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BACKGROUND: William is a shareholder of GrayRobinson and a Litigation Partner. He is originally from Oklahoma and performed his undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma and Missouri Southern State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1986. As an undergraduate William was inducted into Omicron Delta Episilon-National Economics Honor Society. After completing his undergraduate studies, he obtained his law degree from the University of Tulsa in 1990. While in law school, William served with distinction on the Energy Law Review and as the Student Bar Association's Curriculum Chairperson. In addition, he was awarded the prestigious John Rogers Academic Achievement Scholarship. William has been awarded an "AV" Peer Review Rating by the widely referred to Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory defines the AV rating as "The pre-eminent Rating, achievable only after admission to the bar for at least ten years, indicating the highest level of legal ability and ethics. The pinnacle of professional excellence." William is also active in The George C. Young First Central Florida American Inn of Court where he holds a "Master" designation. EXPERIENCE: William's extensive trial experience began in 1990 and includes complex commercial litigation, complex construction litigation, real estate, foreclosures, mechanics' lien actions, personal injury, Longshore And Harbor Workers' Compensation actions, city, county and local government law. He specializes in complex commercial and construction litigation actions. William is a member of both the Florida and Missouri Bar and is admitted to practice before all state courts in those respective states. Additionally, he is admitted to the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States Supreme Court. In addition to his practice of law, William also functioned as a Registered Lobbyist with the State of Florida for five (5) years where he effectively lobbied the Florida Legislature on behalf of transportation and driver safety entities. William frequently lectures at seminars on various issues affecting the construction industry and litigation related topics. Recent topics have included the Florida Construction Lien Law, Construction Contracts, Licensing in the Construction Industry and Pre-Suit Notifications Regarding Construction Claims. REPORTED CASES: 1-888-Traffic Schools, Inc. v. Chief Circuit Judge, Fourth Judicial Circuit, 719 So.2d 1259 (Fla. 1st DCA 1998) 1-888-Traffic Schools, Inc. v. Chief Circuit Judge, Fourth Judicial Circuit, 734 So.2d 413 (Fla. 1999) 1-888-Traffic Schools, Inc. v. Chief Circuit Judge, Fourth Judicial Circuit, 737 So. 2d 613 (1st DCA 1999) Dwen v. U.S., 62 Fed. Cl. 76 (2004) SIGNIFICANT CASES: Goosebumps Products, Inc. v. Bell Chem Corp., Seminole County Circuit Court Case No. 2005-CA-200361 (Action against chemical producer for product liability. Confidential settlement achieved for client.) Clant, Inc. v. Specialty Restaurant Group, LLC, et al., Pinellas County County Court Case No. 05-4262-CO-039 (Breach of contract and eviction action against commercial tenant. Successfully prosecuted through trial and appeal.) James B. Bryan, IV, v. Lexington Insurance Co., Seminole County Circuit Court Case No. 2006-CA-001719 (Action against insurance carrier for significant damages suffered by claimants due to hurricanes and wind damage. Confidential settlement achieved.) Curtis DiPasqua v. Raymond James Trust Co., et al., Seminole County Circuit Court Case No. 2004-CA-001402 (Action for breach of contract and declaratory judgment as to trust. Confidential settlement achieved for client.) AAmerican Driver v. Ruvin, U. S. District Court, Southern District of Florida Case No. 1:97-CV-00124-PAS (Antitrust Action) Baker v. Chandler, 161 F.Supp. 2d 1372 (S.D. Fla. 2001) (Defense of six count action filed by plaintiffs alleging violations of plaintiffs' right of free speech and federal substantive and procedural due process rights. Action dismissed with prejudice.) Rinker Materials Corporation v. Millennium Ventures Limited Partnership, LLP, et al., Hernando County Circuit Court Case No. H27CA-2000-001766CN (Action against developer, subcontractors and bond company for breach of contract, to foreclose a construction lien and for payment on bond. Settlement achieved for client.) Lucia Enterprises, Inc. v. Kent Development, LC, St. Johns County Circuit Court Case No. CA02-1484 (Action for breach of contract and to foreclosure construction lien. Successfully prosecuted through trial and appeal.) Dwen v. U.S., 62 Fed. Cl. 76 (2004) (Action by heirs against United States for breach of land grant, treaty and Court order regarding 8,000 acres of property.) EDUCATION: Missouri Southern State University, B.S., B.A. (1986) (with honors) Major: Economics Minor: Finance Omicron Delta Episilon - National Economics Honor Society University of Tulsa School of Law, J.D. (1990) Energy Law Review (1988-1990) John Rogers Academic Achievement Scholarship (1987-1990) PROFESSIONAL: Bar Admissions: Florida Bar Missouri Bar Court Admissions: United States District Court, Middle District of Florida United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit United States Supreme Court United States Court of Federal Claims Affiliations: Orange County Bar Association American Bar Association The Florida Bar, Trial Lawyers Section The George C. Young First Central Florida American Inn of Court Honors: Martindale-Hubbell "AV"? Rated Attorney |
