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Michael J. Smith

Tavares, florida

Ocala, florida

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Biography Overview

Michael Smith is the managing partner of the Tavares and Ocala office locations in Lake and Marion County, Florida and is also a member of the firm’s state-wide risk management committee. Mr. Smith has been practicing law since 1996 and is admitted to the Florida Bar. In 2009, he achieved board certification in civil trial law which recognizes highly specialized achievement and expertise very few lawyers in Florida acquire. He currently maintains this recognition with the Florida Bar.

He was raised in Ocala, Florida and graduated with high honors from Forest High School. He attended the University of Florida, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Zoology with honors.

Mr. Smith then attended Stetson University College of Law where he also graduated with honors. Mr. Smith began his legal career as an assistant state attorney for the State of Florida. He prosecuted such crimes as drug trafficking, sex crimes, and was specially appointed as a felony domestic violence prosecutor. During the 3 years he served as a prosecutor, he conducted over 50 jury trials. Following his government service, Mr. Smith was an in-house attorney for State Farm Insurance Company as a claims litigation attorney. He worked for 2 years for State Farm specializing in personal injury and insurance dispute cases.

Since joining Morgan and Morgan in 2001, Mr. Smith has represented thousands of clients and their families injured by the negligence of others. He has obtained awards from juries in far excess of the offers made by insurance companies and has even successfully obtained settlements from major corporations.

Practice Areas

  • Car Accidents
  • Insurance Disputes
  • Personal Injury
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Wrongful Death

Recent Successes

$25,000.00 Verdict Vincenty v. Gettel Car Accidents 2015
$9,000.00 Verdict Fraeunshuh v. Pruitt Car Accidents 2015
$25,000.00 Verdict Wright v. Fiedler Car Accidents 2013
$15,000.00 Verdict Williams v. Nicholson Car Accidents 2013
$202,688.00 Verdict Pray v. Publix Slip & Fall 2013
$459,000.00 Verdict Persley v. Schaare Car Accidents 2013
$5,500.00 Verdict Turner v. Thornton Car Accidents 2012
$28,000.00 Verdict Baker v. Chandler Car Accidents 2012
$50,000.00 Verdict Lloyd v. Alqwasarey Car Accidents 2010
$8,500.00 Verdict Thomas v. Ortiz Car Accidents 2010

  • Vincenty v. Gettel

    $25,000.00

    Verdict - 2015

  • Fraeunshuh v. Pruitt

    $9,000.00

    Verdict - 2015

  • Wright v. Fiedler

    $25,000.00

    Verdict - 2013

Memberships

  • The Florida Bar
  • Florida Justice Association
  • American Trial Lawyers Association
  • Former Assistant State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit
  • Former Corporate Counsel for State Farm Insurance Company

Education

  • University of Florida, Bachelor of science degree with honors in Zoology, 1993
  • Stetson University School of Law, J.D., 1996
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