Michael S. Hooker concentrates his practice in the area of commercial litigation. During his more than 30-year career, Mr. Hooker has litigated a variety of complex commercial actions, including contract disputes, business torts, products liability claims, shareholder disputes and derivative actions, antitrust and trade regulation issues, disputes between franchisors and franchisees.
Although Mr. Hooker more often has represented defendants during his career, he also has prosecuted claims on behalf of plaintiffs in select cases. Mr. Hooker’s clients have relied on him on numerous occasions to guide them through complicated “bet the business” litigation.
In addition to his broad commercial litigation expertise, Mr. Hooker has extensive experience defending clients in significant class action cases, including defending a large qui tam case involving claims of Medicare fraud.
His clients have ranged from individuals with substantial claims to large publicly traded companies. Mr. Hooker also has represented franchisors, municipal and county governments, and privately held businesses of all sizes over the years.
Mr. Hooker also focuses on cybersecurity, privacy laws, and electronic discovery, and works with clients to develop strategies for electronic data organization, retention and collection – both before and during litigation – so they are prepared to actively avoid, pursue or defend disputes in the most efficient way possible.
Additionally, he assists clients in managing the security and privacy of their data, including actively responding to data breach incidents and ensuring compliance with state and federal data breach notification requirements.
EDUCATION:
- University of Virginia, J.D.
- Indiana University, MA
- University of Virginia, B.A., with high distinction, Phi Beta Kappa
ADMISSIONS:
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Membership:
- Hillsborough County Bar Association (Past President and Director)
- The Federal Bar Association, Tampa Bay Chapter (Past President)
- Tampa Bay Inn of Court (Master, Parliamentarian, and Treasurer, 1993-present)
- University of Tampa Board of Fellows (Board Member)
- Hyde Park United Methodist Church (Usher)
Cost
Rate : $$$