Southwest Florida HR Law & Solutions : Southwest Florida Employment and Labor Lawyers & Attorneys for Discrimination Lawsuits and Civil Rights Cases in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs & Sanibel FL

Suzanne M. Boy concentrates her practice in employment law, assisting clients with all aspects of employment-related litigation, claims, and client counseling. She frequently contributes articles for and is Editor of Henderson Franklin's Employment Law Update, and is the lead writer of Southwest Florida HR Law & Solutions, Henderson Franklin's employment law blog. Suzanne also speaks to businesses and professional groups on various employment matters.

In addition to her employment law practice, Suzanne also handles a variety of commercial litigation matters including contract and business disputes, foreclosures and bank-related litigation, landlord-tenant issues, and estate-related litigation. She serves as general counsel for several of her corporate clients. Suzanne also has an active civil appellate practice.

Suzanne is a member of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Calusa Chapter of American Inns of Court and Lee County Bar Association. She is also a member of the Labor and Employment and Appellate Practice Sections of the Florida Bar. Suzanne also serves as an attorney coach for the Fort Myers High School mock trial team.

Education

• University of Florida, B.A., with honors, 2002
• Stetson University College of Law, J.D., 2006

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 2007

John F. Potanovic concentrates his practice in employment law and was among the first attorneys to achieve Board Certification in Labor and Employment Law in the State of Florida. He defends employers in discrimination and harassment lawsuits, including cases brought under Title VII, the ADA, the FLSA, and civil rights statutes, handling such matters through both jury and non-jury trials. John also handles wage and hour matters under the Fair Labor Standards Act, EEOC investigations and all aspects of employment counseling, including the review and drafting of employment policy handbooks. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Middle and Northern Districts of Florida.

John is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee (2005 - present) and chair of the firm’s Employment Law practice group. He writes articles and lectures to many business and professional groups with regard to employment matters, and takes the lead in organizing Henderson Franklin’s annual HR Law & Solutions educational seminar for human resource professionals.

John is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). He currently serves on the board of directors of City of Palms Basketball Classic, Inc. and on the Advisory Board of Art of the Olympians. John is a past member of the board of directors of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, past president of the University of Florida Alumni Association (Southwest Florida Chapter), former legislative committee chairman of the Human Resource Management Association of Southwest Florida and was a barrister in the Calusa Chapter of the American Inn of Courts.

Education

• University of South Florida, 1982
• University of Florida, J.D., with honors, 1988

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 1988

Vicki L. Sproat has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Law since 1991. Her primary areas of practice are defense of employers in all aspects of employment law and general civil litigation. Vicki is a frequent lecturer on topics of interest to employers, and is a regular speaker at Henderson Franklin's annual HR Law & Solutions seminar. She also is a contributor to the firm's Employment Law Update newsletter.

She is a member and former director of the Human Resources Management Association of Southwest Florida. She has served as an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, teaching courses on employment law and regulations.

Vicki is a charter member of the Fort Myers-Naples Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a Master in the Calusa Chapter of American Inns of Court. She has been active in community organizations such as the United Way of Lee County (where she served as a member of its board of directors for over 10 years) and Foster Care Council of Southwest Florida. Vicki is currently a trustee of Canterbury School. She also serves on the Advisory Council to the Visually Impaired Persons of Southwest Florida, Inc.

Education

• Denison University, B.A., 1975
• Ohio State University, J.D., 1978

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 1980
• Ohio, 1978

Robert C. Shearman is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and concentrates his practice in the defense of employment, tort, civil rights and real estate claims. Bob represents numerous public and private entities with respect to constitutional claims, wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment matters. In addition to litigating in state and federal court, he practices extensively before federal, state and local administrative agencies. Additionally, Bob represents real estate professionals in civil litigation and administrative actions.

Robert is a member of numerous professional associations and is past president of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He is a former member of the Inns of Court, Calusa Chapter, and has been recognized as a leading Florida attorney by the Law and Leading Attorneys Association. Bob has served several terms as president of his Homeowners’ Association, as well as the Southwest Florida Seminole Booster Club. He is a trustee of the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium and has organized annual golf tournaments to benefit the United Way and other charities. Bob is a former Big Brother and an alumnus of Leadership Lee County.

Education

• Emory University, B.A., 1983
• Florida State University, J.D., with honors, 1986

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 1986

John D. Agnew practices in the areas of employment law and commercial litigation.  With respect to employment law, John focuses on matters involving enforcement of restrictive covenants, such as non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, and defending employers against claims involving ADA accessibility or FLSA wage and overtime issues, among others.  Regarding commercial litigation matters, John represents a variety of clients in disputes involving contracts, bank litigation, construction and lien law, landlord-tenant issues, and other general civil litigation.

John is a member of the Calusa Chapter of American Inns of Court, Lee County and American Bar Associations and the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

Education

• University of Kentucky, B.H.S., summa cum laude, 2001
• University of Kentucky, J.D., 2005

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 2006