Litigation and Arbitration
Litigation and
Arbitration
FIDJ delivers strategic, results-driven representation in complex litigation and arbitration matters. Our seasoned attorneys excel at navigating high-stakes disputes with precision—whether in the courtroom or through alternative dispute resolution. We advocate for clients across diverse industries, handling complex commercial litigation, class actions, false claims act cases, and domestic and international arbitration. Committed to achieving optimal outcomes, FIDJ develops effective, efficient strategies that safeguard our clients’ interests and position them for success in even the most challenging disputes.
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATIONCLASS ACTION LITIGATIONFALSE CLAIMS ACT LITIGATIONINTERNATIONAL ARBITRATIONAppeals and Trial Support
Complex Commercial Litigation
FIDJ delivers strategic, results-driven representation in complex litigation and arbitration matters. Our seasoned attorneys excel at navigating high-stakes disputes with precision—whether in the courtroom or through alternative dispute resolution. We advocate for clients across diverse industries, handling complex commercial litigation, class actions, false claims act cases, and domestic and international arbitration. Committed to achieving optimal outcomes, FIDJ develops effective, efficient strategies that safeguard our clients’ interests and position them for success in even the most challenging disputes.
- Contract Disputes: Breach of contract, corporate governance, breach of fiduciary duty
- Business Torts: Tortious interference with business relations, defamation, unfair competition (including FDUTPA claims)
- Insurance & Fraud: Insurance bad faith claims, fraud, financial disputes
- Construction Litigation: Defects, contract disputes, payment and performance issues
- Real Estate Litigation: Brokerage commission disputes, financing conflicts, property disputes
- Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Commercial and residential lease disputes, evictions, rent disputes
- High-Stakes Litigation: Nationwide class actions, government agency litigation, multidistrict and multistate litigation.
If you or your company is in need of representation in a case involving a complex legal dispute, contact us at (305) 350-5690 or contact@fidjlaw.com for a free consultation.
Class Action Litigation
FIDJ has extensive experience litigating class action lawsuits across the United States. We aggressively represent our clients to secure favorable settlements or succeed at trial.
What Is a Class Action?
A class action is a lawsuit where a group of people with similar claims join together against a common defendant—often a large corporation—to seek justice in a single case. By combining resources, class actions allow individuals to take on powerful entities that might otherwise be too costly or difficult to challenge alone. These cases often involve widespread harm, such as deceptive business practices, defective products, securities fraud, or unfair employment practices. Class actions not only compensate victims but also hold corporations accountable and drive meaningful change.
Types of Class Actions We Handle
- Consumer Fraud: Deceptive business practices, false advertising
- Securities Fraud: Misleading investors, stock manipulation
- Unfair Trade Practices: Violations of FDUTPA and similar laws
- Product Liability: Defective products, safety hazards
- Employment Issues: Wage disputes, workplace discrimination
- Contract Claims: Unfair terms, hidden fees, mass contract violations
Why Choose FIDJ?
- Experienced Advocates: Our class action attorneys fight to protect clients’ rights and maximize recovery
- Trial Ready Approach: We aggressively litigate every case, whether pursuing a favorable settlement or taking it to trial
- Nationwide Representation: We handle cases in state and federal courts across the U.S.
If you believe you have a class action claim, contact us at (305) 350-5690 or contact@fidjlaw.com for a free consultation.
False Claims Act Litigation
FIDJ has extensive experience representing whistleblowers seeking to avail themselves of the benefits afforded by the federal False Claims Act by pursuing “qui tam” lawsuits against companies which have submitted false claims to, and have thereby damaged, the United States government. Today, the False Claims Act helps the United States recover billions of dollars per year, and in many cases, the whistleblowers who assist the United States in pursuing False Claims Act lawsuits (otherwise known as “qui tam” lawsuits) themselves earn sizable recoveries.
“Understanding the False Claims Act, and the role that whistleblowers play in helping the United States, requires a brief history lesson.”
The American Civil War brought to the forefront the ugly side of this country, from slavery to graft to treachery. Among the many calamities faced by President Lincoln was the growing trend of defense contractors defrauding the government, which caused our soldiers to be unnecessarily placed in even more danger as they placed their lives at risk to fight for this country.
In 1863, President Lincoln responded to this fraud by signing into law the False Claims Act, which provided substantial penalties to those caught defrauding the government. Because of the inherent difficulty of uncovering fraud, the False Claims Act, by its very terms, induced individuals to report acts of fraud against the government. In return for their information, these individuals (known as “whistleblowers” or “relators”) stood to participate in the government’s economic recovery through an award of a bounty ranging from 15-30 percent of the recovered damages. The False Claims Act proved to be an effective tool to ensure lawful conduct.
The False Claims Act, although amended since the Civil War, remains alive today and continues to be a strong deterrent against greed. The intent of the False Claims Act is to secure relief against all possible schemes designed to steal from our government and hence its people. Liability under the FCA can arise against anyone who makes, or causes to make, or conspires to make, a false statement or claim to the U.S. government, and against anyone who possesses or controls money or property wrongfully procured from the U.S. government.
Private citizen whistleblowers, or relators, have standing to commence an action against government defrauders. Actions brought by such private citizens are known as qui tam actions. Once the qui tam case is initiated, the government may intervene and take over the case. In some instances, the government elects not to intervene and the relator pursues the case to completion. If successful, just like during the Civil War, the relator will receive a participation in the recovery.
The concept of the False Claims Act has spread to many other fields, and Congress has promulgated “copycat” acts for tax fraud, insurance fraud, securities fraud, and other areas. Likewise, most states have enacted False Claims Act legislation of their own, which enables the states to prosecute those who defraud state governments, and reward those who serve the role of a relator.
Litigation under the False Claims Act and its progeny is complex and specialized. There are strict procedures to follow, and the litigation is frequently expensive and extensive. Attorneys pursuing False Claims Act cases on behalf of their whistleblower clients must also have a sound understanding of the business practices of the target companies submitting “false claims” to the government, as the line separating true and false is often very blurry. The qui tam attorneys at FIDJ are experienced in handling False Claims Act lawsuits, and prosecute each action with the singular goal of maximizing the rights of our whistleblower clients.
If you believe you have a class action claim, contact us at (305) 350-5690 or contact@fidjlaw.com for a free consultation.
International Arbitration
The “Who, What, Where, When and Why” of International Arbitration:
Who: All parties engaged in international trade should consider adding International Arbitration clauses to their contracts and resolving business disputes through International Arbitration.
What: International Arbitration is a method of dispute resolution that parties to international commercial contracts can agree to during contract negotiations.
Where: Commercial disputes involving International Arbitration may be litigated in a wide variety of forums worldwide. However, due to Florida’s enactment of an International Arbitration statute and Miami’s creation of a special court to assist in International Arbitrations, Miami is quickly becoming the world’s chosen forum for International Arbitration.
When: Now. In fact, International Arbitration is growing in popularity every day.
Why: Please read below for an explanation of why you should consider incorporating an International Arbitration clause into your international commercial agreements and resolving your complex business disputes through International Arbitration.
International Arbitration has become the preferred method of dispute resolution for parties engaged in international commerce. International Arbitration is also increasingly becoming the default method of dispute resolution included in contracts between the parties to international commercial transactions, and when disputes arise out of these transactions the parties often “litigate” in an agreed upon International Arbitration forum. The International Arbitration attorneys at FIDJ have extensive experience dealing with International Arbitration matters, and we routinely assist clients in drafting commercial agreements containing International Arbitration clauses, and litigate disputes arising from international commercial transactions in agreed upon International Arbitration forums.
Why is International Arbitration so important? International Arbitration gives parties to international commercial contracts predictability rarely found in international trade. Transactional documents increasingly integrate International Arbitration clauses, which establish firm rules and procedures governing every aspect of the dispute resolution process. Parties are also learning through experience that, unlike the locale of the parties, the dispute resolution agreement has no boundaries. One of the great benefits of International Arbitration is that virtually every part of the process may be agreed upon during the negotiation phase of the transaction – long before any dispute actually arises. Likewise, contracting parties can control the dispute resolution risk and avoid forums that may be nationalistic, ethnocentric, or xenophobic.
The International Arbitration lawyers at FIDJ regularly advise companies engaged in international commercial transactions regarding implementing International Arbitration clauses into their contracts. We help parties agree upon the locale for arbitration; specific organizations and rules to conduct the proceeding; the confidentiality of the proceedings; what and how information may be disclosed during the prehearing phase; how long the proceedings will last; who and/or how many arbitrators will decide the case (and the qualifications of such arbitrators); the time for the arbitrator(s) to render the award and the level of specificity which must be included in the award; the appellate rights, if any; the choice of language for the proceedings and award; the place(s) where the award may be confirmed and enforced; the currency of the award; the interest rates to be applied; and which party should be responsible for paying the arbitration costs and/or attorneys’ fees incurred in the proceedings.
In International Arbitration cases, one of the most important components of the process is the selection of the locale where the proceedings will take place. In 2010, the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida International Commercial Arbitration Act (“FICAA”), Fla. Stat. §684.0001, et seq., which is modeled after the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Model Arbitration Act (“UNCITRAL”). The passage of FICAA resulted in South Florida quickly becoming a leading forum for resolving matters involving International Arbitration. Florida has eliminated the barriers faced by foreign company lawyers in appearing in International Arbitration matters and related court proceedings, and now permits the active participation of foreign lawyers and law firms.
Recognizing the intrinsic value of being the preferred forum for international dispute resolutions, and thus a leader in international trade, the leaders of Miami presciently formed the idea to create a special court to facilitate the international arbitration process held in Miami. In December 2013, Miami-Dade County announced the establishment of the International Commercial Arbitration Court (ICAC), which is staffed by specially trained judges to exclusively address international commercial arbitration matters. Likewise, the Florida Bar rules were amended to allow lawyers from any country in the world to participate in international arbitrations in Florida without many of the restrictions placed by other states. See, e.g., R. Regulating Fla. Bar 1-3.11. FIDJ’s International Arbitration practice proudly welcomes and joins foreign company counsel to provide local assistance and representation in International Arbitration matters governed by the new Florida laws and occurring before Miami’s special International Arbitration panel.
Equally significant is the fact that the ICAC has built-in mechanisms to not only compel the arbitration process but quickly confirm the award. Adding to its attraction is the well-known fact that the South Florida community is replete with competent and qualified multi-lingual, multi-cultural arbitrators. Compelling South Florida even further is the demographic realities that Miami enjoys comparatively lower costs than its arbitral competition, and the convenience of Miami’s central geographic nexus to Latin and South America along with the infrastructure which affords efficient transportation to Europe and Asia.
The International Arbitration Team at FIDJ is staffed with experienced and deeply talented lawyers and professionals who are prepared to navigate the complex procedures surrounding international procedures. Our International Arbitration Team has arbitrated scores of cases in a variety of locales, and is fully prepared and ready to guide its clients through each phase of the process. Moreover, we are regularly called upon to collaborate with international lawyers who may need local experience to help facilitate their representation of clients in South Florida, and we zealously protect such relationships. Our International Arbitration Team stands ready to represent our clients not only in Miami, but all over the World.
Appeals and Trial Support
Appeals require a deep understanding of procedural rules, legal standards, and persuasive writing to effectively challenge or defend trial court decisions. Whether seeking to overturn an unfavorable ruling or defend a hard-fought victory, FIDJ’s appellate attorneys bring extensive experience in state and federal appeals. We also assist trial attorneys with critical support throughout litigation, ensuring issues are properly preserved for appeal.
Navigating the appeals process requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique rules of procedure and standards of review that govern a particular case, as well as thorough research and detailed, precise writing. FIDJ’s appellate attorneys have significant litigation and appellate experience at the state and federal levels.
Our appellate attorneys regularly handle appeals in a wide variety of civil practice areas including commercial litigation, business torts, real property disputes, commercial evictions, probate, personal injury, and nursing home negligence. Our appellate attorneys also have an in-depth understanding of the unique issues which arise in appeals of administrative agency decisions and have represented numerous clients throughout the administrative appeals process. We have also represented clients in original proceedings before state and federal courts of appeals including petitions for writs of certiorari and writs of mandamus, among others.
FIDJ’s appellate attorneys are often retained by other lawyers to provide trial support services from case inception through post-trial motion practice, including legal research, pre-trial and dispositive motion practice, motions in limine, and the drafting of jury instructions. Trial lawyers in the community count on us in all phases of litigation to ensure that the trial record is properly preserved for appeal.
If you or your company are in need of appellate representation or you are a trial litigator seeking trial support services, contact us at (305) 350-5690 or contact@fidjlaw.com for a free consultation.
Complex Commercial Litigation
FIDJ has extensive experience litigating complex commercial matters in a variety of forums throughout Florida and across the United States.
“The firm distinguishes itself in commercial litigation matters by aggressively representing its clients until a favorable settlement is reached or the client has succeeded at trial.”
FIDJ’s complex commercial litigation practice features highly skilled trial attorneys with decades of experience litigating a wide array of business disputes, including “bet the company” cases involving breach of contract, corporate governance (including breach of fiduciary and related matters), business torts (including tortious interference with business relations), insurance bad faith claims, defamation, unfair competition (including a host of cases involving Florida’s FDPTA statute), fraud, and real estate financing, defects, and many other related issues.
Our commercial litigation lawyers routinely handle complex cases in a wide array of forums nationwide, including arbitration panels, circuit and district courts, and state and federal courts of appeal in most United States circuits. Beyond typical business-to-business and business-to-customer disputes, our commercial litigation lawyers also handle complex, high stakes lawsuits, including nationwide class actions, government agency litigation, and multidistrict and multistate litigation.
FIDJ’s complex commercial litigation practice has a long record of successfully resolving high stakes cases on behalf of clients across a wide range of industries and in numerous forums.
If you or your company is in need of representation in a case involving a complex legal dispute, contact us at (305) 350-5690 or contact@fidjlaw.com for a free consultation.
Class Action Litigation
FIDJ has extensive experience litigating class action lawsuits in a variety of forums across the United States. The firm distinguishes itself in class action matters by aggressively representing its clients until a favorable settlement is reached or the class has succeeded at trial.
“A class action is a unique type of lawsuit in which the claims and rights of many people are decided in a single case.”
Class actions can take the form on almost any dispute, including consumer fraud, securities fraud, unfair and deceptive trade practices, false advertising claims, products liability, employment issues, or even boilerplate contract claims. The class action process allows the grouping of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals whose claims are commonly situated to seek judicial relief. The action is brought by a few determined individuals who fight for those who have suffered similar injuries. With the aggregate nature of the claims, the defendant corporation’s ability to outspend the plaintiff is neutralized. The aggrieved victims’ rights will be determined fairly, equitably, and collectively.
Our country rose from the discontent of oppressive power. It is within our genetic makeup to be vested with fundamental rights ensuring fairness, equality and justice. Access to our courts is granted to every citizen as a matter of right. Yet, the costs of litigation and the resources required to litigate against large, well-capitalized corporations have created a barrier for individuals to seek any meaningful redress against corporate wrongdoers. Class Action lawsuits have become the great equalizer.
The class action lawyers at FIDJ are experienced in handling class action lawsuits, and prosecute each action with the singular goal of maximizing the rights of our clients. To contact one of our experienced class action attorneys, contact us at (305) 350-5690 or contact@fidjlaw.com for a free consultation.
False Claims Act Litigation
FIDJ has extensive experience representing whistleblowers seeking to avail themselves of the benefits afforded by the federal False Claims Act by pursuing “qui tam” lawsuits against companies which have submitted false claims to, and have thereby damaged, the United States government. Today, the False Claims Act helps the United States recover billions of dollars per year, and in many cases, the whistleblowers who assist the United States in pursuing False Claims Act lawsuits (otherwise known as “qui tam” lawsuits) themselves earn sizable recoveries.
“Understanding the False Claims Act, and the role that whistleblowers play in helping the United States, requires a brief history lesson.”
The American Civil War brought to the forefront the ugly side of this country, from slavery to graft to treachery. Among the many calamities faced by President Lincoln was the growing trend of defense contractors defrauding the government, which caused our soldiers to be unnecessarily placed in even more danger as they placed their lives at risk to fight for this country.
In 1863, President Lincoln responded to this fraud by signing into law the False Claims Act, which provided substantial penalties to those caught defrauding the government. Because of the inherent difficulty of uncovering fraud, the False Claims Act, by its very terms, induced individuals to report acts of fraud against the government. In return for their information, these individuals (known as “whistleblowers” or “relators”) stood to participate in the government’s economic recovery through an award of a bounty ranging from 15-30 percent of the recovered damages. The False Claims Act proved to be an effective tool to ensure lawful conduct.
The False Claims Act, although amended since the Civil War, remains alive today and continues to be a strong deterrent against greed. The intent of the False Claims Act is to secure relief against all possible schemes designed to steal from our government and hence its people. Liability under the FCA can arise against anyone who makes, or causes to make, or conspires to make, a false statement or claim to the U.S. government, and against anyone who possesses or controls money or property wrongfully procured from the U.S. government.
Private citizen whistleblowers, or relators, have standing to commence an action against government defrauders. Actions brought by such private citizens are known as qui tam actions. Once the qui tam case is initiated, the government may intervene and take over the case. In some instances, the government elects not to intervene and the relator pursues the case to completion. If successful, just like during the Civil War, the relator will receive a participation in the recovery.
The concept of the False Claims Act has spread to many other fields, and Congress has promulgated “copycat” acts for tax fraud, insurance fraud, securities fraud, and other areas. Likewise, most states have enacted False Claims Act legislation of their own, which enables the states to prosecute those who defraud state governments, and reward those who serve the role of a relator.
Litigation under the False Claims Act and its progeny is complex and specialized. There are strict procedures to follow, and the litigation is frequently expensive and extensive. Attorneys pursuing False Claims Act cases on behalf of their whistleblower clients must also have a sound understanding of the business practices of the target companies submitting “false claims” to the government, as the line separating true and false is often very blurry. The qui tam attorneys at FIDJ are experienced in handling False Claims Act lawsuits, and prosecute each action with the singular goal of maximizing the rights of our whistleblower clients.
If you are a whistleblower and are seeking representation to disclose your claim to the United States government, or if your company is facing the threat of False Claims Act litigation, contact us at (305) 350-5690 or contact@fidjlaw.com for a free consultation.
International Arbitration
The “Who, What, Where, When and Why” of International Arbitration:
Who: All parties engaged in international trade should consider adding International Arbitration clauses to their contracts and resolving business disputes through International Arbitration.
What: International Arbitration is a method of dispute resolution that parties to international commercial contracts can agree to during contract negotiations.
Where: Commercial disputes involving International Arbitration may be litigated in a wide variety of forums worldwide. However, due to Florida’s enactment of an International Arbitration statute and Miami’s creation of a special court to assist in International Arbitrations, Miami is quickly becoming the world’s chosen forum for International Arbitration.
When: Now. In fact, International Arbitration is growing in popularity every day.
Why: Please read below for an explanation of why you should consider incorporating an International Arbitration clause into your international commercial agreements and resolving your complex business disputes through International Arbitration.
International Arbitration has become the preferred method of dispute resolution for parties engaged in international commerce. International Arbitration is also increasingly becoming the default method of dispute resolution included in contracts between the parties to international commercial transactions, and when disputes arise out of these transactions the parties often “litigate” in an agreed upon International Arbitration forum. The International Arbitration attorneys at FIDJ have extensive experience dealing with International Arbitration matters, and we routinely assist clients in drafting commercial agreements containing International Arbitration clauses, and litigate disputes arising from international commercial transactions in agreed upon International Arbitration forums.
Why is International Arbitration so important? International Arbitration gives parties to international commercial contracts predictability rarely found in international trade. Transactional documents increasingly integrate International Arbitration clauses, which establish firm rules and procedures governing every aspect of the dispute resolution process. Parties are also learning through experience that, unlike the locale of the parties, the dispute resolution agreement has no boundaries. One of the great benefits of International Arbitration is that virtually every part of the process may be agreed upon during the negotiation phase of the transaction – long before any dispute actually arises. Likewise, contracting parties can control the dispute resolution risk and avoid forums that may be nationalistic, ethnocentric, or xenophobic.
The International Arbitration lawyers at FIDJ regularly advise companies engaged in international commercial transactions regarding implementing International Arbitration clauses into their contracts. We help parties agree upon the locale for arbitration; specific organizations and rules to conduct the proceeding; the confidentiality of the proceedings; what and how information may be disclosed during the prehearing phase; how long the proceedings will last; who and/or how many arbitrators will decide the case (and the qualifications of such arbitrators); the time for the arbitrator(s) to render the award and the level of specificity which must be included in the award; the appellate rights, if any; the choice of language for the proceedings and award; the place(s) where the award may be confirmed and enforced; the currency of the award; the interest rates to be applied; and which party should be responsible for paying the arbitration costs and/or attorneys’ fees incurred in the proceedings.
In International Arbitration cases, one of the most important components of the process is the selection of the locale where the proceedings will take place. In 2010, the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida International Commercial Arbitration Act (“FICAA”), Fla. Stat. §684.0001, et seq., which is modeled after the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Model Arbitration Act (“UNCITRAL”). The passage of FICAA resulted in South Florida quickly becoming a leading forum for resolving matters involving International Arbitration. Florida has eliminated the barriers faced by foreign company lawyers in appearing in International Arbitration matters and related court proceedings, and now permits the active participation of foreign lawyers and law firms.
Recognizing the intrinsic value of being the preferred forum for international dispute resolutions, and thus a leader in international trade, the leaders of Miami presciently formed the idea to create a special court to facilitate the international arbitration process held in Miami. In December 2013, Miami-Dade County announced the establishment of the International Commercial Arbitration Court (ICAC), which is staffed by specially trained judges to exclusively address international commercial arbitration matters. Likewise, the Florida Bar rules were amended to allow lawyers from any country in the world to participate in international arbitrations in Florida without many of the restrictions placed by other states. See, e.g., R. Regulating Fla. Bar 1-3.11. FIDJ’s International Arbitration practice proudly welcomes and joins foreign company counsel to provide local assistance and representation in International Arbitration matters governed by the new Florida laws and occurring before Miami’s special International Arbitration panel.
Equally significant is the fact that the ICAC has built-in mechanisms to not only compel the arbitration process but quickly confirm the award. Adding to its attraction is the well-known fact that the South Florida community is replete with competent and qualified multi-lingual, multi-cultural arbitrators. Compelling South Florida even further is the demographic realities that Miami enjoys comparatively lower costs than its arbitral competition, and the convenience of Miami’s central geographic nexus to Latin and South America along with the infrastructure which affords efficient transportation to Europe and Asia.
The International Arbitration Team at FIDJ is staffed with experienced and deeply talented lawyers and professionals who are prepared to navigate the complex procedures surrounding international procedures. Our International Arbitration Team has arbitrated scores of cases in a variety of locales, and is fully prepared and ready to guide its clients through each phase of the process. Moreover, we are regularly called upon to collaborate with international lawyers who may need local experience to help facilitate their representation of clients in South Florida, and we zealously protect such relationships. Our International Arbitration Team stands ready to represent our clients not only in Miami, but all over the World.
Appeals and Trial Support
Navigating the appeals process requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique rules of procedure and standards of review that govern a particular case, as well as thorough research and detailed, precise writing. FIDJ’s appellate attorneys have significant litigation and appellate experience at the state and federal levels.
Our appellate attorneys regularly handle appeals in a wide variety of civil practice areas including commercial litigation, business torts, real property disputes, commercial evictions, probate, personal injury, and nursing home negligence. Our appellate attorneys also have an in-depth understanding of the unique issues which arise in appeals of administrative agency decisions and have represented numerous clients throughout the administrative appeals process. We have also represented clients in original proceedings before state and federal courts of appeals including petitions for writs of certiorari and writs of mandamus, among others.
FIDJ’s appellate attorneys are often retained by other lawyers to provide trial support services from case inception through post-trial motion practice, including legal research, pre-trial and dispositive motion practice, motions in limine, and the drafting of jury instructions. Trial lawyers in the community count on us in all phases of litigation to ensure that the trial record is properly preserved for appeal.
If you or your company are in need of appellate representation or you are a trial litigator seeking trial support services, , contact us at (305) 350-5690 or contact@fidjlaw.com for a free consultation.
