News & Publications

The firm is proud to announce that Edward P. de la Parte, Jr. (Environmental Litigation), Richard A. Gilbert (Business Litigation), David M. Caldevilla (Appellate) and Vivian Arenas-Battles (Eminent Domain) were once again honored as “Super Lawyers” in the 2012 issue of Florida Super Lawyers magazine.

Two other Shareholders, Daniel J. McBreen (Business Litigation) and Nicolas Q. Porter (Environmental Litigation) and Associate Kristin Y. Melton (Environmental Litigation) were also selected again in 2012 as Rising Stars among the state’s younger attorneys.

Kristin Melton delivered a presentation to utility representatives at the March 12, 2012 Southeast Florida Utility Council (SEFLUC) meeting in Boca Raton, FL. During her presentation, titled 2012 Legislative Highlights, Ms. Melton explained and discussed current legislative actions and the impacts on water quality, environmental permitting, reclaimed water and growth management. Kristin is an associate with de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A. She joined the firm in 2007 and her primary practice areas include environmental, government and administrative law.

Nicolas Porter, shareholder at de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A., delivered a presentation titled The Central Florida Water Initiative: Overview and Issues at the January 18, 2012 American Water Works Association Regulatory Trends Workshop in Orlando, FL.

Mr. Porter discussed the formation and goals of the CFWI, water resource permitting and planning issues being addressed by the initiative, and the implications for water resource regulation in the state.

Nick focuses his practice on environmental and administrative law issues, including complex environmental litigation throughout the state. He can be reached via email at nporter@dgfirm.com or via telephone at (813) 229-2775.

Kristin Morris has joined the Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA) Young Lawyers Division Youth Projects Committee. The Committee, which organizes events for local foster children, teamed up with Hillsborough Kids to host Holidays in January. The event was held at Malibu Grand Prix to bring together foster children, foster parents and young lawyers in the Tampa Bay area for a fun-filled day of activities and holiday gift giving.

With a membership of almost 1,000 lawyers under the age of 36, the mission of the Young Lawyers Division of the HCBA is to promote professionalism and ethical conduct, provide guidance and support, provide educational opportunities, organize programs and events, and encourage community involvement.

Kristin joined de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A. in 2012; her primary area of practice is civil litigation. She can be reached at kmorris@dgfirm.com.

Vivian Arenas-Battles has been named Chair of The Florida Bar’s Eminent Domain Committee for the 2011-2012 term. The Eminent Domain Committee’s scope and function is to study and keep informed of recent developments in the field of eminent domain, to be a liaison to private companies and governmental agencies who have and use the power of eminent domain, and study and consider legislation, law or problems in the area of eminent domain law.

Vivian is a Shareholder with de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A. and practices in the areas of eminent domain, environmental and land use law and administrative law.