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.

We are pleased to announce that Shanna Mais has successfully completed The Florida Bar Exam and is now a licensed attorney!

Shanna is now an Associate at the firm’s Naples office where she will be serving our clients and handling primarily general liability matters.

Please join us in congratulating Shanna Mais on this incredible achievement and welcoming her to the practice of law.

Tampa, FL – March 2025 – La Cava Jacobson & Goodis proudly announces that Associate, Brittany G. Hudson, has authored a compelling article titled “Behind the White Coat: The Impact of Litigation on Physicians,” published in the Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law. ​

In this article, Hudson examines the psychological and professional repercussions that medical malpractice lawsuits impose on physicians. She challenges the common perception that litigation serves solely as a corrective measure, highlighting instead how it can lead to defensive medicine practices, increased stress, and a potential decline in the quality of patient care. Hudson advocates for a more balanced approach that considers the well-being of healthcare providers while ensuring patient rights.​

Hudson’s dedication to the medical community is evident not only through her legal practice but also in her proactive efforts to educate healthcare professionals on mitigating legal risks. In October 2022, she collaborated with Shareholder Jeffrey Goodis and Associate Andrew Hudson to present “Avoiding Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: The Teamwork Approach” to a group of gastroenterologists. This presentation emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration among medical teams to prevent negligence claims.

Hudson earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in 2015 and her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 2019. During her time at Stetson, she was an active member of the Trial Team, competing in the National Trial Competition in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and was recognized on the Honor Roll. Her commitment extended beyond academics; she served as a research assistant to Professor Teresa Radwan, held the position of pro bono chair for the Florida Association of Women Lawyers at Stetson, and participated on the council for the National Women’s Law Student Organization. Her practical experience includes judicial internships with the 13th Judicial Circuit, serving as a Guardian Ad Litem for Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Since joining La Cava Jacobson & Goodis, Hudson has focused her practice on medical malpractice defense, demonstrating a profound understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare litigation. Her recent publication underscores her commitment to bridging the gap between legal practice and the medical profession, aiming to foster a more empathetic and effective healthcare system

For more information about Brittany G. Hudson and her work, please visit La Cava Jacobson & Goodis. If you would like read her article, you can access it at https://www2.stetson.edu/advocacy-journal/behind-the-white-coat-the-impact-of-litigation-on-physicians/

Gulfport, FL – January 31, 2024 – Jeffrey Goodis, Erin Diaz, Andrew Hudson, and Brittany Hudson recently participated in Stetson University College of Law’s Campus to Career: How I Lawyer Mentoring Program, a premier professional development conference designed to help law students transition from academics to successful legal careers.

Hosted at Stetson Law’s campus, the event brought together experienced legal professionals, faculty, and students for a day of insightful discussions on career paths, professional skills, and the realities of law practice. Jeff, Erin, Andrew, and Brittany contributed their expertise as panelists, sharing their personal journeys in the legal profession and offering invaluable advice to future attorneys.

During the program, the attorneys participated in discussions covering essential career-building topics such as networking, developing a professional identity, and navigating various legal fields. Drawing from their years of experience, they provided practical insights on the challenges and opportunities young lawyers face when entering the profession.

“It was an honor to be part of this event and to connect with the next generation of legal professionals,” said Jeffrey Goodis. “Law school prepares students with the legal knowledge they need, but events like these help bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world practice.”

The Campus to Career: How I Lawyer Mentoring Program is a cornerstone of Stetson Law’s commitment to equipping students with the skills needed for a successful legal career. By engaging with practicing attorneys, students gain firsthand knowledge of what it takes to thrive in different areas of the law.

Stetson Law, known for its strong emphasis on advocacy and professional development, continues to host initiatives that connect students with experienced practitioners. The Campus to Career: How I Lawyer Mentoring Program serves as a vital resource for students looking to refine their career goals and gain insights from seasoned professionals.

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis’ participation underscores our dedication to mentoring aspiring lawyers and contributing to the legal community. Our involvement in programs like these helps foster professional development and ensures that the next generation of attorneys is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.