The Florida Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism's web site states that it "oversees the development of judicial professionalism programs and the promoting of professionalism in law schools." (click here).  The Commission is chaired by Justice Raoul Cantero and FBBE Executive Director Eleanor Hunter also serves as a member. 

Another member of the Committee on Professionalism is State Bar of Michigan Executive Director John T. Berry, who was formerly employed with the Florida Bar.  FloridaBarWatch has learned that John T. Berry published an article in the June 2003 edition of the Michigan Bar Journal that contained identical passages to a publication written in October 2000, by another attorney.  In Mr. Berry's 2003 article, he failed to acknowledge the earlier work.  

In February, 2005, FloridaBarWatch contacted Mary Ellen Bateman at the Florida Bar, and we requested a review of this matter.  After explaining to Ms. Bateman the situation, she initially appeared very concerned.  However, her interest quickly dissipated upon hearing that it was John Berry who was the subject of our concerns (her former boss).  Ms. Bateman has since refused to return two telephone calls.

Next, we contacted, by letter, Commission Chairman Justice Raoul Cantero, and we provided to him a copy of the two publications mentioned above.  Justice Cantero failed to even acknowledge our letter. 

Every law school student learns that it is unethical to take credit for another person's work, and as evidenced by the Judge Gergory Holder case (click here), Florida licensing officials take action against lawyers and judges who fail to acknowledge an earlier work.  However, when it comes to questions about one of its own members, the Florida Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism does not return calls or acknowledge correspondence.  

8/30/06 Update

After FloridaBarWatch requested a full investigation, Justice Cantero responded by hiring John Berry, who is in the process of resigning as the Executive Director of the State Bar of Michigan.  Click here to read the State Bar of Michigan’s press release.