William R. Wohlsifer, Esquire
William Richard Wohlsifer (“Billy”) received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida in 1991, and Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from St. Thomas University School of Law in 1996, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. Bill currently works at William R. Wohlsifer, PLLC.
William R. Wohlsifer, PLLC practices debt collection, copyright and trademark litigation, and homeowners’ association law throughout the State of Florida and in the District of Columbia. William R. Wohlsifer is licensed to practice in all of Florida’s state courts, Florida’s Northern, Middle and Southern District federal civil courts, Florida’s Northern and Middle District bankruptcy courts, the District of Columbia’s Superior Court and D.C. Court of Appeals. Bill’s office is in Tallahassee, Florida.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
William R. Wohlsifer, PLLC, Tallahassee, Florida (2007-present) – Firm founder, lead attorney, and mediator. Practicing copyright and trademark litigation, debt collection, royalty recovery and community association law.
State of Florida Office of General Counsel, Tallahassee, Florida (2008-2011) – Sr. Assistant General Counsel. Prosecuting attorney for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. Responsible for the Division’s litigation in bankruptcy court, circuit court and before the Division and the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). He has also drafted legal opinions, declaratory judgments, and participated in legislative analysis.
Wohlsifer & Associates, PA, Daytona Beach, Florida (1996-2001); West Palm Beach, Florida (2001-2008) – Firm founder, lead attorney, and mediator. Extensive motion and trial practice in the areas of commercial litigation, contract disputes, community association law, real estate law, shareholder disputes, copyright and trademark registration and litigation, entertainment law, family law, and personal injury.
Cyberight Corporation, Washington, D.C. (2000–2001) – Founder and CEO. Organized and directed a senior management team to draft and implement a business plan, develop technology, raise capital through SEC Regulation D private placement memorandum, develop a marketing plan, apply for patent protection, and apply for a Small Business Administration Innovative Research Grant in pursuit of technology designed to archive and authenticate Internet content for use in litigation.
St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami Gardens, Florida (1995–1996) – Tutor. Tutored Constitutional Law and Contract Law to law school students on academic probation.
Westlaw, Miami, Florida (1994–1996) – Trainer. Taught electronic legal research to law students.
PERSONAL HISTORY
Bill is married to Steffi Tassos-Wohlsifer, a performing jazz pianist and vocalist, who earned her Bachelor Degree in Music from Manhattanville College, Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Florida International University.
2014 ATTORNEY GENERAL CAMPAIGN
In 2013 Bill was tapped by the Libertarian Party of Florida and asked to become the first Libertarian candidate in the state of Florida for the office of Attorney General. After some deliberation he decided to throw his hat in the ring, beginning a year-long statewide campaign. Thanks to many months of hard work, from many dedicated individuals on his team, Bill was invited to join the other candidates on a statewide stage, to compete in a debate, hosted by Bay News 9, on October 9th, 2014.
As a result of the debate Bill was able to procure the endorsement of the Bradenton Times, in which they said, “Libertarian candidate Bill Wohlsifer brings credible experience and critical independence to an office that should represent, above all else, the people of this state. Wohlsifer has espoused a common sense platform that seems refreshingly devoid of reflexive ideology – even that of his own party.” The months of continuous campaigning, along with the debate appearance, and the endorsement from the Bradenton Times lead to many people throughout Florida learning about the Libertarian party, and Bill garnering over 169,394 votes.
POST-2014 ATTORNEY GENERAL CAMPAIGN
After the campaign concluded Bill went back to focusing on his very busy law practice. Once again Bill was able to focus on the cases he cared about the most, including continuing to be an advocate for medicinal marijuana in the state of Florida, as well as acting as a Florida Supreme Court mediator in dispute resolution cases. He has booked numerous speaking engagements across the state, and has been asked to give his opinion on potential legislation in front of the state house senate committees on numerous occasions.
Bill also brought together a group of dedicated individuals called NationalHemp.org that has gained in popularity on a national level, even being endorsed by former presidential candidate Gov. Gary Johnson. The group is focused on educating both the public and lawmakers about the many benefits of industrial hemp, as well as other beneficial plants, that have multiple uses and the positive results cultivating, producing, and distributing these crops would yield for the country.
In 2015, Bill was re-elected as the Region-3 Representative of the Libertarian Party of Florida, representing Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties.
Education
J.D., cum laude – St. Thomas University School of Law (1996)
B.A., Political Science – University of Central Florida (1991)
Bill Wohlsifer’s Journal Publications
Wohlsifer, William R., and Tyler L. Thomas. “”Certifying” Documents Via Third-Party Software: Binding On the Court?” Computer and Internet Lawyer 31, no. 2 (Feb. 2014): 10.
Wohlsifer, W., & Thomas, T. “Certifying” Documents via Third-Party Software: Binding on the Court?” The Florida Bar Journal, The Florida Bar Association, Tallahassee, FL (Sept. 2013).
Wohlsifer, W. “Proving Publication in Cyberspace,” E-Commerce Law, Aspen Law and Business, New York, NY (Oct. 2001).
Wohlsifer, W. Proving “Publication in Cyberspace,” Business Law Quarterly, The Florida Bar Association, Tallahassee, FL (Nov. 2002).
Mr. Wohlsifer’s representation in a shareholder’s derivative action among the members of Atlantic Records recording artists, The Spinners, received national coverage on CourtTV and CNN (2004).
Honors
Recipient, Book Award – Advanced Legal Research and Writing
Recipient, Book Award – Administrative Law
Recipient, Book Award – Bankruptcy Law
Recipient, Florida Bar Young Lawyers’ Division Scholarship (1995)
Recipient (three-time) St. Thomas University School of Law Merit Scholarship
State Government Experience
Former Senior Assistant General Counsel for the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes.
Professional Certifications & Licensures
U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Florida Approved Mortgage Modification Mediator (June 2013-Present)
Florida Supreme Court Certified Appellate Mediator (September 2011-Present)
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker (November 2007-Present)
Collaborative Law Training Certificate, Dallas, Texas (October 2005-Present)
Florida Real Estate Sales Associate (June 2004)
Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes Certified Dispute Mediator (November 2004-Present)
Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator (April 2002-Present)
Florida Supreme Court Certified County Civil Mediator (April 2002-Present)
Adjunct Professor Certification, Daytona Beach Community College (1997)
Guardian Ad Litem, Volusia County, Florida (1996)
Guardian Ad Litem, Broward County, Florida (1995)
Professional Memberships
Tallahassee Bar Association (2008-2010; 2012-Present)
Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section (2012-Present)
Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce (2010-Present)
Florida Academy of Professional Mediators (2002-Present)
Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society (1994-Present)
Past Professional Memberships
Leon County Republican Club (2009-2012)
Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches (2001-2007)
Palm Beach County Bar Association (2001-2007)
Professionalism Committee, Palm Beach County Bar Association (2005)
American Intellectual Property Law Association (2001-2002)
Entertainment Law Committee, District of Columbia Bar (2000-2001)
Development Committee, Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce (2001-2001)
Chamber of Commerce of the Daytona Beach Halifax Area (1998-2001)
Volusia County Bar Association (1997-2000)
Entertainment, Arts and Sports Lawyer Section, Florida Bar (1998-1999)
Entertainment, Arts and Sports Lawyer Section, American Bar Association (1998-1999)
Secretary of Leaders in Business, Daytona Beach, Florida (1998)
Port Orange – South Daytona, Florida, Chamber of Commerce (1990-1992)
Anti-recidivist Committee, Daytona Beach, Florida (1992)
Listed in Citation’s Who’s Who Among Rising Young Americans
President of St. Thomas University Catholic Student Lawyers’ Guild (1995-1996)
Vice-President of St. Thomas University Catholic Student Lawyers’ Guild (1994-1995)
Political Party Positions Held In Florida (past and present)
Region 3 Representative, Libertarian Party of Florida (2013-Present)
Chairman, Leon County Libertarian Executive Committee (2012-2013)
Precinct Committeeman, Leon County Republican Executive Committee (2009-2013)
Alternate Committeeman, Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee (2004)
Alternate Committeeman, Volusia County Republican Executive Committee (1990-1992)
Fast forward to 14:12, for anyone who wants to here Bill Wohlsifer’s Radio Interview that aired on June 30th. Guaranteed to keep you awake if you have any interest in debt collection, bankruptcy, or Bitcoin.