Stephen M. Fernandez - Sarasota, FL

Overview

Professional Experience

Since becoming a member of the Florida Bar in 2004, Stephen Fernandez has spent his career representing accident victims in personal injury and wrongful death cases. His experience includes handling cases related to automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, commercial trucking crashes, wrongful death claims, construction accidents, electricity/electrocution accidents, aviation accidents, trip-and-falls, watercraft accidents, nursing home and ALF negligence, and homeowner's insurance claims.

Mr. Fernandez is licensed to practice law in Florida and Georgia.He is also admitted to practice in all Federal District Courts within Florida, including the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.

Education

Mr. Fernandez received his law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law.While in law school he focused on courses relevant to the field of personal injury and trial practice.Mr. Fernandez was also an active member of the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy.Prior to studying law, he graduated with high honors from the University of Florida with a degree in Political Science.He earned a minor in Business Administration and Environmental Studies.

Activities, Associations and Awards

Mr. Fernandez has built a reputation as a skilled litigator and zealous advocate for his clients.He is a member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.He has been consistently recognized by Florida Super Lawyers a "Rising Star" in the State of Florida.This distinction is awarded to no more than 2.5% of attorneys and is based on factors such as academic achievement, peer recognition and professional accomplishments.Mr. Fernandez has a "Superb" rating by Avvo which is that organization's highest rating for attorneys.

Mr. Fernandez is on the Board of Directors for the Manasota Trial Lawyers Association. He is a member of the Florida Justice Association, the American Association of Justice, the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, and the Association of Plaintiff's Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America.

An avid fisherman and fly-fisherman, Mr. Fernandez is a lifetime member of the International Game Fish Association.He has published fishing and conservation articles in Fisheries Magazine, Florida Sportsman and Salt-Water Fly Fishing.His article "Captive-bred Exceptions: An Unconventional Approach to Conservation Under the ESA" won the Barbara W. Maker award and was published in the UF Journal of Law and Public Policy.