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I am Board Certified in both Civil Trial (since 2000) and Workers' Compensation (since 1998). There are over 100,000 lawyers in Florida but there are currently only 5 lawyers in Florida that are Board Certified in both of those specialties. I have also been a Circuit Civil Mediator since 1994. Since my admission to practice the majority of my practice has been litigation. I have primarily handled injury claims but, I have also done complex commercial litigation in both state and federal court. The first 6 years I primarily handled personal injury claims while maintaining a varied general practice. Since 1992 my practice has primarily involved the representation of injured people in workers' compensation and liability claims. I have, during that time, also handled commercial litigation, mediations, and social security. I have tried hundreds of cases, and had thousands of clients.
I am a true believer in the Inns of Court organization, and am involved in 3 separate Inns. The Inn is an invitation only organization of lawyers and judges promoting ethics and profesionalism while mentoring younger lawyers. I am a Master in the Inn. I have been a member of the Wilson American Inn of Court (a Circuit Court Inn in Lakeland) for over 20 years. I have been a member of the Judge William Wieland Inn of Court (a workers' compensation Inn located in Orlando) since that Inn was founded 10 years ago. I was on the Membership Committee for that Inn but resigned in 2021 when I was elect President of the Tampa Bay Workers' Compensation Inn by the members of that Inn of Court.
I was on the 10th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) from 1992 to 1996 serving as Chair my final year. I served on the Executive Council of the General Practice Section of the Florida Bar from 1989 to 1994. I was a Member of the Student Education and Admission to the Bar Committee of the Florida Bar from 1989 to 1991. I am presently a member of both the Lakeland Bar and Polk County Trial Lawyers. I have been a member of those local Bar Associations for over 20 years. I am presently a member of the Trial Lawyers and Workers' Compensation Sections of The Florida Bar and the Florida Justice Association. I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocate Group where settling a case for over $1 million is required.
I have been a member of the Seminole Booster and FSU Alumni Association since approximately 1987. I was on the Board and Executive Committee of Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Polk County from 1992 to 1995. I was on the Board of Ducks Unlimited, Lakeland Chapter from 1993 to 1996. My firm is a longtime Chamber of Commerce member and I am a Leadership Lakeland alumni (Class XII).
I am married to my best friend and am the proud father of 3 wonderful children. The last of those blessings was born to me late in life and is only a young child. I am a 60 year old father of a kindergartener but she is a joy. Spending time with my family is the greatest joy in my life.
I consider myself an avid outdoorsman. I enjoy hunting with both firearms and primative weapons, fishing when I can, spending time on my boat, camping, kayaking the rivers of central Florida. I am also an avid scuba diver (Master Diver), and enjoy the challenge of underwater photography. I also enjoy college and professional football immensely.
Florida, 1986
U.S. Federal Courts, 1986
U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 1987
U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1988
Wilson American Inn of Court
Judge William Wieland Inn of Court
Tampa Bay Workers’ Compensation Inn
10th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission , 1992 - 1996
Executive Council of the General Practice Section of the Florida Bar , 1989 - 1991
Lakeland Bar and Polk County Trial Lawyers
Trial Lawyers and Workers' Compensation Sections of The Florida Bar and the Florida Justice Association
Florida State University, 1983 B.S.
Honors: cum laude
Tulane Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1986 J.D.
Honors: cum laude