Experience, integrity
and dedication.
These principles guide our entire team, driving each staff member to deliver results.
James Underwood
On January 31, 2024, attorney James D. Underwood sadly passed away. J.D., as folks called him, joined the firm when he was a law clerk over twenty-five years ago. He became a partner with the firm in 2019. J.D. was born in Harriman, Tennessee and concentrated primarily in the area of insurance litigation—particularly jury and bench trials. J.D. received his B.A. degree from Emory and Henry College and his law degree from St. Thomas University where he was a member of the Moot Court Team.
J.D. was a litigator and had participated in over 5,000 P.I.P. and insurance cases (including appeals). Several of these cases have been published in the Florida Law Weekly Supplement. In addition to a busy litigation schedule, J.D. was a contributing author of Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law (P.I.P.), printed and nationally distributed by West Publishing. J.D. also volunteered in his spare time with Save Dade, a non-profit group dedicated to fighting discrimination against gay people and served as President of the North Dade Bar Association from 2008-2009.
J.D. handled Personal Injury Protection (P.I.P.) insurance litigation on behalf of medical providers, pursuing underpaid or denied insurance claims. In addition, J.D. practiced in the area of health care law, assisting medical providers with regulatory and licensure issues as well as clinic audits and inspections.
But perhaps the most unique experience that J.D. brought to this predominately plaintiff's firm is that he served as claims counsel for over fifteen years to an insurance company— essentially training an entire insurance company on the claims process and P.I.P. law and guiding them to avoid mistakes that lead to costly lawsuits.
J.D. was a regular speaker at the Florida Chiropractic Physician’s Associations annual continuing education summit, as well as a regular continuing education instructor for attorneys, judges and insurers on the ins and outs of the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.
J.D. was an integral part of the firm’s success, and he will be sorely missed both professionally and personally.