Edward Birk

About Edward Birk

My law practice advocates for clients across Florida seeking access to public records and meetings, both within the news media and non-media clients. Maximum access to public records and meetings is crucial to our democracy. Thomas Jefferson and the founders designed our system of government by, for and of the people based on all of us being fully informed of what our government is doing or not doing on our behalf. There are plenty of valid exemptions to public records and meetings access. Unfortunately, there are too many examples of records custodians misapplying these exemptions and in some cases seeking to avoid accountability for the performance of their agencies. My practice includes training for news media on how to obtain the quickest and most effective access to public records and meetings. This includes free training through webinars and newsroom seminars. This also includes bringing lawsuits against records custodians and deliberative bodies that refuse lawful and open access to public records and meetings. My practice also includes defending news organizations and non-media clients against claims of defamation, libel, invasion of privacy, trespass, breach of contract, subpoenas for protected information and all other \"newsgathering torts.\" Among the other areas of my law practice are labor and employment counseling and litigation, premises liability, and defending businesses against tort claims. I am grateful for the ability to have practiced for more than 20 years at the Marks Gray law firm. Having seen many attorneys and law firms over the court of 25 years since starting the practice of law, I can truly say that Marks Gray is a special place committed to superior client services. My law partners are superior members of the legal profession. I am proud to practice with them. As president of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, I have been provided with an uncommon opportunity to serve the civil defense bar, in general, and my fellow ADTA members, in particular. Our members are truly One in a Million. The Tradition of Excellence Continues. Fellow members of the legal profession have conferred on me the AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell through an anonymous, peer-review process. The Best Lawyers in America, a publication that uses anonymous, peer-review ratings to identify top attorneys, has included me in its annual publication every year starting with 2013. All of these honors have maximum meaning for me when they improve my ability to help clients and promote professional growth.

Experience

1. Shareholder

   Marks Gray, P.A.

   Jan 2003 — Present · Jacksonville, FL, US

   My practice focuses on: Communications law and First Amendment-representing and defending news media organizations against lawsuits claiming defamation and libel, misappropriation of images, and all newsgathering torts. My media practice also fights for access to public records and open government. As a former journalist, I have a deep commitment to the vital principle of self-determination through free speech and democracy. My practice also includes labor and employment litigation and counsel for employers, negotiating severance agreements for executives; and defending against Fair Labor Standards Act wage and hours claims while helping employers to ensure compliance with that particularly complicated statute and regulations.

Education

• Wellesley High School

  Being a teen-ager.

  1972 — 1974

• Florida State University College of Law

  Juris Doctor, Law

  1992 — 1995

• University of Massachusetts Amherst

  Bachelor of Arts, English-Journalism

  1979 — 1983

• Hebron Academy

  High School Diploma

  1974 — 1976