Bernhard Law Firm Wins Complete Dismissal of Four Clients in $29.8 Million Judgment-Execution Battle Spanning Multiple States and Federal and State Courts

Bernhard Law Firm secured a complete victory for four clients targeted in a complex Florida proceedings supplementary action arising from nearly $30 million in underlying judgments. After approximately two years of litigation spanning state and federal courts and involving multi-state judgment-enforcement and fraudulent-transfer issues, the firm successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice of all claims against its four clients. The result highlights the importance of aggressive, strategic defense when judgment creditors attempt to pursue third parties in proceedings supplementary.… Read More Bernhard Law Firm Wins Complete Dismissal of Four Clients in $29.8 Million Judgment-Execution Battle Spanning Multiple States and Federal and State Courts

Bernhard Law Firm Wins Judgment in International Construction Fraud and FDUTPA Case, Recovering Justice for Consumer Victim

Bernhard Law Firm secured a significant summary judgment victory for a client who lost a $100,000 construction deposit after being induced by deceptive representations involving a residential renovation project. The Court found the defendants liable under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) and unjust enrichment after undisputed evidence showed they performed no construction work, delivered no goods, and wrongfully retained the funds. This case highlights our firm’s experience handling complex international fraud, construction fraud, contractor disputes, and consumer protection litigation throughout Florida.… Read More Bernhard Law Firm Wins Judgment in International Construction Fraud and FDUTPA Case, Recovering Justice for Consumer Victim

Bernhard Law Firm Wins Complete Summary Judgment in Complex International Banking and Commercial Fraud Litigation

Bernhard Law Firm successfully obtained complete summary judgment for two clients in a highly contested international commercial fraud and banking dispute. After being retained as replacement counsel years into the litigation, the firm rebuilt the defense from the ground up, uncovered critical evidence across multiple countries, and secured dismissal of all claims in a complex case involving an international standby letter of credit, commercial real estate transaction, and allegations of fraud.… Read More Bernhard Law Firm Wins Complete Summary Judgment in Complex International Banking and Commercial Fraud Litigation

Litigating Costa Rica Investment Disputes in Florida: A Guide for Investors and Businesses

Can You Litigate a Costa Rica Investment Dispute in Florida?

Many investors assume that disputes involving Costa Rica real estate or business ventures must be resolved in Costa Rica. In reality, Florida courts may provide a forum when the investment has meaningful Florida connections.

Costa Rica investment disputes frequently involve Florida investors, Florida entities, negotiations conducted in Florida, funds transferred through Florida accounts, or business decisions made from Florida. These cases can arise from resort developments, hospitality projects, private lending arrangements, agricultural ventures, and cross-border joint ventures.

When those Florida connections exist, investors may be able to pursue claims in Florida for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and equitable remedies—even where the underlying property is located abroad.

The critical question is often not where the asset sits, but where the transaction was structured, marketed, managed, and performed.… Read More Litigating Costa Rica Investment Disputes in Florida: A Guide for Investors and Businesses

Enforcing International Judgments in Florida—and Defending Against Them

Enforcing foreign judgments in Florida requires navigating two distinct legal frameworks—one for sister-state judgments under the Florida Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (FEFJA) and another for international judgments under Florida’s Recognition Act. While Florida courts generally favor enforcement, particularly under full faith and credit principles, judgment debtors have meaningful defenses, including lack of jurisdiction, due process violations, and statute of limitations challenges. Acting quickly—whether enforcing or defending—is often decisive in determining the outcome.… Read More Enforcing International Judgments in Florida—and Defending Against Them

Bernhard Law Firm Wins Sanctions and Dismissal in Florida Fraud Case After Willful Discovery Abuse

Bernhard Law Firm PLLC secured a decisive win in a Florida fraud case after the Court granted sanctions and dismissed the plaintiff’s claims for willful discovery abuse. Following nearly a year of obstruction—including refusal to appear for court-ordered depositions and failure to produce documents—the Court found that the plaintiff’s conduct violated discovery rules and prejudiced the defense. The ruling reinforces the firm’s ability, featured on FraudLawyersFlorida.com, in defending fraud claims and holding opposing parties accountable when litigation is pursued in bad faith.… Read More Bernhard Law Firm Wins Sanctions and Dismissal in Florida Fraud Case After Willful Discovery Abuse

Bernhard Law Firm Secures Florida Supreme Court Victory — Court Denies Appellants’ Motion for Relief, Confirms Dismissal of Untimely Appeal

Bernhard Law Firm won before the Florida Supreme Court, which denied appellants’ motion for relief from dismissal. The Court agreed that appellants’ filings were untimely and jurisdictionally barred, reaffirming that the 30-day deadline to seek review runs from the appellate opinion’s rendition—not the clerk’s mandate—leaving the appeal dismissed with finality.… Read More Bernhard Law Firm Secures Florida Supreme Court Victory — Court Denies Appellants’ Motion for Relief, Confirms Dismissal of Untimely Appeal

Understanding Breaches of Fiduciary Duty by Corporate Boards Under Florida Law

This article provides a primer on corporate fiduciary duties and board breaches under Florida law. If you have questions about breaches of fiduciary duties by corporate directors and officers, please contact Bernhard Law Firm at http://www.bernhardlawfirm.com, 786-871-3349, abernhard@bernhardlawfirm.com.… Read More Understanding Breaches of Fiduciary Duty by Corporate Boards Under Florida Law

Fraud by Corporate Officers and Directors in Florida: Legal Implications and Protections

Corporate fraud committed by officers and directors can have severe financial and legal consequences for both the company and its stakeholders. In Florida, corporate officers and directors are bound by fiduciary duties that require them to act in the best interests of the company. When they breach these duties through fraudulent actions—such as misrepresenting financial statements, embezzlement, or insider trading—they can face significant civil and criminal penalties. Florida case law has reinforced the importance of transparency and honesty in corporate governance, with key cases highlighting the liability for fraudulent conduct. Understanding these legal risks and protections is essential for businesses and individuals involved in corporate governance to prevent and address fraud effectively.… Read More Fraud by Corporate Officers and Directors in Florida: Legal Implications and Protections

Condo Association Board Guide to Defending Special Assessments: From 40-Year Recertifications to Reserve Shortfalls

This article provides an in-depth guide on why special assessments may be necessary, how condo associations can defend their decisions, and the key factors unit owners should understand about their rights and responsibilities.… Read More Condo Association Board Guide to Defending Special Assessments: From 40-Year Recertifications to Reserve Shortfalls