I was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, but moved to Florida in 1950, so I like to consider myself as a Florida native who happened to be born elsewhere.  Since 1969, when I was first admitted to The Florida Bar, I have spent my professional life representing clients in disputed matters relating to business conflicts.  I represent both people seeking relief (plaintiffs) and people who are being sued for damages (defendants).

My practice includes disputes relating to contracts of all kinds, real estate transactions, land use and zoning issues, the condemnation of land by a government agency, business torts, trade secrets disputes, and banking law.  Further, during the last 15 years of my practice, I have represented many clients in will contests, trust challenges and breach of fiduciary duty cases.

I joined the law firm of Kirk Pinkerton, P.A. in 1972.  I am certified to practice in both state and federal courts.  I try cases throughout the State of Florida.  I am admitted to appear in the federal court system, including the Middle District Court of Florida, the Eleventh Circuit Appellate Court, and the United States Supreme Court. 

The University of Florida is my alma mater, having graduated in 1964 with a degree in journalism.  After working for Proctor & Gamble for several years, I enrolled at Stetson University College of Law and received a law degree in 1969.

The Florida Bar is one of several state bar associations that certifies lawyers as being experts in their fields based upon a written examination, experience and peer review.  I was first certified in 1983 as an expert in civil trial, and in 1996 as an expert in business litigation.  Both certifications were earned in the first year each such certification was offered.   Only 94 of the almost 5,000 board certified lawyers in the State of Florida are certified in both civil trial and business litigation.

In 2003, the Supreme Court of Florida certified me as a Circuit Court Mediator and a few years later as a Certified Arbitrator.  I have been certified as a civil mediator not only by the Supreme Court of Florida, but by the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida as well. 

Mediation and arbitration are known as alternative dispute resolution.   In the simplest of terms, particularly as it relates to mediation, the process gives litigants a means of maintaining control of their destiny during civil disputes, and frequently results in settlement and thus avoids the unnecessary time and expense of trial. 

Almost from the beginning of my legal career, I have maintained an active role in The Florida Bar, having first served as governor of the Young Lawyers Section, later as the chairman of the Board of Legal Specialization and Education, and I currently serve as governor representing the Twelfth Judicial Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties) on the Florida Bar Board of Governors, the board which sets policy, oversees discipline and otherwise implements rules necessary for the governance of the lawyers practicing within the State of Florida. 

Several publications conduct annual peer-driven polls designed to identify lawyers within the State of Florida who are recognized for their expertise in numerous fields.  Florida Trend magazine has included me as part of their “Legal Elite” multiple times under the category of “Commercial Litigation.”  I have also been identified as a “Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics magazine, also as a commercial litigator.  Both honors are peer review and recognize less than three percent of all Florida lawyers in any one year.

I am zealous in my representation of clients and passionate about the rule of law.  Should you have need for legal services and expertise, please feel free to contact me as there is no charge for an initial consultation.