMejustice.com/.

The report that a teenager died as a result of drinking an energy drink in combination with other caffeinated drinks has prompted calls for improved safety regulations on energy supplements by Attorney Bernard F. Walsh.

Actor Steve Comisar Getting Released From Prison

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Actor and felon Steve Comisar will be released from federal prison on July 21 after serving a 15 year sentence for fraud. Comisar will be placed on home confinement in Los Angeles until his sentence officially ends on April 16, 2018.

Steve Comisar is best known for being the only Hollywood actor who is also a famous fraudster. While in prison Comisar skyrocketed to social media fame by acquiring close to one million Twitter followers and over one million YouTube views. Comisar also contacted some of Hollywood's most powerful actors, directors, producers, and agents, and asked them to help jump start his acting career upon release.

Comisar's publicist, Laura Levine, says, "If Steven wants a second chance as an actor he's going to need the help of some major players in the industry. Luckily for Steven, Hollywood A-Listers are known for their kindness and generosity when it comes to helping the underdog. I really think he's going to get the help he needs."

Some of the industry heavyweights Comisar asked for help include: Mark Wahlberg, Sean Penn, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Steven Spielberg, Ethan Coen, Ari Emanuel, Brian Grazer, Jim Toth, Seth Rogan, Graham King, Bryan Lourd, Judd Apatow, J.J. Abrams, Jack Dorsey, and Oprah.

Comisar began acting at a young age and has appeared in many movies, television shows, and commercials. He has written a book on fraud prevention and appeared regularly on Dateline NBC and The View as an expert on fraud and scams.

Comisar joins the exclusive list of other celebrity felons who have served prison time. A few of them are Mark Wahlberg, Robert Downey Jr., Martha Stewart, Tim Allen, Christian Slater, Wesley Snipes, and Danny Trejo.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Levine, Publicist
Celebrity News LLC
CelebrityNewsPR@gmail.com

ONLINE REFERENCES:
Official Website: http://www.stevecomisar.com
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveComisar
Official Facebook: https://facebook.com/SteveComisarFanPage
Official IMDB: http://imdb.com/name/nm0131409/
Official Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Comisar
Official Wikia: http://steve-comisar.wikia.com/wiki/Steve_Comisar
Official YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/SteveC9689/videos/
Official Email: stevencomisar@gmail.com

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0508s2p-steve-comisar-300dpi.jpg

Actor and felon Steve Comisar will be released from federal prison on July 21 after serving a 15 year sentence for fraud. Comisar will be placed on home confinement in Los Angeles until his sentence officially ends on April 16, 2018.

Sarasota Injury Law Firm Attended the Yellow Brick Road of Florida Car Show

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sarasota civil trial and personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh was one of the sponsors of The Yellow Brick Road of Florida Car Show.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh was one of the sponsors of the Yellow Brick Road of Florida Car Show. Held at the campus of the Suncoast Polytechnical High School in Sarasota Florida, the event raised funds for the Yellow Brick Road of Florida LLC., a charitable group that supports student educational and social development. Featuring mint condition vehicles, music, food and networking, the event was lively and engaging for all attendees.

All funds raised at the event by the Yellow Brick Road of Florida will be used to support several youth groups including, 4-H and the Future Farmers of America (FFA). 4-H is a global network of organizations whose stated goal is to "engage youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development."

Created by a community of public universities and schools from around the United States, 4-H provides experiences where young people learn by engaging in hands-on projects in science, citizenship and agriculture. Proceeds from the event also went to Future Farmers of America, a youth program that supports student achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Attorney Stephan Fernandez from the Sarasota office of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh had this to say about the event, "Both 4-H and FFA provide excellent programs to help local youth develop in a wide variety of ways. The attorneys at Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh are proud to sponsor these organizations and we would like to thank the Yellow Brick Road of Florida for organizing the event."

About Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh:

The lawyers of Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, & Walsh have more than 150 years of combined Florida legal experience in personal injury, wrongful death and other negligence cases.

Our partners have handled more than 10,000 non-fatal and fatal personal injury cases where death or brain, head, neck, back, spinal cord, shoulder and knee injuries have resulted from car, truck, motorcycle or boat accidents.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
308 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota FL, 34236

More on Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh: http://www.GetMeJustice.com/.

The Sarasota civil trial and personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh was one of the sponsors of The Yellow Brick Road of Florida Car Show. All funds raised at the event by the Yellow Brick Road of Florida will be used to support several youth groups.

New Legislation Enables Massachusetts Jurisdictions to Electronically Record Land Court Documents

PROVO, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Simplifile, a leading provider of real estate document collaboration and recording technologies for lenders, settlement agents, and counties, announced that it is now electronically recording Land Court documents in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the first time.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, about 80 percent of real property is "recorded land" whose record keeping is conducted by the recorded land department. The remaining 20 percent of real property, called "registered land," is subject to stricter policies and managed by the registered land department, also known as the Land Court. Land registration documents related to registered land are commonly referred to as "Land Court documents."

Until recently, Massachusetts law dictated that recorders must retain original, hard-copy Land Court documents, making electronic recording of those documents impossible. Early this year, however, the governor of Massachusetts signed into law House Bill 3862, overturning the requirement and allowing registers of deeds throughout the state to e-record Land Court documents for the first time.

Hampden County, Norfolk County, and Southern Essex District were the first Massachusetts jurisdictions to record Land Court documents on April 12. All three jurisdictions have been e-recording recorded land documents for years and were eager to extend the benefits of e-recording to the Land Court.

"In 2004, the Hampden County Registry of Deeds was the first governmental agency on the east coast to perform an electronic recording. On April 12, 2017, we once again made history by being the first registry in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to record a registered land document," said Hampden County Register of Deeds Donald E. Ashe. "These historic events would not be possible without Simplifile's hard work, dedication, and innovation in the field of electronic recording of documents."

E-recording enables document submitters to avoid the time and expense of mailing documents or making a trip to the registry of deeds. Instead, they can scan and securely submit documents directly from their home or office.

Registers of deeds also benefit from the efficiency of e-recording. If a submitted document has an issue that must be resolved before it can be recorded, the recording clerk can electronically reject the document, immediately informing the submitter why the document is ineligible for recordation. Without e-recording, it can take days to notify the submitter of a document error. With e-recording, the submitter can receive notification and re-submit a corrected document in minutes.

"Simplifile has been helping Massachusetts jurisdictions e-record documents related to recorded land since 2007," said Paul Clifford, president of Simplifile. "Registers of deeds throughout the commonwealth have come to appreciate the efficiency, cost savings and customer service benefits of e-recording - and now they can apply those benefits across their recording workload."

More than 1,606 recording offices throughout the United States now record deeds, mortgages, and other documents electronically using Simplifile. For an up-to-date list of all jurisdictions currently e-recording with Simplifile, visit https://simplifile.com/e-recording-counties.

About Simplifile:

Simplifile, the nation's largest e-recording network, was founded in 2000 to connect settlement agents and county recorders via its e-recording service. Today Simplifile has broadened its services to include collaboration tools and post-closing visibility for mortgage lenders and settlement agents working together on real estate documents. Through Simplifile, users can securely record, share, and track documents, data, and fees with ease.

To learn more, visit https://simplifile.com or call 800-460-5657.

Simplifile, a leading provider of real estate document collaboration and recording technologies for lenders, settlement agents, and counties, announced that it is now electronically recording Land Court documents in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the first time.

Sarasota Law Firm Sponsors My Hometown Fest in Support of The Sertoma Kids Clinic

SARASOTA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Personal Injury Lawyer Firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh was a sponsor of the second annual "My Hometown Fest" in support of the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and its Sertoma Kids Clinic charitable organizations.

The Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law Firm of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh were one of the sponsors of the second annual "My Hometown Fest." Held at Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, the My Hometown Festival drew more than 4000 visitors to the event which featured live music, a wide variety of vendors from the Sarasota area and other participating locations offering food and beverages unique to their home regions.

In addition to the entertainment and festivities, the event organizers sought to raise at least $25,000 dollars in support of the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and its Sertoma Kids Clinic. As 501(c)(3) nonprofits, both organization serve children and others in our community who suffer from speech, language and hearing disabilities.

In support of the Sarasota area community and the efforts of the Sertoma Kids Clinic, the personal injury and civil trial law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh were one of the sponsors at the event.

Attorney Bernard Walsh from the Bradenton office of the law firm had this to say about sponsoring the event, "With offices all through the Greater Sarasota area, Bradenton and St. Petersburg we feel it's important to give back to the local community we serve. The Sertoma Club does excellent work in helping children with speech and hearing disabilities.

"Many people do not realize both the impact even a slight hearing or speech issue can cause for children in school as well as the large number of people affected by hearing and speech issues. The My Hometown Fest was a great event and we are happy to have contributed to its success and are looking forward to next years' event."

About Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh:

Comprised of five highly experienced civil trial and personal injury attorneys, the lawyers of Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh have nearly two hundred years of combined experience representing Florida's injured. Our partners have handled more than 10,000 non-fatal and fatal personal injury cases, where death or brain, head, neck, back, spinal cord, shoulder and knee injuries have resulted from car, truck, motorcycle or boat accidents. The attorneys at Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni Fernandez and Walsh are active and deeply involved in the communities of Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Punta Gorda, Lakeland, Tampa, Venice, Fort Myers, and Englewood.

Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
308 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota, FL, 34236

More information: http://www.getmejustice.com/.

The Personal Injury Lawyer Firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh was a sponsor of the second annual "My Hometown Fest" in support of the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and its Sertoma Kids Clinic charitable organizations.