Javier A. Lopez

Javier Lopez represents high-profile local and international companies and individuals in complex commercial, business, civil, professional liability, First Amendment, contractual and shareholder disputes in U.S. federal and state courts and alternative dispute resolution forums.

Holding an enviable record of positive trial and mediation outcomes for clients, Javy was lead counsel in securing one of the top 10 largest jury verdicts in the State of Florida and one of the highest settlements in the United States. Clients benefit from his significant jury trial experience, including achieving wins in breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, veil piercing, alter ego, intellectual property, fraud, class action, defamation, professional liability and deceptive trade practices cases.

Javy has tried cases in both English and Spanish across various industries, including manufacturing, media, uniform supply, hospitality and law, among others. He has litigated cases throughout the U.S., including New York, New Jersey, Texas, California, Illinois, Georgia, Washington D.C., Colorado, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Vermont, Maine, and Florida. A Florida Supreme Court certified mediator, Javy has also successfully resolved dozens of complex commercial litigation matters through mediation.

While regarded as a formidable adversary in the courtroom, Javy takes a pragmatic, business-oriented approach with clients, always seeking the most practical, cost-effective, efficient and least disruptive way to handle litigation. Whether by deposition, hearing, motions or trial, he runs a lean and nimble team to keep client costs manageable and cases progressing efficiently. He has resolved many cases pre-suit without a client incurring any legal expense.

Experience

• Brought and won a claim against an entire private island in the Bahamas that resulted in the largest jury verdict in the state of Florida in 2022 for U.S. $36 million after a seven-week jury trial. The claim included defamation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, conspiracy to commit nuisance and unjust enrichment. (Manuel Diaz v. Cat Cay et al.) 
• Successfully defended Reliance Wholesale in a jury trial facing an alter ego and veil piercing claim against our client and his company, protecting the client from the plaintiff's $8.5 million claim.  
• Won a $5 million verdict in a two-week arbitration involving an investor/end user against a real estate developer for fraud, breach of contract and negligence. 
• Served as co-lead counsel in the Champlain Towers Surfside building collapse, which left 98 people dead. The suit involved 33 defendants. Won $1.3 billion for the plaintiffs, one of the largest settlements in the U.S. 
• Defended various law firms and lawyers against malpractice claims, breach of contract, fraud and unjust enrichment claims. Won the case on summary judgment, thereby avoiding the plaintiff's claim of more than $30 million. 
• Successfully defended a client in an intellectual property case regarding the Ultra music festival. The plaintiff sought $5 million. The case was presented to a jury and tried to verdict in federal court in the Southern District of Florida.