Civil Trial Defense Law Firm
La Cava Jacobson & Goodis handles
litigation and appeals in all Florida state and federal courts.
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.
La Cava Jacobson & Goodis Recognized in Best Lawyers’ 2026 Edition Across Multiple Practice Areas and Offices
/in Firm NewsTAMPA, FL – November 13, 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:
St. Petersburg Office:
Tampa Office:
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.
La Cava Jacobson & Goodis Congratulates Zachary Borello on Being Admitted to the Florida Bar
/in Firm NewsZachary is now an Associate at the firm’s St. Petersburg’s office where he will be service our clients and handling primarily medical malpractice matters.
Please join us in congratulating Zachary Borello on this incredible achievement and welcoming him to the practice of law.
LJG Attorneys Present Risk Management Best Practices to Statewide OBGYN Practice
/in Firm NewsJeffrey 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:
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.
Louis J. La Cava Named 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® in Tampa for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
/in Firm NewsThis 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
/in Firm NewsThis 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:
(Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006)
(Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2026)
(Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007)
(Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2023)
(Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2020)
(Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007)
(Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010)
(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.
LJG Attorneys Share Legal Insights with Physician Assistants to Prevent Malpractice Lawsuits
/in Firm NewsJeffrey 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.
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.
Howard Citron and Marie Tranakas Presented a Continuing Educational Program on Preventing Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
/in Firm NewsHoward 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.
Andrew and Brittany Hudson Present Deposition Training for Nurses at Hospital Nursing Grand Rounds
/in Firm NewsThe 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.
Congratulations to our new Naples Associate, Shanna Mais, for being admitted to The Florida Bar
/in Firm NewsShanna 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.
La Cava Jacobson & Goodis Attends the Stetson Law Career Fair
/in Firm NewsLa 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
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!