Summary Florida licensed attorney with over ** years of legal experience in civil litigation

and in-house counsel representation. Professional experience includes direct client counseling in private practice/law firm setting and litigation advocacy for client in complex, high value civil personal injury, wrongful death, and property cases. Corporate, in-house counsel experience for Fortune 500 Company focused primarily in contract review, interruption and application of specific real property disputes to contractual rights and obligations of the Company.

Experience Fidelity National Title Group Jacksonville, FL

Assistant Vice President, Claims Counsel, June 2011 – August 2016

Skilled corporate counsel in contractual, non-contractual, and bad faith claim asserted against the parent corporation and various subsidiaries. Executive decision maker in claim/dispute resolution strategy and economic valuation for civil litigation disputes in State and Federal actions involving national banks, private lenders, corporate entities, and private individual real property owners.

Investigate, analyze and render coverage determinations on first party and third party real property insurance claims as applicable to various contracts for insurance. Evaluate and select most efficient resolution course, involving in depth legal analysis of jurisdictional laws and statutes applicable.

Supervise all phases of corporate controlled litigation in large Southeastern U.S. region, focusing on loss mitigation and legal right enforcement for the Insured, as balanced with the business interests and contractual obligations of the Company.

Negotiate contractual settlement terms on behalf of the corporate entity, as well as serve as advocate for third party contractual clients/customers. Conduct confidential, internal communications with agents and underwriting counsel regarding discrepancies in product and marketing representation(s) and legal interpretations of specific contract terms pursuant to new and/or trending applicable law.

Skilled legal research, preparation and presentation of state specific legally supported communication, verbal and written, of analysis, strategy and planned final outcome of individual claim progress for multifaceted complex title defects relating to residential and commercial properties resulting in potential high exposure loss to the Company or damages to the insured in first and third party claims.

References:

Jennifer Gaytan, Esq., Southeast Regional Claims Manager

acwu8s@r.postjobfree.com 904-***-****

William “BJ” Gabriel, Esq., Former Regional Claims Manager

acwu8s@r.postjobfree.com 904-***-****

Schutt, Schmidt & Noey, P.A. Jacksonville, FL

Associate Attorney, Civil Litigation, Dec. 2006 – June 2011

Student Intern/Law Clerk, Personal Injury Litigation, Aug. 2004 – Sept. 2005

Counsel clients regarding personal property rights, premise and products liability, medical malpractice, and general negligence litigation. Primary point of communication for client acquisition, initial consultation, client retention, and return.

Direct claim and legal cause of action investigation for areas of personal injury, construction defect, and medical malpractice litigation. Compose complex litigation documents and comprehensive analysis; engage in continuous cases evaluation, analysis and client communication through final dispute resolution.

Assist corporate client in business strategies relating to subject litigation and potential future disputes; evaluate and negotiate resolution options and settlement structures; negotiate and draft resolution terms and contractual documentation; and analyze and negotiate corporate risk management factors and strategize future better business procedures.

Ability to work collaboratively with team members for quality solution development; as well as effective and efficient direction and management of administrative and legal support staff.

Experience in internal budget development, management and compliance.

References:

Penny W. Schmidt, Esq., Partner

acwu8s@r.postjobfree.com 904-***-****

Cindy Kinslow-Coats, Esq., Senior Associate

acwu8s@r.postjobfree.com 904-***-****

Professional Chester Bedell Inn of Court Invited Associate for 2009-2010 term

Accomplishments Co-author of Seminar Lecture “Worker’s Compensation Immunity” 2010

Co-author of Seminar Lecture “Duty to Defend: Dual Obligations to an Insured” 2008

Co-author of Seminar Lecture “Obligation of Indemnification” 2008

Education Florida Coastal School of Law Jacksonville, FL

Juris Doctor, May 2006

Graduated top 16% of class

Dean’s Scholar List Recipient – Spring 2006

Dean’s List Recipient - Fall 2005

Book Award Recipient– Poverty Law, Fall 2005

Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY

Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology/Criminology minor, May 2003

Graduated Cum Laude

Membership in Golden Key Honors Society

Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honors Society

Contact this candidate