Attorney Profiles

Gary has achieved an AV Martindale Hubbell rating, which is the highest possible rating for legal ability and professional ethics.  His practice concentrates on commercial litigation in state and federal courts with an emphasis on alternative dispute resolution, employment law (defending employers with respect to various discrimination/harassment claims), commercial torts such as interference with contract and advantageous business relations, unfair competition, fraud, breach of contract and intellectual property matters including trademark, patent and copyright infringement, trademark counterfeiting and unfair competition.  He also has extensive experience in practicing before the United States Patent & Trademark Office, including the preparation and filing of trademark registration applications and representing clients in contested trademark registration matters.  Gary 's clients include numerous internationally recognized companies and performing artists.

As a member of the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar, Gary received an award for his outstanding contributions to the Business Law Section's Intellectual Property Law Committee.  Gary has also served as a member of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Membership Committee, and member of the Multi-State Legislation Drafting Committee of the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition.

Born in Cheboygan, Michigan, Gary graduated from the University of Florida (B.S. Summa Cum Laude) and the University of Florida School of Law (J.D. Cum Laude).  He is admitted to the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.  Gary also has successfully completed the 40 hour Florida Supreme Court approved Circuit Civil Mediation Training offered by the Mediation Institute of America, Inc.

Areas of Practice

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Business & Commercial Law
• Contracts
• Discrimination
• Employment Law -- Employer
• Intellectual Property Law
• Litigation & Appeals
• Patents
• Sexual Harassment
• Trademarks

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 1982
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida, 1982
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1990

Education

• University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, Florida, 1981
  J.D.
  Honors: Cum Laude
  
  
• University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 1975
  B.S.
  Honors: Summa Cum Laude
  Major: Journalism/Marketing
  
  

Honors and Awards

• Gaither Award, Univ. of Florida, Justice C. Thornall Moot Court Team
• Outstanding Member Award, Univ. of Florida, Thornall Moot Court Team
• Board of Supervisors, Univ. of Florida, Appellate Advocacy Program

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Florida Bar Civil Rules Committee, 1985 - 1989
  Member
  
  
• United States Trademark Association, 1989 - Present
  Member
  
  
• American Bar Association, 1982 - Present
  Member
  
  
• Board of Directors, Community Crusade Against Drugs, 1988 - 1989
  
  

Birth Information

• May 18, 1953, Cheboygan, Michigan, United States of America