Recently, Pennington Shareholders, Cody Short and Ben Andrews , and Associate, Geoffrey Place , filed an Answer Brief at the Florida First District Court of Appeal in a recent case involving alleged negligence in relation to the enrollment of a student in virtual learning. In the case at issue, each of the student's parents had shared parental responsibility and joint authority over the student's educational decision making. After the student was enrolled in virtual learning at the request of one parent, the other parent disputed the decision, but the student was ultimately enrolled in virtual learning. At the lower court, the Pennington team successfully argued that the school possessed no duty to the opposing parent which would allow for such a claim of negligence, and that sovereign immunity barred suit in the matter. The lower court granted the Pennington Team's Motion to Dismiss. After an appeal was filed at the First District Court of Appeal, Pennington's Appellate Team, again, successfully argued that the school owed no duty to Appellant which would give rise to a claim of negligence, and that suit was barred by sovereign immunity. After briefs were filed, the First District Court of Appeal issued a Per Curiam Affirmance of the lower court's order granting the Pennington Team's Motion to Dismiss in favor of the defendants. The Pennington Team is proud to have obtained another favorable decision for one of its clients.

Pennington shareholder Cody Short and partner Chad Dunn , alongside Dr. Ray Morse, presented a “Legal Care Guide on Litigation & Licensure Investigation" at the 2025 Northwest District Dental Association (“NWDDA”) Annual Meeting on February 28th at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The NWDDA, a regional affiliate of the Florida Dental Association, plays a key role in supporting dental professionals through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Cody and Chad’s session provided attendees with a practical understanding of how FDA Peer Review, malpractice lawsuits, and Department of Health investigations intersect. The presentation walked through the litigation and investigation processes, highlighting common pitfalls and proactive risk mitigation strategies that dentists can apply in their daily practice. A sincere thank you to the NWDDA for organizing an outstanding event that continues to serve as a valuable forum for professional growth and collaboration among Florida’s dental community.