zkslawfirm.com

Scott Baker to Present at CFREC Seminar August 23, 2011

zkslawfirm.com — 2011-07-29T18:29:38+01:00

ZKS Attorney Scott Baker will speak at a seminar on “The Distressed Property Closing” sponsored by the Central Florida Real Estate Council (CFREC) on August 23, 2011. Scott’s presentation will cover common exclusions to title insurance coverage. Click here for details on the seminar.

Scott will also speak on title insurance exclusions at the 21st Annual Real Estate Law Symposium presented by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) and CFREC. The ORRA Law Symposium is scheduled for September 21, 2011 in Orlando. Details about the ORRA Law Symposium are available here.

7 ZKS Attorneys Chosen as Top Attorneys in Florida

zkslawfirm.com — 2011-07-26T16:12:54+01:00

7 ZKS Attorneys Chosen as Top Attorneys in Florida

The law firm of Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe is pleased to announce that 4 of its shareholders have been selected for inclusion in the 2011 Super Lawyers magazine as the top attorneys in Florida. Real estate attorney Stephen B. Hatcher, personal injury/products liability defense attorney James A. Edwards, and workers’ compensation attorneys Robert L. Dietz and Kevin L. Lienard were among the elite 5 percent of Florida attorneys to receive this award. Florida Super Lawyers is a consumer’s guide to the best attorneys in the state of Florida.

In addition, Andrea Caro and Katherine E. McKinley, litigation shareholders, along with commercial litigation attorney Sarah Lindquist Pape are listed as Rising Stars. This recognition is reserved for up-and-coming attorneys 40 years of age or younger, or who have been in practice 10 or fewer years. Not more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are named to this list of outstanding young attorneys.

Super Lawyers are selected using a multiphase process which includes peer nominations and evaluations by practice areas through a statewide survey of lawyers, combined with third party research. Candidates are evaluated based on a variety of indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Rising Stars have the same selection process, except do not have peer evaluation. Additional information and the complete 2011 Super Lawyers edition can be found at www.superlawyers.com .

The entire firm congratulates the 7 attorneys receiving the 2011 recognition of Super Lawyer and Rising Star.

ZKS Partners With OCBA to Sponsor "War and Peace" Seminar

zkslawfirm.com — 2011-06-02T17:51:17+01:00

ORANGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

June 10, 2011 Major Seminar

8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the OCBA Center

880 NORTH ORANGE AVENUE ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32801

War and Peace: Negotiating Battles and Peace Treaties in ADR, Business Litigation, Appellate Courts, and the Legislature

Jointly Presented by The Appellate Practice, Business Law and Professionalism Committees

At this unique seminar, you will learn the most effective techniques for handling commercial disputes from start to finish. You will understand that professionalism, ethics and civility are the traits of winners. Our speakers and panelists were chosen based on their specific knowledge, expertise, and vantage points that will be shared with you. The seminar will include what is likely to be a spirited conversation about Judicial Independence and recent legislative activity aimed at our courts. A box lunch will be provided and at the end of the day, we will have an informal reception/social hour during which you can continue the conversations and network with the speakers and your colleagues.

Featured Speakers:

Retired Justice Charles T. Wells, Hon. John Antoon, II, Hon. Jacqueline R. Griffin,

Hon. Kerry I. Evander, Hon. Frederick J. Lauten, and Hon. Thomas B. Smith

Presentations:

Confrontation and Accord: Secrets to Success in Mediation and Arbitration

Tactics and Ethics: Conducting Ethical and Effective Discovery in Modern Business Litigation

Checks and Balances: Legislative Proposals to Fundamentally Alter the Judicial Branch

Conflicts and Cooperation: Maximizing Client Benefits Through Business Court Procedures

Strategy and Diplomacy: The Importance and Distinctions of Trial and Appellate Professionalism

Winners and Losers: Professionalism’s Impact on Persuasion & Performance in Business Court

Handshakes or Hand to Hand Combat: Professionalism Challenges Outside the Courtroom

Registration Fee $35.00 includes the program, lunch and reception/social hour 

CLE (pending) 6.0 General 3.0 Ethics Board Certification Credits Requested Mediation CME 

Register & RSVP: mariew@ocbanet.org Deadline: June 3, 2011 

This event is generously sponsored by:

Eagan Appellate Law, PLLC; Thomas Wade Young, PL; The Skambis Law Firm; King, Blackwell, Downs & Zehnder, P.A.; The Carlyle Appellate Law Firm, and Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, PA

James Edwards With the OCBA Professionalism Committee Hosts Mock Trial at FAMU

zkslawfirm.com — 2011-05-11T16:19:30+01:00

The Orange County Bar Association’s Professionalism Committee recently gave a presentation to law students at FAMU. James Edwards of Zimmerman, Kiser, Sutcliffe, current Chair of the OCBA Professionalism Committee, rounded up an elite group of panelists including Judge Alicia Latimore, Judge Emerson Thompson, Carrie Anne Wozniak, Kristopher Krest and Lincoln Le Varge.

The goal of this presentation was to show the students how important professionalism is by way of a “mock” hearing where all professional rules are ignored. All aspects of a hearing or trial from how to prepare, how to conduct yourself, what to do if the other side starts arguing your motion during “your” hearing, how to address questions from the court, how to address your points to the court, and the benefits of having a proposed order were discussed.

The mock trial was followed by a question and answer period, allowing the students to hear answers from the seasoned attorneys and judges. Approaching the end of their law school semester, the students were fresh with observations, even remarking “I hope you don’t actually see attorneys come to court with no case law!” It was an eventful presentation and a great turnout, with the students learning that “professionalism starts now, as law students.”

This presentation was one in a series intended to combine practical advice with professionalism. The attorneys at ZKS are committed to serving our all aspects of our community.

All In a Day's Work for ZKS Paralegal Jenny Treadwell

zkslawfirm.com — 2011-05-11T15:56:32+01:00

While most days find corporate paralegal, Jenny Treadwell, busy working within the Corporate department of ZKS, not a day goes by that someone doesn’t stop to ask “how’s the racing going”. Ms. Treadwell stays busy all week in the office, then busy on the track on the weekends! In addition to being a record holding, competitive Division II drag racer, she gives generously to her community.

Jenny, the ZKS attorneys and staff are very active in the community, working with charities, non-profits and community service organizations. ZKS has been involved in Civitan International since 1984 when the firm was founded. Several of the ZKS attorneys, paralegals and staff members are active in the local Civitan Lake Eola Chapter. Although the club is only six months old, it is already the second largest club in the Florida District! One of the club's members, ZKS corporate paralegal, Jenny Treadwell, was featured in the March 2011 Civitan Magazine. All of us at ZKS are excited to have such a multi-talented race car driver working among us. Enjoy reading about Jenny “tearing up the track” in the 3 11 Civitan Magazine Article attachment.

Civitan Magazine Link

Smith Edwards & Cabaniss Merge with Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe

zkslawfirm.com — 2011-03-16T16:17:14+01:00

The law firm of Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe is pleased to announce that Smith, Edwards & Cabaniss, has merged with and become part of ZKS, effective March 1, 2011. With the addition of John W. Smith, James A. Edwards, Ronald E. Cabaniss and Scott J. Edwards, the firm now expands its total number of attorneys to 33.

When announcing the merger in early February, Steve Hatcher, President of ZKS, stated “our merger with this four attorney civil litigation defense team will strengthen our ability to meet a variety of business and individual legal needs in the Central Florida Community. Their depth of experience and expertise is incredible and they share our commitment to provide clients with top quality service and legal representation. Our two firms are a great fit. We at Zimmerman Kiser and Sutcliffe look forward to the leadership and expertise gained by this merger.”

Smith, Edwards & Cabaniss are trial and appellate attorneys representing clients in personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial litigation. Their clients include product manufacturers and distributors, railroads, insurance companies, amusement parks, private companies and individuals.

John Ward Smith, shareholder, obtained his JD cum laude from Wake Forest University. Over the years, John has tried numerous personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida, and specializes in defending amusement park cases.

Jim Edwards, shareholder, graduated with high honors from University of Florida’s College of law. Jim is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, a Certified Circuit Court Mediator, and an appellate attorney, representing clients in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.

Ron Cabaniss, who joins the firm in the position Of Counsel, graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Law. Ron’s practice has focused on complex product liability, personal injury and wrongful death claims. He has tried cases in Florida and around the country.

Scott Edwards, associate, graduated cum laude from Florida State University College of Law where he served on Law Review as Executive Editor. His practice includes litigation and appeals of personal injury, transportation and product liability matters.

Juliana C. Schmidt and Ricki L. Whipple are Named Sharehholders

zkslawfirm.com — 2011-03-10T18:21:38+01:00

Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe has recently named Juliana Canales Schmidt and Ricki L. Whipple as shareholders of the firm as of January 1, 2011.

Mrs. Schmidt received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida. Prior to joining the workers’ compensation section of Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe in 2004, Juliana worked as an insurance adjuster for FCCI Mutual Insurance Company. Mr. Whipple is a graduate of Jacksonville University and the University of Florida College of Law. Ricki joined the workers' compensation section of Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe in 2003.

Both Mrs. Schmidt and Mr. Whipple defend employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators in workers' compensation claims. In addition to being members of the Florida Bar, they are both members of the Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar, handling numerous appeals before the First District Court of Appeal. Mrs. Schmidt is also a member of the Hispanic Bar Association.

Juliana is a certified instructor of continuing education classes and Ricki currently serves on the Advisory Board of Best Buddies Orlando.

In Memoriam - Robert E. Mansbach (7/27/57 - 12/25/10)

zkslawfirm.com — 2011-01-25T13:43:10+01:00

IN MEMORIAM

ROBERT E. MANSBACH, JR.

7/27/57 – 12/25/10

The memorial service for Bob Mansbach was held on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 1:00 pm at SUMMIT CHURCH HERNDON, located at 735 Herndon Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803. The family asked that anyone seeking to make donations, consider donating to Summit Church, St. John Lutheran Church in Winter Park, or to one’s favorite charity.

Robert E. Mansbach, Jr., a beloved member of the ZKS family, passed away on December 25, 2010, following a heroic battle against cancer. Bob, who had been with the firm since its inception, was a highly esteemed and successful trial attorney and the senior member of the litigation group. He became a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer in 1992 and held the highest rating of AV by Martindale-Hubbell. Bob was a past President of the Central Florida Medical Malpractice Claims Council and Chair of the Executive Council of The Florida Bar’s Trial Lawyers Section. He also served as Vice-Chair of The Florida Bar’s Civil Procedure Rules Committee and served on The Florida Bar’s Code and Rules of Evidence Committee. Bob was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and the Florida Defense Lawyers Association. He authored and updated the 2005 chapter entitled “Summation” in The Florida Bar’s 7^th edition of Florida Civil Trial Practice, and in 2009 he updated his chapter entitled “Ethics” in the 2^nd edition of The Florida Bar’sFlorida Medical Malpractice Handbook. Always the avid, passionate reader, Bob was the host member of the Literary Society of the Orange County Bar Association.

Bob will be remembered for his trademark tenacity, attention to detail and sharply focused trial skills. His quiet, calm demeanor always reflected his total preparation, which resonated with judges and jurors alike. Those who were close to Bob will also remember his warm heart, strong faith and exceptional depth of caring for those he knew were struggling through challenges in life. Bob was prayerfully concerned for those around him and encouraged others to use their gifts to impact all that they could.

The firm is indebted to Bob for leaving a legacy of tireless work, as well as his constant dedication to training those around him to practice with excellence; he raised the bar for all of us. Bob was a faithful husband to Daisy, his wife of 28 years, and a devoted father to their two outstanding children, daughter Alex and son Christopher. Bob will be greatly missed by all.

Robert Dietz Receives The Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Award

zkslawfirm.com — 2010-02-25T15:56:14+01:00

Robert L. Dietz of the Orlando law firm Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe has been selected as the recipient of The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for 2010 from the 9th Judicial Circuit. The Supreme Court of Florida will host a ceremony honoring this year’s recipients on January 28, 2010, at the Florida Supreme Court Building in Tallahassee.

Dietz began serving as a Guardian ad Litem in 1986 and has represented over 100 children in cases involving more than 1,100 hours of work. The cases have often involved medical issues as complex as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, shaken baby syndrome, cocaine babies, and injuries including spiral fractures and severe burns. In addition to abuse cases, he has had abandonment, child development, failure to thrive and parental endangerment cases.

Dietz has been Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation Law since 1992 and became a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator in 1995. He has served as National Chair of the ABA TIPS Workers’ Compensation & Employer Liability Committee and President of the Florida Defense Lawyers’ Association (the only workers’ compensation practitioner ever elected). His induction as a Fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in 2008 was only the second Floridian ever selected. Dietz was also the first Floridian elected to the national board of directors of the Association of Attorney-Mediators. He was the 2008 recipient of the FDLA’s Doug Lawless Mediation Award, and currently serves as the State Representative for the Defense Research Institute.

ZKS Sponsors Winter Park Road Race

zkslawfirm.com — 2010-01-28T17:17:36+01:00

Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Winter Park Road Race 10k & 2 Mile presented by Florida Hospital

We are excited to be involved with the Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe 33^rd annual Winter Park Road Race on Saturday, March 13^th and ask you to join us! The 33^rd annual WPRR is a spectacular 10k & 2 mile race through beautiful Winter Park and is a tradition for runners and walkers from all over Central Florida. Proceeds from this event benefit the Meridian Club of Winter Park Scholarship Fund. The Meridian Club of Winter Park has served the City of Winter Park and surrounding region for over 30 years. Since 1977, this event has generated over $200,000 in net proceeds for their Scholarship Fund which awards college scholarships to graduating high school seniors at four area schools.

We are committed to doing what we can to better the lives of our employees and clients and have worked closely with the running experts at Track Shack and health leaders at Florida Hospital to obtain and share training schedules and tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Just email us at zks@zkslawfirm.com if you would like us to send you a training schedule for the race.

Start the New Year off on the right foot by coming out to join us on March 13^th! We look forward to partnering with you as we race for better health. Visit www.trackshack.com/events/ and click the link for the 3/13 event to register.

Keef Fred Owens Named Shareholder

zkslawfirm.com — 2010-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

ORLANDO, FL - Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe has recently named Keef Fred Owens as a new shareholder of the firm as of January 1, 2010.

Mr. Owens is a graduate of Stetson University and the University of Florida College of Law. Following law school, Keef served as law clerk to the Honorable Charles M. Harris of the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Keef joined the workers' compensation section of Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe in 2002.

Mr. Owens defends employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators in workers' compensation claims. In addition to being a member of the Florida Bar, Keef is a member of the Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar. Keef has handled numerous appeals before the First District Court of Appeal.

New Shareholders Join the Law Firm of Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe

zkslawfirm.com — 2009-06-25T00:00:00+01:00

ORLANDO, FL-Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe is pleased to announce that, N. Dwayne Gray, Jr. and Mark J. Chmielarski, have joined the firm as shareholders.

Mr. Gray has been practicing law in Orlando for over twenty-five years. His practice is focused in the area of transactional real estate (commercial, multi-family and single family residential) real estate finance, zoning, land use, and creditors' rights. He received his J.D. from Loyola University School of Law - New Orleans and his B.S. from Florida Southern College.

Mr. Chmielarski practices in the areas of transactional real estate (commercial, multi-family and single family residential), commercial lending, commercial litigation and creditors' rights. He has been practicing law in Orlando, since 1990. He received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and his B.A., with honors, from Florida International University.

Dietz Receives Douglas P. Lawless Alternative Dispute Resolution Award

zkslawfirm.com — 2008-08-11T00:00:00+01:00

The Florida Defense Lawyers Association has annouced that Robert L. Dietz of the Orlando law firm Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe is the 2008 recipient of the Douglas P. Lawless Alternative Dispute Resolution Award. Dietz was selected for his contributions in the field of mediation which includes membership on the Association of Attorney-Mediators national board of directors, the first Floridian ever elected. Dietz has mediated over 1,300 workers' compensation cases, and is a frequent writer, speaker and trainer at national conferences on mediation.

ZKS Releases New Logo

zkslawfirm.com — 2008-07-15T00:00:00+01:00

Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe introduced its new corporate logo and recently launched its new updated website representing a significant milestone in the law firm's history and evolution process. The new logo and website, along with other branding elements, embodies ZKS' commitment to client focused service and professional excellence.

ZKS Attorney Richard Blackstone Webber, II received the Award of Excellence from the Board of Trustees of the Legal Aid Society

zkslawfirm.com — 2008-05-02T00:00:00+01:00

ZKS Attorney Richard Blackstone Webber, II received the Award of Excellence from the Board of Trustees of the Legal Aid Society on May 29, 2008 at the Ballroom at Church Street. The award was given to Mr. Webber in recognition and appreciation for his dedicated service by pro bono representation of the poor through the Legal Aid Society of Orange County Bar Association, Inc for 20 years.

Dietz Inducted as a Fellow of The College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers

zkslawfirm.com — 2008-04-01T00:00:00+01:00

ZKS Shareholder Robert L. Dietz was inducted as a Fellow of The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at its annual meeting in Chicago on March 28. Mr. Dietz is the youngest Fellow ever selected by the college. He is the first Central Florida attorney and only the second Floridian selected to be a Fellow. Election as a Fellow recognizes outstanding accomplishment in the profession, sustained contribution to the field in scholarship and practice, and meeting the standards of integrity, professionalism and character.

Mr. Dietz served as President of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association in 1998-1999 (the only workers’ compensation practitioner ever elected). He also served as National Chair of the American Bar Association Tort & Insurance Practice Section’s Workers’ Compensation & Employer Liability Committee in 1995-1996. Dietz has been Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation by The Florida Bar since 1992. He has been a frequent author and speaker nationally on subjects that relate to workers’ compensation and mediation.