Res No 051-17-14852RESOLUTION NO Q51-17-14852
A Resolution authorizing theCity Attorney to enter intoa contract with
Carlton Fields Jorden Burt,P.A.to provide the City of South Miami with legal
representation inthecase of Schwartz,et al.v.City Commission of theCity of
South Miami.
WHEREAS,theCity Commission adoptedOrdinanceNo.18-15-2225;and
WHEREAS,theplaintiffsinthecaseofSchwartz,etal.v.CityCommissionoftheCity
of SouthMiamihavefiledsuitseekingaWrit of MandamusdirectingCityCommissiontotakea
subsequent voteon Ordinance No.18-15-2225;and
WHEREAS,thelitigation of landuseissuesisvery specialized anditwouldbeinthe
best interest of theCitytohireatrialattorneywhohas experience inthisarea of thelaw;and
WHEREAS,theCity Attorney hasreceivedavery favorable recommendation of Richard
Ovelmenwhohasbeenratedby Martindale-Hubbell asa preeminent lawyerbasedonhisAV
rating that hehas maintained for twenty-five years.According tohis resume,Mr.Ovelmen has
practiced constitutional,appellate,landuse,localgovernment,media,antitrust andintellectual
property law for more than thirty years;and
WHEREAS,Mr.Ovelmen has advised theCity Attorney that Mr.Ovelmen andhis team
of lawyers at Carlton Fields Jorden Burt,P.A.willhave sufficient time to respond tothe court's
orderto show causeastowhythe petition for mandamus shouldnotbe issued by March 30,2017.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI,FLORIDA THAT:
Section 1.TheCity Attorney is authorized toenterintothe attached retainer agreement
withCarltonFieldsJordenBurt,P.A.andMr.RichardOvelmenastheleadattorneyforthe
purpose of providing the City of South Miami witha defense inthecase of Schwartz,etal.v.
CityCommission of theCity of SouthMiami.Theexpenditurefortheselegalservicesshallbe
initiallylimitedto $10,000 andtheCityAttorneyshallsubmitaresolutionforapproval of any
amount in excess of $10,000.
Section 2.Severability.If anysectionclause,sentence,orphrase of thisresolutionisfor
anyreasonheldinvalidor unconstitutional byacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,theholdingshall
notaffectthevalidity of theremainingportions of thisresolution.
Section3.Effective Date.Thisresolutionshallbecomeeffectiveimmediatelyupon
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20tlHay of March 2017.
ATTEST:APPROVED:
Pg.2 of Res.No.051-17-14852
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM,
LANGUAGE,LEGALITY AND
EXECUTION THEREOF
CITY ATTORNEY
MAYOR
COMMISSION VOTE:
Mayor Stoddard:
Vice Mayor Welsh:
Commissioner Harris:
Commissioner Edmond:
Commissioner Liebman:
3-2
Yea
Yea
Nay
Nay
Yea
f X*
jims>—
Richard J.Ovelmen
Attorney AtLaw
305-347-6805 Direct Dial
rov8lmen@carltonrields.com
Dr.PhilipK.Stoddard
Mayorof South Miami
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami,Florida 33143-3209
pstoddard@southmiamifl.gov
March 10,2017
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Miami Tower
100 S.E.Second Street |Suite4200
Miami,Florida33131-2113
P.O.Box 019101 |Miami,Florida 33101-9101
305.530.0050 |fax 305.530.0055
www.carltonfields.com
Atlanta
Hartford
Los Angeles
Miami
New York
Orlando
Tallahassee
Tampa
Washington,D.C.
West Palm Beach
Privileged and Confidential
Attorney Work Product and
Attorney Client Commission
Re:Schwartz,et al.v.CityCommission of theCityof South Miami
Case No.2015-022211 -CA-01
11th Circuit Court,Miami-Dade County,Florida
Dear Mayor Stoddard:
We are pleased that you have asked CarltonFields Jorden Burt,P.A.,to represent City
Commission oftheCityof South Miami(the "City")in connection with the above matter.This
letter will confirmour discussions withyou about your engagement of the firmand the basis on
which the firm will provide itslegal service to the City.Seefootnote1onthe signature page.
Scope of representation.Itisour understanding that,in connection withthis
representation,we will defend theCityof South Miami inthe above captioned matter.Asthis
matter progresses,the nature or scope ofthe services we are to render may change and,inthat
event,itmaybe necessary forusto seek amodificationofthis agreement.
The basis for fees and costs.We are customarily compensated on anhourly basis for
our services,and we propose tofollow that arrangement here.My discounted hourlyratefor
this matter will be $550.The rates of other attorneys in our firm who may workon this matter
are Jason Kairallaat $425 and Justin Wales at $300.These rates are periodically adjusted and
the rates in effect when services are rendered will be used in preparing our statement.If you
have any questions about those adjustments,we will,of course,be happy to discuss themwith
yOU.Notwithstanding anything containedhereintothecontrary,theCity of South Miami shallbegivenadiscountrateof$450per
hour.
Clients are responsible for our customary charges for fees related tolegal services
rendered and for costs and disbursements incurred byourfirmon the client's behalf,as
described in the enclosure "Charges and Terms forLegal Services,"(the "enclosure")whichis
considered part ofthis engagement letterandtowhichwe respectfully direct your attention.
Billsfor some third party costs maybe transmitted directlytoyoufor payment,anditis expected
that these billswill be paid byyou upon receipt.
Carlton Fields Jorden Burt,P.A.
111067479.1 Carlton Fields Jorden Burt,P.A.practices law in California through Carlton Fields Jorden Burt,LLP.
Dr.PhilipK.Stoddard
March 10,2017
Page 2
No binding estimate of fees.Weare mindful ofyourinterestin controlling the cost of
legal services.Ourgoallikewiseisto represent youefficiently and ina cost-effective manner.
Towardthisend,we will attempt to ensure thatworkisallocatedamongseniorandjunior
attorneys (or paralegals,where appropriate)tomaintainhighquality service ata reasonable
cost.To the extent practicable and consistent with our professional responsibilities,we will
accommodate your wishes about staffingthis case.We cannot determine at the outset the
amountoftime,theexpertise,orthecoststhat will berequired,andtherearemanyfactorsthat
can change any such estimate.Because of these uncertainties,I am unable to provide vou with
any estimate of our fees upon which you can reasonably rely.See footnote 2 on the signature page.
Billing frequency,review and payment of invoices.We will send youourinvoicefor
our fees andcosts each month.We will include with the invoice areasonablydetailed
descriptionofthe services and costs coveredbytheinvoice.Our statements aredueon
receipt.Please noteyear-end bills renderedbyDecember 11,2017,mustbepaidnolaterthan
December28,2017.Additional detailsofour billing practicesagreedtohereinis provided inthe
enclosure.
We will provide you with statementsaftertheendofevery month for work performed and
expenses recordedonourbooks during theprevious month.Todeal with anyconcerns
efficiently andwhilememoriesarefresh,it will beimportantforyoutoreviewall statements as
soon as youreceivethemand notify us promptly ofanyconcern.Tothatend,you agree to
review each statement and notify our Firm in writing within 15 days ofthe date of the statement
ofanyerror,deficiency,orquestionaboutthestatementortheservicesrendered,andagree
thatthe absence of such notice will bedeemedan agreement with the correctness and
accuracy ofthe statement rendered.If any statement isnotpaidwhendue,thenwemust
reservethe right to suspend performing legal services until youhavemade arrangements
satisfactory tothe Firm forpaymentofany amounts dueand for future servicesandexpenses.
Submission of advance fee/costdeposit.Weaskthat you forward tous,with your
executed copyofthisletter,an advance feeand cost deposit intheamountof $5,000.This
advancefeeshallbeheldbyour firm as explained in theenclosure.In theeventofdelay in
paymentofouroutstandinginvoicesorneartheendofour financial year(December 31),we
reservethefurther right toapplyadvancefeedepositstooutstanding invoices.See footnote 3.
Payment may be made by check orwire transfer.Wire Transfer instructions are as
follows:
BankName FloridaCommunityBank
Address 1255 Tamiami Trail
City,State,Zip Charlotte,FL 33953
ABA No.066016766
SWIFT CODE FCBNUS33
Account Name Carlton Fields Jorden Burt,P.A.Trust Account
Accountholder Address:4221W.Boy Scout Blvd.,Suite 1000
City,State,Zip Tampa,FL 33607
Account No.3108772800
Reference Cityof South Miami
111067479.1
Dr.PhilipK.Stoddard
March 10,2017
Page 3
Additional client obligations.Ourabilityto represent you depends in large part on
information you provide us.Your communication tous concerning the representation is
privileged,meaning that we will not disclose itwithoutyour consent or when required by law or
under exceptional circumstances described in the Rules of Professional Conduct.Itis important
that you be truthful and complete ininforming us of the facts surrounding the matter so that we
can properly analyze the legal issues and advise you.In addition,there are decisions in the
course of any legal representation that must be made by the client.For these reasons,we must
always have your current contact information,and you agree to promptly respond toany
requests for information,consultation or decisions.
Please review the cautions in the enclosure concerning electronic communications.
Your signature below will acknowledge those warnings and agree to the recommendations.
We encourage youtowriteorcallusat any timeifyou have any question about our
invoice or about our services.We will be pleased to discuss any concerns that youmay have.
If these arrangements are satisfactory,please print out and signa copy ofthis letter and
return itto me at your earliest convenience.
Welookforwardtoworkingwithyouonthismatter,and,again,we appreciate the
opportunity to be of service toyou.
Very truly yours,
CARLTON FIELDS JORDEN BURT,P.A.
RJO/ma
Enclosures
Accepted and agreed tothis 20th Dayof
March ,2017
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
By:-
Thomas F.Pepe,City Attorney
Alldocumentsthatyou generate arepublic records andthose documents thatreflectyourmentalimpressions,conclusions,litigation strategy orlegal
theoriesareexemptfrom production pursuant toSection 119.071,Fla.Stat.,untilthecasehasterminated.However,uponthe termination ofthecaseall
suchdocumentsaretobedeliveredtotheCityandaresubjectto production upon receipt ofapublicrecords request.Youagreetobeboundbytheattach
"Attorney's Public Records Requirements".This agreement is between you,your firm andtheCityAttorneyandallworktobe performed shall beatthe
direction of theCity Attorney.
Footnote1:Thepurpose of thisengagementistohireMr.RichardJ.Ovelmenandheshallbetheleadattorneyatalltimesinthe representation
oftheCity.Mr.Ovelmenhasacopy of thepetitionforwrit of mandamus,thememorandum of theCityAttorneyandtheamendedorderto
showcause.Itisunderstoodthataresponsetotheorderisduewithin20days of thedate of theamendedorder.
Footnote2:Oncethevalue of theservicesrendered,includingfeesandcosts,reach $7,500.00,anemailshallbesenttoThomasPepeat
tpepe@southmiamifl.govsothathemayadvisetheCityCommission.Innoeventshallthefeesandcostsexceed$10,000withoutprior
approvalby resolution of the City Commission.
Footnote3:Theretaineris refundable and will beheldintrustand may beusedtopayany services renderedinaccordancewiththisagreement,
providedtheyhavenotbeen timely paid.Uponconclusion of representationtheunusedportionshallbereturnedtotheCity.
111067479.1
Attorney's Public Records Requirements
CARLTON FIELDS JORDEN BURT,P.A.and RICHARD J.OVELMEN,(hereinafter referred toas
the "City's attorneys"),hereby agree with theCity of SouthMiami (hereinafter referred toasthe "public
agency"),that City's attorneys andall of their subcontractors are required to comply withthe public
records law(s.119.0701)while providing goodsand/orserviceson behalf of theCity of South Miami and
the City's attorneys,under such conditions,shallincorporatethis paragraph inall of their subcontracts for
thisProjectandshall:(a)Keepandmaintainpublicrecordsrequiredbythepublicagencyto perform the
service;(b)Uponrequestfromthepublicagency'scustodianofpublicrecords,providethepublicagency
withacopy of therequestedrecordsorallowtherecordstobeinspectedorcopiedwithinareasonable
timeatacostthatdoesnotexceedthecostprovidedinthischapterorasotherwiseprovidedbylaw;(c)
Ensurethatpublicrecordsthatareexemptorconfidentialandexemptfrompublicrecordsdisclosure
requirementsarenotdisclosedexceptasauthorizedbylawfortheduration of theContracttermand
followingcompletionoftheContractifCity'sattorneysdonottransfertherecordstothepublicagency;
and(d)Upon completion of theContract,transfer,atnocost,tothepublicagencyallpublic records in
possession of City's attorneysorkeepandmaintainpublicrecordsrequiredbythepublicagencyto
performtheservice.If City's attorneystransferallpublicrecordstothepublicagencyuponcompletion of
theContract,City's attorneysshalldestroyanyduplicatepublicrecordsthatareexemptorconfidential
andexemptfrompublicrecordsdisclosure requirements.IfCity's attorneys keepandmaintainthepublic
recordsuponcompletion of theContract,City's attorneysshallmeetallapplicablerequirementsfor
retainingpublicrecords.Allrecordsstoredelectronicallymustbeprovidedtothepublicagency,upon
requestfromthepublicagency'scustodianofpublicrecords,inaformatthatiscompatiblewiththe
information technology systems of thepublicagency.
IF THE CITY'S ATTORNEYS HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION
OF CHAPTER 119,FLORIDA STATUTES,TO THE CITY'S ATTORNEYS'DUTY TO
PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT,CONTACT THE
CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT 305-663-6340;E-MAIL:
MMENENDEZ@SOUTHMIAMIFL.GOV;6130 SUNSET DRIVE,SOUTH MIAMI,FL
.33143.
CARLTON FIELDS JORDEN BURT,P.A.
CHARGES AND TERMS FOR LEGAL SERVICES
Ourfirm'sgoalistoprovideitsclientswithlegal services ofhighquality,rendered promptlyand
responsively to the clients'needs.In return,clients are expected to pay promptly the firm's
statements for such professional services and related disbursements.The purpose of this
memorandum isto set forth the basis upon which our firmbillsits clients for legal services and
related charges,and the terms on which such statements are rendered.
1.Retainers.A retainer isa sum of money paid to a lawyer to guarantee the lawyer's
future availability.A retainer is not payment for past legal services and is not payment
for future services.Some clients keep us"onretainer"even though they have no current legal
work.A lawyer cannot represent one client adverse to another current client without the
consent of both.The rules are different with respect to former clients.Without a separate
agreed retainer for the firmto maintain you as a current client,the attorney-client relationship
between the firm and a client shall be deemed ended 30 days after the date of the finalbillfor
any matter.
2.The Basis for Fees.
(a)Hourly.In most cases,our firm's fees are determined with reference to the time
expended byfirm members,associates,legal assistants and other professionals on the matter,
athourly rates established in relation to the experience and skillsof the person performing the
work.Our firm's hourly rates are revised periodically to reflect increased skills,costs,and other
factors.Clients may obtain information about the range of the rates currently in effect from the
attorney in charge of the matter.
[(b)Alternatives to hourly fees.Inlimited circumstances alternative billing
arrangements can be agreed -such as afixedfee,which may be non-refundable.When the
size,complexity,difficulty,or urgency ofa matter,or the particularly good result obtained,or
similar factors so dictate,we may increase our fee accordingly.]
3.Advance Payments of Fees and Other Charges.Our firms policyisto require an advance
fee deposit forhourlybillings.We will hold the advance fee in trust and apply itto the final
invoice for the matter.In the event the client islatein paying earlier invoices,we will apply the
advance fee to satisfy those invoices.The client will then be expected to restore the advance
fee to the original amount,as a condition for our continuing the representation.Otherwise,we
reserve the rightto terminate the representation at that point,and the client will be obligated to
pay any remaining balances of fees and costs still due and owing.Because of the importance
of our year-end accounting (December 31),we reserve the rightto apply advance fees to
outstanding invoices by year end.
Advance fee deposits are applied firstto disbursements and then to fees for legal services at
applicable rates.Advance fee deposits are held ina client trust account,until withdrawn.Our
firm does not segregate advance payments received from clients nor earn or pay any interest
with respect to them.If ourfirm's representation is terminated,unless otherwise agreed any
portion of the advance payment not applied byor owed to our firmforits fees and
disbursements with respect to services performed and disbursements accrued priorto such
termination will be refunded.
4.Costs and Disbursements.Clients are billed for the costs incurred on their behalf such as
filing fees,court reporter charges,out-of-pocket expenditures,and travel as well as our
customary charges related to legal services rendered,including long distance telephone,
111067479.1
photocopying,messenger service,computerized research,mailing,express delivery,overtime
secretarial charges,bills rendered to the firmbythird party providers of services,and other
expenses.Costs are posted andbilled based on standard rates published by the provider or
contained in contracts with the firm.In some cases,the provider may grant volume discounts,
which arenotsubstantialinamountandare impossible to predict,anditisnotpracticaltoadjust
the bill toreflect such discounts.Billsfor some thirdpartycosts,includingarbitrationor
mediation costs and expert witness fees,maybetransmitteddirectlytotheclientforpayment,
anditis expected that these bills will bepaidbytheclientuponreceipt.
5.Frequency ofBilling.Statements for services and disbursements are generally rendered
monthly.Incertain transactional matters,our firm mayrendera statement uponthecompletion
ofthe transaction or,if the transaction isnot completed,atthetimeworkis completed.
6.Payment Terms.All statements for professional fees,other charges,and disbursements
are due uponreceipt.Our firm reserves the rightto terminate its services if statements are not
paidwhendue.Termination will not discharge the obligation topayour firm all amounts owed.
Because itis important to resolve any questions about a bill while memories arestill fresh,each
invoice must be reviewed and any questions raised within15 days of receipt,or any
issue will be deemed waived and the invoice agreed to.
Anyinvoiceforwhichpaymenthasnot been received within 35 days ofinvoice date will bear
interestatthestatutoryrateforthe jurisdiction ofour office wherethe engagement originated.
Theperannumstatutoryinterest rates forthecurrentyearare:Florida -4.97%;Georgia-7%;
NewYork -7%;Washington,D.C.-6%;Connecticut -8%;California -7%.
7.Document Retention.
Your Documents Submitted toUs.We will returnany original documents yousubmittous
after they are no longer needed for the representation.Afterthe matter is concluded we review
ourfilesforsuchoriginal documents andthenreturnthem.Nevertheless,please keep copies of
original documents you send us.
Your Documents Relatingtothe Matter.If thisisamatter in litigation,orasto which litigation
isanticipated,PLEASE donotdestroyanydocumentsor physical thingconnectedinanyway
with thedispute.If youhaveaprogramof regularly destroyingold documents,please suspend
itwith respect to documents thatmightbe associated withthematter.Thisalso applies to
electronicrecords,e-mails,andthe like.We will discussthissubject with youat greater length,
but recent developments inthelaw have madethematterof document preservation important.
Our Document Retention.After amatterisconcluded,ourpolicyistoa)returnoriginalclient
documents;b)destroy duplicates,drafts,non-essential or interim pleadings,depositions,
transcripts,discovery,incidental correspondence,andthe like;c)either (i)digitally reproduce
the remaining documents and destroy physical copies or (ii)store the remainingfileata secure
off-sitefacilityfor6 years andd)destroy the file after 6 years withnofurthernotice.Please let
usknowifyouwant us todeliver any part ofthefiletoyouafter the matter is concluded.
111067479.1
CARLTON FIELDS JORDEN BURT,P.A.BASIS OF CHARGES
FOR ANCILLARY SERVICES
January 1,2017
COMPUTER RESEARCH
(Includes Westlaw,Lexis and All Other
On-Line Computer Searches)
LITIGATION SUPPORT
Standard Lexis,Westlaw rates
without markup
Please refer to the attached Practice
Technology Cost sheet
SECRETARIAL/WORD PROCESSING OVERTIME$40 per Hour
POSTAGE Actual Cost
FEDERAL EXPRESS/UPS
MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
FAX TRANSMISSIONS
TELEPHONE CHARGES
REPROGRAPHIC SERVICES
OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS
111067479.1
Actual Cost
53.5 cents per mile
(Will change as the IRS changes the
amount of the allowable mileage
reimbursement)
$.20 per page for outgoing faxes plus
the cost of any long distance phone call
Clients are billed for the actual cost of
long distance calls.Cellular phone calls
are billed at $.20 per minute.
Clients will be charged $.20per copy
for routine reproduction services and
$.50 per copy for color reproduction
services.
Clients are requested to provide a cost
retainer to cover estimated out-of-pocket
costs which may be incurred bytheFirm
during the representation.
LITIGATION SUPPORT PRICING FOR
CFJB-PREFERRED VENDORS
(All processing fees include OCR,De-Dupe,and Bates labeling where appropriate.)
Service
Data Processing
and Review
Platform
Pre-Processing
(Culling)
Processing inTIFF
Format
Project Management
Document Review
Data Collection
Server Data Collection
111067479.1
Internal IRIS Driven FTI
CFJB (Relativity)(One)(Ringtail)
(IPRO)
Included with
processing $50/GB
$100/GB$350/GB
$50/GB $60/GB
ili^2S&i(^J&?s\5^%SifiM&";s"V'
W^l^^i^^^^i4^W^^iMW•>••••~-"'f%
$390/GB $400/GB
$220-$310/hour $150/Hour $175/hour $225/hour
Billable rate $0.65/doc $1.25/doc $1.50/doc
^^^HiUPl^^^K^iSS^^M^^BllS
lisiSlilliifi
$220/hour $300/hour $275/hour $325/hour
Revised 9/2/2016
CARLTON FIELDS JORDEN BURT,P.A.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Itislikely that duringthe course ofthis engagement bothyou and thefirm will use
electronic devices and Internet services (whichmayinclude unencrypted wiredor wireless e-
mail,cellular telephones,voice over Internet,electronic data/document web sites,and other
state of the art technology)to communicate andto send or make available documents.
Althoughtheuseofthis technology involves some degree ofriskthatthird parties may"hack
into"or otherwise access confidential communications,we believe and,by agreeing to the
engagement letter,you agree thatthebenefitsofusingthistechnologyoutweightheriskof
accidental disclosure.Nevertheless,just as we have policies and systems in place designed to
make our electronic communications withyou reasonably secure,itis equally important that you
also communicate with us ina manner that reasonably protects the confidentiality of information
we share and any attorney-client privilegethatmayapplytoour communications.This means
thatyoushouldnot use any computers orotherelectronic devices,networks,orInternet
addresses that are owned,controlled,ormaybe accessed by others,includingbutnotlimited
to,youremployer,ahotel,library orInternetcafe,orasharedhomecomputer,tosendor
receive confidential informationtoorfromus.Any device you use should be password
protected and not accessible for use byanythirdparty.
6/26/15
111067479.1
RICHARD J.OVELMEN
Carlton Fields Jorden Burt,P.A.
100 S.E.Second Street,Suite 4200
Miami,Florida 33131
CONFIDENTIAL
PROFESSIONAL RATINGS
Mr.Ovelmen isa Martindale-Hubbell "preeminent"lawyer based on
maintaining his "AV"ratingfor more than twenty-five years.He has been
listed inthe Best Lawyers in America since 1996.He has been repeatedly
namedaFlorida "Super Lawyer."AndtheSouthFloridaLegal Guide has
named him an outstanding attorneyforthepast several years,andthe
Outstanding Media Lawyer for 2011.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2014 to
present:
Carlton Fields Jorden Burt Litigation Shareholder.
Mr.Ovelmenhaspracticedconstitutional,appellate,land-use,local
government,media,antitrust,and intellectual property law,including
particularlyFirstAmendment,defamation,trademark andcopyright
litigation,litigationregardingaccesstogovernmentheldinformation,
privacy,andtradesecretclaimsformorethanthirtyyears.His practice
alsoincludescomplexclassactiondefense,commercial litigation,BertJ.
HarrisActClaims,litigation concerning Developments of Regional
Impact,localreferendaandinitiatives,andinternationallitigation.Mr.
Ovelmenhasdefendedorparticipatedinthedefenseofmorethan100
libelorslandercases.Hehas represented both Universities andstudents
in litigation involving academic and educational disputes.
1997-2013 Jorden Burt LLP,Litigation Partner.
HewasChairman of the Firm's Appellate Practice Group,supervisedthe
peerreviewprocessforallFirm appellate briefs,andcreatedthe Firm's
in-house training program forlegalwriting.The program consisted of
sophisticated "nuts andbolts"seminarson brief writing,Rule23(f)
Petitions,stay motions,writingbriefs generally seeking discretionary
review,interlocutoryappeals,andpreservationofissuesforappeal.His
areas of practiceincludedappealstoallcourts,defamation andintellectual
33023913.4
property litigation,class action litigation,constitutional litigation,and
local government orland-uselitigation.
1988-1997:Baker&McKenzie,InternationalLitigationPartner.
Routinely handled litigation matters involving First Amendment and other
constitutional issues;local government and land-use;media relations;libel
and privacy issues;retraction demands;FOIA,trade and business
defamationdefenses;intellectualproperty,trademark,tradesecret,
copyright,antitrust,andfranchisingdisputes;product liability defense;
constitutional litigation;complex commercial litigation;international
litigation,andappealstoallcourts.
1982-1988:TheMiamiHeraldPublishing Company,GeneralCounsel.
Chieflitigationcounseltothecompany,butalsoexercisedauthorityover
all of the newspaper's legalaffairs,"business side"and "newsroom",
litigation and non-litigation.ArguedcasesforThe Miami Herald inthe
FloridaSupremeCourt,the United StatesCourtsofAppeals,andthe
inferior state and federal courts.Wrote numerous briefs amici curiae on
pressissuesintheUnitedStatesSupremeCourtformany national media
companies.Other responsibilities included pre-publication libel review of
newsarticles,editorials,andadvertising;antitrustcounseling,negotiating
leases,handlingcopyrightandotherintellectualpropertyquestions,
draftingcontracts,anddistributorshipagreements,aswellassupervising
thehandlingoftaxopinions,personal injuryclaims,andlaboror E.E.O.C.
matters.Timemagazine recognized the Miami Heraldasoneofthe
nations "10GreatNewspapers"duringMr.Ovelmen's timeas G.C.
1981-1982:Paul&Thomson.LitigationPartner.
Litigationpartner speciaUzing inFirstAmendment,andother
constitutionalcases,particularlylibel,intellectualproperty,land-use,
CountyCharterissues;andDevelopmentsofRegionalImpactlitigation,
and antitrust law.Practice was largely appellate or summary judgment
oriented,but also included several notable antitrust and libel trials,as well
ascommercialsuits,franchising,andproductsliabilitydefense.Principal
dutiesotherthanlitigation included recruitingandtrainingofassociates.
Paul&ThomsonwasrecognizedbyTheAmericanLawverasoneof
'Thirteen GreatSmallLaw Firms"inUnitedStatesduringMr.Ovelmen's
tenure with the firm.The firm has since dissolved,but Dan Paul,Frank
Burt,andMr.Ovelmen -allpartnersatPaul&Thomson reunited at
Jorden Burt.
33023913.4
1978-1981:Paul &Thomson,Litigation Associate.
Worked inabroadrangeoffieldsincluding constitutional litigation,local
government law,constitutional tax litigation,presslaw,antitrust law,
intellectual property,products litigation,commercial disputes,andlibel.
Participated ina number of major trials.
1997-2016 Special Outside CounseltoCityofMiami Beach.
Selected constitutional land-use litigation.
SELECT CASES
Among Mr.Ovelmen's more interesting cases arethe following:
SUPREME COURT PRACTICE
McPhersomv.U.S.,131S.Q.1445(2015).Cert.PetitionU.S.Supreme
Court.
IMSv.Sorrell 131S.Ct.2653 (2011).Amicus brief for Tech/Freedom
successfully supporting Respondents.
ACLU v.Miami-Dade County School Board.130S.Ct.659(2009).
Successful brief inoppositiontoCert.Petition.
SouthFloridaWater Management District v.Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
of Florida,No.02-626 (S.Ct.).Co-counsel to Miccosukee Indian Tribe in
victorybeforetheUnitedStatesSupreme Court inwhichtheTribesought
torequirethe South Florida Water Management District toobtainClean
Water Actpermitforpollutantsbeing discharged intotheEverglades.
U.S.Dept.ofJusticev.ReportersCommitteeForFreedom of thePress,
489U.S.749(1989).Represented American NewspaperPublishers
Association,AmericanAssociationof Newspaper Editors,andothersin
UnitedStatesSupremeCourtinFOIAcaseinvolvingpublicaccesstoFBI
"rap sheets".
The Florida Star v.B.J.F.,109 S.Ct.2603 (1989).Successfully
represented pressamicuspartiesinUnited States SupremeCourtonthe
meritsofthe privacy question:whether a newspaper maybeheldstrictly
liable for publication ofthe name of an alleged rape victim.
33023913.4
Butterworth v.Smith,110S.Ct.1376 (1989).Successfully represented
press amici inU.S.Supreme Courtin challenge to Florida Statute
punishing state grandjury witnesses whospeak publicly about their
testimony after investigation is closed.
Arkansas Writer's Project v.Ragland,107S.Ct.1722 (1987).
Successfully represented pressamiciinsuitchallenging discriminatory tax
onthepress.
GlobeNewspapersv.SuperiorCourt,457U.S.596(1982).Wrotethe
briefon behalf ofmorethan50nationalmediaclientssuccessfullyarguing
theFirst Amendment is violated bythe automatic exclusion of the press
from trial testimony by minor victimsofsex crimes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
33023913.4
InternationalPlayersChampionshipv.Matheson,(Fla.Cir.Ct.).Granted
summary judgment on professional tennis center developer's challenge to
decades-old development restrictionson Crandon Park.Decisionlater
affirmed per curium by Florida's Third District CourtofAppeal.
Regalado v.City of Miami,(Fla.Cir.Ct.).Successfully defeated
dismissalandpartialsummaryjudgmentmotionsinlawsuitassertingCity
misleadvotersbyseekingvoterapproval of apurportedly "privately
funded"skyscrapercomplexwhen development wouldbesubsidizedwith
millionsgovernmentfunding.Negotiatedsettlementwherebydevelopers
agreednevertoacceptpublicmoneyforprojectandtopay$400,000in
attorney's feestoplaintiffs.
Bisenbergv.City of Miami Beach andClub Madonna v.Cityof Miami
Beach involved residents thatbrought unrelated 1983civilrightsclaims
againsttheCityforsupposedviolations of theirconstitutionalrights.In
bothinstancesfullydefeatedplaintiffs'claimsandwereabletorecover
attorneys'fees.
Hoefling v.City of Miami (11th Cir.).Reversed district court order
grantingthe City's Motion toDismissin1983civilrightsaction against
Cityforunlawfullytakinganddestroyingamarine resident's houseboat
withoutdueprocess.
Club Madonna v..City of Miami Beach,No.08-23469-CIV-
Moore/Turnoff (S.D.Fla.).Successful defense of Cityand
Commissioners inaction challenging constitutionality of Ordinances
prohibitingsaleofliquorinnude establishments,andasserting violation of
First Amendment rightofaccessto legislative process.
MCZ/Centrum Flamingo,LLC v.City of Miami Beach,No.08-22419-
Altonaga/Brown (S.D.Fla.).Successful defenseof City in
unconstitutional takingssuit over baywalk easement atlargest
development intheCity.
Sierra Club v.Robert B.Flowers,No.09-10877-GG (United States Court
ofAppeals,11th Cir.).Oneofleadappellatecounselforlimestonemining
companiesinEvergladesLakeBeltDistrictinappealthatsuccessfully
reversed district court.
MikeCostaFoliage,Inc.v.Department Of AgricultureAnd Consumer
Services,No.3D02-1344 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.2003).Successfully
opposedeffortsbyFlorida Department of Agriculture todestroy Nursery's
grove of 3,000 calamondin mother trees which were allegedly "exposed"
to Asian Strain Citrus Canker.
City of Miami Beach v.Swedroe,788So.2d404(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.
2001).Successful defense of City in injunctive and contempt proceedings
withregardto architect's suitfor revocable permitforuseofCity.right-of-
way.
West Side Partners,Ltd.v.City of Miami Beach,No.98-13274 CA-30
(Fla.Cir.Ct.).Successful defense of City's Charter Amendment requiring
referendum approvalofdensityincreasestowaterfrontproperty;defense
of multiple Bert J.Harrisclaims against City brought by German
developerThomasKramer regarding repealof city-wide DesignReview
Bonus zoning;defense ofbadfaith claim against City.
Miami Heat Limited Partnership v.DavidC.Leahy &Stop NewArena
Committee,682So.2d198(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1996).Successfully
obtained court rulingthatthe county's Home Rule Charter controlsovera
contrary municipal ordinance.
DEFAMATION
330239i3.4
Abrams v.Rose,No.09-33197-CA-13 (Fla.Cir.Ct.).Successful defense
of Jewish Women Magazine and author of article allegedly defamatory
because it states husband raped and abused wife.
33023913.4
BankAtlantic v.Richard Bove,Ladenburg Thalmann &Co.,No.08-
32714(19)(Fla.Cir.Ct.).Successful defense of Ladenburg in libel action
broughtbyBancorpBankAtlanticandBankAtlanticover allegedly
defamatory analysts'report.
Club Madonna v.JaneGross.No.04-11708 CA02(Fla.Cir.Ct.2004).
Motiontodismisslibelsuitgranted with prejudice astoall statements
alleged defamatory insuitby nude nightclub and owner against wife of
City of Miami Beach Commissioner.
Ford v.American Reliable Insurance Co.,No.CV-S-01-0413-DWH-
PAL,(S.D.Nev.).Successfuldefense of libel suitbroughtby nationally
known boxing judge against insurer.
Rexall Sundown v.Dr.Matthias Rath.No.99-CIV-8972 (S.D.Fla.1999).
Successful libel defense of Dr.Matthias Rath,an eminent German
research doctor who was one of the discoverers of "bad cholesterol"and
partnertoNobelLaureateLinusPauling.Plaintiff,apubliclyheld vitamin
manufacturer sued Rathin West Palm Beach statecourtfor allegedly
libelous statements made on a Netherlands web site to the effect that
Rexallis controlled byorganizedcrime.Mr.Ovelmen removed the case
to federal court.The federal district court then dismissed the case on
personal jurisdiction grounds,holdingthatthe largely passive websitedid
not provide a basis for jurisdiction over the defendants under the Due
ProcessClause.Afterfilinganoticeof appeal tothe Eleventh Circuit,the
plaintiff filedavoluntarydismissalwithprejudice.
Smith V.C.A.N.F..731So.2d702(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1999).Successful
defenseon appeal ofadverse jury verdict(didnothandlecasein trial
court)in libel suit against Professor Wayne Smith,Director of Cuban
StudiesatJohnsHopkinsUniversity brought bytheCuban American
National Foundation,the preeminent national organization ofCubansin
America.The appellate courtheldthatan allegedly defamatory "sound
byte"from Professor Smith,that was-included in apublic television
documentary,hadtobeconsideredin proper context,andwhendoneso
wasnot susceptible of defamatory meaning.Theappellatecourt entered
judgment forSmith,andtheFlorida Supreme Court deniedreview.
Mijares v.Mortgage Asset Research Institute,No.99-CIY-0182 (S.D.Fla.
1999).Successful defense of libel suit brought by mortgage broker
allegedly defamed in letter from PMI Mortgage Insurance Company to
insured denying coverage under mortgage insurance policyonthe grounds
thatthe insurance policywas procured byfraudin which the mortgage
broker participated.
Morsev.MeredithCorp..No.96-014345(Fla.Cir.Ct.1996).Successful
defense of libel suit against LadiesHomeJournal based on statements
madeby wife of baseball star Cal Ripken.
JorgeMasCanosav.NewRepublicandAnnLouiseBardach,No.94-
2681-CIV-DAVIS (S.D.Fla.1995).Successful defense of major libel suit
brought by arguably most powerful Cuban American with no retraction or
correction by author whohad been suedonover 130 statements published
inarticle;magazine publisher retracts ucover line"only.
Kuhl v.Daily Business Review,93-1707-CIV-KING (S.D.Fla.1995).
Successful defense oflibelsuitbroughtby Canadian developer onarticle
concerning misuse of conduit revenue bonds.
Cypressv.Tamiami Partners,662So.2d1292(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1995).
Successful defense of libel suit brought by ousted Indian "bingo"hall
management against Chief of Miccosukee Indian Tribe and Dexter
Lehtinen,its General Counsel.Sanford L.Bohrer andF.Lee Bailey were
plaintiffs'counsel.
Magda Montiel Davis v.Marieta Fandino,et al,653So.2d 516 (Fla.Dist.
Ct.App.1995).Successfuldefenseofthreelibelsuits brought against
hispanic media byformer congressional candidate.
Centrone v.Miami Herald Publishing Co.,(Fla.Cir.Ct.1988-1994).
Successful defense of libel suit brought by neurosurgeons and their
affiliatedcompanies.Plaintiffs'counselJonathanLubellofNewYork
Cityand local trial counsel,DianneWeaver.Suit targeted over120
statementspublishedintwelvearticlesthatwerepartofaseriesoffifty-
twoarticlesabouttheplaintiffs.Harddamagessufferedwereinexcessof
$100million.Thirteen consecutive partialsummary judgments obtained
fromtrial court;voluntarydismissal ultimately takenbyplaintiffs;case
amicably resolved onappeal.
OPEN GOVERNMENT
American Securities Insurance Co.v.Florida Office of Insurance
Regulation,(Fla.Cir.Ct.).Obtained summary judgment ina "reverse
Public Records Act"lawsuit againstthe Florida Office of Insurance
Regulation.
7
330239J3.4
Barronv.Florida Freedom Newspapers,531So.2d113 (Fla.1988).
Successfully represented presspartiesinsuitseekingaccessto divorce file
of state senator.
Miami Herald Publishing Co.v.City of North Miami,420So.2d 653
(Fla.Dist.Q.App.1982),452So.2d572(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1984),
approvedand remanded,468So.2d218(Fla.1985).On behalf of The
Miami Herald,persuaded the court the state public records law applies to
the litigation filesofcityandcounty attorneys.
Neuv.Miami HeraldPublishingCo.,462So.2d 821(Ha.1985).
Successfully argued forthe State of Florida and The Herald that all
meetings between publicbodiesand their lawyersmustbeheldin public
under the State Sunshine Law.
Forsberg v.The Housing Authority of the City of Miami Beach,455 So.
2d373(Fla.1984).Successfully representing pressamici,wrote the
principal brief arguing that therightto privacy doesnotextendto records
pertaining to subsidized public housing.
Small Business Administration v.Miami Herald Publishing Company,670
F.2d610.(5thCir.1982).Successfully argued that SBA loan documents
are subject tothe F.O.I.A.
Parsons&Whittemorev.MetropolitanDadeCounty,429So.2d343(Fla,
Dist.Ct.App.1981).ConvincedtheThirdDistrictCourtofAppealsthat
records of a garbage-to-energy plantwerenot"publicrecords".
Krausev.Reno,366So.2d1244(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1979).Successful
SunshinelawsuitforaccesstoproceedingofCitizen'sCommitteewhich
assistedinselectionofpolicechief.
FIRST AMENDMENT
33023913.4
Wollschlaeger v.Governor ofState of Florida,F.3d (11thCir.
2016)(enbanc).Amicus brief for American Bar Association supporting
rehearingenbanc.Pendingenbanc.
Miami-Dade County School Board v.ACLU,No.06-14633-GG (11th
Cir.2009).Successful appeal for School Board in infamous "Cuban Book
Ban"case reversing injunction.
330239134
State of Minnesota v.American Bankers Insurance Co.of Florida,No.
K2-03-1467 (D.C.Minn.).Successful First Amendment defense of
insureraccusedofmakingpolitical contributions which were illegal under
Minnesota law.The State alleged that insurer made campaign
contributions tothe National Republican Party which were later routed
backtoMinnesota State political campaigns andwhichwere intended to
illegallyinfluencethesepoliticalcampaigns.
Powell v.Allstate Insurance Co.,652So.2d354(Fla.1995).Successfully
represented amicus-curiae A.C.L.U.incaseto decide whether racially
bigoted remarks during jury deliberations are grounds fornew trial or
inhere inthe jury's,verdict.
InReAdvisoryOpiniontotheGovernor,509So.2d292(Fla.1987).
Argued on behalf of the Florida Press Association and other mediainthis
landmark case.involving the constitutionality ofa state sales tax on
newspapers,advertising,otherservices.
Palm Beach Newspapersv.Burk,471 So.2d 571 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.
1985)(en banc);504So.2d378 (Fla.1987).Unsuccessfully argued on
behalfofTheMiamiHeraldthatthepressenjoysaFirst Amendment right
ofaccesstopretrial criminal depositions.
Rasmussen v.South Florida Blood Service,Inc.,500 So.2d 533 (Fla.
1987).Argued unsuccessfully for plaintiff asamicuscuriaethat the right
to privacy doesnot protect theidentity of blood donorswhohave AIDS.
TribuneCo.v.Huffstetler,489So.2d722(Fla.1986).Representing
amici curiae,successfully arguedtotheCourt that journalists have a
qualifiedFirstAmendmentprivilegenottogive compelled testimonyina
criminalprosecution.
UnitedStates v.Posner,644F.Supp.885(S.D.Fla.1986).Successfully
briefedrightofpressaccesstoVictor Posner trialexhibits.
Keller v.Miami Herald Publishing Co.,778 F.2d 711,(11th Cir.1985).
Successfullybriefedrightofpressto publish satirical political cartoonsin
libel action.
InreTribune Co.,784F.2d 1518 (11thCir.1986).Arguedforpress
intervenors thatthe three judge panel should provide guidance tothe lower
courtsonpressaccess rights to bench conferences.
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL AND CLASS-ACTION LITIGATION
InRe Florida Cement and Concrete Antitrust Litigation,No.09-23187-
CIV-Altonaga (S.D.Fla.)andNo.09-23493-CIV-Altonaga (S.D.Fla.).
Co-counseled insuccessfuldefenseofcivilclassactionantitrustprice-
fixingcase brought againstFlorida concrete manufacturers.
AegonUSA,Inc."actual charges"litigation:
Mr.Ovelmen is involved inthe defense of approximately 22 cases,some
national class actions,others state class actions,and still others individual
actions,assertingclaimsthattheLife Investors Insurance Company must
payitsinsuredsunder supplemental cancerpoliciesthe healthcare
providers'"list prices"insteadofmuchlowerfeesactuallypaidtothem
by primary healthcare insurers,including:
Gooch v.Life Investors Insurance Co.of America,No.1:07-0016
(M.D.Tenn.).
Smith v.Life Investors Insurance Co.of America,No.2:07-cv-
00681 (W.D.Pa.).
Pipesv.LifeInvestorsInsuranceCo.,No.L07-CV-00035-SWW
(E.D.Ark.).
Bear Stearns &Co.v.Matthew Denn,Insurance Commissioner for State
of Delaware,DCA CaseNo.:5D08-3029(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.2008)
Successful appellate mediationofearlyCDOlitigationinvolvingfailure of
insurance company.
London v.Wal-Mart Stores,Inc.,No.99-1298-CIV-UNGARO-
BENAGBS (S.D.Fla.);Hart v.American Bankers Insurance Co.,No.01-
19722 CA24(Fla.Cir.Ct.).Successful defense of class action lawsuit
seeking tovoidtens of thousands of insurance certificates onthetheory
that insurer's allegednon-compliancewithcertaintechnicalregulatory
requirements of Florida Insurance Code rendered the insurance illegaland
voidab initio.
Roger London v.Wal-Mart Stores,Inc.,et al,340 F.3d 1246 (11th Cir.
2003).Obtained discretionary 23(f)review of trial court's class
certification order.Thereafter,obtained reversal of order which certified
class of insureds seeking tovoid their insurance certificates foralleged
10
33023913.4
non-compliancewithcertaintechnicalregulatory requirements of Florida
Insurance Code.
Cheatwood v.Barry University,835So.2d1146(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.
2002).Successful defenseofappeal challenging trial court's denial of
class certification toaclass of law students.purportedly injured by
University's delay in obtaining accreditation.
State of Florida v.Globe,648So.2d110(Fla.1994)..Successfully
representedNBC,TheNewYorkTimes,andotheramicicuriaeinsupport
of Globe's defense ofcriminal prosecution forpublishingname of alleged
rapevictimin William KennedySmithcase.Presented First Amendment
defenseof statutory privacy claim forallmediaparties.
GAFCorp.v.ZackCo.,445So.2d350(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1984).
SuccessfullydefendedGAFCorp.in roofing materials dispute by
establishing "economic loss"rule inFlorida.
Boeing v.Clark,395So.2d1226(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1981).Persuaded
theThird District thatanairplane manufacturer shouldnotbe held liable
for injury toa stewardess caused by engine noise.
Bank of America International v.Compania Anonima Simantab,373So.
2d68(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1979).Successfully arguedtotheThirdDistrict
that a "single act"bya Venezuelan Corp.could constitute "doing
business"in Florida.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
330239*3.4
Rath,Health Now,Inc.v.Network Marketing,L.C.,790 So.2d 461
(2001).Successfully represented Dr.MatthiasRathbyestablishingthata
party waives right to arbitration byobtaining temporary injunctive relief
from court rather than from arbitrator.
Carl L.Herrmann Partners,Inc.v.Safeware,the Insurance Agency,Inc.,
No.CV-99-7851 (CD.Cai 2000).Successfullyresolvedactionalleging
trademark,copyright and trade secret violations basedon alleged useof
competitor's meta-tags and meta-descriptions.
Health Net v.Matthias Rath,Inc.,Dr.Matthias Rath,No.CV-99-1122
(CD.Ca2000).Successful defenseof trademark infringement and
dilution action brought by California HMO against Dr.Matthias Rathand
his company.
11
RETRACTIONS
PUBLICATIONS,
SPEECHES
AND LECTURES
33023913.4
Citizen WatchCo.ofAmerica,Inc.v.TimeProductsCorp.,No.98-2276-
CIV-MORENO (S.D.Fla.1999).Successful defense of trademark action
againstallegedgraymarketimportersofgenuineCitizenwatches
allegedly not authorized forsaleinthe United States.
Givenchv S.A.v.Carlos Martinez-Christensen,No.97-1039-CIV-
GRAHAM (S.D.Fla.1997).Successful trademark infringement action
forGivenchv,haltingsaleofunauthorizedbut"genuine"timepiecesin
U.S.
Florida Software Services,Inc.v.Basis Information,No.93-CV-71-ACC
(M.D.Fla.1994).Successfuldefense of Flserv insoftware licensing
disputeinvolvingtradesecret,intellectual property,andcopyrightissues.
Florida Software Services,Inc.v.Citicorp Information Services,Inc.,(Fla.
Cir.Ct.1991).Successful defense of CIR in Bank accounting software
licensingdispute,raisingsophisticatedintellectualpropertyissues;mini-
trialforseveraldaysonpreliminaryinjunction.
Although Mr.Ovelmen generally defends libel suits,fora number of
clientshehasagreedtoseekretractionsorcorrectionsfromnewsmedia
which have defamed them.Mr.Ovelmen has been able to obtain
satisfactorycorrections,retractions,orapologiesfromnumerousmediafor
corporations,publicofficials,publicfigures,and private persons.For
example,Mr.Ovelmenobtainedbotha retraction andaletterofapology
from MoneymagazineforThe Hartford foranarticledefamingthe
Company's 457plans.Mr.Ovelmenhasalsosuccessfully represented
PepBoys,Kendall Coffey,and Thomas Kramer in defamation claims
against media.
Mr.Ovelmen oftenspeaksandwriteson libel and appellate law,and press
and intellectual propertyissues.Hismost common foraarethefollowing:
12
Libel Defense Resource Center.
Mr.Ovelmenhasbeenthe principal authorformorethan20yearsofthe
annotated summary analysisof Florida libel precedent published each year
in L.D.R.C's 50statelibellawsurvey.Heisan L.D.R.C lecturer on libel
topics.
The Fourth Annual Conference on Litigating Regulatory Takings Claims.
Mr.OvelmenspokeattheGeorgetownUniversityLawCenterinthefall
of2002atthenationalconferencewhich explored takingsandrelated
constitutionalchallengestolanduse,environmentalandotherregulatory
programs.Mr.Ovelmen5s monogrampublicationfortheconference
analyzed Florida's recentlyenactedBertJ.HarrisPrivate Property
Protection Act.
The Practicing Law Institute.
Formorethantwenty-fiveyearsMr.Ovelmenhasbeenthe principal
authoroftheannualsurveyarticleoncasesaddressingtheright of access
togovernmentinformationpublishedby PLI inits Communications Law
Handbook.For threeyearshe co-authored thePLIarticleon Newsrack
Litigation.HehasbeenaPLIfaculty member andpanelistformorethan
twenty years.
The American Bar Association.
Mr.Ovelmen recentlyauthoredthe Chapter on"JudicialReviewof
AgencyDecisionswithRespectto FOI Requests"fortheFOIA
Monograph produced bytheABA Central and East European Law-
Initiative.
Mr.Ovelmen hastwicebeenafeatured speaker fortheUtigation section of
theABA,attheannual conventions in London andAtlanta,lecturing on
AmericanandEnglishlibelsuitsand psycho-linguistic studiesofjury
instructions in libel trials.
HehasspokenonpanelsfortheABA Forum Committeeon
Communications Law,addressing theissuesof "chill"on freedom of
expression caused bylibelsuitsand press responses to retraction demands
and other complaints.
13
33023913/
ACADEMIC
33023913.4
The Florida Bar.
Mr.Ovelmenhasbeenafeaturedspeaker,panelistandmoderatoratthe
Florida Bar's annual Media Law Conference on more than a dozen
occasions.Hehasspokenaboutpress/barcross-perceptions,accessto
legal proceedings,press coverage of celebrated cases,subpoenas on
reporters,public records andlibel;written articles onaccess,subpoenas,
andprivacyforthe Bar's annualpublication:The Reporter's Handbook,
andhasbeenafeaturedspeakeronsoftwarefranchiselitigationtopatent
bar of the Southern District of Florida.
Mr.Ovelmen created andparticipatesintheseminaron the First
Amendment Decisions ofthe United States Supreme Courtthatarehanded
downinthe.current Termthatis presented eachyearatthe Florida Bar
Annual Convention.Thisisthe longest running Florida Bar Seminar,
having been offered continuously fora quarter of acentury.
The Florida Press Association.
Mr.Ovelmenhasbeena frequent lectureronaccessrightsorprivacyat
the Florida Press Association's annual convention.
Intellectual Property.
Mr.Ovelmen has given numerous speecheson intellectual property issues
including misappropriation,immunityunderthe Communications
DecencyAct,selectpatentandtrademark litigation issues,therelationship
between theFirstAmendmentandCopyright,andotherrelatedsubjects.
Expect Focus.
Mr.Ovelmen contributes articles to the Firm's newsletter from time to
time.
University of Miami School of Law,Former Adjunct Professor.
Mr.Ovelmenmostrecently taught constitutional litigationatthelaw
school.In other yearshe taught copyright law,intellectual property,legal
writing,and First Amendment law.Lectured on appellate advocacy and
judged the moot court finals.
14
EDUCATIONAL
BACKGROUND
PERSONAL
rev.10/16
Family
Status:
Date/Place
Of Birth:
33023913.4
University of Miami,College of Liberal Arts,Former Lecturer.
Duringpast years,when not teaching atthelaw school,Mr.Ovelmen
severaltimestaughtMediaLawto undergraduate students majoring in
journalism andpoliticalscience.
Yale Law School,Class of 1978.
Research Assistant atYaleLaw School anda Teaching Assistant in
philosophyandlawatYaleCollege.Participated inthe Faculty/Student
Legal Theory Workshop.Fields of interest werelegal philosophy,the
First Amendment,and antitrust.
Butler University,Class of 1974.
Attended under afull academic scholarship andwas President of the
Student Body,Vice President of the Student Assembly,a three-time
recipient oftheOutstanding Student Award;recipient ofthe Outstanding
Freshman Award;Chairman and Founder,Butler Civil Liberties Union;
and graduated withhonors..
LaPorte High School,LaPorte Indiana,Class of 1970.
Graduated fifthinaclassof570,thetopmalestudent.Participated in
student government and intramural football,softball and basketball.
Hasbeenmarriedforthirty-fiveyearstoNancy;andhasathirty-oneyear
oldson,James,anda twenty-five oldson,Peter.
Born,1952inLaPorte,Indiana (near Notre Dame at South Bend).Raised
inLaPorte,asmall,middle-classtownof23,000,untilenteringButler
University atIndianapolisin1970.
15