Business Law: Continuing Education Seminar 

Seminar Information:

This half-day program on Oct. 30, 2026 is designed to illuminate various challenges of the employment relationship and provide a detailed education of the various legal elements at play in the state of Florida. This seminar is produced as a joint effort of the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, the Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims, and the Northwest Florida Paralegals Association. Featured speakers will include experienced attorneys, professors, and adjudicators. 

Date and Time: Oct. 30, 2026 from 8:30AM to 1:30PM

Location: Building 70, Room 115

The Panelists:

Hon. Johnathan Walker 

Judge Walker was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1997 following graduation from Samford

University’s Cumberland School of Law. Following admission to the Bar, Judge Walker was an assistant state attorney for the First Judicial Circuit in Pensacola for several years. Thereafter, he worked as an assistant county attorney in Walton County, Florida. For fifteen (15) years, Judge Walker practiced with the statewide law firm of Conroy Simberg.   He was appointed the Judge of Compensation Claims for

the Panama City District in October 2016. In July 2020, he transferred to the Pensacola District. In February 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis reappointed Judge Walker to another 4 year term. 

Susan Marks, Esq. 

Susan Marks focuses her practice on guiding and defending businesses in the area of workers' compensation defense and employment related matters.  She is the managing partner of the firm’s Pensacola office.  By peer review, she has been given the rating of "AV Preeminent," the highest rating possible through Martindale-Hubbell. Her clients include employee leasing companies, construction companies, sheriff's associations, defense contractors, newspaper publishers, retail stores, restaurants, health care providers, insurance carriers and servicing agents, among others.  Susan is approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services as an instructor in the field of Workers' Compensation.

Brian Carter, Esq. 

Brian Carter is an attorney working in Pensacola. Carter accepted an invitation to join the law firm of Michles & Booth in November of 2008. Brian’s extensive background representing employers and insurance carriers provides him the vast knowledge to enable him to successfully litigate matters on behalf of injured workers. Brian became Florida Bar Board Certified in workers’ compensation in September of 2019. He is the only practicing Florida Bar Board Certified workers’ compensation attorney in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. 

Dr. Charlie Penrod, Esq. 

Charles “Charlie" Penrod, is the Chair of the Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies and Associate Professor of Legal Studies. Penrod, who has a J.D. from Louisiana State University, practiced law and taught at Northwestern State University in Louisiana before joining UWF in 2014. He teaches courses on American law, torts, contracts and ethics. Penrod’s research has focused on copyright law, sexual harassment protections, and privacy policies for university websites. 

Jennifer Shoaf Richardson, Esq. 

Jennifer Shoaf Richardson represents large and small employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counsel, and all stages of litigation in Florida and Georgia.  She is Board Certified in Labor and Employment law and conducts investigations, responds to Charges of Discrimination filed with the Florida Commission on Human Relations or the EEOC, and defends lawsuits.

Michael Kelly, Esq. 

Michael Brian Kelly is a Partner in the firm's Pensacola office, practicing in the areas of employment and labor, commercial and tort litigation, education law, and condominium and homeowners’ association law. His practice focuses on defending discrimination and retaliation claims brought under Title VII and the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Florida public and private whistleblower claims, workers’ compensation retaliation claims, breach of contract claims, non-competition agreement claims, and various contract and tort matters.

Carllee Godwin, Esq. 

Carllee J. Godwin is a dynamic attorney whose practice encompasses high-net-worth estate planning, probate, business law, and tax matters. She delivers tailored estate planning solutions, including drafting wills, trusts, and advance directives, while providing clients with clear guidance through every step of the process. Carllee also manages probate and trust administration, preparing essential documents and ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for her clients.

Dr. Lee Gaul  

Lee Christine Gaul is a part of the Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies at the University of West Florida as Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice. She studied at the University of Miami, FL and majored in History and Speech Communications on academic scholarship. She teaches classes on Torts, Civil Procedure, Law and Society and Ethics at UWF. 

Matthew Carbone, Esq. 

Matthew Carbone is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Pensacola office. He specializes in community association litigation and general servicing along with representing businesses and individuals through all phases of litigation—from early dispute resolution through trial and appeals. He is known for providing clear, strategic counsel and for maintaining a practical, results-oriented approach tailored to each client’s objectives.

Marc Huff, Esq. 

Marcus Allen Huff is an AV-rated partner and business attorney at Phelps Dunbar LLP in Pensacola, Florida. He joined the firm following its 2025 combination with Beggs & Lane. Marc Huff advises families and individuals regarding estate planning tailored to their specific needs. Marc structures estate plans to preserve privacy and flexibility while fulfilling clients’ legacy goals and making efficient use of tax exemptions. Marc also has extensive experience advising corporate and individual fiduciaries regarding all facets of trust and estate administration