Seasoned duo Kari and Joe Metzger and Associate Jenna Thompson will become part of the  RumbergerKirk Tampa office.

TAMPA, Fla., March 11, 2024 – RumbergerKirk is pleased to announce that Kari A. Metzger and Joseph T. Metzger have joined the firm’s Tampa office as partners after 16 years of managing their own firm, Metzger Law Group, P.A. The seasoned duo has extensive experience in all areas of civil litigation and mediation. Also joining the firm from Metzger Law Group is associate Jenna Thompson.

“Kari and Joe have strong ties to RumbergerKirk and will both be an excellent addition to not only the Tampa office, but to RumbergerKirk as a whole,” said Frank Sheppard, managing partner of RumbergerKirk. “Both are highly respected attorneys with significant litigation experience. In addition, their commitment to client service, excellent results and a collaborative culture align perfectly with RumbergerKirk’s values,” he added.

“We are also thrilled to have Jenna joining us. We’re always looking for exceptional new legal talent of Jenna’s caliber to join the firm and are looking forward to her contributing to the firm’s success.”

Kari A. Metzger

A returning alumni of RumbergerKirk, Kari Metzger worked in both the firm’s Miami and Tampa offices early in her career. She has 30 years of experience in civil trial and appellate litigation and is also a certified mediator in both state and federal courts. She focuses her practice in personal injury litigation including automobile liability, professional liability, product liability, premises liability, civil trial and appellate litigation. Kari graduated from the University of Notre Dame and the University Of Miami School of Law where she graduated Order of the Coif.

“I am thrilled to be returning into the fold of esteemed colleagues and friends at RumbergerKirk,” said Kari.

Joseph T. Metzger

Joseph (Joe) T. Metzger is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by The Florida Bar, which recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. His primary focus has been in civil defense, including automobile and trucking liability, professional liability, product liability and premises liability. He also practices in the areas of medical liability and nursing home litigation. In addition, Joe has tried numerous jury trials to verdict and is well respected by clients for his high percentage of defense verdicts. Joe graduated from College of the Holy Cross and the University of Miami School of Law where he graduated with honors. 

“I have had the opportunity to work as co-counsel with many partners in the Tampa office of RumbergerKirk over nearly 30 years of practice in Tampa,” said Joe. “I am excited to join such a talented group and together we will continue our shared commitment to excellence, integrity and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.” 

Jenna Thompson

Jenna Thompson focuses her practice in the area of casualty and commercial litigation. She assists with the management of a high-volume casualty defense caseload. She graduated from the University of Florida and the Florida State University College of Law where she graduated at the top of her class.

About RumbergerKirk

RumbergerKirk provides litigation and counseling services in a wide range of civil practice areas including product liability, commercial litigation, construction, real estate, intellectual property litigation, securities litigation, labor and employment law, bankruptcy, insurance coverage, professional liability and administrative law. Offices are located in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee and Birmingham, Alabama. Visit www.rumberger.com.