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BACKGROUND: Rick was born on November 3, 1954 in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Tampa in 1977. Rick received his J.D. degree with honors, from Nova University College of Law in 1983 and his Masters of Law degree (LL.M.) in Taxation from the University of Florida College of Law in 1984. He moved to Orlando in 1986 and married Sandy in 1988. Rick joined GrayRobinson in 1990 and is a shareholder of the firm. EXPERIENCE: Rick specializes in employee benefits and deferred compensation and has been in charge of this practice area of the firm since 1992. GrayRobinson has always been considered a state-wide leader in this field and enjoys one of the largest practices in Central Florida. Rick has practiced exclusively in this area since 1985. He is a frequent lecturer on benefit issues and has conducted several seminars on a national level. Rick's practice involves the design, drafting, implementation and operation of "qualified"retirement programs, "non-qualified" deferred compensation arrangements and welfare benefit plans (e.g. cafeteria plans, medical plans, etc.) This field is one of the most complicated areas of the law and is heavily regulated by the federal government. Recently, employee benefit programs have been targeted for increased audit activity by the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor. Over the past few years, Rick has successfully defended employers against the IRS and DOL in more than fifty audits and/or appeals. Rick's clientele includes both publicly traded companies and privately held employers. He also represents numerous governmental and tax-exempt organizations. During his career, Rick has represented over one thousand employee benefit programs. EDUCATION: University of Tampa, B.S. (1977) Nova University College of Law, J.D. (1983) Honors University of Florida College of Law, LL.M. (Taxation, 1984) PROFESSIONAL: Florida Bar Association, Tax Section (and Employee Benefits Committee) American Bar Association, Tax Section American Society of Pension Actuaries | 