La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is pleased to announce the promotion of Andrew Hudson and Brittany Hudson to partner. Both attorneys have built impressive track records defending healthcare providers in medical malpractice litigation across Florida since joining the firm after graduating from Stetson University College of Law in 2019.

Andrew Hudson has worked on complex medical malpractice cases throughout his time with the firm. He has assisted in securing multiple defense verdicts in high-stakes trials alongside firm founder Lou La Cava. Andrew has also been a presenter at numerous risk management seminars for healthcare providers around the state of Florida.

Brittany Hudson concentrates her practice on medical malpractice defense and has become a go-to resource for healthcare professionals navigating litigation. She recently published “Behind the White Coat: The Impact of Litigation on Physicians” in the Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law. Brittany regularly presents risk management training to physicians and nurses. She has also been an active mentor at Stetson Law, participating in career development programs that help students transition into practice.

Drew and Brittany’s  promotion to partner recognize not just their success as  attorneys,  but their commitment to educating both healthcare providers and young lawyers.

TAMPA, FL – November 14, 2025 – La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is proud to announce its recognition in the 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers: Best Law Firms – United States, earning top-tier rankings across multiple practice areas in Florida.

The firm achieved Regional Tier 1 recognition in nine practice area and office combinations, demonstrating exceptional strength in defense litigation throughout the state. These honors include:

Fort Lauderdale Office:

• Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

St. Petersburg Office:

• Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants

Tampa Office:

• Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Litigation – Insurance
• Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Additionally, the Tampa office received Regional Tier 2 recognition for Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants and Regional Tier 3 recognition for Construction Law.

“This recognition by Best Lawyers reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team,” said Louis La Cava, President and Managing SHareholder. “Our consistent rankings across multiple offices and practice areas underscore our firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional legal representation to our clients throughout Florida.”

The Best Lawyers rankings are based on an exhaustive peer-review survey comprising more than 13 million evaluations by top attorneys. The methodology is designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

About La Cava Jacobson & Goodis

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is a civil trial defense law firm dedicated to representing self-insureds, insurance companies and those whom they insure. The firm handles litigation and appeals in all Florida state and federal courts, serving clients throughout the state. The attorneys of La Cava Jacobson & Goodis are committed to providing exceptional legal services, and they have the experience, resources, credentials and credibility necessary to assist their clients in achieving their desired results. For more information, visit www.ljglegal.com.

About Best Lawyers

Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation, and lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed.

Jeffrey Goodis, Andrew Hudson, and Brittany Hudson recently partnered with a statewide OBGYN practice to present an engaging and informative program on Risk Management Best Practices. The session was designed to equip physicians and staff with practical strategies to strengthen patient care, reduce liability exposure, and navigate the complexities of medical litigation.

The attorneys led discussions on several key areas, including:

• Chart Documentation:Highlighting the importance of clear, accurate, and timely entries to ensure quality of care and defensibility in potential claims.
• Avoiding Medical Malpractice Pitfalls:Reviewing common risks in obstetrics and gynecology and offering guidance on proactive measures to mitigate those risks.
• Best Practices During Litigation:Sharing insight into what providers can expect should litigation arise, and how preparation, communication, and teamwork can make a difference in outcomes.

The interactive format encouraged thoughtful questions and dialogue, allowing participants to connect legal principles with the realities of daily medical practice.

In addition to the educational component, the event included a unique hands-on opportunity. The attorneys joined physicians in practicing baby delivery skills on a dystocia simulator, gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges OBGYNs face in high-pressure delivery scenarios. The exercise not only reinforced the importance of effective documentation and communication during emergencies but also provided a memorable way to bridge the medical and legal perspectives.

The program underscored the value of collaboration between the legal and medical communities in promoting patient safety while reducing professional risk. By blending legal expertise with clinical realities, Jeff, Andrew, and Brittany helped participants walk away with practical tools and a renewed focus on excellence in care.

TAMPA, 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.

Howard Citron and Marie Tranakas presented a continuing educational program to over 100 hospital residents at a local hospital in Ft. Lauderdale. The presentation focused on the critical role of accurate and thorough patient documentation in preventing medical malpractice lawsuits.

Howard and Marie drew upon years of litigation experience to deliver a practical look at the intersection of medicine and the law. Their message was clear: strong documentation does not just improve patient care – it can also keep healthcare professionals out of the courtroom. They walked residents through real-world examples and discussed how seemingly small omissions in charts or progress notes can create liability risks. Residents learned how proper documentation can serve as a key defense tool if care is ever questioned in a legal setting.

The session emphasized best practices, including timely entries, avoiding vague language, and clearly recording clinical decision-making. Attendees were reminded that strong documentation is not just a medical necessity – it is also a powerful legal shield.

The attorneys concluded by reminding residents that each note, each timestamp, and each detail can be their best protection in the unpredictable world of medical malpractice litigation.