Patrick G. Gilligan

PERSONAL INJURY AND WRONGFUL DEATH

We represent victims and their families in all claims involving injury or death, including those caused by motor vehicle accidents, nursing home neglect, defective or dangerous products, defective drugs and medical, dental or nursing malpractice.

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE 
Economic losses suffered because of the misfeasance or malfeasance of professionals can be devastating.  We represent individuals and businesses that have been the victims of the negligent or fraudulent advice and practices of professionals including stockbrokers, investment advisors, real estate promoters, accountants and attorneys. 

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION 
Business disputes are a fact of life even in the most carefully structured venture or the most meticulously drafted contract.  Litigation of such disputes can be the least desirable alternative and can often be avoided by a careful consideration of all available options.  We have years of experience representing parties in commercial disputes and can offer considered analysis and guidance in how best to resolve such disputes whether through negotiation or, if necessary, through litigation. 

PROBATE, ESTATE AND TRUST LITIGATION

Unfortunately, significant disputes arise out of the formation, meaning or intent of a will or trust document and litigation is necessary to resolve the proper disposition and distribution of a decedent’s property.  We represent all parties - personal representatives, trustees and beneficiaries – whose interest is assuring the fair and orderly probate of estates and administration of trusts.  

William Allan King

COLLECTIONS  
We pursue both secured and unsecured commercial and consumer creditor claims to judgment with emphasis on maximizing recovery through aggressive use of post-judgment remedies of levy, garnishment, and proceedings supplementary.  

We also domesticate foreign judgments for enforcement and collection in Florida.   

CONSTRUCTION LAW 
We represent owners, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in all phases of construction from business formation through contract drafting and review, including the prosecution and defense of nonpayment claims, lien claims, defective work claims, and licensing issues. 

W. James Gooding III 

COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

We represent buyers and sellers of commercial and agricultural real estate, and large parcels property to be developed into residential developments. Our services include negotiation and preparation of contracts, provision of title insurance, and assisting clients in closing

transactions. Although we represent clients in connection with the development of residential projects, we handle only large single-family residential transactions. We are authorized agents for First American Title Insurance Company and Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund, Inc.  

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LAND USE AND ZONING

We were involved in a large amount of the growth that occurred in Marion County and surrounding communities during the real estate boom of the first part of this century, and are still involved in much of the remaining growth or redevelopment that occurs. We are capable of providing a full range of services in connection with real estate development including the sale or acquisition of land for commercial, residential or mixed-use development, and in obtaining comprehensive plan amendments and rezonings in Marion County and surrounding communities. We assist our clients in obtaining necessary government permits, and the preparation and recording of plats, of declaration of covenants establishing restrictions and homeowners’ associations, and of declarations of (commercial, primarily office) condominiums. 

CREDITORS RIGHTS IN BANKRUPTCY

We represent creditors in obtaining relief from the automatic stay, negotiating (or opposing) reorganization plans to maximize our client’s rights, filing of proofs of claims and other protections for our clients’ rights in bankruptcy proceedings.  

LENDER REPRESENTATION 
We represent financial institutions in structuring, documenting and closing loans. Further, in the unlikely event that a loan goes into default, our Collections practice can assist in recovery. We currently regularly represent three Central Florida banks.

BORROWER REPRESENTATION

We represent borrowers in restructing, and defense concerning, large loans, including those obtained to acquire or develop real property. Although we do not represent debtors in bankruptcies, we coordinate our representation with bankruptcy counsel. Further, we represent sellers in short sales of significant properties. Finally, we can assist in asset protection planning.

BUSINESS ENTITIES

Operating through corporations, limited liability companies or similar entities can provide significant benefits for small businesses. We can assist our clients in the formation of the entity and drafting of the governing documents to provide an operating structure that meets the needs of the particular business. We also can prepare employment agreements, noncompetition agreements and similar documents dealing with the relationship between the business and its employees.