Law Firm Brochure

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Recognized

by US News as one of the Best Law Firms from 2009-2018 and one of the U.S. Top Ranked Law Firms.

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Founded in 1972, Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, donahue & McLain, P.A. has attracted a loyal and growing clientele by providing superior legal services. The firm has grown from a one-person law office into one of central Florida’s most substantial fi rms. The firm serves Florida through offices in orlando, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale and Sebastian.

The fi rm is very proud of its history but is likewise dedicated to its future. The firm continues to meet the challenges of the increasingly complex needs of its expanding client base and remains committed to providing its clients with the highest quality of legal and client services.

The firm has an AV rating by MartindaleHubbell, a rating which signifi es its commitment to excellence. The firm was selected as one of only 193 firms in the State of Florida (out of over 22,000 firms) to be recognized in “Florida’s Top Ranked Law Firms” by Th e Wall Street Journal in conjunction with Lexis nexis/Martindale-Hubbell. eighty-two percent of the firm’s attorneys are AV rated.

The firm’s philosophy is to represent its clients in a team-like approach in order to properly facilitate the client’s wishes. if the client is interested in resolving the matter, the firm will see that the case gets economically settled. if the client desires that the case be tried, the firm is prepared to aggressively represent that client in court. The firm’s goal is to provide top quality legal services at a reasonable cost.

Offices in Orlando, Tampa, Sebastian and Fort Lauderdale.

AReAS OF LAW

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We are a 4 office litigation firm that provides all aspects of insurance defense representation. our main areas of focus include workers’ compensation and liability claims including all types of negligence cases. We have also added a complex business litigation department that handles commercial and transactional disputes.

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Liability Defense The firm is extensively involved in the defense of civil litigation matters in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. it represents corporations, self-insured employers and insurers and their insureds in all types of personal injury, wrongful death and tort cases. The firm prides itself on the significant trial experience of its attorneys. The firms’ attorneys have tried over 1,375 jury trials to conclusion. This experience provides two demonstrable benefits to its clients. First, the opposition knows that the firm will take cases to trial and win. Second, the fact that the opposition knows the firm will try cases often impacts the ability to achieve pretrial resolution on better terms for the firm’s clients.

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Workers’ Compensation Defense The law firm is widely considered as one of the premier workers’ compensation firm in the State of Florida. its members are regularly involved in defending the most complex of cases at mediation, trial and appellate levels. Additionally, many of the members of the law firm participate in various educational programs designed to further the skills of lawyers and clients alike. The law firm believes in providing that extra commitment to its clients and to its profession.

The senior partner, Steve Rissman, is one of the state’s most respected workers’ compensation lawyers. The tradition of excellence started by Steve has continued over nearly 40 years as the firm continues to be a leader in the defense of workers’ compensation claims.

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OUR FIRM HAS TRIED OVER 1,500 JURY TRIALS

Commercial and Business Practices The ďŹ rm handles all types of transactional and dispute-related issues for individuals and business entities, as well as construction, commercial, and environmental matters. The ďŹ rm also defends employers against equal employment opportunity charges and litigation at the federal, state and local levels, in addition to employment-at-will and contractual claims in federal and state courts.

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ouR TeAM

of Attorneys are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar and many have been recognized as a Best Lawyer in America.

R. Clifton Acord, II ATTORNEY AT LAW clifton.acord@rissman.com

David K. Beach ATTORNEY AT LAW david.beach@rissman.com

R. Clifton Acord II is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Medical Malpractice and General Liability Defense.

David K. Beach is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. He is AV rated by Martindale- Hubbell and concentrates his practice area on Workers’ Compensation, Insurance Defense, and Appellate.

Robert C. Barrett ATTORNEY AT LAW robert.barrett@rissman.com

Howard L. Citron ATTORNEY AT LAW Howard.Citron@rissman.com

Robert C. Barrett is an AV-5 rated, individually by Martindale- Hubbell, Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation.

Howard L. Citron is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Mr. Citron is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale- Hubbell and his practice concentrates on Medical Malpractice, Vehicular Negligence, and General Liability Insurance Defense.

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THE FIRM EMPLOYS 70 LAWYERS. ALL OF THE PARTNERS IN THE FIRM ARE AV RATED BY MARTINDALE-HUBBLE .

Edward M. Copeland IV ATTORNEY AT LAW edward.copeland@rissman.com Edward M. Copeland IV is an AV-rated Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Mr. Copeland has been recognized among the Best Lawyers in American the specialties of Insurance Law (2015-2017) and Personal Injury Litigation- Defendants (2017). His practice concentrates on Insurance Defense and Medical Malpractice.

Robert A. Donahue ATTORNEY AT LAW robert.donahue@rissman.com Robert A. Donahue is an AV-rated Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation defense. Mr. Donahue has also been selected by his peers to be included in The Best Lawyers in America.

Sean M. Crocker ATTORNEY AT LAW sean.crocker@rissman.com Sean M. Crocker is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Mr. Crocker is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale- Hubbell and his practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation, Insurance Defense, and Employers’ Liability.

John P. Daly ATTORNEY AT LAW john.daly@rissman.com John P. Daly is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Employers’ Liability, Premises Liability, First and Third Party Auto Claims, Commercial and Construction Litigation, Legal Malpractice, Insurance Coverage, Product and Professional Liability, and Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Defense.

Christopher E. Dennis ATTORNEY AT LAW christopher.dennis@rissman.com Christopher E. Dennis is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. and rated AV Preeminent by MartindaleHubbell. His practice area concentrates on Workers’ Compensation, Subrogation and Insurance Defense. Mr. Dennis has also been named as a 2018 Florida Rising Star by Florida Super Lawyers.

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Jannine Galvez ATTORNEY AT LAW jannine.galvez@rissman.com

Christopher A. Hanson ATTORNEY AT LAW christopher.hanson@rissman.com

Jannine Galvez a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. She is AV- preeminent rated, by MartindaleHubbell and her practice area concentrates on Workers’ Compensation.

Christopher A. Hanson is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. and practices exclusively in the area of Workers’ Compensation Defense. Mr. Hanson is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He is a frequent lecturer on Workers’ Compensation topics and has presented at various educational events including the Workers’ Compensation Convention.

Gregory Giannuzzi ATTORNEY AT LAW greg.giannuzzi@rissman.com Gregory Giannuzzi is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Mr. Giannuzzi is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator as well as Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. He has has received an AV- Preeminent rating by Martindale- Hubbell and is listed among “Tampa’s Best Lawyers”. Mr. Giannuzzi’s practice areas are Civil Litigation and Liability Insurance Defense.

F. Dean Hewitt ATTORNEY AT LAW dean.hewitt@rissman.com F. Dean Hewitt is an AV-rated Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Personal Injury, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Coverage Disputes, and Environmental Litigation. Mr. Hewitt is also a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education.

Theodore N. Goldstein ATTORNEY AT LAW theodore.goldstein@rissman.com

Jennings L. Hurt III ATTORNEY AT LAW bucky.hurt@rissman.com

Theodore N. Goldstein is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Mr. Goldstein is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and his practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation Defense.

Jennings L. “Bucky” Hurt III is managing partner of the firm. He is AV-Preeminent 5.0 rated by Martindale-Hubbell and oversees the firm’s liability defense business. He is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar. Bucky is also a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and a Board Certified Civil Pretrial Practice Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is the firm’s most experienced jury trial lawyer, having tried over 195 jury trials.

Stacie B. Greene ATTORNEY AT LAW stacie.greene@rissman.com

Stacie B. Greene is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. with the distinguished AV- preeminent Martindale- Hubbell rating. Her practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation Defense. Ms. Greene’s recent accolades include being recognized as one of Orlando’s Top Lawyers (2010-2012) and she is listed ”Top Women Lawyers- AV Preeminent”, by Orlando Home and Leisure Magazine: 2012..

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Daniel T. Jaffe ATTORNEY AT LAW dan.jaffe@rissman.com

Raymond A. Lopez ATTORNEY AT LAW raymond.lopez@rissman.com

Dan started with the firm in 1997 and practices exclusively in the area of Workers Compensation Defense. Mr. Jaffe is AV-rated by Martindale- Hubbell and is a frequent lecturer at the Workers Compensation Convention and similar educational events.

Raymond A. Lopez is an AV-rated Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation Defense.

Henry (Skip) W. Jewett II ATTORNEY AT LAW henry.jewett@rissman.com Henry W. (Skip) Jewett II is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Mr. Jewett has over 33 years of experience handling medical malpractice and general liability lawsuits. He is rated AV-preeminent by Martindale- Hubbell.

Beatriz E. Justin ATTORNEY AT LAW betty.justin@rissman.com Beatriz E. Justin is a bilingual Spanish speaking Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Ms. Justin has received AV Preeminent rating by Martindale- Hubbell and her practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation, Insurance Defense, and General Liability Defense.

Richard B. Mangan, Jr ATTORNEY AT LAW richard.mangan@Rissman.com Richard Mangan is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. and the partner in charge of the firm’s Tampa office. Mr. Mangan is AV-5 preeminent rated by Martindale- Hubbell. He is also a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Board of Legal Specialization & Education as well as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. His practice concentrates on Medical Malpractice and Insurance Defense.

John E. McLain III ATTORNEY AT LAW john.mclain@rissman.com John E. McLain III is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. who concentrates his practice on Workers’ Compensation Insurance Defense. Mr. McLain has been selected to the Best Lawyers in America (2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017) and is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale- Hubbell. He has also served as a member of the Workers Compensation Rules Committee (2013-2016).

David R. Kuhn ATTORNEY AT LAW david.kuhn@rissman.com David R. Kuhn is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, Nursing Home Defense, and Premise Liability.

Mr. Kuhn is AV-rated by Martindale- Hubbell and has been named among “Orlando’s Top Lawyers” by Orlando Home and Leisure Magazine.

OVER 82% OF ALL ELIGIBLE ATTORNEYS IN THE FIRM ARE AV RATED.

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Eric F. Ochotorena ATTORNEY AT LAW eric.ochotorena@rissman.com

Daniel M. Pollack ATTORNEY AT LAW daniel.pollack@rissman.com

Eric F. Ochotorena is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Mr. Ochotorena is rated AV Preeminent

by Martindale-Hubbell and his practice concentrates on Medical Malpractice, Premises Liability, Nursing Home Litigation, Auto/Trucking Litigation and Employment related cases and has litigation at both the trial and appellate levels in Florida. Mr. Ochotorena has also been recognized as a Florida Rising Star in the field of Civil Litigation Defense by Florida Super Lawyers (2013-2018).

Daniel M. Pollack is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. He has been with the firm since December 1, 1992 and is AV-rated by Martindale- Hubbell. His practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation Defense. Mr. Pollack has served as an Extern for Federal Judge Harold Baker, Danville, Illinois (Summer 1989) and was an Assistant State Attorney in the 6th Judicial Circuit (Pinellas/Pasco counties 1991-1992).

Karissa L. Owens ATTORNEY AT LAW karissa.owens@rissman.com Karissa L. Owens is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Ms. Owens is AV-rated by MartindaleHubbell. Her practice concentrates on Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Employer Liability, General Liability, Premises Liability, Auto Liability, Insurance Coverage Disputes, and Appellate Matters.

Jeremy T. Palma ATTORNEY AT LAW jeremy.palma@rissman.com Jeremy T. Palma is an AV rated Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Insurance Defense.

Elise G. Phillips ATTORNEY AT LAW elise.phillips@rissman.com Elise G. Philips is a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Her practice concentrates on Workers’ Compensation Defense and she is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell.

Steven A. Rissman ATTORNEY AT LAW steve.rissman@rissman.com Steven A. Rissman is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. who concentrates his practice on Workers’ Compensation Insurance Defense. Mr. Rissman is AV rated

by Martindale- Hubbell and has been selected for Best Lawyers in America 1994Present and Florida Super Lawyers. He is also the recipient of W.L. “Bud” Award for Excellence in the Workers’ Compensation Field. Additionally, he has been selected by his peers as “One of the Best Lawyers in Orlando” and has served as an adjunct professor of Workers’ Compensation at Florida State University College of Law. Steve is also the perpetual Program Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, the largest gathering of Workers’ Compensation professionals in the country.

Juan A. Ruiz ATTORNEY AT LAW juan.ruiz@rissman.com Juan A. Ruiz is a bilingual Spanish speaking Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Medical Malpractice. Mr. Ruiz is AV-rated by Martindale- Hubbell.

Mr. Ruiz is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar.

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Isaac R. Ruiz-Carus ATTORNEY AT LAW isaac.ruiz@Rissman.com

Meredith M. Stephens ATTORNEY AT LAW meredith.stephens@rissman.com

saac R. Ruiz-Carus is an AV-rated partner in the Tampa Office of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. He is a trial and appellate attorney who represents clients in high-dollar litigation, arbitration and appeals in state and federal courts throughout the United States. His practice spans a wide variety of practice areas, including business disputes, health care litigation, bet-the-company litigation, intellectual property, product liability, constitutional law, tax and bankruptcy. Isaac thrives on variety, flexibility and creativity in his practice.

Meredith M. Stephens is an AV rated Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Her practice concentrates on Insurance Defense and Medical Malpractice.

Nicole D. Ruocco ATTORNEY AT LAW nicole.ruocco@rissman.com Nicole D. Ruocco is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A., with a practice area concentrating on Insurance Defense. She is AVrated by Martindale- Hubbell and has been named among The Best Lawyers in America (2013-2017), as well as “Lawyer of the Year” for Orlando Workers’ Compensation– Defendants (2013 and 2017), by Best Lawyers in America. Additionally, Ms. Ruocco was listed as “Top Women Lawyers- AV Preeminent”, by Orlando Home and Leisure Magazine: 2013 and Who’s Who Among American Law Students. She serves as a frequent lecturer at seminars including The Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference.

Jill M. Spears ATTORNEY AT LAW jill.spears@rissman.com Jill M. Spears a Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. She is AV- preeminent rated, by MartindaleHubbell and her practice area concentrates on Workers’ Compensation and Insurance Defense.

Richard S. Womble ATTORNEY AT LAW richard.womble@rissman.com Richard S. Womble is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. His practice concentrates on Civil Litigation and Liability Insurance Defense. Mr. Womble is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and is AV- preeminent rated by Martindale- Hubbell.

Art C. Young ATTORNEY AT LAW art.young@rissman.com Art C. Young is a Shareholder of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Mr. Young is AV- preeminent rated by Martindale- Hubbell. He has been selected among “The Best Lawyers in America” (2012-2017) and “Orlando’s Top Lawyers” (2010-2012). His practice concentrates on Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice, Products Liability, Personal Injury, and Construction Litigation.

Christine V. Zharova ATTORNEY AT LAW christine.zharova@rissman.com Christine V. Zharova is an AV rated Partner of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Her practice concentrates on Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice, Insurance Coverage, and Medicare Compliance.

9 OF OUR 37 PARTNERS ARE WOMEN, 6 OF THOSE ARE WORKING MOMS.

ouR CLIENTS

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The firm is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as one of the 2013 u.S. Top Ranked Law Firms. in Florida there are over 22,000 law firms and only 194 (less than 1%) attained this ranking. ere were just 17 firms in orlando and 23 rms in Tampa named in this listing.

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ouR POLICY

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The firm is very proud of its history but is likewise dedicated to its future. With the ever-changing legal environment, the firm continues to meet the challenge of the increasingly complex needs of its expanding client base. The firm remains committed to its clients and to performing the highest quality of legal services.

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WE Deliver legal opinions that can be relied upon Work with adjusters to develop case disposition strategies.

Provide all reports timely per the insurer’s guidelines.

Provide detailed budgets through trial to allow the insurer to properly set reserves.

Provide quality evaluations with the necessary information.

Return phone calls within 24 hours if not sooner.

Respond to emails within 24 hours if not sooner.

We will not surprise adjusters with late facts, witnesses or other information that should have been known earlier.

We will not handle a case for months/years as ‘defensible” then insist it be settled just before trial with information that should have been known earlier.

We will obtain authority prior to spending the insurer’s money with updated budgets if additional work is required.

We will identify early which cases should be settled and those that should be tried.

We will provide quality work with a strong customer service work ethic.

We will assign 1 partner, 1 associate and 1 paralegal to a case. Multiple attorneys will not work on a case.

We will not engage in unnecessary discovery and will do all that we can to minimize expense.

We will consistently win the vast majority of trials with our experienced and dedicated attorneys.

We understand that you deserve superior service and we will make every eff ort to provide this service.

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ORLANDO

TAMPA

FT. LAUDERDALE

SEBASTIAN

201 e. Pine Street 15th Floor orlando, FL 32801

one north dale Mabry Hwy. 11th Floor Tampa, FL 33609

900 S.e. 3rd Avenue Suite 210 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

709 Sebastian Boulevard Suite B Sebastian, FL 32958

T. 407-839-0120 F. 407-841-9726 orlando@rissman.com

T. 813-221-3114 F. 813-221-3033 tampa@rissman.com

T. 954-526-5480 F. 407-841-9726 ftlauderdale@rissman.com

T. 772-228-3228 F. 772-228-3229 sebastian@rissman.com