The following article from the 1/8/98, electronic edition of the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sun-Sentinel is part of an analysis to determine the similarities between the modus operandi of the Florida Bar and organized crime (utilizing a series of Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel articles on government lawyer legal fees.)

IN THE LOOP

  1. Campaign contributions don't guarantee lawyers government contracts. But they can put lawyers in the political loop, which can help when elected officials hand out government contracts. More than a dozen South Florida law firms consistently contribute to, or raise money for, local politicians' election campaigns.

  2. Partners, associates, spouses and other family members also routinely show up on campaign finance reports. Some of the biggest campaign contributors, listed below, have numerous contracts with Broward and Palm Beach county agencies. Contributions went to candidates for the Broward and Palm Beach County Commissions, Broward and Palm Beach County School Boards and Broward Sheriff Ron Cochran from 1993 through 1996:

    1. Greenberg, Traurig, Hoffman, Lipoff, Rosen & Quentel, Fort Lauderdale -- $33,642

    2. Becker & Poliakoff, Hollywood -- $23,527

    3. Conrad, Scherer & Jenne, Fort Lauderdale -- $17,578

    4. Ruden McClosky Smith Schuster & Russell, Fort Lauderdale -- $16,550

    5. Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, Fort Lauderdale -- $13,451

  3. Source: Broward and Palm Beach County Supervisors of Elections.

  • Sun-Sentinel Copyright (c) 1998, Sun-Sentinel Company and South Florida Interactive, Inc.

    This Web page is one in a SERIES OF WEB PAGES examining the modus operandi of the Florida Bar.

    The home page of this Web site is entitled LEGAL REFORM THROUGH TRANSFORMING THE DISCIPLINE OF LAW INTO A SCIENCE