Staff Writer
The attorney admission ceremony at the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida is looked at both as an opportunity gained and an opportunity missed.
A majority of the 40 attorneys who attended Thursday’s ceremony were there to receive a certificate that would give them the opportunity to practice in the U.S. District Court, which includes the busy U.S. Bankruptcy Court. A minority of the attorneys attended because their renewal fees were not submitted in a timely manner, and, subsequently, they were required to complete the process of applying and attending the ceremony again.
“I applied for admission to the court due to recent turnover at the City’s Office of General Counsel,” said Deborah Walters. “Both Circuit Court Judge Tom Beverly and U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Toomey recent moved from our office to the bench and I will be handling the cases that they used to, so it was necessary to be admitted to the federal court.”
Lawyers new to the federal court received some good news from Susanne Weisman, who represented the Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
“Our chapter recently voted to reduce dues for lawyers with 0-4 years of experience,” said Weisman.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Morris gave the oath and provided attorneys a chance to introduce themselves and talk about their background. The most represented law school was Florida Coastal School of Law with 11 attorneys, followed by six from the University of Florida and five from Florida State University.
Seven attorneys mentioned that they sought admission to practice bankruptcy law.
“I’ve handled a lot of divorces lately and they have led to a lot of bankruptcies,” said Stephen Doty, of Christian Smith & Associates.
Those attorneys who currently practice in the U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Florida still have time to submit their renewal. Fees, $20, and renewal forms must be submitted by Aug. 31. Those submitted Sept. 1-30 will be assessed a late fee of $50 in addition to the $20 renewal fee. Failure to renew in a timely manner will require an attorney to submit a new admission application, be scheduled for and attend an attorney admissions ceremony at one of District’s divisional offices, and pay the $165 admittance fee before he or she will be readmitted to the Bar of this Court.
356-2466