Late Carlton Fields Shareholder Richard J. Ovelmen to Be Honored at The Florida Bar Convention

Late Carlton Fields Shareholder Richard J. Ovelmen, known for his dedication to practicing and teaching First Amendment law, will be honored Friday, June 19, 2020 at The Florida Bar Convention. Ovelmen will be memorialized at the First Amendment and the U.S. Supreme Court seminar presented virtually by The Florida Bar’s Media Law and Communications Committee. Online registration is free and available here.

For decades, Ovelmen was a key contributor to the annual seminar, providing his insights into the newest and most controversial First Amendment cases decided by the nation’s highest court. In 2019, he earned The Florida Bar Service Award for his commitment to sharing his knowledge of First Amendment law. Ovelmen passed away on January 14, 2020. At this year’s seminar, Ovelmen’s former colleagues and mentees will pay tribute to his contributions to the field. Speakers will include Carlton Fields attorneys Enrique D. Arana and Justin S. Wales.

During his distinguished career, Ovelmen practiced constitutional, land use, local government, media, class action, and intellectual property law. He was passionate about the First Amendment and open government, and he championed those causes through both his legal work and his efforts as a professor and lecturer. Recently, the University of Miami School of Law established the Richard J. Ovelmen Endowed Memorial Scholarship to continue his legacy.