TAMPA, 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.

Jeffrey Goodis, Andrew Hudson, and Brittany Hudson recently had the privilege of presenting to a local chapter of the Physician Assistants Association on the timely and crucial topic of “Best Practices to Avoid Medical Malpractice Lawsuits.” The interactive session brought together dozens of Physician Assistants (PAs) from a variety of specialties to learn practical, real-world strategies for risk reduction in their daily clinical practices.

Drawing from their extensive experience in defending healthcare professionals in malpractice claims, the attorneys offered valuable legal insights tailored specifically for the PA audience. Mr. Goodis opened the presentation with an overview of current trends in medical malpractice litigation, emphasizing the most common causes of claims, including diagnostic errors, communication breakdowns, and documentation issues. His message was clear: prevention begins with awareness.

Mr. Hudson focused on documentation, reinforcing the importance of thorough, accurate, and timely charting. He provided real examples where poor documentation contributed to adverse outcomes and legal exposure. He also outlined key elements of defensible documentation and offered best practices that PAs could implement immediately.

Mrs. Hudson wrapped up the session with a deep dive into patient communication. She emphasized how clear, compassionate, and consistent communication can significantly reduce the likelihood of patient dissatisfaction and claims. She also shared techniques for navigating difficult conversations, managing patient expectations, and recognizing situations that may signal future legal risk. Her insights served as a powerful reminder of the human side of medicine—and how it often intersects with the legal system.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where attendees asked thoughtful questions ranging from informed consent nuances to navigating electronic medical records.

This collaborative event underscored the value of proactive legal education for healthcare providers. By understanding the legal landscape and adopting preventive practices, Physician Assistants can reduce their risk while improving patient care.

Our attorneys were honored to support the PA community and look forward to continuing their outreach and educational efforts across the healthcare field. Their message was simple but impactful: staying informed and practicing with intention is the best defense against malpractice claims.

Andrew Hudson, Esq., and Brittany Hudson, Esq., both seasoned medical malpractice defense attorneys, led an impactful continuing education program for nurses at a Hospital. The presentation was part of the hospital’s Litigation Support Program and aimed to prepare nurses for participating in depositions—an often unfamiliar but critical aspect of legal proceedings in healthcare.

The interactive program featured a case study and mock depositions, offering nurses a realistic look into the deposition process. During the presentation, Andrew and Brittany guided attendees through the key elements of providing testimony, emphasizing how communication and documentation can influence legal outcomes. Nurses also learned how their performance during questioning can impact a case.

Attendees observed a participant nurse and physician serve as expert witnesses in mock scenarios, gaining insight into effective response strategies, attorney questioning tactics, and best practices in presenting oneself under legal scrutiny. The program underscored that nurses may be called to testify even when not named in a lawsuit, making preparation essential.

Through their engaging and educational presentation, Andrew and Brittany Hudson provided valuable tools for nurses to navigate legal challenges confidently and professionally.

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis, a premier Florida-based law firm specializing in civil litigation, proudly attended the Stetson Law Career Fair to connect with the next generation of legal talent. The event, hosted by Stetson University College of Law, provided an excellent opportunity for students to engage with experienced attorneys, explore career paths, and gain insight into the firm’s dynamic legal practice.

Connecting with Future Legal Professionals

As a firm dedicated to excellence in defense litigation, La Cava Jacobson & Goodis values mentorship and professional development. Attorneys and recruiters from the firm were on hand to discuss opportunities for law clerks, interns, and future associates, providing students with valuable guidance on launching their legal careers.

Firm Overview and Career Opportunities

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is recognized for its strong litigation practice, defending clients in medical malpractice, insurance defense, professional liability, and general civil litigation. With multiple offices across Florida, the firm offers a collaborative work environment and the opportunity to handle complex cases from the start of a legal career.

Students attending the fair had the chance to learn about the firm’s commitment to mentorship, professional growth, and hands-on litigation experience. Many expressed interest in the firm’s summer associate programs, which provide real-world exposure to trial practice and case strategy.

A Bright Future in Law

The Stetson Law Career Fair serves as a crucial bridge between legal education and professional practice. La Cava Jacobson & Goodis remains committed to fostering new talent and looks forward to welcoming the next generation of attorneys into its ranks.

For more information about career opportunities at La Cava Jacobson & Goodis, contact us today!

Tampa, FL – February 2025 – La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is proud to announce that nine of its attorneys across five offices have been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Super Lawyers list for 2025. This recognition highlights the firm’s commitment to excellence in legal advocacy and its reputation for delivering outstanding results for clients.

The attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars span multiple practice areas, reflecting the firm’s depth of experience and dedication to providing top-tier legal representation. Selection to Super Lawyers is based on a rigorous evaluation process, including peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievement.

Recognized Super Lawyers Attorneys:

Louis J. La Cava – Recognized as a Super Lawyer for over 20 years.

Jeffrey M. Goodis – Recognized as a Super Lawyer for over 20 years, Tampa Bay Top 50, and Florida Top 100.

David Nelson – Recognized as a Super Lawyer for over 10 years.

Jonathon P. Lynn – Recognized as a Super Lawyer for over 10 years.

Justine D. Adamski – Super Lawyers 2025.

Additionally, the firm celebrates its Rising Stars, attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional legal talent early in their careers:

Erin M. Diaz – Rising Star 2025

Kelly Neufville – Rising Star 2025

Lindsay DeCarlo – Rising Star 2025

Amanda “Mandi” Smith – Rising Star 2025

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and evaluations to ensure only the most distinguished legal professionals receive this honor.

“La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is honored to have such a talented team recognized for their excellence and dedication to serving our clients,” said Louis J. La Cava, Managing Shareholder. “This recognition is a testament to their hard work, legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to the legal profession.”

About La Cava Jacobson & Goodis

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is a full-service litigation firm specializing in civil defense, medical malpractice, insurance defense, and professional liability. With a team of experienced trial attorneys, the firm is dedicated to providing superior legal representation to clients throughout Florida.