877-NEWS-LAW (639-7529)

One of the Florida Press Association's most valued services is the free legal hotline. FPA members may call the hotline with any legal questions. This is a free service provided to FPA member newspapers.

Archive of Hotline Question & Answers (PDF, 2.7MB)
From the Hotline (Question & Answers Published in the Florida Press e-Bulletin)

The General Counsel routinely provides members with advice on open records, the state Sunshine and Open Records Acts, use of independent contractors, libel, newspaper solicitation and sales, employment issues, and legal advertising.

By calling the Legal Hotline, you are contacting FPA's General Counsel, Sam Morley. You can also e-mail him at smorley@flpress.com.

Sam Morley, General Counsel

Sam Handles the legal affairs of the Florida Press Association and the Florida Press Service. He also assists in representing the Association before the state legislature and administrative agencies along with Dick Shelton, Government Relations Director.Additionally, he conducts legal seminars and oversees the FPA legal hotline which provides legal advice to newspapers throughout the state.

Morley is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and earned a law degree from Wake Forest University. He was a member of the Holland and Knight law firm for 15 years as an associate and partner, and prior to that was an associate member of the Harrell, Wiltshire, Stone & Swearingen law firm in Pensacola.

Morley is a recipient of the Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Award, a member of the 1988-89 Leadership Tallahassee Class and a Past President and member of the Board of Directors of Capital City Youth Services.