Widerman Malek

Our office will be closed this Monday, 9/2 in honor of Labor Day. We wish everyone a safe holiday!

A legal battle is not a simple process. You must consider all the facts before entering litigation, and even then, it can feel like a daunting experience. Be sure to read business and commercial litigation attorney Tiffany Ann Jones's blog where she details the simple ways to avoid litigation and save you time, money, and stress. https://www.legalteamusa.net/three-easy-ways-to-mitigate-the-risk-of-litigation/

WM attorneys Lisa E Bolinger and Tiffany Ann Jones, along with associate Erin France and marketing coordinator Tara Carroll, attended the Wine Women & Shoes Space Coast event on Saturday. The event benefited the weVENTURE Women’s Business Center, where attorney Kelly Gatson Swartz serves on the board of advisors. Kelly presented an award for the most “fabulous flat” to a lucky winner, as a sponsor on behalf of Widerman Malek. Thank you weVENTURE for such a wonderful event!

We wanted to take a moment to highlight each of these wonderful WM employees this month who are celebrating a work anniversary! Attorneys Max Stork and Jon Staudt celebrate their first- and third-year work anniversary, respectively. Paralegals Jess Slaughter and Melissa Klaus-Donoghue both celebrate their ninth-year work anniversaries, and paralegal Kim Johnson and partner Mason Williams celebrate their twelfth-year work anniversaries. Each employee adds their own unique touch to the firm, and we are so grateful for all their hard work. Congratulations to all!

WM attorney David Charitat attended the Viera Means Business networking event last week. Here, he was able to provide three updates about business law, including the FCC regulatory changes regarding non-competes, the Corporate Transparency Act and the requirement to file information with the Department of Treasury regarding a company's beneficial owners, and the 2024 changes to Florida's wage and labor statutes.

Have you recently moved? Are you hoping to learn more about the homeowners’ and condominium owners’ associations? Check out real estate attorney David Charitat’s newest blog post where you can gain further insight into the workings of the HOA and COAs and where you stand. https://www.legalteamusa.net/homeowners-and-condominium-owners-associations-an-introduction/

With the rapidly rising rate of artificial intelligence, it feels like AI has morphed its way into every aspect of life. But, can it successfully work its way into the law? Can we really patent an artificial way of innovation? Be sure to read intellectual property attorney Jon Staudt’s latest blog post on the possibility of putting a patent on AI to find out more. https://www.legalteamusa.net/can-you-patent-artificial-intelligence/

Headed to Boston this September? Join Widerman Malek attorney Charles Castellon for the Smart Real Estate Coach’s Investor Event on 9/23 and 9/24. Charles is one of several speakers who will help guide audience members through the challenges of commercial and residential real estate litigation. Get your tickets today! https://go.3paydays.com/qls-2024

Estate planning and probate attorney Rebecca Schultz had a great time at the “Aging in Stages at The Blake” event. She spoke on a panel discussion along with three other women from various senior care industries. The presentation was designed to help guide the senior community with preparing for the future. Looking forward to the next event!

Real estate attorney David Charitat enjoyed being interviewed by NBC Telemundo 31 regarding the 2024 HOA laws affecting homeowners. Click here to watch!

link.edgepilot.com

Disagreements can leave anyone feeling frustrated. But, for business owners, they can mean a whole different set of problems. Avoid this trouble and the feelings of powerlessness by reading over business litigation attorney John M Frazier Jr.’s blog post. Here, he details how to protect your business and strategize a solution under the law. https://www.legalteamusa.net/navigating-business-disputes-in-florida-legal-insights-and-strategies/

Are you a trademark applicant or registrant trying to navigate protecting your IP rights? Check out trademark attorney Dan Pierron’s blog post to determine if it’s time for you to enlist some help from a U.S. licensed attorney. https://www.legalteamusa.net/the-2019-requirement-for-foreign-domiciled-trademark-applicants-understanding-the-need-for-u-s-licensed-attorneys/

Are you looking to shield your invention from potential competitors? Are you curious about how patent protection works? Intellectual property lawyer Kelly Gatson Swartz skillfully breaks down the patent process in her new blog post, providing additional details on their massive benefits. https://www.legalteamusa.net/understanding-united-states-patents-and-their-benefits-to-businesses/

Join Charles Castellon on Tuesday, 7/23 from 9 a.m. – 12p.m. as he details the fundamentals of working with residential investors. This is a great opportunity for realtors to learn more about the inner workings of the business! Register here to guarantee your spot: https://www.osceolarealtors.org/events/classes/

Our office will be closed this Thursday, 7/4 in honor of the holiday. We hope everyone has a safe and joyful Fourth of July!

Searching for ways to protect your intellectual property can feel impossible, especially in the digital age. Be sure to read attorney Kelly Gatson Swartz’s latest blog post for insight on how to wisely leverage your outside counsel to help you protect your assets. https://www.legalteamusa.net/leveraging-outside-counsel-safeguarding-corporate-intellectual-property-assets/

WM partner and Primerus International Summit committee member, Mark Warzecha, had a great time connecting with our international member firms and friends during the International Society of Primerus Law Firms EMEA regional meeting in Milan! His involvement has been instrumental in advancing Widerman Malek's cross-border network and enhancing cooperation among international partners, with a particular focus on reinforcing the firm's commitment to protecting and leveraging intellectual property rights globally. Mark said it was great seeing everyone!

WM is honored to announce eight of our attorneys have been named 2024 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Congratulations to John M Frazier Jr., Tiffany Ann Jones, Nathan Meloon, Lisa E Bolinger, Dan Pierron, Mark R. Malek, Mark Warzecha, and Scott Widerman on this well-deserved recognition! Each year, no more than five percent of lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor, and no more than 2.5 percent are selected to the Rising Stars list.

Bianca Ramos recently celebrated her fifth work anniversary at Widerman Malek on Monday! We are so lucky to have such an outstanding employee whose hard work and positive attitude make for a great work environment. Congratulations Bianca!

Join Widerman Malek attorney Nathan Meloon’s online conversation through the National Business Institute on 6/21 at 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. He will be leading two events – “Top Title Problems – Solved” and “Document Preparation and Review: Avoiding Top Errors and Omissions.” Sign up today! https://www.nbi-sems.com/ProductDetails/98711ER

Being audited by the IRS can leave you with feelings of uneasiness and worry about properly handling everything. Check out attorney Kelly Gatson Swartz’s recent blog post for some tips on how to easily manage the situation by being proactive and productive. https://www.legalteamusa.net/navigating-an-irs-audit-what-every-taxpayer-should-know/

Come join our team in Melbourne! https://www.legalteamusa.net/category/careers/

We are so excited to be fabulous flat sponsors for the weVENTURE Wine Women & Shoes event – which is sold out! You can still enter to win VIP tickets or join the waitlist. Click here for more information! https://www.winewomenandshoes.com/event/spacecoast/

Last week, four WM employees were celebrated with honors at the Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court Annual Banquet. David Charitat was honored twice – first as Presenter of the Year and second as Team Captain for the Best Team Presentation on Artificial Intelligence. Eric Hostetler was recognized for his eight years of service on the Executive Board of the Inn. Tiffany Ann Jones was honored with the Outstanding Contribution Award. Intern Alyssa Velazquez was awarded the Clarence T. Johnson, Jr. Member of the Year Award, as well. Congratulations to you all!

Are you curious how attorneys are utilizing AI? Check out Dan Pierron’s recent blog post as he details both the power and limitations of AI and LLMs and exactly how not to employ them in court. https://www.legalteamusa.net/balancing-innovation-and-accuracy-the-role-of-llms-in-patent-research-and-legal-practice/

We had a great time celebrating paralegal Kerri Sangeleer’s work anniversary on Friday! She has been an invaluable part of the WM team for 20 years, and we are so grateful to have her with us. Congratulations Kerri!

Our office will be closed on Monday, May 27th, in observance of Memorial Day. Let us honor those who sacrificed their lives for our country and commemorate their bravery.

Have you recently received a Notice of Deficiency from the IRS? Feeling unsure of what it all means and how best to navigate things? Please read tax lawyer Kelly Gatson Swartz's blog as she details what this notice means for you and your rights as a taxpayer. https://www.legalteamusa.net/understanding-your-rights-dealing-with-an-irs-notice-of-deficiency/

Partner Mason Williams IV and our WM team were so excited to sponsor the whiskey bar at the HBCA President’s Economic Outlook Dinner last week! It was a wonderful opportunity to make new connections and see old friends. Thank you to everyone who helped organize it, especially Tori with the Space Coast Home Builders & Contractors Association and our planning committee.

Looking to become a franchise owner? Be sure to check out crucial insight into the world of franchising courtesy of licensing attorney Mark Nieds. https://www.legalteamusa.net/buying-a-franchise-important-things-to-consider/