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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 05 08 Regular Item B I" I I I I I I' I I I I I LEWIS, LONGMAN &WALKER, P.A ATTORNEYS AT LAW QUALIFICA TIONS FOR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR leITY OF WINTER SPRINGS PE:NSION ATTORNEY SERVICES RFQ #006-01/GD April 30, 2001 James W. Linn, Esquire Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. 125 South Gadsden Street Suite 300 Tallahassee FL 32301 (850) 222-5702 @JrJ;fJ!Jfi)fi)[J H E L IP I N G S HAP E F LOR IDA I S F U T U R ETM . . ERIC ASH WILUAM G. CAPKO BETH ANN CARI$ON MICHELI.E DIFFENDERfEll ROBERT P. Dln'ENDERFER KENNETH W. DOHCE AMY M. DUKES BRENNA MALOUf DURHEN WAYNE E. FLOWERS MELISSA GRoss-ARNOW KEVIN S. HENNf.SSY ." LEWIS, LONGMAN &WALKER, PA ATTORNEYS AT LAW DEBORAH D. HOLTON R. STEVEN LEwIs TERRY E. LEWIS JAMES W. LINN ANNE LoNCMAN G. STEPHEN MANNING DAVID E. RAMRA KENNETH G. SPILUAS EDWIN A. STEINMEYER STEPHEN A. WALKER . . -- REPLY To: TALUlHASSEE April 30, 2001 II II Director of General Services City of Winter Springs 1126 East S.R. 434 Winter Springs FL 32708 , Dear Sir or Madam: -- RE: Proposal for Pension Attorney Services RFQ #006-0 l/GD - Lewis, Longman & Walker's proposal to provide legal services to the City of Winter Springs for Pension Attorney Services is enclosed. The Request for Proposal and its experience requirements have been reviewed. Based on my background and experience, I believe I am well qualified to serve as the pension attorney. - - As a shareholder and vice-president of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., I am authorized to make representations for the finn. My contact infonnation is: - 125 South Gadsden Street, Suite 300 Tallahassee FL 32301 Phone: 850-222-5702 Fax: 850-224-9242 Email: jlinn@lIw-law.com ~ I I would be pleased to respond to any questions you may have concerning this proposal. ( Sincerely, ~W(L ~W. Linn Jacksonville OffICe 9428 Baymeadows Road Suite 625 Jacksonville. Florida 32256 (904) 737-2020 . Fax (904) 737-3221 Tallahw$ee Office Posl Office Box 10788 (32302) 125 South Gadsden Slreel . Suite 300 Tallahassee. Florida 32301 (B5O) 222-5702 . Fax (850) 224-9242 We$1 Palm Beach OffICe 1700 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard Suite 1000 West Palm Beach. Florida 33401 (561) 640-0820 . Fax (561) 640-8202 WWW.LLW-LAW.COM HELPING SHAPE FLORIDA'S FUTURE'" LEWIS, LONGMAN &WAlKER, P.A ATTORNEYS AT LAW QUALIFICA TIONS FOR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS PENSION ATTORNEY SERVICES Summary of Firm's Background Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., is a 23-attorney law firm with offices in West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee. The Fiml represents numerous counties, cities and special districts throughout Florida before all three branches of state government: judicial, legislative and executive. The Firm is A V-rated and its shareholders, individually and as a group, enjoy a statewide reputation in the fields of: · Governmental.and special district representation, including government retirement plans · Labor and employment law · General administrative and legislative matters . Public finance · Ethics and public records/meetings law matters · Environmental and land use law · Water and wastewater issues. This reputation has been established on the foundation of the shareholders' extensive experience in these specialty areas. All the attorneys at the Firm are properly licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. A firm brochure, which describes all the Firm's legal services and attorney profiles is attached as Appendix A. The attorneys at Lewis, Longman & Walker have provided legal representation to governmental entities at all levels for more than 20 years. The Firm provides legal services on a range of regulatory, legal and legislative matters, including retirement matters to local governments throughout Florida. H E L PIN G S H 1\ P E F LOR I D A'S F U T U A pM . -- -- - - - ~ - - - - I I I I Firm Attorneys to Provide Legal Services James W. Linn, a shareholder in the Tallahassee office of Lewis, Longman & Walker, will act as the primary attorney under RFQ 006-01lGD. Mr. Linn may be assisted by other firm attorneys and/or paralegals on specific projects. James W. Linn, Primary Attorney Mr. Linn is a shareholder in the Tallahassee office. He has represented cities, counties, special districts and pension boards in pension-related legal and legislative matters for more than 20 years. A substantial portion of Mr. Linn's practice is devoted to advising public employers and pension boards on federal and state laws pertaining to governmental retirement programs. Prior to entering the practice of law, Mr. Linn served as a Legislative Analyst for the Florida House of Representatives Committee on Retirement, Personnel and Collective Bargaining. There he researched and drafted legislation aftiecting a broad range of retirement and employment issues. Mr. Linn assisted in the research and drafting of part Vll, Chapter 112, Florida Statutes (the Florida Protection of Public Employee Retirement Benefits Act). As an attorney, Mr. Linn has conducted numerous comprehensive reviews of local government pension plans to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, has worked closely with local governments and actuaries in restructuring retirement benefit programs, and has prepared numerous pension ordinance amendments. Mr. Linn chaired the Florida Bar Section on Local Government Law in 1995-96. In 1998-99 Mr. Linn served as a member of the Florida Retirement System work group, an advisory panel established by the Florida Legislature to review and make recommendations on actuarial assumptions and cost methods utilized by the Florida Retirement System. Mr. Linn's pension experience specifically includes: · Evaluating pension plans for compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. · Conducting comprehens.ive legal reviews and revisions of local government pension plans. . Analyzing legislation for specific impacts on retirement and benefit programs, and developing alternative compliance strategies. · Advising public employers and working with labor counsel in connection with collective bargaining negotiations concerning employee pension benefits. · Working with pension boards, government managers and actuaries to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing benefit enhancements and plan funding requirements. · Negotiating and drafting agreements between and among local governments, unions and pension boards, concerning pension benefit increases that incorporate adjustment mechanisms tied to actuarial assumptions and cost methods. 2 .. . . . . . . . . . , -- ~ -- , II -- II II . Providing advice regarding service-connected and non-service-connected disability determinations. . Development of early retirement programs, including optional approaches for encouraging early retirement under defined benefit and defined contribution plans. . Representation in connection with plan termination, mergers of governmental entities and the conversion of defined benefits into defined contribution plans. . Analysis and application of federal income tax, social security, military service, age discrimination and family leave act issues in connection with governmental pension plans. . Drafting excess benefit arrangements and other types of supplemental deferred compensation programs for highly compensated government employees. . Evaluating and preparing deferred retirement option programs (DROPs) for local government retirement plans. . Advising pension board trustees on their fiduciary duties and responsibilities under federal and state laws. . Assisting pension boards and local governments in the development of investment policy statements, and in evaluating the petformance of pension fund investment managers. . Explaining pension benefit changes to affected employees. . Representing local governments and pension boards in retirement-related litigation, including age and raCI~ discrimination cases, administrative hearings contesting the actions of state agencil~s, and class action lawsuits in federal and state courts. Mr. Linn has represented a number of public entities and individuals in pension-related litigation. He successfully represented a city and pension board in City of Orlando v. Department of Insurance, 528 So.2d 468 (Fla. 1st DCA 1988). In City of Orlando, the District Court reversed a lower court's ruling that elected and appointed city officials could not serve on police/firefighter pension boards. As a result of this case, elected and appointed city officials are able to serve on municipal pension boards. Mr. Linn has also represented a number of cities and individuals in disputes with the Florida Division of Retirement involving various state pension laws. Mr. Linn is a frequent lecturer on pension-related topics, and has appeared at seminars sponsored by the Florida Bar, Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Special Districts, Florida Division of Retirement and Florida Department of Insurance. He is admitted to practice before: The Florida Bar, 1980; U.S. llth Circuit, 1981; U.S. 5th Circuit, 1981; and U.S. Southern District Court, 1981. He graduated, with honors, from the Florida State University College of Law in 1980. 3 Mr. Linn has also published a number of articles on pensIon and local government law, including: · "1999 PolicelFirefighter Pension Law: Analysis and Compliance Strategies," published by the Florida League of Cities, September 1999. · "Liberty Interest Protection for Discharged Public Employees," The Florida Bar Journal, October 1990. · "Rulemaking and Incipient Policy: When is a Rule Not a Rule, When is a Rule Change a New Rule, and Who Cares?," The Florida Bar Journal, March 1990. · "Employee Drug Testing," Quality Cities, February 1987. · "Section 1983: The Changing Contours of Local Government Liability," The Florida Bar Journal, October 1984. · "Closer to Home: Applying the APA to Local Government Decision Making," The Florida Bar Journal, June 1983. · "Constitutional Issues in Administrative Practice," The Florida Bar Journal, December 1981. · "Collective Bargaining and the Protection of Public Employee Retirement Benefits," The Review, Florida State University Center for Employment Relations and Law, Summer 1980. There is no previous or pending litigation or claims against Mr. Linn or Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. arising from Mr. Linn's or the firm's handling of employment or pension-related matters. Neither Mr. Linn nor Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. has represented or has any affiliation with labor unions. Firm's Ability to Provide Leg;al Services The entire Firm consists of 23 lawyers and three paralegals with sufficient support staff to ensure that all work product is performed effici.ently and on a timely basis. Mr. Linn will personally provide the legal services contemplated by this proposal. From time to time, he may use the services of one or more associate attorneys employed by the firm, who will work under Mr. Linn's supervision on a project basis. Along with the attorney profiled here and those in the brochure (Appendix A), the Firm has a talented and highly-skilled clerical support staff, who are proficient in all administrative systems of the Firm. More than half the legal secretaries have worked with their attorney supervisors for a minimum of five years; two of that majority have supported their attorneys for at least 12 years. 4 -, , , ~ , I , , ~ J , I I This low turnover rate contributes to the efficient and pleasant working environment that serves to benefit the professional staff and the Finn's clients, too. Lewis, Longman & Walker P.A. believes in delegating the work to the appropriate level of shareholders, associates and paralegals able to do the work most effectively. This allows the Finn to service the City of Winter Springs with a maximum efficiency but at a lower cost. The Finn also has-state-of-the-art Windows NT and WAN technology within all its offices. The Finn's e-mail and computer system is capable of shipping entire files, memos and opinions electronically to our clients to save attorney time and costs. The Finn also has desktop computer- assisted legal research capabilities through WestLaw, on-line direct access to the databases of various institutions, several CD-ROM tools, and the Internet. A full-time in-house network administrator ensures that the computer systems are running consistently and efficiently so we may utilize our technology to minimize legal fees. . Additionally, the Finn has an in-house law library consisting of up-to-date books, binders and circulars on Florida law, rules and local ordinances; federal law and environmental regulations; Florida case law; as well as continuing legal education books, circulars and periodicals devoted to governmental, administrative, and pension law issues. Representative Governmental Clients (Current and Previous) The five most significant engagements perfonned by Mr. Linn in the last five years that are similar . to the engagement described in this request for proposal are as follows: City of Sunrise (1987-Present). Contact: Jeff Olson, City Attorney, (954) 746-3300. Mr. Linn provides ongoing advice and consultation on a broad range of pension issues, including: assisting the City in developing pension strategy and proposals for collective bargaining negotiations; advising the City on the restructuring of its general employee pension board; and defending the City against a lawsuit filed by the fire pension board alleging misuse of Chapter 175 revenues and "excess earnings" on pension fund investments. City of Delray Beach (1982-Present). Contact: Susan Ruby, City Attorney, (561) 243-7091. Mr. Linn provides ongoing advice and consultation to the City on a wide range of pension issues, including: a comprehensive review and revision of the City's general employee pension plan for compliance with federal and state law; analysis of the City's compliance with provisions of Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes, regarding "extra benefits" for police officers and firefighters; advice on the reporting and deductibility of employee contributions to a City-sponsored Section 457 deferred compensation plan; representation of the City in administrative litigation with the Florida Department of Insurance regarding compliance with state statutes governing police and firefighter pension plans; revision of various provisions of the City's pension ordinances; and representation of the City in an administrative challenge to proposed rules of the Division of Retirement concerning police and firefighter pension plans. More recently, Mr. Linn successfully defended the City in a 5 : I federal class action lawsuit brought by retired police officers and firefighters, alleging discrimination in retirement benefits. City of Fort Walton Beach (1990-Present). Contact: Mark Wiltsie, Human Resources Director, (850) 833-9506. Mr. Linn provides ongoing advice and consultation to the City on a variety of pension issues, and has drafted numerous amendments to the City's retirement plans for police officers, firefighters and general employees. City of Homestead (1997-Present). Contact: Lori Houghton, Accountant I, (305) 247-1801. Mr. Linn was retained to advise the City on and draft a comprehensive revision of its general employees' retirement plan. He presently serves as legal counsel to the general employees' pension board. City of Miami Beach (1999-Present). Contact: Mary Greenwood, Director of Labor Relations, (305) 673-7000 ext. 6211. Mr. Linn was retained by the City in connection with the merger of its police and fire pension plans. He provides ongoing advice and consultation on a broad range of pension matters. Other engagements performed by Mr. Linn in the last two years that are similar to the engagement described in this request for proposal are as follows: City of Altamonte Springs (1999 - Present). Contact: Mark Debord, Finance Director, (407) 571-8090. Mr. Linn was retained to advise the City on pension plan changes necessary to comply with 1999 legislation affecting police and firefighter pension plans. More recently he advised the City on proposed changes to the general employees' retirement plan. City of Boca Raton (1998-Present). Contact: Linda Davidson, Director of Office of Management and Budget, (561) 393-7898. Mr. Linn was originally retained to prepare amendments to the City's police and firefighter pension plans. He has also advised the City on its deferred retirement option plan ("DROP"), consulted on pension issues in collective bargaining negotiations, and provides ongoing advice on a broad range of pension issues. City of Cape Coral (2000-Present). Contact: Robert Crosson, Human Resources Director; (941) 574-0528. Mr. Linn was retained to advise the City on an early retirement program for employees participating in a 40 1 (a) pension plan. City of Cocoa (2000-Present). Contact: Anthony Garganese, City Attorney, (407) 425-9566. Mr. Linn was retained to advise the City on proposed revisions to the police pension plan. More recently he drafted a revision to the firefighter DROP proposal. City of Gainesville (1990-Present). Contact: Charlie Hauck, Assistant City Attorney, (352) 334- 5011. Mr. Linn represented the City in administrative litigation with the Florida Department of Insurance concerning the City's compliance with state statutes governing police and firefighter pension funds. The litigation was ultimately settled with minimal revision of the City's pension ordinances, and the release of the full amount of premium tax revenues that had been withheld byy 6 11)1 iii , - , -- ~ - - - ~ - - ~ n I I I I the Department. Mr. Linn also provided advice and consultation to the City in connection with the pension rights of county employees who would become City employees under the City's proposed annexation of a large portion of Alachua County. He worked closely with City officials, the City's actuary, and the Florida Division of Retirement in identifying various options for recognizing the accrued pension benefits of transfening county employees. More recently, Mr. Linn was retained. by the City in connection with an overall review and revision of the City's pension plans. He provides ongoing advice on a range of pension-related issues. City of Greenacres (1999-Present). Contact: David Miles, Finance Director, (561) 642-2013. Mr. Linn was retained to represent the City in a class action lawsuit involving the allocation of premium tax revenues. He was more recently retained to represent the City on legislation revising the procedure for allocating premium tax revenues. ICMA Retirement Corporation (1'999 - Present). Contact: Joseph Jankowski, Director, Retirement Plan Consulting Services, (202) 962-4614. Mr. Linn represented ICMA RC in connection with legislation amending the Florida Retirement System to provide an optional defined contribution plan, and continues to provide advice and consultation concerning the implementation of the new law. Town of Jupiter (2000). Contact: Tom Baird, City Attorney, (561) 625-4400. Mr. Linn has advised the Town on a variety of pension issues. City of Kissimmee (199S-Present). Contact: Beth Stefek, Human Resources Director, (407) 518- 2115. Mr. Linn was retained by the City of Kissimmee to review the City's police, firefighter, and general employee pension plans, and evaluate plan amendments proposed by the police pension board. He provides ongoing advice on a variety of pension issues. North Naples Fire and Rescue District (1998-present). C<mtact: James Tobin, Fire Chief, (941) 597-3222. Mr. Linn was retained to represent the district in a legal action involving the allocation of premium tax revenues for its firefighter pension plan. He has also provided legal counsel and advice on a wide range of pension matters. City of Oakland Park (2000). Contact: Bert Wrains, Finance Director, (954) 561-6260. Mr. Linn was retained to advise the City on police and fire pension matters. City of Pompano Beach (1999-Present). Contact: Mark Lauzier, Assistant City Manager, (954) 786-4601. Mr. Linn was retained to r1epresent the City on revisions to the police and firefighter pension plan. He has also provided advice on pension issues arising out of the City's decision to contract with the Broward Sheriffs Office for the provision of law enforcement services. City of St. Augustine (1998-Present). Contact: Tim Burchfield, Director, General Services, (904) 825-1010. Mr. Linn was retained to provide a legal opinion concerning the City's health insurance subsidy program for retired members of the police pension plan, and currently advises the City on a variety of pension issues. Mr. Linn also serves as legal counsel to the police pension board. 7 II " I I I I I I, I' I, Ii I I, I I I I I - Conflict of Inten~st No known conflict of interest exists between Lewis, Longman and Walker, P.A., or its clients, and the City of Winter Springs, based on the scope of work outlined in the Request for Qualifications. However, the Firm understands that there is a remote potential for unanticipated conflicts to arise in its representation of the City of Winter Springs. Should a conflict or possible conflict arise, the Firm will immediately take appropriate action through disclosure, waiver and consent, or, if necessary, by refraining from representation in a particular matter. Insurance The Firm maintains insurance coverage as follows: Type of Insurance Carrier Amount of Coverage Professional Liability National Casualty $2,000,000 each claim/annual aggregate $100,00 each Workers' Compensation The Travelers Group disease/accident $500,000 limit for disease Business Auto Policy Travelers Property $2,000,000 for hired and Casualty non-owned Comprehensi ve General Travelers Property $2,000,000 each Liability Casualty occurrence LEW~S, LONGMAN & WALKER, P .A. By: -<& James W. Linn Print Name L..J , ~. Shareholder Title April30 .2001 Date 8 JAlMES W. LINN James W. Linn is a shareholder in the Tallahassee office of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. The firm represents a number of corporations, cities, counties, and other governmental entities throughout Florida in environmental, land use, employment and benefit mattE!rs. Mr. Linn has over eighteen years of legal experience, and has an active practice in labor, employment and retirement law (representing management), state administrative and regulatory law, and governmental affairs. He holds an "av" rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and adherence to ethical standards. Mr. Linn is admitted to practice bl9fore: The Florida Bar, 1980; U.S. Eleventh Circuit, 1981; U.S. Fifth Circuit, 1981; and U.S. Southern District Court, 1981. He Chaired the Local Government Law Section of the Florida Bar in 1995-96, and is a member of the Florida Bar Sections on Labor and Employment Law, and Administrative Law. Mr. Linn is a frequent lecturer at Florida Bar and other professional/educational conferences, and has published numerous articles on administrative and employment law. Professional Experience 1995 to Present: Shareholder with Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. Clients include local government agencies, local government and professional associations, health care providers, partnerships, corporations, and individuals. Areas of practice include labor and employment related matters (including EEOC and pension/benefit matters); legis/otive and executive agency representation; professional licensure and discipline; and administrative and civil litigation. 1983- 1994: Shareholder with Carson, Linn & Adkins (formerly Carson & Linn, P.A.). Represented clients in all areas of the firm's practice before all three branches of state government. Represented public and private entities throughout Florida in labor and employment law matters, administrative. and regulatory issues, bid disputes, and professional licensure and disciplinary proceedings. Supervised associate attorneys and paralegals in all areas of the firm's practice. 1980- 1983: Associate attorney, Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson. Worked in Miami and Tallahassee offices of 250 lawyer firm, handling employment law matters, administrative and re~Julatory matters, professional licensure and disciplinary matters, and legislativE~ matters. James W. Linn 1978-1980: Intern and Legislative Analyst, Florida House of Representatives Committee on Retirement, Personnel and Collective Bargaining. Researched and drafted legislation pertaining to public pension and benefit matters, and labor/employment law. Education J.D., Florida State University, 1980, with honors. B.S. Florida State University (Government), 1977, Magna Cum Laude. Publications "Liberty Interest Protection for Discharged Public Employees", The Florida Bar Journal, October 1990. . "Rulemaking and Incipient Policy: When is a Rule Not a Rule, When is a Rule Change a New Rule, and Who Cares?", The Florida Bar Journal, March 1990. . "Employee Drug Testing", Quality Cities, February 1987. Section 1983: The Changing Contours of Local Government Liability", The Florida Bar Journal, October 1984. "Closer to Home: Applying thl3 APA to Local Government Decision Making", The Florida Bar Journal June 1983. "Constitutional Issues in Administrative Practice", The Florida Bar Journal, December 1981. "Collective Bargaining and the Protection of Public Employee Retirement Benefits", The Review, Florida State University Center for Employment Relations and Law, Summer 1980. 2 Non-Collusion With and Non-Interest of City Employees Description of Contract: PENSION A TIORNEY SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF WD~TER SPRINGS, FLORIDA STATE: COUNTY OF: FLORIDA SEMlNOLE Lewis. Longman & Walker. P.A. Name of Company Responding James W. Linn Print Name Being the first duly sworn, deposes and says that he is the respondent in the above SUBMITIAL, that the only person or persons interested in said submittal are named therein; that no officer, employee or agent of the City of Winter Springs or of any other party. is interested in said request for qualifications; and that affiant makes the above proposal with no past or present collusion with any other person, firm or corporation. Lewis. Longman & Walker. P.A. Firm @W' Signatu L' 9 .-. -----..-......-.........- '.~ ..,~ ..frI.. .. ,_ ~"""'v ... ~....."'C ,"~"--~- . .....~~,~;....; . ~~-" ~-~-': ' THE FLoRIDA SLASH INE IS A LANDMARK FOUND IN ALL OF FLoRIDA AND, AS SUCH, WELL REPRESENTS LEwIs, loNGMAN & WALKER, A STA~E LAW miM ESTABLISHING ITS REPUTATION THROUGHOUT FLoRIDA'. SENSITIVE TO CHANGES IN ITS SURROUNDINGS, THE SLASH PINE REMINDS US THAT AS WE BlJILi) OUR ENVIRONMENT, WE NEED TO CONSIDER AIL. THAT. WAS '8EFORE US - BOTH MAN AND NATURE. ~~1' , As THE FIRM MOVES FORWAim, IT TOOWJLLBEC~~ING WITH FLoRIDA. WHItE. 'i'HE FIRM fJAS BEEN AND WIlL CONTINUE TO BE .AN ACTIVEPAR'l' :OF '~~'8 ~, WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND; MORE IMPOR'I,'ANTIX,WlLLHEIJ>" . , . , " PRESERVE FLoRIDA'S PAST' : " ", " ; ',,1 , ' ...., ' _~. "'~'. I' ~,. . ~~---~, . '. ..:: {~~ .' ~~;; ;:' ..... .. ~a~ :;s~ :'j"'$.l.J, . .-J} ~. .~;{<,j .,'.'1'j. .. ":'ki 'ei . r~ ,:::4~' '.~~~ .".i:i {11:1:~ '.;"/"; :.'i'" ~ft;'7. :.'T::f? ,~~i~ .:}:r~ '.' :~\ . t~ /~~~ ,:, .J. ::j,.~ ......J ,:. qt, :.X~ :?:';~ \:~.;~t J'j'".,~ .:;.~'.,~ .'~~,~J . ?'~;~ ., ;~~tt ".~ ~l ' ~:A"~ . ,~t~'I';: ...".~l. ~~~~. . f.'t;~:~ '::. :~~}~4 . ".-1.". .~t{'. .4i~ ' /,(:-"j- . ',.:,i r~j.:~ V,:".:! \i,S;t.~ t""::P';0 .,: .:~I~; :~~ ~~U~ ;~-V" , :'t f,.~,'.,,:~ " "',:l':!':;! v;l '~'r4: "iifi~ .: ~~..~. {Jr..~ ; ':;,.,1>' l~ f .:~\; ,-'":J HELPING SHAPE FWRIDA'S FUTURE Lewis, Longman & Wtlker has been helping shape FlOlida's future since its inception in 1994. Our lawyers have been meeting the needs of Floridians for over twenty years in a variety of professional and community leadership roles. LL&W provides solutions to the problems facing Florida's individuals, businesses and goverrunents, especially issues associated "ith the myriad of current local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The finn's vision is personalized high quality legal services, focusing on specialized and often technical areas of environmental and lanel use law, emplo)lnent law, go\'emment relations and public finance. Specific talents, knowledge and i ,I ,I .' "CONSCfENTIOUS, THOROUGH, KNOWLEDGEABLE, CONNECTED . CAPABLE, HIGH-PROFILE, RF..5PECTID. " .: FLORIDA WATER QUALITY ASSOCIATION GARY MONTOYA PRESIDENT I I.. .' I contacts are necessary for each field. The finn has recruited well-known and respected attorneys with expertise and accomplishments in these and related areas of la,,'. LL&W lawyers are co Il1minecl10 responding TO dients' needs promptly and economically. \\b believe in building long-term relationships based upon close cooperation and solid results. Services are provided throughout Florida from three offices strategically located in Jacksonville, 'n311ahassee and "est Palm Beach. .' .. . , & , "PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE AND ALWAYS WILLING TO ADDRESS MY NEEDS PROMPTLY. " CLONTS FARMS, INC. W. REX CLONTS, JR. PRESIDENT MEETING THE NEEDS OF FLDI{IDIANS Lewis, Longman & Walker lakes great pride in providing solutions for individuals, corporations, small and large businesses, governments, agricultllre, and developers; solutions that make both husiness and k!!ttl sense. w~ rneasun: c- our success nol sirnply by rlH~ number of cases w(~ win, but by the number of disputes wc rcsolve. PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEMS 1\ FLOHIDA Le\\~s, Longman & \\hlker attornt'~-s have expertise in those technical and specialized areas ,,'here businesses, individuals and governments wrestle over compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and policies. LL&W's practice areas include: . Environmental and Land Use Law . Employ,nent Law Litigation, Appeals, Adrninistrative Law and Mediation . Government Relations . Public Finance Our success in helping clients find their way through the maze of govermnent regulation has earned LL& W a srate\\~de reputation as problem solvers. LL& W anorne)'s have represented clients bc1()J'(~ viltually every agency in Florida government. W~ understand how government works and maintain strong relationships \\~th decision-makers. This translates into results lor our cliems. Our primary goal is always to secure results as quickly and cost effectively as possible. Lawyers, paralegals, and staff in our three offices work closely together as a team, to achieve this goal. ;\ . . I _ l "kITORNEY HAD SPECIFIC EXPERTISE WE NEEDED . . . WAS PRACTICAL IN <HER ADVICE . WAS WITHIN BUDGIIT. " MIAMI-DADE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAROL ZEINER GENERAL COUNSEL Environmental and Land Use Law Increased environmental awareness has bl'Ollghl ",ilh il an expanding number of llxleral, slate, and loud regulalions, presenting agencies and businesses with dilfindt and potentially costly challenges. 0111' aUon H'~'S I w\"(~ a un ic I'It' blend of training and experience in a ,-ariel} of c;m.il'Onnlt:ntal fields including: Real Estate Transactions and Development Approvals Wlstewater, Srormwater and Surface \\brer Wlter Supply and Consumptin~ Uit' "blands and Submerged Lands Endangered Species Superfund, Hazardous and Solid Wlste Aquatie Preserves and the En'l'glades Petroleum and Chernical Stora!.(e ~ and Transportation Members of the finn hm.e extensin' experience witl. Florida's 2rowrh management act and olher sWle and local ~ .... land use regulations. '\c help obtain deH'lopment approntls for some of the state's largest hOlnebuilders, cOllllnercial developers and local governments. \\1:: also hm-e obtained approvals for port and airport projects, and orher developments of regional irnpacl. Our attorneys otten panicipate as part of a development team, coordinating various professionals such as engineers, architects, land planners, and environmental scientists in guiding a project through the design, approval and construction process. Our attorneys are also im"olved in complex Superfund sites, hazardous materials clean-up and mitigcHion plans. \\1:: have obrained nwnerous environmental permits, pursued administrative rule challenges and defended the rights of property owners. The firm also has played a 1 ) J - STRONG COMMITMENT TO OUR GOALS - EXCELLENT RESPONSE. ,., CITY OF PENSACOLA ROBERT PAYNE AssISTANT CITY MANAGER 1 1 major role for mllnerous diems in the battle oyer regulating urban and agrindtural irnpaCls on Lake Okeechobee and the Florida En~r!!lades. L, Employment Law 1 ) 1. Employee reLHions pla~' an important role in the pertc)f'lnance of any organizarion. L~\\is, Longman & Wtlker provides expert representation in workplace-related litigation and employment lnw counsding. The firm represents public and private employers in labor, employment and pension law matters. Our anorneys have deiended employers against wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment and whistle-blower claims, and have prepared employment policies on numerous topics. The /inn advises and represents public employers in pension matters, including plan design, evalua60n of compliance \\;th federal and state laws, plan amendments, legislative representation and litigation. Litigation, Appeals, Administrative Law and Mediation In order to provide cornplete services Ii)!' our clients' needs, the firm has attraded and developed atlorneys skilled in litigation, mediation, appellate and administrative law. Where litigation is necessmy, Lewis, Longman & Wilker attorneys do not hesitate to take matters befc)('(~ Florida's state, b:leral and administrative courts. Our attorneys have experience belc)re all levels of Florida and kderal trial and appellate courts. Trial Imvyers also frequently rcb' appeals to the linn and ohen engage the Finn to seek a fresh perspective on a case. W: use ~ ~ ~ I ~ I lid ~ ~ iil ~ <, ~ I ~ ;1 I I ~ " ~ if, ~ ~ ;! : :i (s ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i i I I t I I I I I state-of-the-art technology and first-rate paralegals to research, compile and analyze the record. This combination allows us to produce high quality legal brief~ in a cost effective manner. The firm also boasts great success in resoh-ing disputes through mediation and employs atTorneys who serve as mediators in complex litigation. Government Relations Lewis, Longman & Walker assists private and public clients in resolving matters before local, regional and state Qovernments, v <- <- from permitting and regulatorr issues to legislative [Jolicymaking. The firm maintains close working relationships I "PROACTIVE, BRJ!GHT AND ALWAYS AVAILABLE. UNDERSTANDS CLIENT'S BUSINESS." BELl SOUTH MOBILITY, INC. RON BURLESON ;.. with officials at Florida's Departments of Enviromnental Protection and Community Affairs, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the State's five Water Managelnent Districts. W~ also regularly work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, and Fish ~lIld Wildli/i~ Sen'ice. Our atlorneys are immersed in the legislative process. W~ draft complex original legislation a,<, well as amendrnents to existing law and work wilh staff, interested parties, and elected and appointed officials to pass legislation. \\b have earned the respect of legislators and staff {or our diligence and efb:tivenes~;. Our Tallahassee office constantly monitors legislative activities, keeping our clients inJormed of pending actions and giving them the time they need to respond to possible changes in law. Public Finance Le\\~S, Longlnan & \\hlker has an active public finance practice \\~th e.Ktensive experience in tax-exempt financings in Florida. Its attorneys have served as bond counsel, undenvriter's counsel and issuer's counsel for a wide variety of public financings since 1989. Our attorneys have assisted in financings for utility systems, parking facilities, cOUlthouses, redevelopment projects, housing, infrastructure and stadium facilities. W~ assist our clients in structuring transactions and analyzing relevant income tm. considerations. W: provide legislative counseling and advice on the diverse government and business issues that can arise in public finance transactions. We also create and act as general or special counsel to special t:uing and community development districts, and advise clients on the advantages of forming a special purpose government and the restrictions imposed upon these entities. "DnJGEJInl', iNYErmvE ANn {, . - , ECONOMICAL. " PERUVIAN A VENUE CORPORATION STANLEY GILINSKY PRESIDENT Florida Department of Environmental Reh'1.11ation, Deputy Director, Division of Environmental Pennitting Florida DepHltment of Environmental Protection, Assistant General Counsel Florida Depanment of Natural Resources, Coastal Planner Swte of Florida, Assistant Artorney General Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, Field Operations Division Director St. Johns River \\lIter Management District, General Counsel South Florida Wlter Management District, General Counsel Southwest Florida Water Management District, General Counsel City of Jacksonville, Attorney Palm Beach County, County Commissioner and Chairman Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, Counsel Florida League of Cities, Legislative Counsel :t~ ..~~~ . ~~'i,~!t\; .'-'}i.. ~t..\ ,(I:.. ;;;;: t- ,"; A~-,."l(~,~. ,;E~1~.-'t~~-~ .'~ :~:'f)}'~i' "c~ 1fn~1 :4':;. ".", ;.,~. ~~~~~~ ~t'Ji .;~?: ,t. {;;j~ ;"..." ';i. .?J :)~; ~:: }I .,;J '!..t\ '~1 ~~1~i .....:'t _.r'o SERVING AS LEADERS IN FLORIDA . N ~ ~ i"'! ~ ~ ~ ~ ill 19 ~ I ~ m ~ ~ ~ '" ~ ~ ~ ~ .~ ~ g ~ ~ .,:.' ~ r, l: ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ i I I Anorneys at Le\\~S, Longman &. "hiker have been helping shape Florida's futurc through leadership positions for ovcr twenty years. Positions previously and currently held include: In Florida Government ~~ :," ',.;,1: .!(~ .i:' ~\ : .~. ,;:.:", '." . .r........ /- ..- _~i:' .~: -.. . ):~.. J :~!. ~ ~ " In Florida Communities Florida State Comprehensive Plan Committee, Gubernatorial Appointee Palm Beach County Solid "!.iste Authority, Chair Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, Chair Leon County Pipeline Siting Committee, Chair United Wiy, Board of Directors Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization, Chair lbwn of Jupiter Planning and Zoning Commission, Chair allm Beach County Tourist Development Council, Chair Palm Beach County Expressway Authority, Chair Leadership PcJm Beach County, Panicipant .....v ~~. ?:~:. ~~: .. ...}t Florida Bar Environrnental and Land Use Section Chair . Florida Bar Local Government Law Section Chair Florida Bar Foundation's Legal Assistance to the Poor, Committee Mernber Florida Legal Services Corporation's Board of Directors . Palm Beach County Bar Association Professionalism Committee Chair , " ~li:1 ,1' '..~~i ",., 'J ~1~(.1 ~, ;.~.r; ~ .", :! ';:::' ,.~~~' ?1." ;:: '. <:.'~'{:i .:' ~ .,~~ :~ :Tf:f1.~ {~: .:l .'r';.~;".' ;1,. ;1-'.;1." ~ i';'f. ...1r;:~' . <'.':"~~;' I~' ~~:r' .t. ,'~ ~', d #li"~if~0'\ .'~~ ..;r.t~~):~ ~ .~ {J .\~t.'t~ 11 :fl '.{.':. : .. .f.... ?'~r~ '. ~,I :: B 1*4,.-::;~tJf. "f" r ~\-" .rtf.- -=:!,\:. (": ;.:.:; .ye ~<O;o." -----.,..... In the Florida Legal Community L ". . - FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US: JBcksoJnville Office 9428 Baymeadows Road, Suite 625 Jacksonville, Florida 32256 Telephone: (904) 737-2020 Facsimile: (904) 737-3221 e-mail: jax@llw-law.com Tallahassee Office 125 Gadsden Street, Suite 300 Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Telephone: (850) 222-5702 Facsimile: (850) 224-9242 e-mail: taUy@llw-law.com West Palm Beach Office 1700 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Suite 1000 \\est Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Telephone: (561) 640-0820 Facsimile: (561) 640-8202 e-mail: wpb@llw-law.com Or visit our website at: www.llw-Iaw.com