Yesterday, the Supreme Court held oral arguments on the issue of same-sex marriage. The arguments revealed a few surprises. We are pleased that Justice Roberts pointed out that the marriage ban might be sex discrimination. Chief Justice Roberts stated that, "I mean,...
In the News
Recent Favorable Case Law on Search and Seizure
On February 13, 2015, the Fifth District Court of Appeal decided the case of Oliver v. State, 2015 WL 585536 (Fla. 5th DCA 2015). In Oliver, the defendant was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for an inoperable tag light. The stop itself was not challenged on...
Racial Progress in the United States
March is the anniversary month for the famous protest along Alabama's Edmund Pettus Bridge led by Martin Luther King Jr. in his mission to achieve fair voting rights. Fifty years later, the fight for equality for African-Americans is not over. The Huffington Post put...
Henry Lee Adams, Jr. Diversity Trailblazer Award
Congratulations to Bill Sheppard and Sam Jacobson for their receipt of the Henry Lee Adams, Jr. Diversity Trailblazer Award presented by the Jacksonville Bar Association Diversity Committee. This award is given, "In recognition of outstanding leadership for diversity...
Another Landmark Win for this Legal Duo
Our own Bill Sheppard and Betsy White are featured in an article written by The Florida Times Union about the state's prohibition against same-sex marriage. The weddings of thousands of gay and lesbian couples throughout Florida since January 6th were made possible in...
Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio featured in the Jacksonville Daily Record
After Bill Sheppard, Betsy White, and Matthew Kachergus were named as "Best Lawyers" in their practice areas by US News & World Report, Jacksonville Daily Record did a great story on our "family of fighters": It's a small family at Sheppard, White & Kachergus....
Firm Again Receives Tier 1 Ranking by U.S. News – “Best Law Firms for 2015″
The firm has once again been a Tier 1 law firm by U.S. News - Best Lawyers In America for 2015. This ranking is based "on a vigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field,...
Supreme Court Will Consider Police Searches of Hotel Registries
The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether law enforcement must get a warrant to inspect hotel registries, a very interesting question. On Friday, the Florida Supreme Court held that warrantless GPS monitoring by police is unlawful. This has a very active time for...
New DOJ Civil Rights Chief Vanita Gupta Known For ‘Trailblazing’ Work
This is an important position, a significant appointment, and a step in the right direction for the DOJ. The Senate should act quickly to confirm her, a doubtful outcome given its current state of obstructionism. WASHINGTON - The newly named acting head of the Justice...
William Sheppard, Elizabeth White and Mathew Kachergus Are Selected for The Best Lawyers in America
Once again, members of the firm have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2015. Mr. Kachergus was selected in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White Collar and Non-White Collar. Ms. White was selected in the practice area...