Firm News

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/

Jeffrey Goodis, Erin Diaz, Brittany Hudson, and Andrew Hudson

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.

Tampa, Florida – La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is proud to announce its inclusion in the prestigious Best Law Firms 2025 rankings, an annual recognition by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®. This honor reflects the firm’s unwavering commitment to legal excellence, outstanding client service, and professional integrity.

The Best Law Firms ranking is one of the legal industry’s most distinguished accolades, recognizing firms that demonstrate exceptional performance and client satisfaction. La Cava Jacobson & Goodis earned high rankings in several practice areas, including Medical Malpractice Defense, Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation Defense, and Professional Liability Defense.

“This recognition underscores the dedication of our attorneys and staff, whose expertise and tireless efforts allow us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients,” said Louis La Cava, President and Managing Shareholder at La Cava Jacobson & Goodis. “We are honored by this continued recognition and grateful for the trust our clients and peers place in us.”

The Best Law Firms rankings are determined through a rigorous evaluation process that includes peer reviews, client feedback, and an assessment of a firm’s legal expertise, responsiveness, and professionalism. Eligibility for inclusion requires at least one attorney from the firm to be listed in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America®—a standard that La Cava Jacobson & Goodis has consistently met.

Founded in 2010, La Cava Jacobson & Goodis has built a reputation for excellence in medical malpractice defense and general liability defense. The firm is dedicated to providing innovative legal strategies and personalized counsel to meet the diverse needs of its clients, which range from individuals to corporations and insurance companies.

“This award is a reflection of our firm’s collaboration and shared vision to provide exceptional legal services while maintaining the highest ethical standards,” added Founding Shareholder, Kari Jacobson. “We remain committed to upholding our values and delivering results that exceed expectations.”

As La Cava Jacobson & Goodis celebrates this significant milestone, the firm looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and contributing to the advancement of the legal profession.

About La Cava Jacobson & Goodis

La Cava Jacobson & Goodis is a premier law firm specializing in medical malpractice and general liability defense. With offices across the State the Florida. The firm is committed to providing strategic and effective legal solutions tailored to its clients’ unique challenges.

About Best Law Firms

The Best Law Firms rankings, published by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, recognize law firms for their professional excellence and consistent high-quality legal services. Achieving a ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.

We are pleased to announced that Kaila Dorish, Katie Staab , and Natalie Keller have successfully completed the Florida Bar Exam and are now licensed attorneys!

Katie and Kaila are now Associates at the firm’s Tampa Office where they will be serving our clients. Katie has joined the firm’s General Liability Practice Group while Kaila has joined the firm’s Medical Malpractice Practice Group. Natalie is now an Associate at the firm’s St. Petersburg’s office where she will be service our clients and handling primarily medical malpractice matter.

Please join us in congratulating Kaila Dorish, Katie Staab, and Natalie Keller on this incredible achievement and welcoming them to the practice of law.