Cooke, Jodi D.

Education

Stephen M. Fernandez received his law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law. While in law school he focused on courses relevant to the field of personal injury and trial practice. Mr. Fernandez was also an active member of the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy. Prior to studying law, he graduated with high honors from the University of Florida with a degree in Political Science. He also earned minors in Business Administration and Environmental Studies.

Professional Experience

Mr. Fernandez has focused his career on representing accident victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He also represents the victims of wrongful insurance denials.

Mr. Fernandez is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Georgia. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. His experience includes handling automobile accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, motorcycle accidents, commercial trucking cases, premises liability, negligent security, watercraft accidents, assault/battery, and insurance denials under both state law and ERISA.

Activities, Associations and Awards

Mr. Fernandez has quickly built a reputation as a skilled litigator and zealous advocate for his clients. In 2010, he was honored to be named by Florida Super Lawyers magazine as a "Rising Star" in the State of Florida. This distinction is awarded to no more than 2.5% of attorneys and is based on factors such as academic achievement, peer recognition and professional accomplishments. Mr. Fernandez has an "Excellent" rating by Avvo.

He is a member of the American Association of Justice, the Florida Justice Association, the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, the Manasota Trial Lawyers Association Board of Directors, the Sarasota Bar Association, and the Association of Plaintiff's Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. His is also on the Board of Sarasota Bay Watch, a non-profit organization committed to preserving and restoring Sarasota Bay.

Mr. Fernandez has written various publications on subjects ranging from the handling of insurance claims to fly-fishing. In 2003 his article "Captive-bred Exceptions: An Unconventional Approach to Conservation Under the ESA" won the Barbara W. Maker award and was published in the UF Journal of Law and Public Policy. He has also published fishing and conservation articles in Fisheries Magazine, Florida Sportsman and Salt Water Fly Fishing. When not representing his clients, Mr. Fernandez can most often be found fly-fishing the inshore waters off Florida's west coast.