Member, Florida Bar Association
Member, Working Group 1, Sedona Conference
Member, Jacksonville Bar Association
Member, Federal Bar Association
Eric serves as the office managing partner and leader of the Jacksonville office's complex commercial litigation group. He has practiced for 19 years in the area of commercial litigation, with an emphasis on complex business and financial litigation matters. His experience includes the handling of a wide array of commercial contract matters, business torts, and distribution and franchising disputes in federal and state courts and arbitral forums.
In addition to commercial and business litigation, Eric’s practice includes real property and mass environmental toxic tort litigation. He also represents clients in high-exposure tort, personal injury and wrongful death matters.
Eric is a member of the Sedona Conference and frequently speaks to law departments, bar and industry groups on electronic discovery issues.
Eric also spent one year as in-house litigation counsel for Michelin North America, Inc., with responsibility for managing commercial litigation and franchising matters.
Representation of a national rail transportation company in defense of numerous lawsuits by adjoining landowners and residents challenging existing operations and planned rail facilities. Obtained summary judgment based upon federal preemption in four separate cases. Three cases later appealed and affirmed by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Representation of national bank in putative federal court class action seeking to certify a class of borrowers with allegedly improperly calculated ARM adjustments. Obtained summary judgment on individual plaintiff's claim prior to class certification. Affirmed by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Representation of national franchisor in numerous lawsuits and arbitrations with the owner of several terminated franchises. Prevailed in several arbitrations enforcing post-termination restrictive covenants. Obtained summary judgment in two separate state court lawsuits filed by terminated franchisee companies.
Representation of telephone directory publisher in trademark infringement action against former co-sponsor of directory. Favorable settlement achieved.
Representation of international power company in federal court litigation resulting from construction of power plant in Pakistan. Favorable settlement achieved.
Master, Chester Bedell Inn of Court, 2011-Present
Barrister, Chester Bedell Inn of Court, 1997-2000