Areas of Practice:
Complex Business
Litigation
Education
Stetson University College of Law, J.D., 2003
University of South Florida, B.S. (Business Administration), 2000
Bar + Court Admissions
Florida
U.S. District Courts, Middle, Northern and Southern Districts of Florida
U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
Awards + Recognitions
Stetson Law Review, Recent Developments Editor
Florida Bar’s City, County and Local Government Law Section Student Award, 2003
Stetson Law Review, Outstanding Associate Award, 2002
William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award, 2003
Award of Distinction for Research Assistant, 2003
Cecil C. and Augusta M. Bailey Endowed Scholarship Fund Recipient
Super Lawyer Rising Star. 2011, 2013 – 2017
2020 Lawyer of the Year – Litigation – Tampa (as published in Best Lawyers)
Publications + Speeches
Recent Developments, Barley v. South Florida Water Management District, 32 STETSON LAW REVIEW 561 (2003)
Recent Developments, SMM Properties, Incorporated v. City of North Lauderdale, 31 STETSON LAW REVIEW 509 (2002)
Notable Cases
DecisionHR USA, Inc. v. William Mills, III, et al, 341 So.3d 448 (Fla. 2d DCA 2022).
Toucan Partners, LLC v. Hernando County, 2014 WL 3036937 (11th Cir. 2014)
State of Florida v. Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC, 126 So. 3d 1095 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012)
Schwarz v. City of Treasure Island, 544 F.3d 1201 (11th Cir. 2008)
Morrispring Natural Water Corp. v. Levy County, 978 So. 2d 162 (Fla. 1st DCA 2008)
Matthews et al. v. City of Maitland, 923 So. 2d 591 (Fla. 5th DCA 2006)
Maggy Hurchalla v. Lake Point Phase I, LLC and
Lake Point Phase II, LLC, 278 So.3d 58 (Fla 4th DCA 2019)
Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC v. Johnson, 264 So. 3d 336 (Fla 1st DCA 2019)
Maggy Hurchalla et. al. v. Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Company Inc, 281 So. 3d 510 (Fla 4th DCA 2019)
Verdicts and Settlements
2022. Successful recovery (pre-suit) on behalf of victim of employment and gender discrimination by City of Tampa Councilman Orlando Gudes. Before initiating litigation, obtained maximum amount under Florida Sovereign Immunity Statute and signed apology letter from City of Tampa’s Mayor, Ms. Jane Castor.
2022. Lead counsel on successful appeal involving case of first impression under Florida’s APEX doctrine in corporate context. In response to the recent amendment by the Florida Supreme Court, obtain a favorable appellate decision outlining the factors necessary to engage in deposition discovery of high-ranking corporate officers.
2022. Successful resolution of Public Records Dispute with Former City of Tampa Councilman John Dingfelder. After initiating litigation against Mr. Dingfelder, the case settled resulting in Mr. Dingfelder’s official resignation from public office as a City Councilman and the issuance of a signed apology letter for engaging in behavior contrary to the Florida Public Records Act.
2022. $25,000,000 settlement on behalf of national multi-family owner against private country club for engaging in malicious prosecution in a civil action.
2020. Successful class action defense (on merits and class certification) in Louisiana on behalf of financial services company. In addition to successful defense of claims, obtained a public apology letter from the Southern Poverty Law Center for initiating litigation against the Firm’s client.
2019. $425,000 recovery against the City of Tampa for unlawful discrimination under the Fair Housing Act.
2018. $4,400,000 jury verdict on behalf of mining business against the environmental activist, Maggy Hurchalla. Affirmed on appeal.
2018. Final judgment following a week-long trial in favor of International supplement manufacturer on federal and state trademark infringement claims, tortious interference claims, and Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practice claims. Successful finding on counterclaim for the deceptive practice of medicine.
2017. Final judgment in favor of company against Martin County for violating the Florida Public Records Act. Three county commissioners were subsequently indicted by a grand jury for violating public records laws.
2016. Successful arbitration resulting in entry of final judgment on behalf of Pinellas County business declaring ownership rights to the private beach against the State of Florida’s Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.
2015. $750,000 recovery (zoning entitlements and damages) on behalf of sober living residence against City of Bunnell for discrimination claims in the United States District Court under the federal Fair Housing Act.
2014. $3,500,000 recovery ($2,400,000 cash and $1,100,000 in development entitlements) following jury verdict on behalf of rehabilitation facility against local government for intentional discrimination under Federal Fair Housing Act.
2014. $10,418,000 state court jury verdict on behalf of landowner against the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
2013. $18,500,000 recovery on behalf of natural gas company against the State of Florida.
2013. Federal court jury verdict finding intentional discrimination against Hernando County under Federal Fair Housing Act.
2012. $475,000 recovery on behalf of local medical clinic against billing company for breach of contract.
2011. $82,697,567 state court jury verdict on behalf of natural gas company against the state of Florida. Verdict affirmed on appeal.
2010. $3,725,000 settlement following a federal jury verdict on behalf of alcohol rehabilitation clinic against the City of Treasure Island.
2009. $110,000 total recovery following a state court jury verdict for wrongful demolition of home by City of Tampa.
2008. Successful defense of approximately $50,000,000 vested rights and taking claim following a four day trial on behalf of Northern Florida local government.