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12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 107
Wellington,
Florida
33414
Phone: 561-333-4911
Fax: 561-333-4988
10410 Seminole Boulevard, Suite 2
Seminole,
Florida
33778
Phone: 727-394-2625
Toll-Free: 866-396-4911 |
Family and Marital Law
The Coates Law Firm recognizes that the legal requirements of managing personal and family relationships require the skill and knowledge of attorneys experienced not only in the many areas attendant to marriage, dissolution of marriage, adoption, dependency, guardianship, and personal planning, but attorneys adept in managing and handling the unique emotional and psychological aspects of such matters. The Firm’s attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in all areas of family law, including, in particular, the drafting and negotiation of pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, marital settlement agreements, separate maintenance agreements, dissolution of marriage, annulment, child support, and alimony.
By comprehensive planning prior to marriage, the Firm’s attorneys have been able to counsel and advise clients on the many issues attendant to entering into marriage, including protection of separate property, treatment of joint property, impact of commingling of assets both before and during marriage, considerations in the event of divorce such as equitable distribution, child support, and alimony to name a few, and estate and personal planning considerations such as waiver of elective share, provisions for spouse and children, and tax-related matters. By careful planning and consideration prior to entering into marriage, many clients can avoid the uncertainty and expense associated with subsequent dissolution of marriage or estate and probate disputes.
In representing clients in dissolution of marriage matters, the Firm’s attorneys are deeply committed to assisting such clients in what for many will be the most difficult experience of their lives. The Firm’s approach is to embrace such matters with a compassion born of an understanding and empathy for the emotional and psychological turmoil many clients will experience when dealing with leaving a spouse, deciding child custody and visitation issues, property distribution, and alimony. Recognizing that each case is unique, consistent with its clients’ goals and objectives, the Firm strives to resolve its dissolution matters at the earliest possible time so clients can get on with their lives, while maintaining and preserving to the maximum extent possible their material possessions and mental and psychological well being. Where children are involved, the Firm is particularly sensitive to counseling and guiding clients in arriving at consensual arrangements that are in the best interests of the children and have the greatest potential to work in both the short and long term. The overarching goal is to minimize the negative impact and emotional burden on our clients’ children.
The Firm is committed to representing its clients with determination, perseverance and resolve, but with a reasoned, pragmatic approach that recognizes the unique considerations inherent in resolving family-oriented disputes.
Howard K. Coates, Jr.
Howard K. Coates, Jr. is a shareholder in the firm. Mr. Coates earned his Associates Degree from the University of South Carolina in 1980, finishing at the top of his class while serving full time in the United States Marine Corps. After four years of service and being honorably discharged in 1981, Mr. Coates graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Florida, receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in December 1982. Thereafter, Mr. Coates earned his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School in 1986. While at Yale, Mr. Coates was Senior Editor of the Yale Law and Policy Review and Associate Editor of the Yale Law Journal. Mr. Coates received his Masters in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University in the Spring of 2001, with an emphasis in International Business.
Mr. Coates has extensive experience representing clients in complex and sophisticated matters. Prior to starting his own firm, Mr. Coates was a partner in the New York-based law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP, a nationally recognized labor, employment, and litigation firm. Mr. Coates spent approximately ten years heading Proskauer's Florida Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department. After leaving Proskauer, Mr. Coates spent several years handling class action securities cases as a partner with Cauley Geller Bowman & Coates, LLP and then with Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach. With many years of big firm litigation practice behind him, Mr. Coates brings a broad range of litigation experience to the firm and enjoys a reputation for being tenacious, skilled and versatile in dealing with a wide variety of complex, demanding litigation matters. He has extensive experience in the trial and appellate courts and has tried and litigated cases in state and federal courts throughout the state of Florida, as well as nationally. He also has considerable experience in alternative dispute resolution and has participated actively in the trend toward mediated and non-judicial resolutions of disputes. In this regard, besides mediating over 100 cases, Mr. Coates has arbitrated matters in numerous alternative dispute resolution forums, including the American Arbitration Association and the New York Stock Exchange.
The cases in which Mr. Coates has been involved have run the gamut, from class action securities to complex probate and estate matters, in addition to a panoply of complex commercial litigation matters. In the securities area, Mr. Coates was the lead attorney in defending the company and its officers and directors in In re Brothers Gourmet, Inc. Securities Litigation, (S.D., Fla.) Case No. 95-8584-Civ-Ryskamp, a case that involved claims under Sections 11, 12(2), and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Mr. Coates was also the lead trial attorney for the company and individual defendants in Thomas v. Gaming Lottery Corporation, et al., (M.D., Fla.) Case No. 98-660-Civ-J-21C, a case involving securities fraud and control person liability claims. In Lincow v. Modami Services, Inc., (S.D., Fla.) Case No. 94-8301-Civ-Zloch, another securities class action involving 10(b) claims, Mr. Coates successfully defended one of the company's officers and directors. Mr. Coates was also the lead attorney representing the former general counsel of Sunbeam in In re Sunbeam Securities Litigation, (S.D., Fla.), Case No. 98-8258-Civ-Middlebrooks, a massive securities class action involving Section 10(b) and 20 claims. In addition to his experience in representing companies and officers and directors, Mr. Coates has represented aggrieved plaintiffs in numerous class action securities claims involving securities fraud and breach of fiduciary duties.
Mr. Coates' practice has also included complex multi-party, multi-issue commercial foreclosure, lender liability, real estate, fraud and RICO-based matters, and consumer class actions. During the savings and loan crisis in the late 80's and early 90's, Mr. Coates developed extensive experience in banking and workout-related litigation in representing the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Resolution Trust Corporation. His practice in this area was regional in scope, and he represented failed savings and loan associations throughout Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi in more than 150 cases. Mr. Coates' practice included the investigation and determination of liability of directors and officers in both the regulatory and litigation context, and he is also well versed in the investigation and prosecution of professional malpractice matters.
Mr. Coates' professional affiliations include membership in the American, Florida, Georgia, Palm Beach County, and South Palm Beach County Bar Associations. He is also a member of the United States District Courts, Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida, the Northern District of Georgia, District of Colorado, and the Eighth, Eleventh, and Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals. Mr. Coates is very active in civic and philanthropic organizations. He is is a Past President of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association, and is actively involved in the Palm Beach County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County.
PRIOR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach, LLP, Boca Raton, Florida, May 2003-June 2004-Partner in nationally recognized law firm concentrating its practice in complex litigation and, particularly, in the representation of investors and consumers in class action litigation. Resident partner in the Florida office of Milberg Weiss responsible for the supervision of its litigation matters pending in the Southeast and Midwest Regions of the United States. Handled all facets of litigation and trial of complex commercial and corporate matters in areas including class action securities, consumer class actions, labor and employment, Uniform Commercial Code, breach of contract, fraud and other tort cases, non-competition and trade secrets, and a myriad of general commercial disputes.
Cauley Geller Bowman & Coates LLP, Boca Raton, Florida, December 2000-May 2003-Named Partner and one of four principles in nationally recognized law firm concentrating its practice in complex litigation and, particularly, in the representation of investors and consumers in class action litigation. Responsible for handling litigation matters throughout the country.
Proskauer Rose LLP, Boca Raton, Florida, May 1991-December 2000-Responsible for the management and supervision of the Florida litigation practice for Proskauer Rose LLP. Handled all facets of litigation and trial of complex commercial and corporate matters in areas including class action securities, consumer class actions, labor and employment, Uniform Commercial Code, breach of contract, fraud and other tort cases, non-competition and trade secrets, and a myriad of general commercial disputes. Also experienced in providing general corporate and business advice with respect to matters involving compliance with applicable securities laws, labor and employment issues, as well as protection and maintenance of trade secrets and confidential information.
Edwards & Angell, Palm Beach, Florida, May 1990-April 1991-Primarily responsible for the representation of financial institutions and other parties, including the FDIC and RTC in connection with the firm’s Florida banking litigation and troubled debt workout practice. Experienced in prosecution and defense of complex foreclosure actions and lender liability claims, and in the prosecution of directors and officers liability and fidelity bond cases, as well as other banking and lending-related matters. Also responsible for representing clients in connection with the firm’s Florida general commercial litigation practice, including construction defect, contract dispute, and tort cases, as well as other general commercial litigation matters.
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, Palm Beach, Florida, August 1987 - May 1990-Primarily represented the FSLIC and FDIC in connection with those regulatory agencies’ oversight and receivership responsibilities as to failed savings and loan associations. Prosecuted several multi-million dollar foreclosure actions and defended related lender liability counterclaims. Also involved in the prosecution of directors and officers liability, fidelity, and attorney malpractice cases, as well as a myriad of other banking and lending-related matters.
King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia, June 1986 - July 1987-Represented several major motor vehicle manufacturers in connection with the defense of product liability claims involving automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. Also represented a major soft drink manufacturer and distributor, as well as other large corporate clients in general commercial litigation matters.
CIVIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Florida Bar -- Admitted October 1987; Member of Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “F” (3/96-3/99)(Chairman: 12/98-3/99); Member, The Florida Bar Journal Committee of The Family Law Section (1996-1997); Member of Editorial Board, The Florida Bar Journal/News (1988-91); Member, Critical Analysis and Long Range Planning Committee, The Florida Bar Journal/News (1988-89)
South Palm Beach County Bar Association, President (6/2004-6/2005); President-Elect (6/2003-6/2004); Secretary (6/2002 - 6/2003); Managing Editor, The Advocate (2002-2003); Member, Board of Directors (6/98-6/2006); Speaker, Probate Litigation Seminar (4/99); Speaker, Street Law Program, Atlantic High School (1995-1997); Chairman, Community Relations Committee (1996-97); Speaker, Law Day - Panther Run Elementary (1995); Chairman, Community Relations Committee (1995-96); Speaker, Law Day - Panther Run Elementary (1994)
Palm Beach County Bar Association, Board of Directors (6/2004-6/2005) -- Member (1998-Present); Member, Judicial Relations Committee (2002-2003); Member, Federal Practice Committee (2001-2002); Member, CLE/Family Law Committee (1996-1997); Member, CLE/Estate and Probate Law Committee (1996-1997); Member, Judicial Relations Committee (1990-1991)
Palm Beach County Legal Aid Society, Board of Directors (2/2000-Present) -- Member, Board of Directors (2/2000-present); Member, Nominating Committee (2001-2002); Member, Finance Committee (2001-2002); Celebrity Model, Ninth Annual Pro Bono Recognition Evening (4/1997)
The Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Member -- Member (1996-1998); Scoring Judge, AFTL Mock Trial Competiton (3/1997); Scoring Judge, 1996 ATLA Student Mock Trial Competition (3/1996)
Okeeheelee Youth Baseball, Inc. -- Member, Board of Directors and President (8/1/01 - 7/31/03); Member, Board of Directors and President-Elect (5/2001 - 7/31/01); Member, Board of Directors and Divisional Vice-President Colt Division (8/00 - 4/01); Member, Board of Directors and Divisional Vice-President Pony Division (8/98 - 8/00); Manager/Coach (9/91 – Present); Manager - 1998 Bambino A-Team All-Stars - Field Champions; Manager - 2000 Pony A-Team All-Stars - Florida State Champions; National Youth Sports Coaches Association - Lifetime Certification
Boy Scouts of America -- Eagle Scout; Cubmaster Pack 208 (1992-1994)
Other Affiliations -- Member, Boca Raton Roundtable (1999-2000); Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee (1994-1995); Member, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Saturday Lawyers Program (1986-1987)
HONORS
AV-Rated (means legal ability and ethical standards are very high to preeminent) as independently determined by Martindale-Hubbell
Who’s Who in American Law
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida -- Masters in Business Administration, May 2001; International Business Certificate; Entrepreneurship Award; Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society; Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society
Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut -- Juris Doctor, May 1986; Associate Member, Yale Law Journal; Senior Editor, Yale Law and Policy Review; Director, State’s Attorney’s Program; Director, Urban Legal Workshop; Director, Yale Law and Technology Association
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida -- Bachelor of Arts, December 1982; Phi Beta Kappa; Associate Justice, UF Student Traffic Court; Board of Directors, John W. Reitz Student Union; Representative, CLAS Student Council; UF Speech and Debate Team; Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society; Golden Key National Honor Society; Savant UF
University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina -- Associate of Arts, May 1980; Highest Honors
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS
Florida Real Estate Broker (2004)
Florida Real Estate Salesperson (1990-2004)
Notary Public
SEMINARS and PRESENTATIONS
2/2/2005- 2/3/2005 -- The Gehring Group, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office-Retirement Seminar, Guest Speaker - "Estate Planning Workshop - Do You Have Your Financial House in Order?"
1/27/2005 -- Ryan Beck & Co., Excellence in Financial Services Seminar, Guest Speaker - "Planning for Eternity -- During Life and the Hereafter"
1/26/2005 -- 2005 Palm Beach Educational Symposium for Financial Service Professionals, Guest Speaker - "Divorce Planning: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly"
12/9/2004 -- Ryan Beck & Co., Do You Have Your Financial House in Order? Guest Speaker - "Estate Planning Fundamentals"
1999 -- Probate and Estate Seminar, "Ethical Issues in Probate and Estate Matters"
Please email us or visit our website for additional information.
