News Archives | Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: < 1 minute | News

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Announces New President

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon is pleased to announce that H. Wesley (“Wes”) Reeder has become President of the firm. Wes joined Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon in 2001 and practices primarily in the areas of construction, real estate, and business litigation. He is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and, in that role, mediates cases involving construction and business disputes, condemnation proceedings, and real estate matters. Wes is a retired Naval Reserve Officer with more than 24 years of aviation industry related service to the federal government and the U.S. Military. While on active duty in the U.S. Navy, Wes had the honor of serving as a crewman with the Blue Angels. Wes and his wife Carolyn are active volunteers, striving to contribute to the betterment of the Pensacola community through their service to various organizations. Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, established in Escambia County in 1913, counts itself among the oldest and largest Pensacola law firms, with locations also in Perdido, Pace and Miramar Beach, Florida. With more than 75 attorneys, paralegals and staff, ESC possesses the resources to provide our clients, individuals and institutions alike, advice, counsel, and legal services in a wide range of matters.

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: < 1 minute | News

Best in Pensacola!

The Best in Pensacola awards had thousands of voters logging on to support their choices for the best in the area. Readers considered all of their favorite local food and drinks for the Cocktails & Cuisine category and all of the wonderful stores our area has to offer for the Retail category. Voters selected their top choices for Services, Health & Wellness, Wedding & Bridal, and Entertainment during the nomination and voting process. With many categories to choose from, there were places to vote for all of your favorite local businesses. Thank you for making us a winner in Best in Pensacola again, in 2019!

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: < 1 minute | News

Top Attorney – Wanda W. Radcliffe

Top Attorney – Wanda W. Radcliffe The Top Attorneys of North America, a New York based publication, distinguishes and profiles leading attorneys who have reached a recognizable degree of success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of the accomplishments within the North American legal community.

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: 2 minutes | News

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Treat Hospital Staff to Ice Cream

On Thursday, May 21 the attorneys and staff of Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon (ESC) brought ice cream trucks to Ascension Sacred Heart to treat the associates who have been working hard to help keep the community well during the pandemic of COVID-19. “Our team had a lot of fun hosting ice cream for all of the dedicated doctors and staff at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola,” said Wes Reeder, President of ESC. “It was just a small way for us to say thank you and give them a little bit of relief from all the hard work that they do each and every day.” ESC hosted TASTEbuds, Mister Softee Northwest Florida and Frosty World Gelato ice cream trucks and served more than five hundred associates in a social distanced manner. “Ascension Sacred Heart and its associates greatly appreciate the support from Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon and the many other organizations which have donated food, personal protective equipment and other items,” said Dawn Rudolph, President of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. “The community’s support of our healthcare workers as we face together the threat of the coronavirus pandemic has been very gratifying to our entire team.” Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon has been protecting Pensacola for more than 100 years. We have established a proud tradition of integrity and excellence in the legal profession as a full-service firm. Our experienced team of attorneys provides services to individuals and institutions alike with legal matters ranging from commercial litigation, real estate, and estate planning, to personal injury, employment, social security and domestic law. With a footprint stretching to Perdido, Pensacola, Pace, Destin, and Tallahassee, we are here to serve your legal matters. For more information visit, esclaw.com or call 850.433.6581.

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: 2 minutes | News

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Firm Loses Perdido Key Location

Pensacola, FLA. (October 5, 2020) – Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon (ESC) must close its Perdido Key office location due to damages sustained from Hurricane Sally. The office, located at 14508 Perdido Key Drive, has been opened since May of 2018. The building, leased by ESC, suffered wind and water damages and is beyond repair. Firm staff who worked out of the Perdido Key office have been relocated to other offices or are working remotely. “We, too, know what it is like to experience the devastation caused by hurricanes and over the years our Firm has been in existence we have experienced many of them. But just like our Gulf Coast community, we’re strong and resilient and we will persevere. Rest assured that one thing that won’t ever change because of a hurricane is our commitment to serving our clients,” said Wes Reeder, ESC Firm President. “Buildings and printers can be replaced, but our ESC family cannot, so we are feeling very fortunate that everyone made it through the storm safely.” Plans to reopen an office in Perdido Key are still under review by the firm’s management team. ESC’s other practice locations in Pensacola, Pace, Miramar Beach and Tallahassee are fully operational. With increased business in the Destin area and commuting issues related to Hurricane Sally, several Firm attorneys in our Pensacola office will be working out of our Miramar Beach office to serve clients. “As our business continues to grow along the panhandle, and with the current conditions in our area, we feel the time is right to have additional resources in the Destin area,” said Mike Knowles, ESC Firm Administrator. For more information about how ESC can assist your legal needs regarding Hurricane Sally, visit ESCLaw.com. Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon has been protecting Pensacola for more than 100 years. We have established a proud tradition of integrity and excellence in the legal profession as a full-service firm. Our experienced team of attorneys provides services to individuals and institutions alike with legal matters ranging from commercial litigation, real estate, and estate planning, to personal injury, employment, social security and domestic law. With a footprint stretching from Pensacola, Pace, Destin, and Tallahassee, we are here to serve and assist you with all your legal matters. For more information please visit esclaw.com or call 850.433.6581.

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: 2 minutes | News

EMMANUEL SHEPPARD & CONDON ANNOUNCES NEW ASSOCIATE AMELIA J. STROM TO THE FIRM

Pensacola, FLA. (December 14, 2020) – Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon (ESC) is pleased to announce that a new associate attorney, Amelia J. Strom, has joined the firm’s Pensacola office. The addition of Amelia is part of the firm’s continuous growth and commitment to the development of new attorneys along the Gulf Coast. Amelia’s practice focuses on a variety of matters including Probate, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Real Estate, and Commercial Litigation. After the Florida Bar exam had been rescheduled and restructured multiple times due issues relating to Covid-19, Amelia sat for the exam on October 13, 2020, received the results of her passing the exam on November 20, 2020, and was sworn in to the Florida Bar by the Honorable Judge William F. Stone in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on December 8, 2020. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida (UF) Levin College of Law, graduating Cum Laude in May of this year. Amelia was a Senior Articles Editor of the Journal of Law and Public Policy at UF, as well as President of Gator for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Before law school, she earned her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Legal Studies from the University of West Florida, graduating Summa Cum Laude. While at West Florida, she was a part of the University’s Women’s Swimming and Diving team and was a captain of the team her last year before graduating. Amelia started with ESC in the summer of 2019 as a Law Clerk. Prior to ESC, she was selected as a Judicial Clerk for the 1st Judicial Circuit Court for Judge Stone and Judge Ketchel as part of an externship in the summer of 2018. She has also held Legal Assistant positions for Tracy O. Strom, P.A. and Lois Lepp, P.A. “We are certainly delighted to have Amelia join our firm and congratulate her on becoming admitted to the Florida Bar,” said ESC Firm President, Wes Reeder. “Retaining and developing young attorneys, such as Amelia, is the lifeblood of our firm and doing so will allow us to continue to deliver high quality legal services to our clients for generations to come.” Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon has been protecting Pensacola for more than 100 years. We have established a proud tradition of integrity and excellence in the legal profession as a full-service firm. Our experienced team of attorneys provides services to individuals and institutions alike with legal matters ranging from commercial litigation, real estate, and estate planning, to personal injury, employment, social security and family law. With a footprint stretching from Pensacola, Pace, Destin, and to Tallahassee, we are here to serve and assist you with all your legal matters. For more information, please visit esclaw.com or call 850.433.6581.

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: 2 minutes | News

Attorney Adam White the president-elect designate of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division

He was elected without opposition at a recent board meeting in St. Augustine and will be sworn in as president in June 2020. White is a partner at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, where he focuses on corporate litigation, including real estate, construction, and employment law. He graduated summa cum laude from the Florida Coastal School of Law in 2010 and earned a B.A. in political science in 2007 from the University of Missouri. White has served on the YLD Board of Governors for four years and has two children with his wife, Katrina. White said he looks forward to continuing the board’s work to “better the legal profession.”“We must continue our efforts to develop initiatives to help our constituents have a better work-life balance. This board’s work on the parental leave rule is amazing. Our members should not have to choose between being a good parent and being a good lawyer; those goals should not be mutually exclusive,” White said.After Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, White helped fellow board member Kevin Barr of Panama City recover. For Barr, the only form of communication with the outside world was a buried landline that ran to a neighbor’s house. White called that neighbor to check on Barr’s family almost daily for weeks. White made the four-to-six hour drive to Panama City on two different occasions to bring Barr’s family and neighbors much-needed supplies, and to help tarp a roof and secure possessions. Barr said White was a strong advocate of the Military Spouse Rule, which was recently approved by the Florida Supreme Court since White’s hometown contains numerous military servicemen and women with spouses who struggled to practice law. White said under his presidency, the YLD needs to give young lawyers the tools to ensure they are compensated fairly by their firms, organizations, and clients. “Finally, we need to continue to tackle the subjects that attorneys don’t want to talk about. For instance, health and wellness, diversity, and the gender pay/advancement gap, just to name a few,” White continued. “This board makes a difference for young lawyers, and I look forward to working with all of you…to strengthen our profession.”

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: < 1 minute | News

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon is American Land Title Association Best Practices Certified!

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon (“ESC”) is American Land Title Association (“ALTA”) Best Practices certified by Warren Averett CPAs. In order to aid lenders in evaluating their settlement agents, the ALTA developed a framework of best practices. Settlement agent practices are reviewed in areas of licensing, trust accounting, protection of non-public information, title processes, insurance, and consumer complaints. Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon’s procedures have been reviewed by the regional accounting firm of Warren Averett, CPAs and have been found to comply with the seven pillars of ALTA Best Practices. This certification instills a confidence in all lenders that ESC complies with the highest standards in the industry.ESC is a title agent for Westcor (Compliance with Westcor’s Compliance Audit Program reviewed by McGladrey LLP), Old Republic/The Fund (Authorized Agent), Stewart Title (Stewart Preferred Provider) and Chicago/Fidelity. ESC works with all lenders. ESC provides all manner of closings whether residential or commercial. ESC does construction/perm, FHA, VA, USDA, bond loans, reverse mortgages, etc. ESC has offices in downtown Pensacola, Sandestin, and Tallahassee. Contact Holly Jurnovoy with Emmanuel Sheppard & Condonat hvj@esclaw.com or 850.433.6581 for more information.

Dec 16, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: 4 minutes | News

COVID-19 Update

WE’RE HERE TO HELP As we adapt to and deal with this extraordinary situation related to the COVID-19, we want you to know that our firm remains committed to providing to you the same high quality legal services and advice that you deserve and have come to expect from our attorneys and staff. First and foremost is our concern for the health and safety of our employees, clients, family and friends. We are following and complying with the recommendations and direction from the CDC and all local, state and federal government agencies, as well as those of our State and federal Courts. We are currently limiting the number of people working at and visiting our offices. Many of our attorneys and staff are now working remotely, but all are available for phone calls and virtual meetings. We are committed to delivering our services and support to clients without interruption. As we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters, we will be sharing helpful information regarding legal matters that you may be facing related to the COVID-19. To do our part in flattening the curve, we ask that you please call us to schedule an appointment with one our attorneys via phone call or video chat. If you need assistance with a real estate closing, we are also offering a variety of options to ensure your real estate closing is completed in time and as safely as conditions allow. We also recognize you may be dealing with similar concerns for your own employees and other valued connections. To assist with that process, we have developed a client coronavirus task force and resource center. Our lawyers are ready to answer your questions around this evolving situation and its impacts to you. As this situation evolves, we will continue to respond and meet the challenges. Please take care of yourself and your family. USEFUL LINKS Coronavirus.gov The Governor’s Emergency Orders Centers for Infectious Disease and Research and Policy FL Department of Health CDC Division of Labor HUD NAIOP CAI (resources for community associations) Florida Supreme Court The Florida Bar IRS COVID-19 Scams Paycheck Protection Program Loans FAQs OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Work Places for COVID-19 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws TASK FORCE Our COVID-19 task force has the industry-focused resources necessary to help individuals and companies navigate the many interrelated issues impacting their lives, business, and workforce as this pandemic reaches an inflection point. Our attorneys are recognized thought leaders. We can quickly assess the sector-specific implications of COVID-19, help individuals and businesses address these challenges, and work with you and your leadership team to identify commercially viable solutions to achieve sustainability into the future. If you have questions or need assistance during these uncertain times relating to: Labor & Employment, including issues such as Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act Response Plans Furloughs/Layoffs Wage and Hour Issues Personal Travel Disclosures Self-Reporting Diagnoses/Contact with Diagnosed Person(s) Employee Quarantines Vendor/Contractor Workplace Restrictions & Pre-entrance Inspections DOL Guidelines Employee Benefits/Leave Dependent Care Assistance HIPAA Privacy Rules Please contact Erick Drlicka at emd@esclaw.com or 850.433.3826 or Brad Adams 850.433.3848 or badams@esclaw.com. Business Law, including issues such as Formations Ownership Changes Contract Disputes    Documenting Owner Relationships and Rights What to Plan for Your Business in the Event of Illness or Death Please contact Sally B. Fox at 850.433.3869 or sfox@esclaw.com. Insurance Claims/Disputes, including issues such as Business Interruption Insurance Claims Health Insurance Disputes Please contact T. Shane Rowe at 850.433.3822 or tsr@esclaw.com or Scot B. Copeland at scopeland@esclaw.com or 850.460.8916. Creditors Rights, including issues such as Restructures Refinance Forbearances Foreclosures Collections Creditor Representation in Bankruptcy Please contact Sally B. Fox at 850.433.3869 or sfox@esclaw.com. Real Estate, including issues such as Sale Contract or Lease Issues, Including Force Majeure Lease or Contract Payment Issues Facility Rental Agreements Commercial Property Quarantine Issues Closings Warranties and Insurance Please contact Adam C. Cobb at 850.433.4865 or acobb@esclaw.com or Gregory P. Fayard at 850.433.3827 or gpf@esclaw.com. Tax and Estate Planning, including issues such as Deductibility Issues Impending Deadlines & Extensions Timing-Related Issues (i.e., Voluntary and/or Required Elections) Trust Planning Probate Administration Please contact Van P. Geeker at 850.460.8914 or vpg@esclaw.com. Financial Services, including issues such as Regulatory Considerations Virtual Payment Platform Capacity Loan and Deposit Operations Cash Handling, ATM Policies, and Levels/Availability Please contact Sally B. Fox at 850.433.3869 or sfox@esclaw.com. Condominium and Homeowner’s Associations, including issues such as Common Amenity Closures and Restrictions for Areas such as the Pool, Fitness Center, Business Center and Community Rooms Property Access for Guests, Contractors, Vendors, Family, Brokers, Housekeepers, and Others Refusal of Residents to Self-Quarantine After Testing Positive Governmental Orders Related to COVID-19 Including Travel or Quarantine Issues Future Assessment Shortfall Strategies Construction Project Considerations Fair Housing Act Issues Maintaining Owner Access to Association Meetings Please contact Suzanne Blankenship at 850.444.3853 or association@esclaw.com. Workers’ Compensation, including issues such as Lost Wage Benefits to an Injured Worker Due to Income/Job Loss Please contact Galen M. Novotny at 850.433.3918 or gnovotny@esclaw.com. Family Law, including issues such as Temporary or Permanent Modifications to Spousal or Child Support Obligations Due to Income/Job Loss Please contact Galen M. Novotny at 850.433.3918 or gnovotny@esclaw.com. Construction Law, including issues such as Force Majeure Provisions Delay Claims Warranties and Insurance Contract Frustration Contractor COVID-19 Procedures Please contact H. Wes Reeder at 850.433.3806 or hwr@esclaw.com or Adam White at ajw@esclaw.com. USEFUL RESOURCES Keeping Safe During Real Estate Closings Community Association Updates Families First Coronavirus Response Act Getting Your Affairs in Order Evictions on Hold: Landlord Issues Arising from Coronavirus Pandemic Lender Deferments CARES Act: Tax-Related Provisions Commercial Landlords: Practical Issues to Consider in Uncertain Times Please Note: Our COVID-19/Coronavirus-related guidance was current at the time of publication, but please note that this pandemic situation is evolving, and the long-term ramifications are still unknown.

Dec 15, 2020 | By ESC Law | Read Time: 3 minutes | News

2020 Hurricane Season

HURRICANE SALLY AFTERMATH We have weathered storms along the gulf coast since 1913, and are here to help you and your family recover from Hurricane Sally. If you have questions regarding what you should do to collect information and submit an insurance claim, our attorneys are ready to assist you with a free consultation. As business and property owners, we know well the importance of making thorough and aggressive claims to an insurance company. Find a copy of your insurance policy and call us at 850.433.6581. Now more than ever, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon is right by your side. HELPFUL BLOGS Hurricane Sally: Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim Florida Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations Impacted by Hurricane Sally HELPFUL LINKS FEMA Florida Business Damage Assessment PrepareFL IRS announces tax relief for Hurricane Sally victims Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Information Volunteer Florida HURRINCANE PREP There are many things to think about as you are preparing for the hurricane season. Your home, supplies, evacuation routes, and this year, the implications of COVID-19. We’d like to encourage you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your business from any potential harm. Let our team of board-certified attorneys help you mitigate hurricane issues so that you have peace of mind knowing you are prepared. ESC CAN HELP REVIEW AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON ALL STORM-RELATED ISSUES, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING: 1. Insurance policies for storm damage coverage and related rights and responsibilities 2. Potential liabilities for condominium associations 3. Consult on exercising powers for community associations 4. Construction risk for storm events 5. Leases, business documents, purchase agreements, and other contracts regarding force majeure, insurance, maintenance, and liability provisions. Following social distancing guidelines? No problem. We are ready to assist you through virtual or phone appointments. Call us today at 850.433.6581. HELPFUL LINKS FEMA: Preparing for a Hurricane Season During the COVID-19 Pandemic Florida Disaster.org Ready.Gov CDC Preparing for Hurricanes During the COVID-19 Pandemic Florida Bar Hurricane Information FEMA Flood Map Be Ready Escambia Ready.gov Hurricane Preparedness Documents CAI Best Practices for Community Association Hurricane Season Preparation WHAT IS A HURRICANE? A hurricane is a tropical cyclone, which generally forms in the tropics and is accompanied by thunderstorms and a counterclockwise circulation of winds. An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher Tropical cyclones are classified in two ways, a tropical depression and tropical storm: Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less. Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph. HURRICANE SUPPLY KIT Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days for each person non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices / snack food foods for infants or the elderly non-electric can opener cooking tools / fuel (propane, charcoal, kerosene) paper plates / plastic utensils Blankets / pillows, etc. Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes First aid kit / medicines / prescription drugs Special Items – for babies and the elderly Toiletries / hygiene items / moisture wipes Flashlight / batteries / candles Radio – battery operated (weather radio is recommended) Cash – banks and ATMs may be closed Walkie-talkies / hard line phone (powered by the phone line directly) Keys – house / car / safe deposit box / storage facility / etc. Toys, books and games Important documents – in a waterproof container insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Tools – keep a set with you during the storm Vehicle fuel tanks filled / fill extra tanks for generator use Pet care items proper identification / immunization records / medications ample supply of food and water a carrier or cage leash FAMILY DIASTER PLAN Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Locate a safe room or the safest area in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet (rally points); including a child’s school, a neighbor’s home or other public place. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Have at least 2 ways of contact; e-mail, phone, etc. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Check your insurance coverage – flood and wind damage may not be covered by homeowners insurance. Check your insurance limits of liability. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies within your hurricane supply kit. Use a weather radio. Remember to stock replacement batteries. Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.