ORLANDO, Fla. – November 11, 2014 – J. Scott Kirk, a partner with RumbergerKirk in Orlando, received the “Defense Trial Lawyers of the Year” from the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Central Florida Chapter during its annual Judicial Luncheon at the Embassy Suites in downtown Orlando.

Kirk represents clients in the areas of commercial trucking litigation, casualty defense, product liability, employment and admiralty. Defending clients in hotly contested litigation in Florida’s state and federal courts, he has been recognized by his peers and the community for his advocacy skills.  Florida Monthly magazine recognized Kirk as one of "Florida’s Top Lawyers," a distinction bestowed upon him by his peers. Orlando Magazine recognized him as one of Orlando’s Best Lawyers.  The magazine alsoidentified Kirk as a "Legal Eagle" in the area of personal injury litigation, following his 2001 recognition in the magazine as one of "Orlando’s 55 Best Attorneys."  His peers have selected Kirk every year for the past ten years for inclusion in Woodward/White’s, The Best Lawyers in America, in the field of personal injury litigation.

The American Board of Trial Advocates, founded in 1958, is dedicated to defending the American civil justice system. With a membership of 6,700 experienced attorneys representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases, ABOTA is uniquely qualified to speak about the value of the constitutionally mandated jury system as the protector of the rights of persons and property.

ABOTA also requires its members to be responsible for elevating the standards of integrity, honor, ethics, civility and courtesy in the legal profession. The organization’s Code of Professionalism and Principles of Civility, Integrity and Professionalism provide a guide of proper conduct for lawyers.

Kirk defends nationally known trucking companies in cases involving significant and catastrophic injuries as well as wrongful death claims.  In his casualty defense practice, he represents clients in a variety of matters including premises liability, motor vehicle accidents and product defect claims. Kirk’s practice also includes defending manufacturers against product liability claims and public entities in employment matters.

In additional to his trial practice, Kirk serves as an arbitrator in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.  He frequently speaks to clients and at seminars on topics related to claims investigation and defense.  Kirk earned a juris doctor from Stetson University.

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. For more information, please visit www.rumberger.com.