Carlton Fields Steps Aside In ‘Irreconcilable’ Miss America Case

By Editorial Team

A Florida federal judge allowed Carlton Fields and its attorneys to withdraw from representing the plaintiffs in a dispute over the ownership of the Miss America pageant. The firm cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for stepping down.

Law360 reported that the decision was made on Monday, December 8, 2025. The case, which is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, also involves law firms Kluger Kaplan and Sheppard Mullin.

According to the court documents, the judge presiding over the case is Donald M. Middlebrooks.

Carlton Fields’ withdrawal from the case marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the ownership of the Miss America pageant. The firm’s decision to step aside underscores the challenges and complexities involved in the dispute.

For more detailed information about the case, including the nature of the suit and other involved parties, interested individuals can refer to the court documents available for public access.