Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A. appellate and civil trial attorney Jesse R. Butler was honored by Legal Aid of Manasota for his efforts in 2017 in providing pro bono legal services to clients in financial need. A ceremony took place on April 20, 2018 at the Sarasota County Courthouse, which honored the many Sarasota County Bar Association members who provided free legal services to clients that qualified for pro bono legal assistance based on their need and financial hardship. Mr. Butler primarily provided pro bono assistance through the Guardian Ad Litem’s Defending Best Interests project, through which he advocated on behalf of abused and neglected children in termination of parental rights and dependency appeals.

Mr. Butler’s practice focuses on appeals, as well as civil litigation including consumer protection laws, insurance coverage, product liability, and other civil and commercial disputes.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Teen Court of Sarasota proudly presents the 2nd annual Making HERstory!

Join hundreds of students and professionals from our community as we gather for a special evening cocktail reception over light hors d’oeuvres and a gorgeous view of Sarasota Bay followed by an inspirational keynote speech by Michael Saunders.

Dickinson & Gibbons attorney Deborah Blue is proud to be a featured panelist at this wonderful event.

Making HERstory is an evening devoted to inspiring and encouraging girls to feel empowered choosing a career in law.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Teen Court of Sarasota’s continued growth as an organization, reaching over 4,000 youth each year.

Please support this wonderful organization and get your tickets online today: http://www.sarasotateencourt.org/2018-making-herstory/

Dickinson & Gibbons is proud to announce that partners Deborah J. Blue, Gary Larsen and Jeffrey Peairs have received the prestigious designation of “Super Lawyer.”  Thompson Reuters, who publishes the annual list, announced that the 2018 Florida Super Lawyers list includes three Dickinson & Gibbons attorneys.  Thompson Reuters notes the list “is comprised of outstanding attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.” The annual selections are made using process that includes nominations, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area.

Deborah J. Blue has been listed as a top rated Family Law attorney in Sarasota County. This is Ms. Blue’s 11th year selected as a Super Lawyer.  Deborah is an AV rated Board Certified Marital & Family Law attorney.  Ms. Blue was board certified in criminal trial law and in civil trial law, before devoting her practice primarily to complex marital and family law matters. Ms. Blue is President and a founding member of Sarasota Collaborative Family Law Professionals, and handles cases involving equitable distribution; business valuation(s); alimony; child support; parental responsibility and timesharing; preparation and enforcement of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements; paternity and any other family law related matters.

Gary Larsen has been listed as a Super Lawyer in the field of alternative dispute resolution since 2014.  Gary is an AV rated Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Past President of the Sarasota County Bar Association. Mr. Larsen is a frequent speaker on the subject of mediation and the law. Mr. Larsen currently focuses his practice on mediation, serving as a Certified Circuit Court Mediator throughout the State of Florida.

Jeffrey Peairs has been listed as a top rated civil trial defense attorney in Sarasota County.  Mr. Peairs is an AV rated Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has tried over 100 jury trials throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Peairs’ practice focuses on the defense of individuals, businesses, and insurance companies in cases involving wrongful death, injuries, premises liability, insurance coverage, trucking and transportation litigation, commercial litigation, and other civil litigation related matters.

Dickinson & Gibbons is in the news again for successfully settling a legal malpractice case in favor of their client, the City of St. Pete Beach.  The Tampa Bay Times previously reported when Dickinson & Gibbons was originally hired by the City of St. Pete Beach.  The City hired Dickinson & Gibbons to bring a legal malpractice lawsuit against the City’s former attorneys, Bryant Miller & Olive, P.A.  Tampa Bay Times: “St. Pete Beach to sue its former lawyers over fees”

The City was represented by Dickinson & Gibbons attorneys Jim Rolfes and Jesse Butler. The legal malpractice case stemmed from advice given to the City by its former attorneys, Bryant Miller & Olive, P.A., regarding Florida’s Sunshine laws.  The claim filed by D&G alleged that the former lawyers provided negligent advice to the City, arising to the level of legal malpractice, which resulted in the City unknowingly violating Florida’s Public Record laws.  The suit filed against Bryant Miller & Olive, P.A., sought the recovery of legal fees paid by the City.  The case was settled after over a year of litigation.  The settlement requires the former law firm to pay the City $567,000.00, in order to mutually settle all claims.  The City Commission unanimously approved the settlement.  News of the successful settlement was reported by the Tampa Bay Times on December 21, 2017.

Jim Rolfes is the managing partner of Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A.  He is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, and leads the firm’s legal malpractice team. Jesse Butler is a senior associate at the firm and practices in the areas of civil appeals and civil litigation, including professional negligence and legal malpractice claims.