news of note
Jill Bowen has joined Berlin Patten Ebling ’ s real estate team . Jill grew up in Englewood , Florida , and obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in 2015 and her Juris Doctor , with honors , from Florida State University College of Law in 2019 . Jill primarily practices in the areas of residential real property transactions .
Icard Merrill has announced that Telese L . Zuberer has succeeded Robert G . Lyons as the law firm ’ s president . The change in leadership is the first in 23 years , and Zuberer is the first female to hold the position . Lyons , who joined Icard Merrill in 1986 , has been at the helm of the firm since 1999 . He will continue his highly accomplished and expansive mediation and arbitration practice at the firm ’ s Sarasota headquarters . Zuberer ’ s legal practice focuses on representing not-for-profit community associations .
Amanda Davy and Brooke Kernan took the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony led by Karen E . Rushing , Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller . Ms . Davy serves as General Counsel for the Clerk and Comptroller ’ s Office . In addition , she is responsible for spearheading statewide legislative priorities to ensure the office provides critical public services to the Sarasota community . Ms . Kernan serves as Director of Courts , overseeing the daily deployment of court clerks and processing all court records to facilitate public access to court records . In addition , Ms . Kernan has collaborated with Chief Judge Roberts to launch a new system for electronically filing proposed orders to quickly and accurately present court decisions .
Jacob Van Duren has joined Berlin Patten Ebling ’ s real estate team . Calling colorful Colorado his home , Jacob has lived in nine different states . With parents always being involved in real estate , he structured his education to focus on advancing a future real estate law practice . Jacob holds his undergraduate degree in history , graduating magna cum laude from Liberty University . Jacob continued his academic career at Liberty University and earned his Juris Doctor in 2020 .
Sarasota Attorney Ben Sorrell , an associate with the law firm of Syprett Meshad , will share his expertise and knowledge with aspiring lawyers as a newly named Adjunct Professor of Law for the Stetson University College of Law . Beginning with the Spring 2022 semester , Mr . Sorrell will be teaching “ Florida Pre-Trial Practice .”
Ledbetter Law Group is pleased to announce that Callie Weed Cowan has joined the firm in Venice . Mrs . Cowan has been licensed to practice law in Florida since 2008 and is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law . Mrs . Cowan ’ s years of experience in family law and nonprofit leadership influence her current practice in the areas of Estate Planning , Wills , Trusts , Probate , and Trust Administration .
Roberts Law , PLLC is pleased to announce that Joshua Roberts has joined the firm . Josh is a Certified Information Privacy Professional ( CIPP / US ) and business attorney with a background in technology transactions and litigation . His inhouse and Am Law 200 law firm experience will enhance Roberts Law ’ s business law offerings . Josh will spearhead the firm ’ s new general counsel as a service practice area and also assist business clients with their contract and privacy law needs .
Have you or a member of your firm achieved professional recognition ? Have you hired a new attorney ? Any other news of note ? If so , we would like to hear about it . Email your “ News of Note ” items to
scba @ sarasotabar . com .
28 | THE DOCKET - FEBRUARY 2022