Negron Has Left Old Law Firm, Says Departure Unrelated to Firm's Decision to Represent BP

Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, says his decision to quit statewide law firm Akerman Senterfitt had nothing to do with the firm's decision to represent BP.

"My professional move was unrelated to Dan Gelber's situation," he told Sunshine State News, referring to the Democratic senator's decision to resign from the law firm Thursday because BP is its client. "I'm reconnecting with my litigation career."

Negron says he quit the firm two weeks ago to join business law firm Gunster, which has offices in West Palm Beach and Stuart.

Right now, two lawmakers are left with current connections to Akerman. Outgoing Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, is still employed there, and Rep. Joseph Gibbons, D-Hallandale Beach, works as a non-lawyer consultant.