Taylor Day Law

The Taylor Day Law team enjoyed great food (and maybe a little trash-talking) as we celebrated College Colors Day.

Cameron Cohn received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Before joining Taylor Day Law, Cameron participated in the Transactional Law Clinic at the University of Mississippi, helping small businesses and non-profit organizations in North Mississippi. He now focuses his practice on Auto Insurance Defense and General Liability.

Learn more about Cameron in today's Spotlight:
Q: How long have you been practicing law?
A: Almost a year and a half now.

Q: In your career, what do you consider your proudest moment/biggest win?
A: Any time I can successfully advocate for my client and beat their expectations, I consider it a win.

Q: When you’re not fighting for your clients’ best interests, where can we find you?
A: Spending time on the water or in the woods with my fiancé and black lab, Giles.

Q: If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing for a living?
A: Probably a fishing guide or in construction management.

Q: What is #1 on your bucket list?
A: That’s a tough one – probably completing a Royal Slam for wild turkeys in one season. That or completing the Super Grand Slam in the Florida Keys - Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit caught in the same day fly fishing.

Q: Any tips for someone pursuing a career in law?
A: Find a way to pursue an area of practice that interests you and is fulfilling.

Danielle Orr received her Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Before joining Taylor Day Law, Danielle worked at Columbus Community Legal Services as a Student-Attorney focusing on justice for victims of domestic violence. She now focuses her practice on Auto Insurance Defense and Business Law.

Learn more about Danielle in today's Spotlight:
Q: How long have you been practicing law?
A: In September, it will be two years.

Q: In your career, what do you consider your proudest moment/biggest win?
A: Many of my clients have never been involved in any type of legal proceedings, this understandably causes a lot of anxiety and worry. Any time I can calm nerves and provide a good outcome in a stressful situation is considered a win in my book!

Q: When you’re not fighting for your clients’ best interests, where can we find you?
A: At a used bookstore to grow my ever-piling list of To-Be-Read books.

Q: If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing for a living?
A: I would likely be in marketing or drafting copy to be used in advertising.

Q: What is #1 on your bucket list?
A: Right now, I have two: visit all 50 states (I am about halfway there) and read all of Agatha Christie's works (I have a lot more to go).

Q: Any tips for someone pursuing a career in law?
A: Always be the most prepared person in the room.

Happy National Hawaiian Shirt Day from Taylor Day Law. I hopena p**e maika'i (Have a nice weekend)!

Taylor Day Law is pleased to announce that eight lawyers have been included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.

Please join us in congratulating our honorees:
Calli Kirkpatrick - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Michael Cox - Construction Law
Job Fickett - Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Corporate Governance and Compliance Law, and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Justice Hess - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Daniel Horn - Insurance Law
John Kessenich - Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Christina Williams - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Katherine Woods - Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Insurance Law

Taylor Day Law is pleased to announce that five lawyers have been included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

Please join us in congratulating our honorees (left to right):
David Gagnon - Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Ken Tomchin - Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Construction
Reed Grimm - Commercial Finance Law, Construction Law, Insurance Law, Litigation - Construction, and Litigation - Insurance
Christopher Mueller - Construction Law and Litigation - Construction
John Osgathorpe - Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate

We blinked and Summer Break was over! It certainly looks like the Taylor Day kids are ready for the new school year. Maybe there's a future attorney in this group...🍎🤓

Today we bid a fond farewell to our 2024 Summer Associates. They have been a welcomed addition to our team over the past months.

We wish Ella Edwards, Matt Majors, and Ethan Katz the best of luck and look forward to hearing about all their future successes.

Taylor Day Law stopped by our local CISV camp earlier this week to host a Taco Tuesday buffet for campers. CISV International is an organization based in England that hosts camp-based programs and events for children that aim to promote hands-on learning and intercultural friendships with a focus on peace education.

Our Summer Associates were tasked with preparing for and arguing a mock hearing before “Judge” Reed Grimm in his “Chambers” (conference room). The simulation was designed to let them experience what it is like to argue a complex motion for summary judgment from a real products liability case litigated by our firm. The facts were complex, and the legal arguments were nuanced. However, our Summer Associates rose to the occasion, demonstrating exceptional preparation, professionalism, and skilled advocacy far exceeding our lofty expectations. Five attorneys watched the arguments and provided detailed feedback on style and substance. We are so grateful for the opportunity to mentor and develop the skills of these future lawyers!

Reed Grimm is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education, which deems him an expert in construction law and litigation matters. We are honored to have his knowledge and experience not only a valuable member of our team, but also as a shareholder of the firm. Learn more about Reed in today's Spotlight:

Q: How long have you been practicing law?
A: Longer than I like to think about anymore – 38 years.

Q: In your career, what do you consider your proudest moment/biggest win?
A: Every win is big to the client, but there are several things I have done with which I am particularly satisfied. Three that come to mind chronologically are 1) Overcoming some difficult evidentiary issues to convict the defendant, whose name we will not publicize here, for the First Degree Murder of Officer Warren Sanders, whose name we will remember here, the last member of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office killed in a homicide in the line of duty; 2) Representing a widow whose homestead property had been encumbered with a reverse mortgage (those are a really not a good deal, incidentally) by her ex-husband without her knowledge and having the lien of the mortgage discharged pro bono; and 3) Establishing as the law in the federal Eleventh Circuit that an insurer who pays a collision claim has an interest in the performance of a repair contract between its insured and an auto body shop that precludes a litigious body shop owner from suing the insurer for tortious interference with a business relationship under Florida law.

Q: When you’re not fighting for your clients’ best interests, where can we find you?
A: If I gave out that information someone would find me and put me back to work fighting for my clients’ best interests.

Q: If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing for a living?
A: Something automotive.

Q: What is #1 on your bucket list?
A: Visit more of the countries I have not been to yet.

Q: Any tips for someone pursuing a career in law?
A: Never miss an opportunity to learn something you do not know.

It was an honor and a privilege to spend time at Hubbard House and witness the amazing work they are doing in our community.

We want to extend a massive thank you to Taylor Day Law for hosting an epic carnival birthday party to celebrate the kids in shelter! 🎪 Survivors and their children were able to enjoy fun carnival games, sweet treats, and even a mini corn dog station! Thank you again Taylor Day for bringing tons of fun and helping families create special memories together!

Survivor, we are here for you and your children. Our Hotline is free, confidential, and staffed 24/7 at 904-354-3114.

Taylor Day Law was pleased to have Judicial Candidate Ashley Cox stop by and introduce herself.

At Taylor Day Law, Calli Kirkpatrick focuses her practice on insurance coverage issues and complex commercial litigation. She graduated from the University of Florida and earned her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Learn more about Calli in today's Spotlight:

Q: How long have you been practicing law?
A: I have been practicing for 6 years.

Q: In your career, what do you consider your proudest moment/biggest win?
A: My biggest win is whenever I hear from a client that they felt heard and understood, especially when they have been feeling frustrated by the system or have felt like others may not have taken the time to listen.

Q: When you’re not fighting for your clients’ best interests, where can we find you?
A: You can find me hiking, snowboarding, or hanging out with my husband and baby.

Q: If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing for a living?
A: I would be a professional aerialist or circus arts teacher!

Q: What is #1 on your bucket list?
A: Teach my baby boy to snowboard with his dad and I!

Q: Any tips for someone pursuing a career in law?
A: There is no “one-size-fits-all” path to a successful career in law. Don’t give up – if you put in the time and effort you can create a fulfilling and happy career that fits YOU.

A trip to Fore Score Golf Tavern was the perfect excuse to relax and catch up with our Summer Associates.

Teris McGovern received her undergraduate degree from St. Leo University before obtaining her Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law. At Taylor Day Law, she focuses her practice on Personal Injury Protection, where she litigates issues involving insurance coverage and policy interpretation. Learn more about Teris in today's Spotlight:

Q: How long have you been practicing law?
A: 10 years.

Q: In your career, what do you consider your proudest moment/biggest win?
A: Winning an appeal after oral argument in the 5th DCA on an 11 year old case in the lower court.

Q: When you’re not fighting for your clients’ best interests, where can we find you?
A: Pool, beach, anywhere enjoying my kids and husband.

Q: If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing for a living?
A: Medical Doctor.

Q: What is #1 on your bucket list?
A: Traveling to Europe.

Q: Any tips for someone pursuing a career in law?
A: Learn legal procedure well. It is a very important key to a successful career in law.

Taylor Day Law wishes everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!

In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed July 4 and 5, 2024.

Get to know our Summer Associates! Ella Edwards is a Rising 2L at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law.

Q: What attracted you to law?
A: When I started undergrad at Florida State University, I was unsure of what direction I wanted to take with my career. A few years into my studies, I became really interested in political science and international affairs which sparked my interest in the legal field. In doing my research, I found that there are so many different career paths for attorneys, such as business, consulting, litigation, and policymaking and this diversity within the field of law is what ultimately made me want to go to law school. Though I now have realized I do not want to pursue a career in politics, my political science studies served as a great steppingstone to get me to where I am now.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
A: “Figure it out.” This was my dad’s favorite thing to tell my siblings and I when we were growing up. Any time we needed help with something he would tell us to figure it out ourselves. My dad grew up with this mentality which is what led to his successes in life. Though I used to think he was being hard on us, I now understand that he was teaching us to be independent and not rely on others for help. Because of this, I have grown to be very independent and get things done on my own.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do locally?
A: I really enjoy going to the beach because its something I can’t do in Lexington. I also appreciate the time I can spend with my family here in Jacksonville because its something I do not get much of during the school year. Jacksonville always has something fun going on, whether it be a concert or some kind of sporting event, so I try to do as much as I can when I am home, but going to the beach is my favorite.

Get to know our Summer Associates! Matthew Majors is a Rising 3L at Jacksonville University College of Law.

Q: What attracted you to law?
A: I’ve always liked to analyze arguments and see how things work together. While taking a debate class in high school I was introduced to mock trial, which was the real point of deciding that law was something I wanted to do. Plus, Matlock (and later Suits) was always on at my house when I was growing up which made being a lawyer seem like a great deal.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
A: The best advice I ever received was when you’re unsure what to ask a mentor, or someone more experienced than you, ask “What would you be doing if you were in my shoes?” That question opens the conversation to insights I might not otherwise had thought to ask about.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do locally?
A: My favorite thing to do locally is try new places to eat.

Things are certainly heating up for our Summer Associates! Yesterday the team spent the afternoon with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

The Supreme Court of Florida recently released opinions implementing critical changes to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Generally, these changes relate to many aspects of case management, such as scheduling, pleadings, and discovery. In today's Briefing, Ella Edwards and Job Fickett take a deeper look at how one of these changes will have a particularly significant impact on defendants and how they must assert affirmative defenses.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4eG6rTy.

We are pleased to announce that three members of the Taylor Day Law team were recognized as 2024 Florida Super Lawyers; two were named Rising Stars.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process where each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. The result is a comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys. Only 5% of the total lawyers in a state are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers.

Visit https://bit.ly/3VBEKlV to learn more.

A South Florida Native, Taylor McMahon is originally from Miami, Florida. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida, followed by her Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School.

Learn more about Taylor in today's Spotlight:
Q: How long have you been practicing law?
A: 3 years.

Q: In your career, what do you consider your proudest moment/biggest win?
A: Anytime I successfully advocate for my clients, I consider it a win.

Q: When you’re not fighting for your clients’ best interests, where can we find you?
A: I’m a homebody! You can find me at home hanging out with my husband, Ryan and Goldendoodle, Ollie, cooking, puzzling, netflixing, etc.

Q: If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing for a living?
A: Journalist.

Q: What is #1 on your bucket list?
A: It may be a bit too aspirational but completing an Ironman. I guess I should start training (and get over my fear of riding a bike on the road).

Q: Any tips for someone pursuing a career in law?
A: Never stop learning. Take every opportunity to learn from those around you.

Get to know our Summer Associates! Ethan Katz is a Rising 3L at Jacksonville University College of Law.

Q: What attracted you to law?
A: After working in politics for a couple years, I realized I would be best equipped to effectuate positive change if I was armed with a law degree and legal education.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
A: “Go to law school, it will open so many doors.”

Q: What is your favorite thing to do locally?
A: Go to trivia (and perennially come in fourth place) with friends from law school.

Heather Sosnowski is a Florida native, born and raised in the sunshine state. Heather is admitted to practice law in both the states of Florida and Georgia, and has been a member of the Taylor Day Law team for almost a decade. Her current practice includes state workers’ compensation and Longshore and Harbor workers’ compensation defense claims.

Learn more about Heather in today's Spotlight:
Q: How long have you been practicing law?
A: I have been practicing for more than 20 years.

Q: In your career, what do you consider your proudest moment/biggest win?
A: My proudest moment would likely be winning an appeal before the First DCA that saved my client a significant amount of money.

Q: When you’re not fighting for your clients’ best interests, where can we find you?
A: Usually at one of daughter’s school events or outside with my dogs.

Q: If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing for a living?
A: A realtor or a teacher.

Q: What is #1 on your bucket list?
A: Not really a bucket list, but I definitely want to travel more, especially to Europe.

Q: Any tips for someone pursuing a career in law?
A: Major in something other than criminal justice or political science in undergrad. English or Business are the best majors for law school, in my opinion.

When does a joke become a dad joke? When the punchline is apparent! 😂

We wish all the dads of Taylor Day Law an amazing Father's Day!

William Estes attended Hampden-Sydney College where he played football and double majored in Foreign Affairs and Economics. William earned his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

After graduation, William worked for a couple large firms in the Jacksonville area focusing on a wide variety of insurance topics. At Taylor Day Law, he will focus his practice on auto insurance defense.

Taylor Day Law was a proud sponsor of Jacksonville's Ducks Unlimited "Battle for the Buckle" at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports on Saturday.

Events like these help Ducks Unlimited continue their mission to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl.

Taylor Day Law was a proud sponsor of the 2024 JWLA Judicial Reception. Our team enjoyed an evening networking with fellow members of the legal community in support of gender equality in the legal profession.