Jo Ann Palchak Representative Matters

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS HIGHLIGHTS

• Represented physician(s) accused of violations under the controlled substance act in both state and federal court
• Represented a banking executive terminated from his job and accused of bid rigging and wire fraud in a large federal municipal derivatives investigation resulting in a non-prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice.
• Represented numerous individuals accused of: unlawful possession of controlled substances, violations of the secured communications act, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of prohibited materials, burglary, aggravated assault, and other alleged wrongdoing
• Represented an executive in a large fraud investigation, charges dropped.
• Represented a dean of an institution of higher education in reference to an employment law matter
• Performed internal investigation(s) in the healthcare, financial, and publishing industries
• Represented personal representative of an estate in a whistleblower matter against the decedant’s prior employer; resulted in settlement.
• Represented a physician engaged in protected activities in an employment matter,  matter settled
• Represented the former general counsel of a major healthcare company in reference to allegations of health care fraud
• Represented a pharmacist in a workplace matter resulting in no litigation
• Represented the owner of an internet commerce business in a state enforcement matter, resulting in no charges filed
• Represented youth in on and off campus matters involving both juvenile law and administrative matters.
• Represented a licensed professional in a Finra examination, resulting in a caution letter only
• Represented a pharmacist who was a target in a healthcare fraud investigation, no charges were filed
• Represented a mortgage broker and his company in an Office of Financial Regulation matter, small fine and limited operation impact
• Represented an executive of an internet sweepstakes company in reference to allegations of money laundering, RICO gambling and other charges.  All charges were nol-prossed.
• Represented numerous employee(s) engaging in protected activity
• Retained as consulting counsel in various class action litigation arising in securities law and related matters resulting in settlement(s)
• Represented an inmate who was being denied healthcare
• Represented individual(s) in violation of probation hearings
• Represented a former trader from the Chicago Stock Exchange in reference to allegations of fraud.  No charges were filed.
• Representation of physician(s), nurse, and other professionals before governing boards
• Performed internal investigations in the healthcare, publishing and pharmaceutical industries.
• Represented individuals accused of insurance fraud, no charges filed.
• Represented a physician accused of aiding unlicensed practice, no probable cause found.
• Represented several small businesses in navigating regulatory enforcement
• Represented a contractor accused of the unlicensed practice of real estate, charges dismissed.
• Represented a restaurant accused of discrimination before the FCHR
• Representation of a mortgage brokerage and loan originator at the trial and appellate level.
• Represented one of the nation’s largest matchmaking services against allegations under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, resolved case with settlement.
• Represented a health care executive in a statewide prosecution, resulted in a diversion then dismissed.
• Represented an insurance executive accused of wrongdoing in the workplace, resulted in negotiated settlement with no charges file
• Post-conviction representation of a person due to newly discovered DNA evidence.
• Representation of/assistance to law students seeking application to the Florida Bar

Honors

• The J. Ben Watkins Award from Stetson University College of Law.  The J. Ben Watkins Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment in the legal community.
• The Florida Bar President’s Award for Pro Bono Service. Ms. Palchak was one of 21 Lawyers (of the 106,000 Members of the Florida Bar) who were honored for pro bono service at the Florida Supreme Court on January 25, 2018.  At that time Ms. Palchak had given away over 5,500 hours of pro bono, Ms. Palchak’s work was recognized for helping the most vulnerable in society.  “There is much yet to do,” she said.  “If we can help, we should help.”  As of today Ms. Palchak has well exceed 8200 hours of pro bono.
• Florida Trend Legal Elite, Criminal Law.
• Board Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) (two terms)
• Past-President and current member of the Goldburg-Cacciatore Inn of Court
• Super Lawyers, Criminal Defense, White Collar, 2013-Present; (2009-2010 Rising Stars)
• Leader in the Law, Florida Association for Women Lawyers, 2013
• Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, 2013
• Marcelino “Bubba” Huerta III Award, Hillsborough County Bar Association, 2013
• Pro Bono Service Award, Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, 2011-2016 

Sample of Speaking engagements:

• Cross Examination of Experts (NACDL)

• Panelist White Collar College at Stetson University College of Law
• Presentation Orange County Bar Association – Cross Examination of Experts
• Panelist Intersection of Employment
• Redemption Radio – Podcast Recorded Sept. 17, 2021.
• Panelist, Women’s White Collar Defense Association, Las Vegas