ORLANDO, Fla. – February 1, 2011 – Top litigation attorney J. Scott Kirk, a partner with RumbergerKirk, has been elected president of the Central Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

The American Board of Trial Advocates, founded in 1958, is an organization dedicated to defending the American civil justice system.  With a membership of 6,300experienced 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.

“The goals during my one year term as president include expanding membership in Osceola, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole Counties where there are significant pockets of trial lawyers,” said Kirk. “Another priority will be addressing the need to place emphasis on civility in the legal practice. It is important to show courtesy in the courtroom and to our fellow lawyers and clients.”

Kirk said this year ABOTA will introduce civility courses at the Barry University and FAMU Schools of Law and into the local bar associations as well. Topics will focus on removing adversarial tones, building collegiality, and being respectful to clients and the general public.

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, Scott has been recognized by his peers and the community for his advocacy skills.  Florida Monthly magazine recognized him as one of "Florida’s Top Lawyers," and Orlando Magazine recognized Kirk as one of Orlando’s Best Lawyers.  In 2003, the magazineidentified him 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.

Kirk defends nationally known trucking companies in cases involving significant and catastrophic injuries as well as wrongful death claims.  Representing an industry subject to regulation at state and federal levels, his practice includes consulting with his trucking industry clients on evidence preservation and compliance matters that may impact the investigation of accidents and the defense of future litigation. 

In his casualty defense practice, Kirk represents public entities, individuals and businesses in a variety of matters including premises liability, motor vehicle accidents and product defect claims. In the product defect aspect of his casualty defense practice, Kirk has defended many products including ladders, stools, chairs, lawnmowers, farm implements, cranes and erection equipment, water heaters, conveyor systems and elevators/escalators. He has defended premises liability claims involving public housing, retail establishments, hotels, restaurants and bars as well as private homes.

Kirk defends manufacturers in the marine industry against claims of personal injury and wrongful death arising from boating accidents.  He has handled cases including those involving issues of vessel and engine design and performance, operator performance, and prop guard claims. Kirk also represents clients in admiralty matters involving the Jones Act.

Kirk also represents clients at administrative proceedings of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations and in judicial proceedings in state and federal court. 

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.

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RumbergerKirk provides litigation and counseling services in a wide range of civil practice areas including products liability, commercial litigation, intellectual property, environmental, employment, insurance, professional liability, health care and administrative law. Offices are located in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee and Birmingham, Alabama.