Page 4 - The American Lawyer Trailblazers - South 2022

Florida

Marcos E. Hasbun

Zuckerman Spaeder

What was the genesis of the idea/path that has made you a trailblazer?
As Netflix’s Tiger King made clear, a dark reality often exists at roadside zoos – but it’s also clear that government
agencies rarely enforce the laws in place to provide effective protections to animals at these facilities. PETA rec-
ognized that aggressive private legal action was needed and, working with them, we implemented a novel legal
strategy centered on using the Endangered Species Act’s citizen suit provision. Critically, our cases have affirmed
PETA’s standing to bring action under the provision.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
Our first lawsuit was against Dade City Wild Things in Tampa, which had been using tiger cubs for photo ops and
then relegating them to dismal conditions when they outgrew their usefulness. We obtained a 2020 ruling that
barred the zoo from possessing endangered tigers and sent its existing tigers to reputable sanctuaries. In another
important case, we sued Tri-State Zoological Park in Maryland for keeping lions, tigers, and lemurs in unsanitary
conditions and denying them adequate care. A 2019 ruling called the zoo’s conditions “fetid and dystopic” and
ordered it to surrender, and never again possess, endangered animals.
What bearing will this have on the future?
Our work with PETA has resulted in dozens of endangered animals being removed from dreadful situations. But
perhaps more importantly, it has delivered a powerful message about the major consequences roadside zoos can
face for failing to care adequately for vulnerable species. This is significant, as neglectful facilities have historically
received just a slap on the wrist. The win against Tri-State, which called itself a refuge for unwanted animals, was
particularly important because it demonstrates that zoos contending to be “sanctuaries” aren’t necessarily acting
in the interest of the public or the animals they possess.

Daniel J. Morgan

Morgan & Morgan

What was the genesis of the idea/path that has made you a trailblazer?
I’ve been involved in the sports world for nearly a decade and have represented athletes since 2016, so I had seen
the momentum building around a change in the NIL rules. With Morgan & Morgan’s national presence, and my
relationships with athletes and athletic programs in some of our biggest markets, we were uniquely positioned to
capitalize on that new space. In anticipation of the impending rule change, we started brainstorming and plan-
ning so we were able to hit the ground running – and the results speak for themselves.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
We were one of the first law firms on the NIL scene, and I think we’ve seen some other firms follow in our footsteps.
Another change I’m proud of is that these incredible athletes, who put their bodies and futures on the line every
time they step on a court or a field, can earn some much-needed income from these engagements and get ahead
building their brands.
What bearing will this have on the future?
Morgan & Morgan’s NIL efforts were some of our first forays into the world of sports marketing partnerships, but
over the last year we were also able to partner with the Boston Red Sox, the UFC, and a NASCAR driver. These proj-
ects have opened the door for a future where we continue to reinvent personal injury law marketing by working
with more and more leagues, teams, and competitors.

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