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Marks Gray, P.A. named "Best Law Firm" and Five Attorneys named "Best Lawyers" by U.S. News & World Report

(JACKSONVILLE, FLA: November 5, 2014) Marks Gray, P.A. proudly announces that U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers have included the firm in the 2015 “Best Law Firms” rankings. Marks Gray, P.A. also achieved rankings in 7 practice  areas: Banking & Finance Law, Employment Law- Management and Individual, Medical Malpractice Law-Defendant, Personal Injury Litigation-Defendant , Product Liability Litigation- Defendant and Real Estate Law.

Firms included in the 2015 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Clients were asked to provide feedback on firm practice groups, addressing expertise, responsiveness, understanding of a business and its needs, cost-effectiveness, civility, and whether they would refer another client to the firm. Lawyers also voted on expertise, responsiveness, integrity, cost-effectiveness, whether they would refer a matter to a firm, and whether they consider a firm a worthy competitor. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. To be eligible for a ranking in a particular practice area and metro region, a law firm must have at least one lawyer who is included in Best Lawyers in that particular practice area and metro.

Marks Gray is also proud to announce five attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in their respective markets and practice areas.

Showing depth as one of the Jacksonville’s leading business law firms, Marks Gray attorneys are represented across a variety of specialty listings in the publication including: defendant -medical malpractice law, personal injury litigation, product liability litigation, employment law individual and management, banking & finance law and real estate law.

Marks Gray attorneys to be listed in the 2015 edition are:

Jeptha F. Barbour (medical malpractice law, personal injury litigation and product liability litigation- defendant); Edward L. Birk (employment law-individuals), Susan S. Erdelyi (employment law –management); Frederick H. Kent III (banking & finance law) and, firm President, Gerald W. Weedon (commercial real estate, product liability-defendant).

About Marks Gray, P.A.

Marks Gray, P.A. is a multi-faceted law firm with offices in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach. The firm’s attorneys provide highly personal service while offering clients an experienced legal team whom specialize in a broad spectrum of practice areas. The lawyers at Marks Gray represent national, regional and local clients in a variety of matters. The firms’ diverse practice includes extensive commercial and professional liability, intellectual property and civil litigation as well as banking, real estate, business law, probate, tax law, estate planning, immigration and workers’ compensation.

Alison A. Hofheimer joins Marks Gray, P.A.

Marks Gray, P.A. is pleased to announce that Alison A. Hofheimer has joined the firm as an associate. Ms. Hofheimer joins the firm after receiving her Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law in May, 2014. During law school, she was a 2014 Recipient of the Dean’s Cup Award, 2014 Recipient of the Seminole Student Leader Award and a Senior Member of the Law Review. Her article titled, “Saved by the Bell? Is Online, Off-Campus Student Speech Protected by the First Amendment?” was published in the Fall 2013 Florida State University Law Review. Ms. Hofheimer received her Bachelor of Science with honors, in Political Science also from Florida State University. In 2012, after graduation she spent the summer studying abroad at Oxford University in Oxford, United Kingdom. Prior to joining Marks Gray, Ms. Hofheimer was a law clerk with Jacksonville’s Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic. She also served as a law clerk with the Law Office of Matt Liebenhaut in Tallahassee, Florida.

Click here to read the official press release.

Crystal T. Broughan receives 2014 Florida Leadership Award

JACKSONVILLE, FLA: October 21, 2014) Marks Gray, P.A. is pleased to announce that Attorney Crystal T. Broughan has been selected for the 2014 Florida Leadership Award by the US Institute for the Advancement of Trade & Commerce (USIATC).

Each year the USIATC conducts business surveys and industry research to identify executives at certain companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment and industry category. They are recognized as having enhanced the commitment and contribution of companies through their customers and community. Executives at companies of this caliber enhance the consumer driven stature that Florida is renowned for.

Ms. Broughan has consistently demonstrated a high regard for upholding business ethics and company values. This recognition by USIATC marks a significant achievement as an emerging leader and is setting benchmarks the industry should follow.
As part of the industry research and business surveys, various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the selected executives within the companies. The research is part of an exhaustive process that encapsulates a year long immersion in the business climate of Florida.

To learn more about the USIATC, please click here.

Marks Gray's Immigration Update, October 2014

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Marks Gray attorneys appear in August issue of IADC

Congratulations to Attorney's Jep Barbour, Jill Bechtold and Heath Vickers. Their article titled, Tracy Morgan v. Wal-Mart: An Examination of Punitive Damages appears in the International Association of Defense Counsel's Transportation Committee Newsletter. http://www.iadclaw.org/assets/1/19/Transportation_Law_Aug_2014.pdf 

Immigration Update, August 2014

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Michael Kendall completes 42nd IADC Trial Academy

Congratulations to Michael Kendall. Michael just returned from the 42^nd Annual Trial Academy presented by the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) at Stanford Law School in Palo Alto, California. Michael completed a seven-day, intensive trial academy program that blends small faculty instruction and demonstration with individual student participation. The IADC Trial Academy offers training provided by a faculty of the best civil defense lawyers.

Shareholder Jeptha "Jep" F. Barbour's Live for Today on The Today Show!

Many of you may not know, Jep Barbour is on the Board of Live for Today. Live for Today is a non-profit organization that helps young adults with cancer. Jep’s son grew up with Todd Blake. Todd is a courageous young man who has committed himself to supporting others with cancer to fulfill their dreams. Please click the link below to see his appearance on The Today Show.  http://www.today.com/health/live-today-student-battling-cancer-graduates-4-0-helps-others-1D80042377

Attorney Michael D. Kendall Completes 42nd Annual Trial Academy

Congratulations to attorney Michael Kendall. Michael just returned from the 42nd Annual Trial Academy presented by the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) at Stanford Law School in Palo Alto, California. Michael completed a seven-day, intensive trial academy program that blends small faculty instruction and demonstration with individual student participation. The IADC Trial Academy offers training provided by a faculty of the best civil defense lawyers. The premier faculty provides state-of–the-art defense techniques and tactics to teach participants how to THINK like defense lawyers. In July, sharehold Jep Barbour was appointed to the Board of the IADC.

Marks Gray's Giselle Carson and Governor Rick Scott Meet in Jacksonville

Marks Gray, P.A. attorney, Giselle Carson was part of a small informal meeting with Gov. Rick Scott to talk about issues affecting our state, our community and solutions.

Marks Gray, P.A. has won – Immigration Firm of the Year – Florida in 2014 Global Mobility and Immigration Awards.

Acquisition International went through a vigorous process, collating votes, assessing evidence and conducting a full examination of Marks Gray’s endeavors and achievements over the past year proving Marks Gray, P.A. is a clear and deserving winner in their prestigious 2014 Global Mobility and Immigration Awards. The 2014 Global Mobility and Immigration Awards are given solely on merit and are presented to commend those most deserving for exceptional service amongst the Mobility and Immigration sector.

Attorney's Jeptha F. Barbor and Jill F. Bechtold named to 2014 Florida Legal Elite.

Congratulations to Jep Barbour and Jill Bechtold (Up and Comer) for being named to 2014 Florida Legal Elite. Lawyers were asked to name attorneys whom they hold in the highest regard or would recommend to others. Voters were also asked to name three "up and coming" attorneys, as well as in a separate category, outstanding attorneys working in the government and non-profit sectors. The ballots were processed and each lawyer was given a score based on the number of votes he or she received, with more weight given to votes from outside the firm. The list was further examined using membership status and histories provided by the Florida Bar. A panel of previous Legal Elite winners, representing different practice areas in cities across the state, reviewed the selection process and the list of finalists. The resulting lists represent fewer than 2% of the active Florida Bar members who practice in Florida.

Attorney's Michael D. Kendall and Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr. Awarded America's Most Honored Professionals

Congratulations to attorney’s Michael D. Kendall and Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr. Mr. Kendall and Mr. Pulignano were awarded, America’s Most Honored Professionals by The American Registry. This award is for continuous professional recognition – an accomplishment realized by the Top 10% of American Professionals. The first award of its kind, the America's Most Honored Professionals distinction is the only cross-industry and cross-profession honor based on quantitative analysis of authenticated public recognitions. The award only goes to successful individuals who have been publicly recognized for professional excellence with multiple honors from trade groups, peers, clients and the press.

Intellectual Property attorney, Crystal T. Broughan Speaks at Florida Insurance Fraud Educational Conference

Intellectual Property and Insurance Defense attorney, Crystal T. Broughan was a speaker at the 2014 FIFEC Conference. Crystal's presentation, ‘Milo & Broughan MRI Clinic - The Many Different Views of a Clinic’ The presentation will focused on: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics are becoming more and more aggressive in marketing the services they provide to patients. Philip Milo, a claim representative with State Farm and Crystal will explore the issues surrounding an MRI that claims representatives, investigators and lawyers should consider when handling PIP, BI and UM cases.

Giselle Carson publishes June's Immigration Update

Click the link below to read the latest immigration and naturalization news that affects you most.

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Thirteen Marks Gray attorneys selected as 2014 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Nine Marks Gray attorneys are listed as Florida Super Lawyers and four named Florida Rising Stars in the 2014 Florida Super Lawyers publication. Each year, no more than five percent of Florida attorneys receive this honor. Marks Gray attorneys on the Florida Super Lawyers 2014 list and their categories of selection are as follows: Jeptha F. Barbour, Personal Injury General: Defense Edward L. Birk, Communications Giselle Carson, Immigration William M. Corley, Personal Injury Products: Defense John R. Crawford, Estate Planning & Probate Susan S. Erdelyi, Employment & Labor Frederick H. Kent, III, Real Estate Nicholas V. Pulignano, Jr., Business Litigation Gerald W. Weedon, Business Litigation Marks Gray attorneys and primary practice area selected for inclusion in the 2014 Rising Star category: Jill F. Bechtold, General Litigation Michael D. Kendall, Civil Litigation Defense Meagan L. Logan, Civil Litigation Defense Heath L. Vickers, Civil Litigation Defense "To have thirteen of our attorneys recognized by Florida Super Lawyers is simply a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our lawyers,” said Gerald W. Weedon, President of the Marks Gray law firm and Super Lawyer designate.

Intellectual Property Attorney, Crystal T. Broughan and Immigration Attorney, Giselle Carson Present at PAF

Marks Gray is pleased to announce, Of Counsel Crystal T. Broughan will be presenting ‘RACE TO SPACE: Intellectual Property’ and Shareholder, Giselle Carson will present, 'ALIEN vs. PREDATOR: Immigration' at the 2014 Spring Seminar sponsored by the Paralegal Association of Florida and hosted by the First Coast Chapter being held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville- Riverfront. The seminar, titled ‘Black Holes & Supernovas (in the legal universe)’ is NALA approved for 11.0 hours of CLE credit (including 3.0 hours of Ethics). Ms. Broughan’s practice focuses primarily on intellectual property matters such as, trademark, patent and copyright infringement cases. She prepares and files trademark and copyright applications, licensing agreements, non-compete and non-disclosure agreements for a wide variety of clients. In addition, she represents clients before the Trademark Trials and Appeals Board on trademark disputes. Ms. Carson practices in the areas of U.S. and international immigration, business and corporate law and civil litigation.  

Marks Gray Acknowledges its 2014 AV Preeminent® Top Rated Lawyer

Congratulations to Marks Gray attorneys for being selected by ALM and Martindale-Hubbell™ as 2014 AV Preeminent® Top Rated Lawyer - Martindale-Hubbell™’s highest legal ability and ethical standards rating. The following attorneys were selected:

• Jill F. Bechtold - Products Liability Law
• William M. Corley - Products Liability Law
• John R. Crawford - Trusts & Estates Law
• Stephen B. Gallagher - Products Liability Law
• James C. Rinaman – Products Liability Law
• Gerald W. Weedon - Products Liability Law

Shareholder Michael B. Bittner's Appears in Trial Advocate Quarterly

Shareholder Michael B. Bittner's article titled,’ Maronda Homes, Inc. of Florida v. Lakeview Reserve Homeowners Association: Expanding the Scope of Implied Warranties in Construct ion Defect Cases’ appears in Trial Advocate Quarterly, Spring 2014. In Maronda Homes, the Florida Supreme Court expanded the implied warranties of fitness and merchantability in construction litigation to include “offsite improvements” such as roads and water management systems. A statutory amendment while the litigation was pending, however, specifically excluded offsite improvements from the scope of the warranties. Michael’s article summarizes the decision and explains why the law in this area remains uncertain Mr. Bittner’s practice focuses primarily on litigation and business including all aspects of construction defect litigation, commercial litigation, real estate litigation, and business law. Mr. Bittner’s practice also includes civil trial defense in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, and products liability. Mr. Bittner represents corporate clients and individuals in a variety of disputes, including complex commercial litigation, business torts, foreclosure, landlord/tenant, restrictive covenants, contract actions, employment matters, and pre-judgment and post-judgment collections.

Marks Gray's Immigration Update for May is now Available

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Attorney Tyler Oldenburg featured in ACC North Florida Chapter newsletter

Attorney Tyler Oldenburg's article titled, Maintaining Your Company's Competitive Advantage: A Guide to Protecting Your Company's Trade Secrets is featured in the 1^st Quarter issue of FOCUS, ACC North Florida’s Chapter newsletter.

Marks Gray Receives Gold Level Award

Marks Gray, P.A. has been awarded the First Coast Healthiest Companies Gold Level Award by First Coast Worksite Wellness Council and the Mayor’s Council on Fitness and Wellbeing. The application process for this award was very intensive and detailed. The award will be presented at the 6th Annual First Coast Worksite Wellness Conference presented by Humana on May 14, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. During the luncheon portion of the conference, awards will be given to recognize the First Coast Healthiest Companies and the Frank Barker Wellness Leader Award Recipient.  

Marks Gray Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers Edition of Jacksonville Magazine

Marks Gray lawyers have been recognized as leading attorneys in Jacksonville in eight different practice areas in the April, 2014 edition of Jacksonville Magazine. The ranking are based on the 2014 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Best Lawyers is the oldest peer -review publication in the legal profession, listing lawyers whose outstanding professional abilities are recognized by a consensus of their colleagues in the same geographical region and legal profession. Marks Gray attorneys have been recognized in the following practice areas:

• Banking and Finance Law: Frederick H. Kent
• Commercial Litigation: Gerald W. Weedon
• Employment Law - Individuals: Edward L. Birk
• Employment Law - Management: Susan S. Erdelyi
• Medical Malpractice- Defendants: Jeptha F. Barbour
• Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants: Jeptha F. Barbour
• Product Liability Litigation- Defendants: Jeptha F. Barbour, Gerald W. Weedon

  In addition, Jeptha F. Barbour was named Best Lawyers' 2014 Jacksonville, Lawyer of the Year. When you need an attorney, you want someone with a strong reputation and a proven track record. The annual list provides the names of Jacksonville-area attorneys most recommended by their colleagues in the field. A national attorney evaluation firm, Woodward/White, Inc., conducted an extensive peer-review survey asking established local lawyers to name top practitioners in their particular fields. The lawyers were asked, “If you could not handle a case yourself, to whom would you refer it?”  

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Giselle Carson to Jacksonville Avaition Authority

On March 28, 2014 Governor Rick Scott announced the appointments of Marks Gray Shareholder Giselle Carson to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.   Carson, 46, of Jacksonville, is an attorney and shareholder with Marks Gray PA. She previously served as the president of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of Leadership Jacksonville. Carson received her bachelor’s degree from McGill University and her law degree from the Florida Coastal School of Law. She succeeds A. Kelly and is appointed for a term beginning March 28, 2014, and ending September 30, 2017.   Kilbane, 34, of Jacksonville, is a financial advisor with Ullman Financial. He serves as president elect for the Young Lawyers Section of the Jacksonville Bar Association and as president of the Notre Dame Club of Greater Jacksonville. Kilbane received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. He succeeds Ronald Weaver and is appointed for a term beginning March 28, 2014, and ending September 30, 2017.   The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Attorneys Jeptha "Jep" F. Barbour and Jill F. Bechtold Published in Medical Liability Monitor

Marks Gray, P.A. attorney's Jeptha 'Jep' F. Barbour and Jill F. Bechtold article titled, Florida Supreme Court Rejects Noneconomic Damage Cap in Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice Cases was published in the April 2014 edition of Medical Liability Monitor.

Jeptha “Jep” Barbour practice is focused primarily in the areas of civil litigation including; products liability, professional liability, commercial litigation as well as life and disability. Mr. Barbour is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar.

Jill F. Bechtold has a civil litigation practice focusing primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, business litigation, medical and professional liability defense, and professional licensing. She is the current co-Chair of the FDLA's Women and The Law Committee. Medical Liability Monitor reports the critical business happenings as well as political, legal and risk management issues that affect the healthcare industry. They also offerthe latest information on medical professional liability insurance premium rates and trends, tort reform, significant jury verdicts and what’s happening with professional liability insurers across the nation. ABOUT MARKS GRAY The Marks Gray, P.A. law firm was founded in 1899 in Jacksonville, Florida. Marks Gray, P.A. currently has 26 attorneys and is a Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated law firm committed to providing the highest quality legal representation. The firm combines the individual talents of attorneys with diverse backgrounds and experiences into a multi-faceted law firm. Marks Gray, P.A. and provides service in over 30 practice areas with offices in downtown Jacksonville and The Beaches.  

Marks Gray's Immigration Update for April is now Available

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Marks Gray's Immigration Update for March is now Available!

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Immigration Update, February 2014

Giselle Carson suggests to sharpen your pencil's, its time to get your H-1B applications ready. Click here to read the entire newsletter.

Immigration Update, January 2014 is Released

Marks Gray, P.A. lead immigration attorney, Giselle Carson, publishes the first Immigration Update of 2014. Ms. Carson provides a recap of the top immigration news of 2013 and highlights what may happen, or not happen, with immigration reform in 2014.