Michael Van Cleve, Law

My Work - Generally

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I was admitted to practice law in the State of Florida by the Florida Bar on May 2, 2011. I started the law practice, Michael Van Cleve, Law, in 2013. Since that time, I have worked on a wide array of cases in and out of court. I have commonly represented consumers on germane legal issues encountered by the public. I also have a particular interest in helping disadvantaged persons through legal assistance and candid legal advice. 

 

I was also engaged in a lawsuit against the United States to change the federal race system.

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In 2020, I filed a lawsuit that asserted the census' race categories failed to represent the true diversity of America. These outdated classifications deprived many Americans, including those of Middle Eastern and North African descent, of rightful recognition. This lawsuit went through various stages, culminating in a series of interesting legal actions.

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The culmination of these efforts and the ongoing dialogue around census categories bore fruit when the Biden Administration announced an initiative to revise and update the federal race categories. By Summer 2024, the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) aims to revise Statistical Policy Directive No. 15, reflecting a more accurate representation of America’s rich diversity. This decision aligns with my advocacy for a more inclusive approach to categorizing race and ethnicity in federal data collection—a principle I pursued through my legal endeavors.

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It is clear that our persistence can lead to substantial change. As a solo practitioner dedicated to legal justice and representation, I will continue to fight for the rights of every individual to the best of my abilities.

 

Read NPR coverage on the lawsuit here: https://www.npr.org/2022/03/09/1085355634/arab-americans-say-the-census-and-other-forms-dont-consider-their-roots

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Read more about the lawsuit here: https://bleedingcool.com/comics/graphic-novelist-sues-us-government-to-change-its-race-laws/

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Read about 2020 U.S. Census lawsuits here: https://www.brennancenter.org/issues/gerrymandering-fair-representation/fair-accurate-census/2020-census-litigation 

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The White House's decision to revise the race categories can be reviewed here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2022/06/15/reviewing-and-revising-standards-for-maintaining-collecting-and-presenting-federal-data-on-race-and-ethnicity/

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News on the Biden Administration's plans to revise the federal race categories can be found here: https://spd15revision.gov/

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Follow along with light coverage on the case through my blog, here.

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Services

 

My law practice includes the following: Criminal, Consumer Protection, Immigration, Wills Trusts and Estates, Family Law, Landlord-Tenant Law, Military Law, Appeals, and more. I understand how tough it is to find an affordable and competent attorney in this economy. I offer a variety of retainers (flat rate/contingent/hourly/hybrid) that depend on the type and complexity of the case.