Practice Areas
Banking and Financial Services
The Liles Firm has a wealth of experience in representing commercial banks, credit unions, agricultural lenders, insurance companies, investment funds and private lenders in regulatory, collection and liability matters throughout Florida’s state and federal courts.
Our representation includes assisting lenders in the negotiation of loan workouts and forbearance agreements, as well as litigation involving non-performing assets, including commercial foreclosures, receiverships, deficiencies actions, and other collection matters. Additionally, The Liles Firm has extensive experience in representing lenders in bankruptcy proceedings and lender liability claims.
Special Assets
Our attorneys work closely on a daily basis with a number of special assets departments for community banks, regional lenders, and agricultural lenders. From forbearance agreements and complex loan restructurings to receiverships, we understand the importance of quickly and efficiently resolving loan defaults and recovering assets for our institution clients. Additionally, we frequently assist our bank clients in connection with negotiating and closing loan purchases and sales, garnishment actions and subpoena responses.
Bankruptcy
We routinely represent creditors in Chapter 7, 11, 12 and 13 bankruptcy proceedings throughout Florida’s bankruptcy courts. Our experience includes evaluating and contesting feasibility of Chapter 11 and 12 reorganization plans as well as representing creditors in connection with valuation proceedings.
Collection
The Liles Firm has extensive experience in pursuing and collecting deficiency and other monetary judgments for our clients. We have access to a number of resources and vendors to help quickly identify assets to maximize our clients’ recovery in the most-efficient manner possible.
Lender liability
Our firm frequently defends financial institutions and bank officers in connection with lender liability matters including those involving alleged violations of federal and state consumer protection statutes (FDCPA, FCCPA, and TCPA), fraud, predatory lending, and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
Commercial & Business Litigation
For nearly four decades, The Liles Firm has represented publicly traded companies, small and medium-sized businesses, and individuals in large and complex commercial and business disputes. Our attorneys practice in state and federal courts throughout Florida, bringing substantive experience and a commitment to vigorous advocacy to every matter we handle.
The firm is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and our attorneys are recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®. These recognitions reflect the regard of our peers and the legal community.
When businesses and individuals face high-stakes litigation, the breadth and depth of a legal team matter. The Liles Firm handles a wide range of commercial and business disputes, including:
- Appeals
- Banking and Financial Services
- Bankruptcy Matters
- Breach of Contract
- Business Fraud Claims
- Class Action Litigation
- Collections Matters
- Commercial Evictions
- Commercial Foreclosures
- Construction Litigation
- Creditor’s Rights
- Director and Officer Liability Claims
- Employment Matters and Restrictive Covenant Disputes
- Franchise Litigation
- Intellectual Property Claims
- Mediations and Arbitrations
- Partner and Shareholder Disputes
- Professional Negligence Claims
- Real Estate and Property Disputes
- Unfair Competition
- Uniform Commercial Code Disputes
Whether you are a corporate entity navigating a complex dispute or an individual protecting your business interests, The Liles Firm is prepared to advocate on your behalf. We invite you to contact our office to discuss how we can assist you.
Construction Litigation
Construction projects involve significant investments, complex contracts, and a broad range of participants — any of whom may find themselves in a dispute. The Liles Firm represents contractors, subcontractors, developers, and property owners in trials, arbitrations, and appeals in matters ranging from project delays and disruption claims to multi-million-dollar construction and design defect claims.
The firm is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards as recognized by our peers in the legal community.
Our Construction Litigation practice encompasses:
- Construction Contract Disputes
- Construction Defect and Design Defect Claims
- Construction Site Accident Claims
- Errors and Omissions (E&O) Liability Claims
- Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Substitution Issues
- Insurance Coverage Disputes
- Mechanics Liens
- Payment Disputes
- Project Management Disputes
- Project Workouts
- Project/Construction Administration Disputes
- Warranty and Indemnification Issues
- Workmanship and Surety Issues
Whether you are a property owner facing a defective construction project, a contractor defending against an unfounded claim, or a developer navigating a complex multi-party dispute, The Liles Firm has the experience and resources to advocate effectively on your behalf. Contact our office to discuss how we can assist you.
Corporate & Business
Businesses of every size — from start-up ventures to established companies — face a steady stream of legal decisions that can shape their future. At The Liles Firm, we represent businesses, shareholders, and individuals across a broad range of corporate and transactional matters, providing the practical legal counsel needed to structure deals, protect interests, and move forward with confidence.
Our attorneys are experienced in drafting and negotiating agreements across industries, and we regularly serve as outside general counsel for a number of clients, supporting their day-to-day operations, contract needs, and corporate governance on an ongoing basis.
Who We Represent
We work with clients at every stage of the business lifecycle, including:
- Start-up ventures
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Shareholders and equity holders
- Business owners planning for growth, transition, or exit
- Individuals involved in business transactions
What We Do
Our Corporate & Business practice covers a wide range of transactional and advisory matters, including:
- Asset Acquisitions and Sales
- Business Formations and New Entity Creation
- Business Mergers and Acquisitions
- Business Purchases and Sales
- Business Succession Planning
- Corporate Governance
- Commercial Leases
- Commercial Real Estate Transactions
- Divestitures
- Financing Transactions
- Operating Agreements
- Outside General Counsel Services
- Shareholder Agreements
- Stock Purchases and Sales
- Tax Planning
Working With Your Advisory Team
Corporate transactions rarely happen in isolation. We regularly collaborate with our clients’ financial advisors, investment bankers, valuation firms, and certified public accountants to ensure that legal strategy aligns with financial and business objectives. Whether you are closing a deal, forming a new enterprise, or planning for the next generation of ownership, The Liles Firm is equipped to work alongside your full advisory team.
Trusts, Estates & Probate
Planning for the future — and settling the affairs of someone who has passed — requires careful attention to legal detail, tax consequences, and the personal goals of those involved. At The Liles Firm, we guide individuals, families, and business owners throughout Florida through every stage of the estate planning and administration process, from drafting foundational documents to representing fiduciaries in Florida’s probate courts. Our attorneys bring the same thoroughness and personal attention to estate matters that define our work across all practice areas.
Estate Planning
A well-crafted estate plan does far more than distribute assets. It reflects your values, protects your family, and minimizes unnecessary expense and delay. We work with clients across Florida to develop comprehensive plans tailored to their specific circumstances, including:
Wills
Preparing last wills and testaments that clearly express your wishes regarding the disposition of your estate and, where applicable, the appointment of guardians for minor children.
Trusts
Drafting revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and other trust structures designed to manage and protect assets during your lifetime and after your death, while potentially avoiding the delays and costs of the probate process.
Powers of Attorney
Drafting durable financial powers of attorney and health care powers of attorney to ensure that a trusted person can act on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Advanced Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals and Business Owners
Complex estates call for more sophisticated strategies. We routinely counsel high-net-worth individuals and business owners throughout Florida whose planning needs extend well beyond traditional wills and trusts. Our advanced planning services include:
Business Succession Planning
Developing strategies to transition ownership and control of a closely held business in a manner that aligns with your goals, protects family members, and addresses tax and governance considerations.
Charitable Giving
Structuring charitable gifts and planned giving arrangements, including charitable remainder trusts and other vehicles, to fulfill philanthropic objectives while maximizing available tax benefits.
Family Limited Partnerships
Establishing family limited partnerships to consolidate and protect family assets, facilitate wealth transfer to the next generation, and achieve estate and gift tax planning objectives.
Private Family Foundations
Guiding families through the formation and operation of private foundations as vehicles for meaningful, sustained charitable activity across generations.
Whether you are focused on wealth preservation, reducing estate and gift tax exposure, or ensuring that your business outlasts you, The Liles Firm can help you design a plan that works.
Probate and Estate Administration
Administering a decedent’s estate through Florida’s probate courts can be a complex and time-consuming process. Personal representatives bear significant legal and fiduciary responsibilities under Florida law, and missteps can lead to personal liability. Having experienced legal counsel from the outset helps fiduciaries carry out their duties efficiently and in full compliance with Florida law.
We represent personal representatives throughout the estate administration process, providing end-to-end guidance that includes:
- Preparing and filing all required petitions, inventories, and accountings with the Florida probate court
- Advising on the collection, management, and liquidation of estate assets
- Addressing the payment of valid debts, claims against the estate, and administration expenses in the proper order of priority under Florida law
- Facilitating distributions to beneficiaries and devisees in accordance with the will or Florida’s intestate succession statutes
- Handling correspondence with beneficiaries, heirs, next of kin, and creditors on behalf of the personal representative
- Preparing the decedent’s final federal and state income tax returns
- Preparing any income tax returns required for the estate during administration
- Advising beneficiaries on the income tax consequences of distributions and inherited assets
Our goal is to move the estate through administration as smoothly and efficiently as possible, allowing the family to focus on what matters most during a difficult time.
Trust Administration
When a trust becomes operative — whether at the settlor’s death or during his or her lifetime — the trustee assumes a set of ongoing fiduciary duties that carry real legal weight under Florida law. We advise trustees on the faithful administration of trust assets, including interpreting trust terms, making proper allocations between principal and income, communicating with beneficiaries, and making distributions in accordance with the trust instrument. Where disputes arise among trustees and beneficiaries, or where questions of trust interpretation require court involvement, we are prepared to represent our clients’ interests.
Contact Us
Whether you are beginning the estate planning process for the first time, revisiting a plan that no longer reflects your circumstances, or serving as a personal representative or trustee in need of experienced legal counsel, The Liles Firm is here to help. We invite you to contact our Florida offices to schedule a consultation.
Franchise Law
Franchise relationships involve a complex web of federal and state regulations, detailed contractual obligations, and ongoing operational requirements that can present significant legal challenges for both franchisors and franchisees. At The Liles Firm, we bring decades of experience representing clients on both sides of the franchise relationship — giving us a thorough understanding of the legal landscape from every angle.
Whether you are building a franchise system, evaluating a franchise opportunity, or navigating a dispute, our attorneys provide practical, business-minded counsel tailored to your goals.
Representing Franchisors
Growing and protecting a franchise system requires careful attention to regulatory compliance, strong contractual frameworks, and proactive legal strategy. We assist franchisors with:
Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Drafting and Registration
Preparing, updating, and registering FDDs in compliance with Federal Trade Commission requirements and applicable state franchise registration and disclosure laws.
Franchise Agreement Negotiation, Renewals, and Transfers
Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements and related documents, and counseling franchisors through renewal and transfer processes.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Representing franchisors in disputes with franchisees, including breach of contract claims, territorial disputes, termination matters, and enforcement of system standards, in court, arbitration, and mediation.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Advising on the organizational and operational compliance requirements that govern franchise systems, including ongoing disclosure obligations and system-wide policy matters.
Representing Franchisees
Investing in a franchise is a significant financial and personal commitment. Before signing any agreement — and throughout the life of your franchise — having experienced legal counsel in your corner is essential. We assist franchisees with:
FDD Review and Negotiation
Carefully reviewing and negotiating franchise disclosure documents and franchise agreements, including renewal agreements, to identify favorable and unfavorable terms before you are bound.
FDD Due Diligence
Conducting thorough due diligence on the FDD and the franchise system to help you make an informed investment decision.
Territory Agreement Negotiation
Advising on and negotiating territorial rights and exclusivity provisions to protect your market area.
Expansion Counsel
Guiding franchisees through the legal considerations of growing their franchise footprint, including multi-unit and area development arrangements.
Business Entity Formation
Assisting with the selection and formation of the appropriate business entity for your franchise operations.
Vendor Contracts
Reviewing and negotiating vendor and supplier agreements to support your business operations.
Employment Matters
Counseling franchisees on employment-related issues, including hiring, workplace policies, and compliance with applicable employment laws.
Renegotiation
Representing franchisees in renegotiating the terms of existing franchise and related agreements.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Advocating on behalf of franchisees in disputes with franchisors and third parties, in court, arbitration, and mediation.
Why The Liles Firm
Our attorneys have represented franchisors and franchisees for decades. That dual-sided experience means we understand how the other side thinks, what arguments they will make, and how to position our clients for the best possible outcome — whether at the negotiating table or in litigation.
If you are a franchisor building or protecting your system, or a franchisee evaluating an opportunity or navigating a challenge, we invite you to contact The Liles Firm to discuss how we can help.
Legal Malpractice & Attorney Grievances
Protecting Lawyers. Pursuing Justice for Clients.
The practice of law demands precision, judgment, and unwavering dedication to the people lawyers serve. When those standards are not met — or when a lawyer’s professional standing is unfairly threatened — the consequences can be severe and lasting. The Liles Firm represents both sides of this equation: we defend attorneys and law firms facing malpractice claims or bar grievances, and we represent clients who have been harmed by legal negligence.
This dual perspective gives us an unusually complete understanding of how legal malpractice claims are evaluated, litigated, and resolved in Florida.
A Foundation Built on Trust Within the Legal Community
The Liles Firm’s reputation in this area traces directly to our founder, Rutledge R. Liles, a former President of The Florida Bar. That history of service to the bar shaped our firm’s identity as a trusted advisor to lawyers navigating the most professionally sensitive challenges of their careers — from responding to a client grievance to defending a high-stakes malpractice suit.
Florida attorneys and law firms have turned to us for decades because they know we understand the standards by which legal conduct is judged, the procedures that govern bar discipline, and what it takes to protect a professional reputation that has been built over a lifetime.
Representation for Lawyers and Law Firms
Defending Legal Malpractice Claims
A legal malpractice claim can arise from almost any area of practice, and the professional and financial consequences of a poorly handled defense can be significant. We represent attorneys and law firms when former clients allege that negligent representation caused them harm, guiding our clients through every stage of the litigation — from the initial demand through discovery, motion practice, and trial if necessary.
We understand that not every disappointed client has a viable malpractice claim, and we work to identify and assert every available defense at the outset. We also work closely with legal malpractice insurers and coverage counsel when coverage issues arise.
Florida Bar Grievances and Disciplinary Proceedings
A bar grievance — whether well-founded or not — demands immediate, experienced attention. The grievance process can be opaque and stressful, and a lawyer’s instinct to handle it alone is rarely the right approach. We assist attorneys at every stage of The Florida Bar’s disciplinary process, from responding to an initial inquiry or complaint to representing lawyers before a referee in formal disciplinary proceedings.
Our firm’s deep familiarity with The Florida Bar, its procedures, and the standards it applies positions us to provide counsel that is both strategic and informed. Founder Rutledge R. Liles’s tenure as President of The Florida Bar reflects the level of engagement with bar governance and professional standards that continues to define how we serve lawyer clients today.
We assist attorneys facing allegations involving:
- Violations of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar
- Trust account and fee disputes
- Conflicts of interest
- Communication failures and neglect of client matters
- Competence and supervision issues
- Conduct in connection with litigation
Representation for Clients Harmed by Legal Negligence
Lawyers hold positions of trust, and when that trust is broken through carelessness or professional failure, clients deserve meaningful recourse. We represent individuals and businesses who have suffered real harm as a result of their attorney’s negligence.
To establish a legal malpractice claim under Florida law, a client must show that an attorney-client relationship existed, that the attorney failed to exercise the reasonable care and skill that the circumstances required, and that this failure was the direct cause of actual, quantifiable harm to the client.
We evaluate each potential claim with that framework in mind, offering honest assessments of merit and pursuing litigation when the facts and law support it.
Common Forms of Attorney Negligence
Failure to Meet Critical Deadlines
The law imposes strict deadlines — statutes of limitations, filing cutoffs, response windows, and appellate timelines — and missing them can be irreversible. When an attorney’s failure to timely act results in a dismissed claim, a lost right, or a waived defense, the client may be entitled to recover the value of what was lost. Deadline failures are among the most serious forms of legal negligence because the harm they cause is often impossible to undo.
Inadequate Preparation and Legal Analysis
Competent representation requires that an attorney thoroughly investigate the facts and the law applicable to a client’s matter. When an attorney proceeds on a flawed legal theory, fails to identify
controlling authority, or provides advice based on an incomplete understanding of the relevant law, the client may suffer consequences that a properly prepared attorney would have avoided — an adverse judgment, a failed transaction, or a missed legal opportunity.
Conflicts of Interest
Attorneys owe their clients undivided loyalty. When an attorney represents parties with competing interests, has a personal stake in the outcome of a matter, or carries a prior relationship that colors the representation — and fails to disclose or properly address that conflict — the integrity of the entire representation is compromised. Clients who discover that their attorney labored under an undisclosed conflict may have a viable malpractice claim, particularly where the conflict contributed to an unfavorable outcome.
Breakdown in Client Communication
An attorney’s obligation to keep clients informed is fundamental. Lawyers who fail to communicate the status of a matter, withhold information that affects a client’s decision-making, or neglect to explain the implications of a proposed course of action deprive their clients of the ability to make informed choices about their own cases. When communication failures lead to harmful decisions or missed opportunities, the attorney may bear responsibility for the resulting harm.
Errors in Drafting Legal Documents
Contracts, wills, trusts, deeds, settlement agreements, and other legal instruments must accurately reflect the parties’ intentions and comply with applicable legal requirements. An attorney who drafts a document carelessly — omitting material terms, including ambiguous or unenforceable provisions, or failing to account for applicable legal formalities — can expose a client to disputes, financial losses, or outcomes that are the precise opposite of what the client sought to accomplish.
Work With The Liles Firm
Whether you are an attorney facing a grievance or a malpractice suit, or a client who believes you were let down by the lawyer you trusted, The Liles Firm brings the experience, judgment, and professional standing to handle your matter with the seriousness it deserves.
Personal Injury
When you or a loved one has been seriously hurt, the law firm you choose matters enormously. At The Liles Firm, we have spent nearly four decades standing up for injury victims across Florida, securing numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients. We are trial lawyers — and we are ready to go to court when that is what it takes to get you the result you deserve.
A Different Kind of Personal Injury Firm
The Liles Firm is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest recognition available for legal skill and professional ethics as evaluated by fellow members of the bar. Unlike large, high-volume personal injury operations, we take a more personal approach. Our attorneys work directly with you — you are not handed off to a case manager or lost in a revolving door of staff. We do not advertise for clients. Our practice is built on the trust of referring attorneys and co-counsel relationships with law firms that bring us in as trial counsel when their clients need experienced, courtroom-ready advocates. That reputation has been earned over nearly forty years — one case and one client at a time.
Cases We Handle
We represent individuals and families in a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death matters, including:
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Construction-Related Accidents
- Dangerous and Defective Products
- Defamation (Slander and Libel)
- Dog Bites
- Motorcycle Crashes
- Premises Liability
- Sexual Assault — Civil Claims
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Workplace Accidents
- Wrongful Death
No Fee Unless We Win — Our Contingency Fee Promise
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney’s fees unless and until we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery — if there is no recovery, you owe us no attorney’s fees. This arrangement ensures that every client, regardless of financial means, has access to the same high-quality legal representation that The Liles Firm has provided for nearly forty years.
Recent Results
The following are some of our recent results on behalf of clients in disputed personal injury and wrongful death matters:
- Matter Type Result
- Disputed Trucking Accident Verdict $1,741,386.61
- Disputed Wrongful Death Trucking Accident Settlement $1,500,000.00
- Disputed Car Accident Settlement $1,237,000.00
- Disputed Car Accident Settlement $600,000.00
- Disputed Trucking Accident Settlement $527,500.00
- Disputed Trucking Accident Settlement $402,500.00
- Disputed Sexual Assault Involving Two Minors Settlement $300,000.00
- Disputed Car Accident Settlement $250,000.00
- Disputed Sexual Assault in Daycare Settlement $200,000.00
- Disputed Slip and Fall Settlement $110,000.00
- Disputed Car Accident Settlement $110,000.00
- Disputed Slip and Fall Settlement $75,000.00
Contact Us
If you have been injured through someone else’s negligence, do not wait. Contact The Liles Firm today to speak directly with an attorney about your case.
Mediation Services
Experienced Mediators. Practical Solutions.
When a dispute arises, litigation is not always the best path forward. Mediation offers parties a confidential, structured opportunity to work toward a resolution on their own terms — without the cost, delay, and uncertainty of a trial. At The Liles Firm, we offer professional mediation services through two of our attorneys who are certified by the Florida Supreme Court as mediators.
Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediators
Rutledge B. Liles and Sarah C. Allen are both Florida Supreme Court certified mediators. Florida Supreme Court certification reflects demonstrated training, experience, and a commitment to the standards that govern the mediation process in Florida’s courts. Parties and counsel who select a certified mediator can be confident that the process will be conducted with professionalism, neutrality, and a thorough understanding of Florida’s mediation framework.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party — the mediator — facilitates communication between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediator does not decide the case or impose an outcome. Instead, the mediator guides the conversation, helps each side understand the other’s perspective, and works to identify common ground and potential solutions.
In Florida, mediation may be initiated voluntarily by the parties or ordered by a court as part of the litigation process. Either way, what is said during mediation is confidential and generally cannot be used against a party in subsequent proceedings. If the parties reach an agreement, it is reduced to writing and signed — creating an enforceable resolution.
Cases We Mediate
Rutledge B. Liles and Sarah C. Allen mediate a range of civil disputes, including:
Personal Injury Matters
Vehicle accidents, premises liability, and other injury-related claims where parties are seeking to resolve damages disputes efficiently and privately.
Business Disputes
Contract disagreements, partnership conflicts, commercial disputes, and other matters affecting businesses and their relationships.
General Civil Matters
A broad range of civil disputes in which parties are looking for a structured, neutral process to facilitate resolution outside of the courtroom.
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation offers meaningful advantages over litigation for many types of disputes:
Confidentiality
Unlike courtroom proceedings, mediation is private. What is discussed at the table stays at the table.
Control
The parties, not a judge or jury, shape the outcome. A negotiated resolution reflects what the parties actually agreed to.
Efficiency
Mediation can resolve disputes far more quickly than litigation, sparing both sides the time and expense of prolonged court proceedings.
Preservation of Relationships
In business and personal matters alike, mediation can allow the parties to resolve their differences without the adversarial damage that litigation often causes.
Scheduling a Mediation
To schedule a mediation with Rutledge B. Liles or Sarah C. Allen, or to learn more about our mediation services, contact The Liles Firm directly. We work with parties and their counsel to schedule sessions at mutually convenient times and locations.
Contact us today to discuss your mediation needs.
Local Counsel Services
Trusted Florida Counsel
When a matter takes you to Florida, having the right local partner can make all the difference. The Liles Firm has served as local counsel to national law firms and out-of-state firms for nearly four decades, bringing deep knowledge of Florida’s courts, judges, local rules, and procedural customs to every engagement.
We understand what out-of-state firms need from local counsel: reliability, responsiveness, and attorneys who genuinely know the terrain. Our firm has earned an AV Preeminent® rating — the highest rating available through the Martindale-Hubbell peer review system — and our lawyers are frequently recognized among the Best Lawyers in America®. National and out-of-state firms frequently retain us because we have built the kind of reputation and relationships that take years to develop, and because we deliver.
Why National and Out-of-State Firms Choose The Liles Firm
Established Reputation
With nearly 40 years of practice in Florida, The Liles Firm has developed longstanding relationships with the local judiciary and the broader legal community. Our attorneys are known and respected in the courts where your matter will be heard — and that familiarity carries real value.
Command of Local Rules and Procedure
Florida courts operate with their own customs, standing orders, and procedural expectations that are not always apparent from the rules themselves. We know how individual judges run their courtrooms, what local counsel is expected to know on day one, and how to navigate the procedural nuances that can affect the course of litigation. We help national and out-of-state firms avoid the missteps that come from learning local practice on the fly.
Seamless Collaboration
We work with national law firms and out-of-state firms regularly, and we know how to function as a true partner. We communicate clearly, meet deadlines, and keep lead counsel informed at every stage. Our role is to make your team more effective — not to add friction. Whether your firm is based across the country or in a neighboring state, you can expect the same high level of responsiveness and professionalism.
How We Can Assist
We provide local counsel support across a broad range of matters, including:
- Court appearances, hearings, and oral argument
- Review and filing of pleadings, motions, and other court documents for compliance with local rules
- Guidance on local court customs, standing orders, and judicial preferences
- Coordination with the clerk’s office and court staff
- E-filing and service of process compliance under Florida procedure
- Attendance at case management conferences, status hearings, and mediations
- Deposition support and witness preparation assistance
- Local legal research on Florida substantive and procedural law
- Serving as attorney of record for pro hac vice compliance purposes
- Strategic counsel on Florida-specific issues affecting litigation or transactional matters
A Partner You Can Rely On
National law firms and out-of-state firms come to us because they trust us to represent their clients with the same care and professionalism they would provide themselves. We take that responsibility seriously. Whether your matter involves complex commercial litigation, a single court appearance, or ongoing advisory support, The Liles Firm is prepared to serve as the Florida partner your team needs.
Contact us to discuss your local counsel needs. We are ready to help.
Labor & Employment Law
Protecting Your Rights. Supporting Your Business.
Employment relationships are at the heart of every organization — and when they break down, the consequences can be serious. Whether you are an employer trying to protect your business or an employee who has been treated unfairly, The Liles Firm is here to help you understand your rights, navigate your options, and achieve the best possible outcome.
Our attorneys work with businesses of all sizes and with individual employees across Florida on a wide range of employment matters — from drafting the agreements and policies that set expectations at the outset to resolving the disputes that arise when things go wrong.
Who We Represent
We represent both employers and employees.
For employers, we serve as a trusted resource for business owners and companies looking to build legally sound workplaces. We help you put the right agreements and policies in place, address compliance issues before they become costly problems, and defend your interests when disputes arise.
For employees, we provide straightforward, honest counsel to workers who have been wronged or are navigating a difficult transition. If your employer has violated your rights or failed to honor its obligations, we will help you understand your options and fight for what you are owed.
What We Handle
Wrongful Termination
Florida is an at-will employment state, but that does not mean an employer can terminate an employee for any reason. When a termination violates a contract, company policy, or the law — including terminations motivated by discrimination or retaliation — the employee may have a claim. We counsel both employers responding to wrongful termination allegations and employees who believe they were unlawfully let go.
Restrictive Covenants & Non-Competes
Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements are common tools for protecting a business’s competitive position, but enforcing them — or fighting them — requires a thorough understanding of Florida law. Florida courts evaluate restrictive covenants based on whether they are supported
by a legitimate business interest and are reasonable in scope, duration, and geography. We help employers draft enforceable agreements and pursue enforcement when former employees or competitors cross the line. We also represent employees and individuals seeking to challenge or limit the reach of restrictive covenants that unreasonably constrain their ability to work.
Trade Secrets
A company’s confidential information — its formulas, client lists, business processes, and proprietary data — can be among its most valuable assets. When that information is misappropriated, the damage can be swift and significant. Florida’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act provides meaningful remedies, including injunctive relief and damages, for businesses whose trade secrets have been stolen or improperly disclosed. We help businesses take swift action to protect their information and assist individuals accused of misappropriation in mounting a defense.
Employment Contracts
A well-drafted employment agreement protects both parties by clearly defining the terms of the relationship — compensation, duties, benefits, termination rights, and more. We draft, review, and negotiate employment contracts for employers and employees alike, with a focus on ensuring the agreement accurately reflects the deal and anticipates common points of dispute.
Independent Contractor Agreements
Misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees is one of the most significant compliance risks facing businesses today. A properly structured independent contractor agreement reflects the true nature of the working relationship and helps reduce the risk of reclassification claims. We help businesses structure their contractor relationships correctly from the start and draft agreements that are clear, enforceable, and legally sound.
Employee Handbooks & Policies
An employee handbook is more than a collection of workplace rules — it is a critical risk management tool. A well-crafted handbook communicates expectations, establishes consistent policies, and creates a documented framework that can be invaluable when a dispute arises. We help employers draft and update employee handbooks and standalone workplace policies that reflect current law and the needs of their specific business.
Employment Litigation & Dispute Resolution
When an employment dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, litigation may be necessary. We represent employers and employees in Florida state and federal courts, handling claims involving wrongful termination, breach of contract, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and more. Where appropriate, we also pursue resolution through mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes to achieve results efficiently and cost-effectively.
Severance Agreements
Severance agreements can bring finality to the end of an employment relationship — but only if they are properly drafted and fully understood. We assist employers in preparing severance packages that protect the company’s interests, and we counsel employees on the terms, implications, and negotiability of agreements they have been asked to sign.
Work With Us
Employment matters move quickly, and early counsel can make a significant difference in how a situation unfolds. Whether you are an employer looking to get ahead of a potential problem or an employee facing a difficult situation at work, The Liles Firm is ready to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you navigate your legal challenges.