Louis J. La Cava Named 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® in Tampa for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants

Lawyer of the Year - Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants, Tampa (2026)Louis J. La CavaTAMPA, FL – August 2025 – La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is pleased to announce that founding partner Louis J. La Cava has been named 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in Tampa for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants by Best Lawyers®. This prestigious recognition is awarded to only one attorney in each practice area and region, making it one of the publication’s most distinguished honors.

This marks the sixth time Mr. La Cava has received the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction, underscoring his reputation as one of the leading trial attorneys in Florida. In addition to this recognition, he has been consistently listed in Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants.

With decades of experience representing healthcare providers and institutions, Mr. La Cava is recognized for his strategic advocacy, deep understanding of complex medical and legal issues, and commitment to achieving exceptional results for clients. His leadership has also been instrumental in shaping La Cava Jacobson & Goodis as one of Florida’s premier defense litigation firms.

“Being recognized again by Best Lawyers is a tremendous honor,” said La Cava. “It reflects not only the hard work we do on behalf of our clients, but also the outstanding team I have the privilege to work alongside every day.”

The Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” award is based on peer review and is presented to attorneys who receive the highest overall feedback from their peers in a given practice area and location.

About La Cava Jacobson & Goodis

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is a Florida-based law firm focused on providing exceptional defense representation to clients in medical malpractice, general liability, and complex litigation matters. With offices throughout the state, the firm is committed to delivering client-focused solutions with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers® 2026 Edition

La Cava Jacobson & GoodisTAMPA, FL – La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is proud to announce that multiple attorneys across Florida have been recognized in the Best Lawyers® 2026 Edition for their outstanding work and dedication to the legal profession. These prestigious honors highlight the firm’s longstanding commitment to excellence in defense litigation.

This year, Louis J. La Cava was named Lawyer of the Year in Tampa for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. This distinction is awarded to only one lawyer per practice area in each region, making it one of the most significant accolades in the legal community. Notably, this marks the 6th time Mr. La Cava has been honored as Lawyer of the Year during his career.

In addition to this recognition, the following attorneys were honored in the Best Lawyers® 2026 Edition:

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Jonathon P. Lynn – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
      (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006)
  • Jacksonville, FL
    • Jenifer Worley – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
      (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2026)
  • St. Petersburg, FL
    • Jeffrey M. Goodis – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
      (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007)
  • Tampa, FL
    • Erin M. Diaz – Litigation – Insurance; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
      (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2023)
    • Kari K. Jacobson – Construction Law; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
      (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2020)
    • Louis J. La Cava – Litigation – Insurance; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
      (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007)
    • David S. Nelson – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
      (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010)
    • Thomas Saieva – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
      (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024)

Additionally, in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® (2026 Edition), Mark R. Messerschmidt (Tampa) was recognized for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. He has been recognized in this category since 2022.

“Being consistently recognized by Best Lawyers® is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and advocacy our attorneys provide every day,” said Kari Jacobson, Founder/Shareholder. “We are especially proud of Lou La Cava’s Lawyer of the Year honor, which reflects his continued leadership and reputation for excellence.”

About La Cava Jacobson & Goodis
La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is a Florida-based defense law firm representing clients in medical malpractice, professional liability, construction law, insurance litigation, and general liability. The firm is committed to providing strategic, results-driven representation with integrity and professionalism.

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis Named a 2025 Sustaining Law Firm by Bay Area Legal Services

Sustaining Law Firm 2025La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is honored to be recognized as a 2025 Sustaining Law Firm by Bay Area Legal Services. This recognition reflects our firm’s continued dedication to supporting access to justice and providing critical resources to underserved communities.

As a Sustaining Law Firm, we are proud to contribute to Bay Area Legal Services’ mission of delivering high-quality legal assistance to individuals and families in need. We believe in the importance of ensuring that legal representation is available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

We thank Bay Area Legal Services for their impactful work and are proud to stand with them in advancing equal justice for all.