Defense Digest

On the Pulse ... A Profile Of The Orlando, Florida Office

The Orlando office of Marshall, Dennehey has been in operation nearly six years. Situated in the heart of downtown, the office is mere blocks from the state and federal courthouses and ideally positioned to service clients anywhere in central Florida. The reach of the office includes Gainesville, Daytona, the Space Coast, the I-4 corridor and all points between. Together with the firm's Jacksonville, Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale offices, Orlando enables the firm to defend cases throughout the state.

The Orlando office is comprised of three partners, four associates and a paralegal all backed by a tremendous support staff and the resources of the largest exclusively defense litigation firm in the country. The office is experienced trying cases in state and federal courts and arguing before the District Courts of Appeal.

The office is managed by Mark Thompson, who is a shareholder and also the Regional Managing Attorney for all the offices in Florida. A former claims adjuster, Mark has practiced law for 17 years, is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was recognized in 2006 as a Florida Super Lawyer. During his career, Mark has defended a number of high-profile and complex cases and now focuses his practice in the area of corporate, premises and product liability defense with particular emphasis in the theme park and brewing industries.

Assisting Mark in the management of the Orlando office is Cynthia Kohn. Also a partner, Cynthia has practiced law for 18 years, is admitted to both the Florida and Pennsylvania Bars and has tried cases in both jurisdictions. Cynthia's practice is currently focused in the areas of medical malpractice, retail premises liability, trucking and homeowners and condo D&O.

Brad Blystone is regarded as one of the area's best medical malpractice defense lawyers and that, along with premises and municipal liability litigation, is where his practice focuses. Brad is also a partner, is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell and has practiced law for 15 years. Brad also serves on the Board of Directors and is past chairman of the Central Florida Make A Wish Foundation, providing wishes to children with life threatening illnesses.

These partners work closely with four senior associates, all of whom have been practicing law at least seven years. Brian Wagner has distinguished himself as a statewide authority on Florida PIP law and divides his practice between this area, insurance fraud litigation and a host of professional liability cases. Laurie Beechner has distinguished herself in both the retail premises liability and theme park areas, while Jennifer Englert brings her medical malpractice defense background to both medical, premises and auto liability cases. Adam Herman rounds out the associates, concentrating in construction, professional liability and general casualty litigation.

Whether it is client guidelines, legal nuances or record evidence, these lawyers pay attention to detail. They practice law in a proactive, well-prepared manner and pride themselves on client relations.

As our practice continues to grow, we invite you to contact or visit us in Orlando or any of our other Florida offices.

* Mark is a shareholder in our Orlando, Florida, office. He can be reached at gmthompson@mdwcg.com or (407) 246-0877.