The Florida Justice Association and the Jacksonville Justice Association are sponsoring a wine tasting that will raise money for “A Visit From St. Nicholas” — a literacy-focused organization that provides 8,000 area school children with backpacks filled with books and toys and a reading visit from Santa during Christmas. It’s Aug. 11 at the Grotto Wine and Tapas Bar from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
“Focusing our energies on an organization that assists area children is important. Supporting A Visit From St. Nicholas and other worthy causes is a role attorneys have in helping make Northeast Florida a better place to live,” said Tom Edwards Jr., president of the Florida Justice Association.
If you can’t attend the fundraiser, donations may be sent to: John Brazzell, The Florida Justice Association, 218 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, Fla. 32301. For more information, call 850-224-9403.
Wells joins Gunster Yoakley
Trial attorney David M. Wells has joined the law firm of Gunster, Yoakley and Stewart where he will handle complex commercial and construction litigation.
Wells has been recognized by Florida Trend’s “Legal Elite,” Best Lawyers in America for “Bet-the-Company” litigation, a Fla. “Super Lawyer” by Law and Politics Magazine and “One of America’s Leading Lawyers” by Chambers USA. He joined Gunster Yoakley from McGuire Woods where he served on the board of partners and was chair of the firm’s commercial litigation department.
Gunster Yoakley was established in 1925 and has offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Palm Beach, Stuart, Tallahassee, Vero Beach and West Palm Beach.
On the move
The law office of Elizabeth R. Ondriezek has a new address. The practice has moved to 3829 Atlantic Blvd. (32207) from 3333 Atlantic Blvd. The telephone number (396-3900) and fax number (396-5005) remain the same.
Promotion at Fisher Tousey
Marvin Kloeppel has been promoted from associate to shareholder in the law firm of Fisher Tousey Leas & Ball. Kloeppel — a former assistant state attorney and current member of the Downtown Vision Inc. board of directors — practices in the areas of taxation of corporations, partnerships and business and real estate transaction. The firm also hired two additional associates, David Duncan and Clay Tousey III.
Underwood joins Peek, Cobb, Edwards & Ragatz
Robert Underwood has joined the law firm of Peek, Cobb, Edwards & Ragatz as an associate. His practice will focus on personal injury and wrongful death cases with an emphasis on nursing home abuse and neglect, medical malpractice and transportation cases, including auto, railroad and water craft accidents.
Underwood joined the firm from Wettermark, Holland & Keith where he worked on personal injury cases, focusing on representing railroad employees hurt on the job.
An anniversary
U.S. Magistrate Judge Monte Richardson celebrated his fifth year on the bench in Jacksonville last month. Judge Richardson was appointed June 2, 2003.
OGC adds
Kristina Nelson has been appointed an assistant general counsel with the City’s Office of General Counsel. She started last Monday and will work in the land use department.