Bodily Injury Defense
Our Bodily Injury Defense practice area is dedicated to representing clients in cases involving claims of bodily injury. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing robust legal defense to insurance companies, businesses, and individuals, ensuring that their rights and interests are protected in litigation and dispute resolution.
Personal Injury Claims Defense:
Slip and Fall Incidents: Defending clients against claims arising from slip and fall accidents, ensuring a thorough investigation and a strong defense strategy.
Workplace Injuries: Representing employers and insurance companies in defending claims related to workplace injuries, including compliance with workers’ compensation laws.
Automobile Accidents: Defending against bodily injury claims resulting from automobile accidents, focusing on liability, causation, and damages.
Medical and Professional Malpractice:
Healthcare Providers: Defending doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals against claims of medical malpractice, ensuring adherence to professional standards and protocols.
Professional Liability: Representing various professionals in defending against bodily injury claims related to their services, including architects, engineers, and other service providers.
Product Liability:
Defective Products: Defending manufacturers, distributors, and retailers against claims of bodily injury caused by allegedly defective products.
Warning and Labeling Issues: Addressing claims related to inadequate warnings or labeling, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Regulatory Compliance and Defense:
Regulatory Adherence: Ensuring that clients comply with relevant state and federal regulations related to safety and liability.
Litigation Defense: Providing robust defense in court and arbitration proceedings to resolve bodily injury claims efficiently and effectively.
Bodily Injury Defense Team
Brian is Of Counsel as in the firm’s San Diego office; and specifically works in the Product Liability Department. Mr. Murphy’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus on product liability, premises liability, personal injury, and government liability. In his professional career, Brian has successfully represented corporate clients, private individuals, and government clients in all phases of litigation. His representation includes manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and major retailers in numerous areas within the field, such as mass and toxic tort litigation, product defect claims, as well as defending claims involving consumer and commercially available chemicals, substances, and materials.
Over the course of nearly 20 years, Mr. Murphy has represented a diverse range of clients, including large and small businesses in the biotech, chemical, communications, construction, education, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, law enforcement, manufacturing, pest control, private post-secondary school, retail, and transportation industries.
Mr. Murphy also has extensive experience defending municipalities (defending government entities and their employees and school districts) and employers. He is admitted to practice in California.He is admitted to practice in all California district Courts, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California.
He earned his law degree from University of San Diego School of Law and his undergraduate degree from University of California, Riverside.
Of Counsel
Kristal Aparicio is an Associate in the firm’s Miami office. Mrs. Aparicio’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation, with a primary focus on general liability.
Mrs. Aparicio’s General Liability experience includes premises liability, personal injury, property damage, professional liability, automobile and trucking accidents and wrongful death cases.
Ms. Aparicio regularly handles actions involving issues such as intentional torts, negligence, negligence security, premises liability, products liability, and slip and fall.
Associate
Timothy Armstrong is an attorney who serves as Of Counsel at Lydecker’s Jacksonville office. Mr. Armstrong’s practice involves all aspects of state civil trial litigation with a primary emphasis on premise liability, bodily injury defense, and tort liability.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Armstrong was the founding partner of his own law firm where he focused his practice on personal injury, family law, and criminal defense matters. Moreover, he previously worked as an insurance defense attorney for a medium-sized law firm where he concentrated his practice on complex civil litigation, serious bodily injury, and wrongful death cases. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Armstrong was previously a professor at Florida State College of Jacksonville where he taught Legal Research and Writing I and II to students in the paralegal program. Likewise, Mr. Armstrong previously taught business law at the college level and graduate school level.
Mr. Armstrong began his legal career at the Public Defender’s Office in and for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. While there he gained tremendous experience defending over two thousand cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex felony cases. Mr. Armstrong provides aggressive legal counsel and is committed to giving the highest level of legal representation to his clients at Lydecker.
Mr. Armstrong received his undergraduate degree from Jacksonville University in 1992. While there, he was a regular on the Dean’s list and was very active in both social and business fraternities. Following his graduation, he received his M.B.A. in international finance from American University in Washington, D.C. where he was likewise on the Dean’s list many semesters. Mr. Armstrong graduated at the top of his law class with honors cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 1999.
While in law school Mr. Armstrong was an Editor on the distinguished University of Miami Business Law Review. He was also a semi-finalist in the Moot Court competition while in his first year of law school. Similarly, he served in the Student Bar Association where he was elected twice by his fellow peers as a student senator. Mr. Armstrong is committed to thoroughly and aggressively representing clients at Lydecker, LLP.
Of Counsel
Victoria A. Arthington is an associate in Lydecker’s Orlando office where she concentrates her practice in civil litigation with a primary focus on personal injury and premises liability law. In her personal injury and premises liability practice, Ms. Arthington primarily represents and advises business owners and condominium associations in various civil matters, and litigation.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Arthington worked with investors and landowners by helping them navigate complex zoning and compliance issues with real estate investments. Ms. Arthington earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida School of Law, where she also served in the Conservation Law Clinic.
Mr. Arthington was admitted to practice in the State of Florida in 2020 and is an active member of the Florida Bar.
Senior Associate
Belissa Ardisson is an Associate with the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Ardisson’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, government liability, employment, and civil rights litigation.
Ms. Ardisson earned her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in May of 2021. While in Law School, Ms.Ardisson interned with the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office in the Domestic Violence division where she assisted with research and drafting pre-trial motions. Ms. Ardisson also worked as a research assistant and served as a member of the University of Miami Race and Social Justice Law Review.
Upon graduating, Ms. Ardisson served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office. During her time at the State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Ardisson handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to first degree felonies, handling all pre trial motions up to trial. Additionally, Ms. Ardisson served as a County Training Attorney where she trained new incoming attorney’s on how to prepare and argue different evidentiary hearings, pre trial motions, and assisted them in trial. During her time at the State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Ardisson litigated countless jury trials to verdict.
Associate
Jamie Baboolal is an associate with the firm’s Miami office. Her practice areas include products liability, premises liability, and general liability. Jamie graduated summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. During law school, Jamie received Dean’s List Honors, multiple CALI Excellence for the Future Awards, and was an active member of the Nova Moot Court Society and Nova Law Review. She also held positions as teaching assistant for Constitutional Law and research assistant for Health Law. While attending law school, Jamie worked as a law clerk at a boutique firm where she gained practical experience handling wills, estates, family law, and real estate transactions. Jamie also worked as a legal intern at a securities litigation firm where she gained valuable experience in securities class actions.
Associate
Angela M. Bekhit is an Associate in the Orlando office. She was born and raised in The City Beautiful Orlando and has resided in Florida her entire life. She earned her Juris Doctor at Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas in 2016 and her Bachelor of Science Degree from Nova Southeastern University.
Prior to joining the firm, Mrs. Bekhit was an associate at a general civil litigation firm practicing in the areas of family law, probate, homeowner’s association disputes, and estate planning.
Associate
Ms. Brice joined Lydecker as an associate in 2023. Ms. Brice has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She earned her law degree from Glendale University College of Law.
She currently focuses her practice on insurance defense litigation, products liability and personal injury. She also has experience in medical malpractice and worker’s compensation defense.
Ms. Brice is a member of the State Bar of California, California Lawyers Association, and Women’s Lawyer Association of Los Angeles, and is dedicated to promoting the full participation of women lawyers and judges in the legal profession. She is a vigilant advocate for each client she represents, taking great pride and interest in each case.
Associate
Yina Cabrera is an Associate in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Cabrera’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, government liability, and civil rights litigation. Ms. Cabrera also handles employment litigation matters, including FLSA and FMLA violations, and Title VII violations including discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment.
Ms. Cabrera earned her J.D. from Florida International University College of Law in May 2021, graduating with honors. During law school, Ms. Cabrera interned at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and was a research assistant at FIU Law, responsible for researching topics in employment discrimination. Ms. Cabrera was on the Executive Board of the FIU Law Review, serving as the Executive Comments Editor; her Law Review student note was chosen for publication in the FIU Law Review. Ms. Cabrera was also a member of the FIU Board of Appellate Advocates and was a semifinalist in the Intramural Moot Court Competition. Ms. Cabrera was the President of the Cuban American Bar Association, Vice President of the Employment and Labor Law Society, and served as a Student Ambassador. Furthermore, Ms. Cabrera was a Dean’s Scholar and was awarded an Excellence in Civic Engagement Medallion for her pro-bono work.
Associate
Katrina Carrillo is an Associate at Lydecker handling Florida civil litigation matters. Ms. Carrillo has extensive experience in the defense of civil disputes. She maintains a varied practice in insurance defense and commercial litigation, including general bodily injury and casualty, and professional malpractice.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Carrillo was an Associate at a prominent Florida defense firm where she gained significant litigation experience representing numerous insurance carriers in First Party Property matters throughout Florida. While earning her Juris Doctorate, Ms. Carrillo clerked with the Honorable Judge Peter Lopez and also worked as a law clerk with boutique law firms in the Miami area who focused on insurance litigation at both the State and Federal levels.
Associate
Ms. Centrone was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She attended Columbia College on their Presidential and Leadership scholarships and was a member of the Honors Program, Student Advisory Committee, and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Erin completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida where she was a founding member of the Mock Trial Association and active in Pre-Law Society. Erin is a cum laude graduate of Stetson University College of Law where she earned numerous Honor Roll distinctions as well as four book awards.
Ms. Centrone is a seasoned civil litigator with experience defending clients through agency investigations as well as litigation in administrative, state, and federal courts in Florida. Her practice includes representation in diverse first- and third-party claims, including personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice, D&O, bad faith actions, labor & employment matters, whistleblower, complex litigation, catastrophic claims, and SIU/fraud matters.
Ms. Centrone has been recognized as The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in each of its first three years, each year in three distinct areas of practice. She received the Ones to Watch designation for Labor and Employment, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Most recently, Ms. Centrone was named among The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation – 2024.
Of Counsel
Katherine Chin is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and an associate in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Chin represents corporations, entrepreneurs, media companies, entertainers, and municipal entities in all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation and arbitration. Ms. Chin’s practice is primarily focused in commercial litigation including contractual disputes, business torts, and intellectual property. Additionally, Ms. Chin represents public and private employers and insurers against civil rights, health, and disability related claims.
Outside of the courtroom, Ms. Chin advises employers on day-to-day operations, employment matters, and helps clients navigate compliance issues, including federal and state agency investigations before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Associate
Mr. Conto is a Partner at the firm’s Boca Raton Office. Mr. Conto began his career in law representing corporations in legal matters concerning maritime law. Mr. Conto then joined a well-known litigation defense firm with offices throughout Florida. There he focused his practice on defending corporations in construction defect matters, premises liability matters and negligent security matters involving claims of wrongful death. He also represented insurance companies in high exposure first-party property disputes.
At Lydecker Mr. Conto is concentrating his practice on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, environmental consultants, product manufacturers and insurance carriers in a variety of contexts arising from the construction and use of real property. Mr. Conto has successfully represented clients in all phases of litigation including trials, summary judgment proceedings and mediations.
Partner
Mr. Costa is an Associate Attorney at Lydecker, handling matters throughout the State of Florida, in both State and Federal Courts. He engages in a wide variety of insurance defense and commercial litigation areas, including general bodily injury and casualty. He also handles labor and employment matters and various other civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Costa handled civil rights claims, labor and employment claims, personal injury claims, and workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Costa obtained trial experience as first chair in multiple jury trials prior to joining Lydecker, and had received favorable judgments on behalf of his clients.
Associate
John P. Daly is based in Lydecker’s Orlando office where he serves as Of Counsel. He is a skilled litigation attorney with over 30 years of experience handling complex litigation in State and Federal Courts throughout Florida. He has tried multiple civil jury trials as lead counsel to verdict and handled scores of appellate matters, including oral arguments in the 1st and 2d District Courts of Appeal.
Mr. Daly’s practice areas include automobile negligence, premises liability, professional liability, and first- and third-party insurance claims.
Of Counsel
Eliz Demren is an Associate in the Products Liability department of Lydecker’s Miami office. Prior to working at Lydecker, Ms. Demren was an associate at a boutique complex civil litigation firm. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the Honors College at Florida International University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.
During law school, Eliz received the Dean’s Certificate of Achievement Award and CALI Excellence for the Future Award for receiving the top grades in her courses. She also competed in Moot Court, interned for Circuit Court Judge Spencer Eig, and externed for Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan. While earning her Juris Doctor, Eliz completed several internships at various law firms to fully maximize her time in law school before beginning to practice as an attorney.
Associate
Jacob Diamond is an Associate in the firm’s Jersey City office. Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Diamond served as a Law Clerk in the Superior Court of Essex County, New Jersey, where he clerked for several judges in matters relating to General Equity, Civil, and Family Law. Mr. Diamond’s practice area involves all aspects of Civil Litigation.
Associate
Cynthia Carrasco-Escalera is an Associate in the firm’s Orlando office. Ms. Carrasco’s current practice is primarily focused on personal injury.
Ms. Carrasco obtained her Juris Doctor from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University College of Law, with Cum Laude honors. While in law school, Ms. Carrasco worked as an educator in the State of Florida, where she taught career and technical courses.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Carrasco served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida. In this role, she gained extensive trial experience by conducting multiple jury trials of misdemeanor and felony cases.
Associate
I am litigation associate in the firm’s Orlando office, where I focus my practice area in a range of topics in general civil litigation. I graduated from Barry University with a Juris Doctor in 2018 and the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a behavioral forensics certification in 2015. During law school and prior to joining the firm, I worked in both state and federal litigation along with transaction contract work. Along with Florida state admission, I am also admitted in Middle and Southern District of Florida.
Associate
Lucero Ayala Feliciano is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Tampa office, where she practices civil litigation.
Ms. Feliciano earned her J.D. from WMU-Cooley Law School in December 2021, graduating with honors. During law school, Attorney Feliciano was a member of the Mock Trial Board, Law Review, and Phi Alpha Delta, while also volunteering at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Meals on Wheels, and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.
Ms. Feliciano passed the Florida Bar Exam in February, 2022, and she has experience in both criminal and civil litigation.
Associate
Mr. Garcia is an associate attorney at the firm’s Tampa Office. While earning his Juris Doctorate, Mr. Garcia served as a law clerk for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, where he assisted several judges in civil matters. Mr. Garcia also represented indigent clients as part of his law school’s Youth Defense Clinic. Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Garcia practiced in the areas of PIP, auto negligence, landlord-tenant, and public records violations at a Plaintiff’s firm. Mr. Garcia now practices a range of topics in civil defense.
Of Counsel
Paola Garcia’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation, with a primary focus on general liability. Ms. Garcia’s General Liability experience includes premises liability, personal injury, property damage, professional liability, automobile and trucking accidents, wrongful death, cruise ship accidents, and negligent security cases. Ms. Garcia’s practice includes specific experience with a variety of lawsuits for one of the largest transportation network companies. Ms. Garcia regularly handles actions involving issues such as intentional torts, negligence, negligence security, premises liability, dram shop, products liability, and slip and fall.
Partner
Michael Goldman is a Partner at the firm’s New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania offices. His practice focuses in the area of employment law. Michael represents employers across a multitude of industries in litigation related to employment discrimination claims, wage and hour claims, and restrictive covenants. He also counsels clients on best practices.
Michael has extensive civil litigation experience and handles cases from inception through trial. He regularly appears in federal and state courts, as well as in administrative law and dispute resolution forums. Prior to joining the firm, Michael practiced as an associate at a prominent New Jersey firm, concentrating his practice in defense litigation on behalf of private and public entities, with an emphasis on tort liability, labor and employment law, and civil rights defense. He also represented clients in the areas of wage and hour claims, commercial litigation, construction law, and education law. Earlier in his career, Michael was an associate at a well-known litigation boutique where he focused his practice on representing public entities in matters involving tort liability, labor and employment law, and civil rights defense. Michael has been selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star list from 2019-2023.
Partner
Katie Gudaitis is an associate in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Gudaitis’ practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in commercial litigation, professional liability, labor and employment litigation, premises liability, and government liability.
Ms. Gudaitis’ Labor and Employment litigation experience includes representing private and public employers in all phases of employment litigation, from administrative hearings through trial on matters arising under Federal, State and local employment laws. Ms. Gudaitis regularly handles Federal and State actions involving issues of civil rights violations, sovereign immunity, qualified immunity, 1983 actions, wrongful death claims, Chapter 119 violations, sexual harassment, FLSA compliance, discrimination, retaliation, Title VII, whistleblower claims, fraud, and a battery of common law torts.
Partner
Jeremy W. Harris is the Co-Chair of the Firm’s National Catastrophic Injury and Loss Defense Department. Mr. Harris has extensive trial and appellate court experience in complex litigation, with a special focus on the defense of claims involving wrongful death, paralysis, amputations, traumatic brain injury, sexual assault, and other serious injuries. These claims can result from a multitude of alleged causes, including construction site accidents and collapses, road construction accidents, commercial trucking and car accidents, premises liability, negligent security, and products liability, to name a few. Mr. Harris has specialized knowledge of each of the industries involved in these claims-knowledge that he uses to represent his clients to the best of his abilities.
Mr. Harris’s judicial philosophy involves every action being taken only if it is a purposeful step towards a favorable end result for his clients, whether that involves litigating a matter to conclusion or providing the best possible platform for settlement. He believes attention to the plaintiff’s claim is paramount, but opportunities for risk transfer must always be fully explored. This is especially true in cases involving catastrophic injury, as these claims often have millions or tens of millions of dollars at stake.
Mr. Harris also maintains a healthy construction law practice and represents architects, engineers, general contractors/subcontractors, and developers in all manner of construction/design defect litigation.
He has taken hundreds (if not thousands) of depositions and has attended hundreds (if not thousands) of hearings. Mr. Harris has tried cases before many trial courts throughout the state of Florida and has engaged in oral arguments in front of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Districts of the State of Florida. He obtained favorable results in the vast majority of these trials and appeals.
Mr. Harris serves as defense counsel from accident investigation to trial (and beyond if necessary) and also serves as monitor counsel/trial counsel for large claims that need a second look or additional help due to the complexity of the claims. When asked to join ongoing litigation, his approach is to immediately and forcefully take all action necessary to ready a case for trial.
Before joining the firm, Mr. Harris was a shareholder and managing attorney of a national firm’s Florida office, leading a large team of attorneys in complex litigation. Prior to going to law school, Mr. Harris was part of his collegiate and high school debate teams-qualifying in college for the prestigious National Debate Tournament. He is a proud husband and father of four boys and enjoys weightlifting in his free time.
Partner
Sarah Hinton is a Senior Associate at the firm’s Orlando office, where her focus is on Florida civil litigation cases.
Mrs. Hinton has represented companies of all sizes in all phases of litigation with a variety of complex civil litigation matters with a focus on auto accidents and premises liability. Mrs. Hinton has conducted countless depositions and has a track record of success drafting and arguing motions at all stages of litigation.
Mrs. Hinton began her career as a Plaintiff’s litigation attorney and has since dedicated her career to being a Defense litigation attorney giving Mrs. Hinton a unique and vast amount of experience in civil litigation from both sides.
Mrs. Hinton achieved her undergraduate degree from Florida State University graduating cum laude and her juris doctorate degree from Barry University School of Law. During her legal career Mrs. Hinton has also been a Certified County Mediator, a Certified Legal Intern and a Guardian Ad Litem.
Senior Associate
Young Kim is an Associate located in Lydecker’s Jersey City office. He is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Kim’s practice area involves all aspects of Civil Litigation in the state courts of New York and New Jersey.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Kim served as a Law Clerk in the New York State Supreme Court Civil Division, and he also practiced as a trial and appellate counsel handling civil matters involving real property disputes and mortgage foreclosure defenses.
Mr. Kim attended New York Law School, as a Global Law Fellow receiving a merit-based full scholarship. During the second year in Law School, Mr. Kim participated in the New York City Municipal Litigation Defense Clinic and worked for the Tort Division of the New York City Law Department. In his third year, Mr. Kim was accepted into the New York State Pro Bono Scholar program and worked at the Legal Services NYC.
Prior to law school, Mr. Kim worked as a legislative aide to a member of the New York State Assembly.
Associate
Shaun Robert Koby is a Shareholder with the Firm’s Florida offices. His practice focuses in the areas of complex commercial litigation, professional malpractice, insurance defense, and constitutional law.
Mr. Koby earned his undergraduate degree from the Florida State University in 2004. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminology. Mr. Koby graduated first in his class out of over 9000 students.
Besides academics, he was also actively involved in Student Government and created two community service organizations that enabled students to perform countless hours of service to the FSU campus and surrounding community. During the summer before graduation, Mr. Koby was an intern in the Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs for Governor Jeb Bush.
Mr. Koby earned his Juris Doctor Degree, with honors, from the University of Florida in 2007. He was a Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing, Appellate Advocacy, and Trial Practice. Mr. Koby also created a community service organization named Gators United Together for Service and was awarded a Community Service Certificate upon completion of law school.
Partner
Jessica is a partner at the Firm’s California and Florida office and the Head of the Firm’s Product Liability Department. In her professional career, Jessica has successfully represented both corporate clients and private individuals in all phases of litigation before Local, State and Federal Courts in connection with a wide variety of complex civil and commercial litigation matters, with a primary focus on product liability and premises liability. Her representation includes global manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and major retailers in numerous areas within the field, such as class action, mass and toxic tort litigation, recalled product claims, as well as defending claims involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials.
Jessica is originally from New York and attended college at the University of Connecticut, where she was a team captain of the Ski Team. Before beginning law school, she went on to commit two (2) years to Teach for America in Miami-Dade County. Teach for America is a highly-selective non-profit organization which recruits leaders with a record in achievement to expand educational opportunities and close the achievement gap in low-income communities. Afterward, she attended the University of Miami School of Law and joined Lydecker early in her career. Currently, in addition to her role as the head of the Product Liability Division for the firm, she is involved in mentorship of younger attorneys and leading the law clerk program.
Partner
Quinn LaHiff is Of Counsel in the firm’s Tampa office where his practice encompasses a broad range of civil defense matters.
A Florida native, Quinn received his Bachelor of Science of Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Stetson Law, where he served as Deputy Chief of the Stetson Ambassador and Mentorship Program. Upon graduation, Quinn began his practice as a civil litigation attorney representing clients in both state and Federal Court in a broad range of cases. In addition to litigating, Quinn also spent a significant portion of his career working in private capital and investment advisory firms serving as in-house counsel and chief compliance officer.
In his free time, Quinn enjoys spending time with his family in the great outdoors immersed in the natural beauty that his home state has to offer.
Of Counsel
Jonathan J. Levy is an associate at the Boca Raton office. Mr. Levy’s practice includes Construction Defect Litigation focusing on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, environmental consultants, and product manufacturers. The other portion of Mr. Levy’s practice involves Catastrophic Injury and Loss Defense, focusing on the defense of claims involving wrongful death, paralysis, amputations, traumatic brain injury, sexual assault, and other serious injuries. These claims can result from a multitude of alleged causes, including construction site accidents and collapses, road construction accidents, commercial trucking and car accidents, premises liability, negligent security, and products liability, to name a few.
Mr. Levy joined the firm in March 2022. Prior to joining the firm Mr. Levy was an associate attorney at a boutique law firm specializing in Foreclosure Defense, Complex Business and Commercial Litigation, Appellate Advocacy, and Corporate Transactional Law.
Mr. Levy obtained his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law in 2019. During law school Mr. Levy served on the executive board for the Jewish Law Society and was a student delegate at the 2018 AIPAC Policy Conference. Mr. Levy was also a law clerk at NSU’S Berger Entrepreneurship Clinic, providing legal work to underserved small businesses, and achieved Dean’s List for multiple semesters. Prior to law school Mr. Levy worked for high tech companies in Tel-Aviv, Israel, garnering substantial international business experience.
Associate
Valentina Lopera is an Associate at the Firm’s Miami office. Valentina’s practice focuses on civil litigation and insurance defense. Valentina has experience defending claims for personal injury sounding in auto negligence, premises liability, and construction negligence, as well as defending first party property damage claims, civil rights claims, employment-based claims, and workers’ compensation claims.
After graduating cum laude from Florida International University with a degree in Political Science, Valentina obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. While in law school, Valentina was a Junior Associate and Bilingual Translator for the school journal, ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law.
Valentina has a commitment to pro-bono work and received an honorary distinction for completing more than 200 hours of pro-bono services during law school career. Valentina interned with Mission United Veterans Pro Bono Legal Aid Services of Broward County, where she helped low-income veterans appeal their military discharge status and/or their benefits; as well as assisting veterans in various civil matters including evictions and child custody disputes. Valentina also interned at the Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Law Clinic, providing legal assistance services to caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Valentina has experience having interned with the Miami-Dade Public Schools Board of Education.
After graduating cum laude from Florida International University with a degree in Political Science, Valentina obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. While in law school, Valentina was a Junior Associate and Bilingual Translator for the school journal, ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law.
Valentina has a commitment to pro-bono work and received an honorary distinction for completing more than 200 hours of pro-bono services during law school career. Valentina interned with Mission United Veterans Pro Bono Legal Aid Services of Broward County, where she helped low-income veterans appeal their military discharge status and/or their benefits; as well as assisting veterans in various civil matters including evictions and child custody disputes. Valentina also interned at the Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Law Clinic, providing legal assistance services to caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Valentina has experience having interned with the Miami-Dade Public Schools Board of Education. Valentina continues to do pro-bono work.
Associate
Christopher Lutzel is an associate at the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Lutzel concentrates his practice in Commercial and Homeowner’s First-Party Disputes, with an emphasis on Property Practice, Insurance Coverage and Extra-Contractual Litigation. Mr. Lutzel graduated from the FIU College of Law. While in Law School, Mr. Lutzel was president of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Society.
Associate
Richard Lydecker is a founding partner at Lydecker, a full-service AV-rated national law firm with offices throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, and Georgia. As a distinguished leader and visionary in the legal community, Richard has played an instrumental role in shaping the firm’s reputation and success since its inception in 1994 as an aggressive and responsive law firm.
With a career spanning over several decades, Richard J. Lydecker has established himself as a formidable force in the field of defense litigation. His practice predominantly focuses on complex commercial litigation, professional liability, bodily injury, auto negligence, environmental law, employment, D&O, E&O, accounting malpractice, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, bad faith litigation, and insurance coverage. His extensive background in these areas has earned him recognition as a trusted and skilled litigator, consistently delivering exceptional results for his clients. Richard’s diverse and extensive background makes Lydecker a premiere law firm.
Richard’s legal journey began with a robust education and training, laying the foundation for his future accomplishments. He earned his Juris Doctor from a prestigious law school and quickly rose through the ranks, gaining invaluable experience and expertise in civil litigation. Over the years, Richard has handled a wide array of cases, ranging from intricate commercial disputes to high-stakes professional liability claims.
Prior to Richard’s career in civil practice, he was a Senior Major Case Bureau Prosecutor in New York with an outstanding record of success in preparing, managing, and trying high-profile cases. Casework involved high-profile, high-visibility criminal prosecution of homicides, robbery, arson, rape, and burglary. Richard successfully tried in excess of 100 criminal cases, many resulting in guilty verdicts carrying life sentences. Before accepting his appointment to the District Attorney’s Office, Richard was an attorney at a prestigious Wall Street, N.Y. law firm.
Richard Lydecker’s remarkable career as a founding partner of Lydecker showcases his expertise in defense litigation, his leadership within the firm, and his dedication to client success. His diverse background and extensive experience have made him a respected figure in the legal community, and his contributions continue to shape the firm’s reputation as a premier law firm nationwide.
Today Lydecker has ten main practice areas:
- Appellate
- Bankruptcy and Banking
- Business, Corporate and Transactional
- Condominium & HOA
- Construction Design & Environmental
- Employment
- General Liability
- Government
- Insurance
- Professional Liability
Lydecker has the following sub practice areas:
Accounting Malpractice, Admiralty and Maritime, Appellate Advocacy, Appellate Practice, Architects and Engineers, Attorney Malpractice, Bad Faith Litigation, Banking and Financial Services Litigation, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights, Bodily Injury Defense, Business Law, Business Reorganization, Catastrophic Injury & Loss Defense, Class Action Defense, Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property, Complex Commercial Litigation, Condominium & Homeowners’ Association Law, Construction & Design Contracts, Construction Accident Claims, Construction Defect Litigation, Construction Payment, Delay and Lien Disputes, Corporate Law, Corporate Liability, Coverage Disputes, Cyber Liability ⁄ Internet Law, Defamation, Directors and Officers, Education Law, Environmental Law, Errors and Omissions, Financial Litigation, General Liability, Government, Government Liability, Healthcare, Hospitality, Insurance, Insurance Agents and Brokers, Insurance Coverage and Extra-Contractual Litigation, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Land Use and Zoning, Mass Environmental Toxic Tort Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Negligent Security, Premises Liability, Products Liability, Property Practice, Real Estate Practice, Residential Property, Tort Liability, Transportation Liability and Workers Compensation.
Complex Commercial Litigation: Richard’s proficiency in complex commercial litigation is well-known. He has successfully represented clients in multifaceted legal battles, navigating intricate legal frameworks and securing favorable outcomes. His strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail have been pivotal in resolving disputes efficiently and effectively.
Professional Liability: Richard has extensive experience defending professionals across various industries against liability claims. His deep understanding of the nuances of professional conduct and standards enables him to provide robust defense strategies, protecting his clients’ reputations and careers.
Bad Faith Litigation: Richard is a recognized authority in bad faith litigation, representing clients in cases involving insurance companies. His tenacity and commitment to justice have resulted in significant victories, holding insurers accountable for their obligations.
Insurance Coverage: Richard’s expertise extends to insurance coverage matters, where he advises clients on complex coverage issues and disputes. His comprehensive knowledge of insurance law ensures that his clients receive the coverage they are entitled to, and he has successfully litigated numerous coverage cases.
Leadership and Oversight
As a founding partner, Richard oversees the firm’s practice groups and manages the firm’s relationships with its clients and carriers. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and client-centric service. Richard is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment within the firm, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and tailored legal solutions.
Richard’s strategic vision has been instrumental in the firm’s growth and expansion. Under his guidance, Lydecker has become a nationally recognized law firm, known for its dedication to client success and its ability to handle complex legal challenges. His emphasis on continuous improvement and professional development has cultivated a team of highly skilled attorneys who share his passion for legal excellence.
Commitment to Clients
Richard’s client-centric approach is at the heart of his practice. He believes in building long-standing relationships grounded in mutual trust and respect. By understanding each client’s unique needs and goals, Richard provides strategic counsel and representation that aligns with their best interests. His ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and deliver practical solutions has earned him a loyal client base and numerous accolades within the legal community.
Personal and Professional Values
Beyond his professional achievements, Richard is known for his unwavering commitment to integrity, ethics, and community service. He actively participates in various professional organizations and contributes to legal scholarship through speaking engagements and publications. Richard’s dedication to giving back to the community is reflected in his involvement in pro bono work and charitable initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As Lydecker continues to grow and evolve, Richard remains dedicated to leading the firm towards new heights of success. His vision for the future includes expanding the firm’s capabilities, embracing technological advancements, and maintaining the highest standards of legal practice. Richard’s legacy is one of excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Senior Partner
Natalia Pinzon Martinez is an associate in the firm’s Miami Office. Ms. Pinzon Martinez’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, governmental liability, and labor and employment litigation.
Ms. Pinzon Martinez earned her J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law, graduating with honors and a certificate in Human Trafficking. While completing her legal studies, Ms. Pinzon Martinez was part of the St. Thomas University School of Law Appellate Litigation Clinic, where she handled two appeals for the appellants in two criminal cases. Additionally, Ms. Pinzon Martinez was a member of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review and served as Vice President of Membership in the St. Thomas University School of Law Moot Court team, attending competitions in New Jersey and San Diego.
Upon graduating, Ms. Pinzon Martinez served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office. During her time at the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Pinzon Martinez handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to punishable by life offenses, from intake up to trial. Additionally, Ms. Pinzon Martinez served as the Assistance Chief of the Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Unit and Chief of Litigation. While in this position, Ms. Pinzon Martinez was in charge of the training of over twenty Assistant State Attorneys in areas ranging from court decorum, motion calendar practice, plea negotiations, to trial advocacy
Associate
Mr. Masson is an experienced civil litigator with a history of success in handling a broad array of complex and high exposure civil matters for individuals, insurers, and other business entities. Mr. Masson prides himself on being an out of the box thinker that is dedicated to meeting his client’s specific needs, providing them with superb legal representation, and obtaining very favorable results.
Of Counsel
Eric McAliley brings more than two decades of legal experience to his representation of professionals in E&O claims and of clients with respect to high exposure personal injury and CGL claims. He draws on his education in accounting/tax, and unique prior career experience in engineering with Pratt & Whitney and the South Florida Water Management District to bring added value to his practice.
Eric defends cases on behalf of clients involving E&O Claims including, legal malpractice, negligence, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and other common law and statutory claims. Eric represents attorneys, financial professionals, including securities brokers-dealers, accountants, retail and wholesale brokers and insurance agents.
Eric’s CGL practice consists of defending claims involving physical and emotional injuries including, but not limited to, automobile negligence, negligent security, premises liability, 1983 claims, and intentional torts. With respect to claims against governmental entities, Eric regularly handles cases involving complex issues of constitutional law, sovereign immunity, civil rights, torts, and common law claims.
Eric also serves as trial counsel for the firm’s clients and carriers and assists with the firm’s trial teams.
Partner
Mewerick Mozza is an associate attorney at the Lydecker’s Miami office. Mr. Mozza concentrates his practice in all aspects of federal and state civil litigation.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Mozza worked for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida at the Chambers of Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan, where he aided with matters from Social Security Disability determinations, maritime personal injury cases, to international breach of contracts. Furthermore, Magistrate Judge O’Sullivan and Mr. Mozza were invited to Bolivia to provide an international conference where they were awarded Distinguished Visitor status and laws passed under their names for aiding the judiciary system in Bolivia. Additionally, Mr. Mozza worked for Mozza & Abogados Asociados exposing him to a different legal system. He counseled in the administration and legal transactions of the clients’ international businesses throughout South America and in the United States, including the purchasing and leasing of real estate and their international commercial transactions. Furthermore, Mr. Mozza was the recipient of the Law Awards 2022 by Latin American Quality Institute due to the exceptional performance in representing clients in international business transactions. In addition, Mr. Mozza worked at the Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine, P.A., where he handled personal injury claims and property damage claims in the pre-litigation and litigation departments. Mr. Mozza is committed to providing aggressive representation for all his clients and ensuring all clients receive effective legal representation.
Mr. Mozza graduated from the Trinity University with a Bachelor of Arts and Majors in Political Science, Philosophy, and International Studies in addition to a Minor in Human Communication in 2011. Mr. Mozza graduated Cum Laude from his Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2015, and was a member of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review. Subsequently, Mr. Mozza graduated from a Master in Law in International Commercial Arbitration from the University of Miami in 2017. Mr. Mozza additionally obtained a Bachelor of Humanities in Political Science from Universidad Autónoma Gabriel Rene Moreno, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, in 2022. In addition to being a member in good standing of the Florida Bar, Mr. Mozza is also a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Senior Associate
Daniel Muggeo is an associate in the firm’s Boca Raton office. Mr. Muggeo focuses his practice on civil litigation including the defense of negligence, traumatic bodily injury, wrongful death, and malpractice. Mr. Muggeo is admitted to practice law in Florida state courts. Mr. Muggeo received his Juris Doctorate from the Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University where he was a member of the ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law and the Nova Trial Association. He earned his undergraduate degree from Nova Southeastern University where he received his degree in legal studies.
Associate
Yanina Onyewenjo is an Associate at the firm’s Tampa office. Ms. Onyewenjo’s practice involves a range of topics, including personal injury, premises liability, and other topics in civil defense.
Ms. Onyewenjo obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Florida International University College of Law in May 2022, graduating as a Dean’s Scholar. During her tenure in law school, Ms. Onyewenjo refined her legal advocacy and negotiation skills through active participation in the FIU Law Negotiation & Mediation Team (“NAMT”). As a Finalist in the 18th Annual FIU Law Intramural Negotiation Competition, Ms. Onyewenjo was subsequently chosen to represent FIU Law at the 2021 ABA Regional Negotiation Competition in Chicago, competing against 24 teams nationwide. Her outstanding performance in four national and international competitions, along with her contributions to the negotiation team, led to her selection for the FIU Law 2022 Outstanding Negotiation Skills Award and FIU Law 2022 Outstanding Service Award.
Ms. Onyewenjo’s legal experience includes a judicial internship under the esteemed Honorable Judge Patricia Seitz. In this role, she gained profound insights into the federal court system and contributed to Judge Seitz’s pro bono re-entry program for ex-convicts. Ms. Onyewenjo also served as a law clerk at an international securities law firm supporting the legal department’s management of German class actions.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Onyewenjo worked as an Associate Attorney for a Florida insurance defense firm. In this capacity, she represented clients in general liability matters, including premises liability, automobile negligence, negligent security, and other issues related to liability and casualty defense. Ms. Onyewenjo has represented clients across various industries, including retail, hospitality, and insurance.
Ms. Onyewenjo’s hobbies include playing with her dog Bella, enjoying Florida’s art and music scene, bodybuilding, and discovering new vegan recipes.
Associate
Sienna Osta is an experienced civil litigator and focuses her practice on personal injury litigation including matters related to motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, negligent security, slip and fall, and medical malpractice cases. She has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a number of jury trials and bench trials, throughout the state of Florida, placing her in an advantageous position to strategically navigate proceedings in the best interest of her clients.
Sienna takes pride in creating and maintaining individualized, personal relationships with each and every client through open and direct communication. She provides frequent updates at all stages of litigation, and is always responsive and available to her clients. Sienna approaches every case with the aggressive dedication it takes to gain the best possible outcome.
Of Counsel
Lee Patten is the Co-Chair of the Firm’s National Catastrophic Injury and Loss Defense Department. Mr. Patten has extensive trial court experience in complex litigation, and has defended numerous cases involving wrongful death, paralysis, amputation, traumatic brain injury, sexual assault, and other serious injuries throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida. These claims and large loss exposures arise from a variety of liability scenarios, including premises liability, medical/healthcare/nursing home liability, school/early education/day care liability, construction site accidents (including New York labor law claims), road construction accidents, commercial trucking and car accidents, negligent security, and products liability, among others. Mr. Patten brings to bear his extensive experience in each of these specific industries to obtain excellent results for his clients.
Mr. Patten maintains a progress-oriented practice, whether pre-suit or in litigation, Mr. Patten works closely with his client to advance the case with every court filing, correspondence, email, and phone conference. Every action is designed to move the case forward toward trial or resolution.
Mr. Patten has taken countless depositions, including deposition of subject matter experts, liability experts, and damages experts. He has attended countless hearings, including important summary judgment hearings, as well as multi-day arbitrations and multi-day framed issue evidentiary hearings.
Mr. Patten has tried cases before many trial courts throughout the state of Florida, New York, and New Jersey, and has obtained many favorable settlement outcomes at the eleventh hour due to detailed trial preparations, including motions in limine and Daubert challenges to opposing experts.
Mr. Patten has also served as monitoring counsel and converted to lead trial counsel in numerous cases involving large losses or multiple layers of insurance. He is successfully able to parachute into potential “problem” or “high risk” cases, and laser in on key areas to prepare liability and damages defenses quickly and efficiently.
Before joining the firm, Mr. Patten was a prosecutor at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office, as well as a prosecutor for the Department of Children and Families. It was there that Mr. Patten started his trial career and was able to transfer those skills to civil litigation. In Law School, Mr. Patten served as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review and won several awards for both Mock Trial and Moot Court competitions.
Partner
Mr. Polk is an Associate at Lydecker, handling matters in Florida at the State and Federal Court levels. He maintains a wide variety of insurance defense and commercial litigation practice areas including general bodily injury and casualty, construction defect litigation, employment litigation, product liability, professional malpractice, municipality litigation, and various other civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Polk was a prosecutor for the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, Assistant Attorney for the Office of the Sarasota County Attorney, and has practiced general liability insurance defense since 2016 where he obtained extensive criminal and civil trial experience.
Associate
Stephanie Pidermann (Woodard) is a shareholder in the firm’s Miami, Florida office. Ms. Pidermann concentrates her practice on commercial litigation matters, as well as, defending, significant labor & employment, personal injury, premises liability, and professional liability lawsuits. She represents major hotels, grocers and retailers, Fortune 500 companies, insurers, governmental entities, and transportation companies in state and federal courts throughout Florida and the United States.
Ms. Pidermann’s Labor and Employment litigation experience includes representing private and public employers in all phases of employment litigation, from administrative hearings through trial on matters arising under Federal, State and local employment laws. Ms. Pidermann regularly handles Federal and State actions involving issues of civil rights violations, False Claims Act litigation, sovereign immunity, qualified immunity, 1983 actions, wrongful death claims, sexual harassment, FLSA compliance, discrimination, retaliation, Title VII, whistleblower claims, fraud, and a battery of common law torts.
Ms. Pidermann also regularly represents Directors and Officers in actions involving violations of consumer protection laws, misrepresentation, fraud, malpractice, breaches of fiduciary duties, violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and generalized negligence. She has represented insurance brokers, accountants, brokers, real estate professionals, title agents, closing agents, appraisers, home inspectors, escrow agents, and health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, physician’s assistants, and mental health practitioners involved in a wide array of claims.
Ms. Pidermann has been consistently recognized as a Florida Super Lawyers “Rising Star” since 2014 and has been recognized as a Legal Elite lawyer by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite since 2014.
Partner
Michael Poreda is Of Counsel in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania offices of Lydecker. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and is admitted to practice in five of the federal jurisdictions in those states.
He is an experienced litigator who has practiced widely in the areas of discrimination, civil rights, health care, personal injury, consumer fraud, and professional malpractice. His past clients have included municipal entities such as school boards and police departments, a variety of for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, and political candidates.
Michael clerked for the Honorable Hector R. Velazquez of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Hudson County and for the Honorable William J. Martini of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark.
Michael graduated with highest honors from Rutgers University with a B.A. He has an M.A. from Teachers College – Columbia University. He earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Seton Hall University School of Law where he was a law review editor. Before attending law school, Michael taught high school history in New Jersey and has served as adjunct faculty at Rutgers University. He is the 2024-25 Chair of the LGBTQ Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Of Counsel
Mr. Quetglas is an associate in the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Quetglas’ practice involves defending organizations and individuals involved in personal injury actions, premises liability matters, negligent security claims, professional liability claims, and construction defect matters throughout the State of Florida.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Quetglas was an associate at a boutique defense litigation firm based in Downtown Miami, Florida, where he represented insurers in complex insurance coverage litigation, claims handling, general liability claims, first-party property coverage, and bad faith litigation.
During law school, Mr. Quetglas worked as a Law Clerk at a national firm in Downtown Washington, D.C. specializing in the litigation of complex personal injury, medical malpractice, negligent security and civil rights matters.
Associate
Ms. Robles is an Associate at Lydecker, where her focus is on Florida civil litigation. She maintains a varied practice in insurance defense and commercial litigation, including general bodily injury and casualty, and first-party property, as well as professional malpractice.
Before joining Lydecker, Ms. Robles was an Associate at Cole, Scott & Kissane in their First-party Property Group, representing carriers throughout South Florida and gaining extensive litigation experience.
Associate
Dianera Rodriguez is an Associate in the Products Liability department in the firm’s Miami office. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Rodriguez was an associate at a civil defense litigation firm where she handled premises liability claims, personal injury claims, property damage claims, and workers’ compensation claims.
Ms. Rodriguez earned Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice along with a Minor in Business from Florida International University. During law school, Ms. Rodriguez received the Dean’s Honor Award and CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Criminal Justice.
Associate
Geoffrey Sanders is a civil litigator in our Orlando office with extensive trial and appellate court experience. He practices general litigation and represents insurance companies in third party insurance disputes.
Mr. Sanders also defends clients in all manner of catastrophic injury cases, including wrongful death, amputations, and other serious injuries.
Mr. Sanders has spent thirteen years conducting thousands of trials, depositions and hearings. Some of his case experience is with auto negligence, auto glass PIP work, insurance defense and premise liability.
He has practiced in every trial court throughout the State of Florida, and has received favorable results for his clients across the state.
Prior to seeking his law degree, Mr. Sanders graduated from Kenyon College in 2001, where he specialized in International and Political Science.
While in college, Mr. Sanders became fluent in Mandarin Chinese, and spent several years as a student in Beijing, China.
After graduating from these institutions, Mr. Sanders practiced in the field of accounting and finance in Boston, Massachusetts. He later attended and graduated from Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International Management, where he furthered his specializations of accounting and finance with an MBA/MIM advanced degree.
Mr. Sanders subsequently worked on Wall Street in New York, before pursing his final passion with the law.
Of Counsel
Kyle Scher is an associate attorney in the firm’s Tampa office. Mr. Scher earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in 2022.
During his time at Stetson, he completed nearly 200 hours of pro bono service, and was recognized with the William F. Blews pro bono award. Prior to joining Lydecker in 2023, Mr. Scher gained experience through internships involving civil litigation matters. This included a summer at the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida where he assisted a family law judge.
Associate
Mr. Schlossberg is Of Counsel in Lydecker’s Boca office, where he defends clients in all manner of catastrophic injury cases, including wrongful death, paralysis, amputations, and other serious injuries. Mr. Schlossberg also practices construction defect litigation, where he represents general contractors, subcontractors and developers.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Schlossberg spent over 16 years practicing primarily in the area of insurance defense, where he defended clients in various premises liability, automobile negligence, property damage, and personal injury cases.
Of Counsel
Ms. Shraiteh is an Associate in the firm’s West Palm Beach Office.
Ms. Shraiteh earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law. Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Shraiteh was an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender for the 15th Judicial Circuit, representing hundreds of individuals in misdemeanor and felony court from arraignment to trial.
Associate
James Spratt is Of Counsel in the firm’s Los Angeles office and practices in all courts in California. His primary areas of practice include complex commercial litigation, tort practice in products liability, real property and construction defect.
Mr. Spratt earned his Juris Doctor Certificate from University of La Verne and his Bachelor’s degree in History from University of California, Santa Barbara. While in law school, Mr. Spratt has held numerous legal internships, including Office of Legislative Affairs for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
In Mr. Spratt’s practice, he has held various partner positions with national law firms and has worked for national insurance companies, as staff counsel. He has worked defending national insurance companies in professional negligence, commercial trucking negligence, premises liability and habitability claims.
Mr. Spratt is active in conservation efforts of Santa Monica Mountains Restoration Trust and enjoys snow skiing and swimming in his spare time. He also enjoys spending time with his family and his German Shepard dog. Mr. Spratt is also a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Of Counsel
Carrie E. Stricklin is a partner in the firm, who works out of the Boca Raton office. She practices general civil litigation, concentrating in the areas of insurance defense litigation, including bodily injury; attorney malpractice; negligent security; and workers’ compensation litigation. Ms. Stricklin is admitted to practice in Florida and is a member of the Florida Bar Association.
Ms. Stricklin received her Juris Doctorate from the Shephard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University, where she was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and a Law Student Advisor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in History from Florida Atlantic University. During graduate school, Ms. Stricklin served as the President of the school’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, History Honor Society.
Partner
Robert Sylvester Jr. is a partner in the firm’s Tampa office. Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Sylvester served as a law clerk for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, where he assisted several judges in matters relating to civil, criminal, and family law. While earning his Juris Doctorate, Mr. Sylvester gained legal experience through his work with the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Harris Corporation, and the First District Court of Appeal. A strong interest in civil defense litigation brought Mr. Sylvester to Lydecker, where he practices a range of topics in civil defense.
Partner
Hunter Trubatch is a senior associate in the firm’s Miami Office. Mr. Trubatch’s practice focuses on the defense of different liability claims including serios bodily injury, premises liability, product liability, and general tort liability. Mr. Trubatch has a strong background in defending insurance carriers and employers against various types of lawsuits. Mr. Trubatch understands that every claim has its own nuisances and serious injuries carry a high risk of increased exposure. Mr. Trubatch believes that every case should be treated as such with the best possible outcome for his client at the forefront of his litigation strategy.
Prior to joining the firm in 2024, Mr. Trubatch worked as a workers’ compensation defense litigator for over five years defending insured employers, insurance carriers and uninsured employers against an array of claims from minor injuries to catastrophic ones involving amputations or paralysis.
Mr. Trubatch obtained his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University in Boston Massachusetts. While in law school, Mr. Trubatch was a student attorney in his schools Indigenous People’s Rights Clinic advising unrecognized tribes how to incorporate to gain a more concrete governing structure.
Senior Associate
Francisco is an Associate in the firm’s Miami Office. Mr. Varona’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, premises liability, and government liability.
Mr. Varona earned his J.D. from Florida International University College of Law and graduated Cum Laude. During law school, Mr. Varona served as the vice president of the Student Bar Association. Mr Varona was on the Executive Board of the FIU Law Review, serving as the Executive Alumni Relations Editor; his Law Review student note was published in the FIU Law Review. Mr. Varona also served as the vice president, and founding member, of the FIU chapter of the American Constitution Society. Mr. Varona was a Dean’s Scholar and received the CALI Book Award for Legal Skills and Values III.
Associate
J.W. Webb is a Litigation Partner in the firm’s Orlando office, where he maintains an active trial and civil litigation practice in Federal and State Courts throughout Florida.
Mr. Webb has considerable experience dealing with automobile negligence, arson, medical malpractice, premise liability and product liability cases resulting in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Mr. Webb has also handled cases dealing with bad faith, commercial transaction disputes, construction defects, declaratory actions, land disputes and property damage. He has successfully tried cases in Brevard, Broward, Marion, Orange, Palm Beach, Seminole, and Volusia Counties.
Mr. Webb began his legal career with Hightower and Rudd, P.A. a Miami based insurance defense firm. Shortly after joining the firm, Mr. Webb became the managing attorney of its West Palm Beach office.
After two years in practice, Mr. Webb was invited to join Kubicki Draper, P.A. a State-wide insurance defense firm, where he became a shareholder and was chosen by the firm’s managing partner to start its Orlando Office, which he ran for six years before opening his own law firm.
Mr. Webb has given lectures throughout the country on many subjects during his career. He lectures to insurance carriers on issues ranging from hospital liens and personal injury protection to complicated medial claims and high exposure cases.
Mr. Webb is licensed to practice law in all Florida State Courts and the . He has also served as a Guardian ad Litem for children in the Central Florida area.
Mr. Webb graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas in 1989 with a B.A. in business and a concentration in economics. Before going to law school Mr. Webb worked in the business world for a number of years managing companies in Texas, California, Illinois, and Florida.
Mr. Webb returned to his home state of Michigan to obtain his Juris Doctorate – Cum Laude, from Michigan State University. While attending law school, Mr. Webb served as Managing Editor of Business and Production for the Michigan State Law Review, as an intern for United States Federal District Judge Gerald E. Rose, and as a law clerk for the Department of Justice: United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan. During his tenure with the Department of Justice, under the internship section of the program, Mr. Webb functioned as lead counsel for the prosecution and trial of numerous misdemeanor cases.
Partner
Ronald (Ronn) S. Whitaker is a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office and brings a wealth of litigation experience in the both the public and private sectors. He has represented corporate clients, public entities and private individuals in all phases of litigation in both State and Federal Courts with an emphasis in the defense of product liability, class action, personal injury, civil rights, professional liability, and premises liability cases. He also has extensive experience in employment litigation, including being admitted in pro hac vice in the State of Arizona to successfully defend a large national corporation against claims of wrongful discrimination and racial discrimination. Prior to joining Lydecker, Ronn had a lengthy career in defending high exposure claims on behalf of both corporate and governmental clients, including a number of high-profile parties in high stakes litigation. He has represented multinational corporations, and has a deep understanding of the complexities in defending large corporate entities and institutions, including providing legal and strategic advice which contemplates the impact of large scale litigation and claims on the client’s competing needs.
As a trial attorney for Lydecker’s Environmental Mass Tort, Product Liability Department and General Liability Department, Ronn has tried in excess of sixty (60) jury trials as lead trial counsel with an outstanding record of success. At Lydecker, his primary focus is utilizing his extensive experience and unique background to vigorously defend global manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and other business owners from the inception of a claim through trial, as well as in spearheading new and emerging litigation in the mass and toxic tort arena.
Ronn completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA, and then obtained his law degree from the UCLA School of Law, where he was selected as a Distinguish Advocate in the Moot Court Honors Program.
Partner
Saasha Williams is an Associate Attorney at Lydecker with extensive experience in handling all aspects of civil litigation.
Saasha is a Central Florida native and member of the Florida Bar Association. Saasha graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. At Stetson, Saasha was involved in mentorship, community outreach, and fundraising for disabled Veterans.
Thereafter, Saasha earned her Juris Doctorate from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law in Orlando, Florida. After earning her J.D., Saasha devoted her career to serving the State of Florida as an Assistant State Attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit and a Senior Attorney for the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Prior to joining the Lydecker, Saasha gained significant litigation experience in a variety of areas of law making her a well rounded asset to the Lydecker family.
Associate
Demetrius Wilson is Of Counsel in the firm’s Orlando office. He earned his Juris Doctor from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of South Florida.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Wilson was an associate at a general civil litigation firm practicing in the areas of personal injury and nursing home defense.
Of Counsel
In Mr. Zaverl’s practice, he has held various positions with national and local law firms handling many different types of litigation. Mr. Zaverl most recently worked for a national insurance company, as staff counsel where he tried multiple cases a year for the past five years. He has worked defending individual policy holders as well as many well-known corporations in personal injury, premises liability, and product liability claims.
Mr. Zaverl, in his spare time, enjoys ice hockey (playing, coaching, watching) and photography. He also enjoys spending time with his children and his chocolate Labrador, Aldo. Mr. Zaverl is also a member of the Ventura County Bar Association.
Of Counsel
