SCOTT J. FRANK

When legal disputes arise, particularly those that may lead to a courtroom, the importance of having a highly skilled and experienced trial attorney cannot be overstated. For residents and businesses throughout the Sunshine State, especially in the vibrant Tampa Bay area, identifying a legal professional with a proven track record in civil trial litigation is crucial. This article introduces you to Scott J. Frank, a distinguished Florida Board Certified Civil Trial attorney, dedicated to serving the diverse legal needs of our local community right here in Florida. His extensive experience and specialized certification mark him as a prominent figure in the field of civil litigation, offering a significant advantage to those seeking robust legal representation.

Our goal is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Scott J. Frank's practice. This insight aims to help Floridians understand the depth of his expertise and the range of services he offers, ensuring you are well-informed when considering legal counsel for complex civil matters.

The strategic location of a legal office plays a vital role in client convenience and accessibility. Scott J. Frank practices as Of Counsel at Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP, whose Tampa office is conveniently located at 400 N Ashley Dr #2300, Tampa, FL 33602, USA. This address places the firm in the bustling heart of downtown Tampa, making it easily accessible for clients throughout Hillsborough County and the broader central Florida region. Whether you are in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, or closer to home in South Tampa, the office's central position in the urban core ensures ease of access.

Being in a prominent building on North Ashley Drive suggests a professional and well-established environment, providing a comfortable and conducive setting for confidential legal discussions and consultations. For those utilizing public transportation, the downtown area is well-served by various Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus routes, offering convenient options for commuting. If you prefer to drive, downtown Tampa typically offers multiple parking garages and street parking options, although it's always advisable to confirm availability and rates when planning your visit. The firm's location facilitates seamless access for clients, allowing them to focus on their legal matters without unnecessary logistical concerns.

Scott J. Frank's practice is primarily centered on Civil Trial Litigation, encompassing a broad range of complex legal issues. His expertise extends across various state and federal courts, and he is particularly adept at handling cases from inception through trial completion. This often includes cases referred to the firm specifically for trial. Here are the key areas of law where Scott J. Frank provides dedicated legal services:

• Civil Trial Litigation: Handling a wide array of civil disputes that proceed to trial in both state and federal courts, advocating for clients' interests with a focus on courtroom success.
• Property Coverage: Representing clients in disputes related to property insurance claims, ensuring fair evaluation and compensation for covered losses. This often involves intricate policy interpretation and negotiation.
• Subrogation (Recovery and Defense): Managing cases where one party seeks to recover payments made on behalf of another. This includes both pursuing recovery for clients (subrogation recovery) and defending against subrogation claims.
• Personal Injury Liability: Providing legal defense or representation in cases involving claims of personal injury, addressing negligence, damages, and liability.
• First-Party Coverage: Addressing disputes that arise directly between an insured individual or entity and their own insurance company, particularly concerning claims made under their policy.
• Third-Party Coverage: Handling cases where a claim is made by a third party against an insured, often involving liability insurance and defense of the insured.
• Product Liability Losses: Litigating cases involving injuries or damages caused by defective products, representing either consumers or manufacturers in such disputes.
• Construction Litigation: Addressing legal conflicts that arise in the construction industry, including contract disputes, defects, and related claims.
• Bad Faith Litigation: Representing policyholders against insurance companies that have allegedly acted in bad faith by denying or delaying valid claims without reasonable basis.
• Arson/Fraud Litigation: Handling cases that involve suspected arson or insurance fraud, often requiring detailed investigation and trial experience.
• Commercial Litigation: Engaging in disputes between businesses, including contract breaches, business torts, and other commercial disagreements.
• Class Action Defense: Participating in the defense against class action lawsuits, which involve multiple plaintiffs with similar claims against a defendant.
• Appellate Practice: While primarily a trial lawyer, his background often includes understanding the appellate process and potentially handling appeals related to his trial cases, or advising on appellate strategy.
• Extra-Contractual Claims: Dealing with claims that go beyond the specific terms of an insurance policy, often related to an insurer's alleged misconduct or bad faith.
• Trucking Litigation: Handling complex legal matters related to accidents and disputes involving commercial trucking.
• Specialty Trial Team: Being a part of a dedicated team focused on preparing and conducting trials, emphasizing strategic and effective courtroom advocacy.

Scott J. Frank's comprehensive practice areas demonstrate his deep specialization in civil trial matters, making him a formidable choice for complex litigation.

Scott J. Frank’s professional career is distinguished by several significant highlights and features that underscore his reputation and effectiveness as a legal advocate. These aspects are particularly important for Floridians seeking high-caliber legal representation:

• Florida Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney: This is a paramount distinction. Board Certification is the highest level of evaluation provided by The Florida Bar regarding an attorney's competence and experience within a specific area of law, and their professionalism and ethics. Less than 1.3% of the approximately 84,000 active lawyers in The Florida Bar hold this designation for Civil Trial law. This certification signifies proven expertise and exceptional skill in the courtroom.
• Extensive Experience: With over 20 years of experience with Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP (having joined in 1994), Scott J. Frank brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to every case he handles.
• AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell: This is the highest peer rating a lawyer can receive, indicating the highest level of professional excellence, ethical standards, and legal ability. This rating is based on confidential opinions from members of the bar and judiciary.
• Focus on Trial Success: His practice is specifically geared towards taking cases from inception through trial, including those referred for the sole purpose of litigation and trial, highlighting his dedication to courtroom advocacy.
• Broad Geographical Practice: While based in Tampa, Scott J. Frank has litigated cases throughout Florida and in numerous other states, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. This extensive reach underscores his adaptability and experience across different jurisdictions.
• Authored Legal Publications: He is a credited author of articles such as "Trial Essentials: Keys To Not Losing Your Jury Trial Before The First Witness Is Called," and "Advice Of Counsel – Defense Or Defeat," demonstrating his thought leadership and expertise in trial strategy and insurance law.
• Active Professional Memberships: Scott J. Frank is a member of prestigious organizations such as the American Bar Association (ABA), Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), DRI, Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA), and The Florida Bar, reflecting his commitment to the legal community and professional development.

These features collectively establish Scott J. Frank as a highly qualified, ethical, and experienced civil trial attorney for complex legal matters in Florida.

In the legal profession, particularly for highly specialized areas like civil trial litigation, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" are not common due to ethical guidelines and the bespoke nature of legal services. However, a distinguished attorney like Scott J. Frank and his firm, Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP, often provide initial arrangements that benefit potential clients:

• Initial Consultation: Many law firms, especially those specializing in litigation, offer an initial consultation. This session allows prospective clients to discuss their legal matter, understand the potential complexities of their case, and determine if the attorney's expertise aligns with their needs. While the nature (free or fee-based) of this initial consultation can vary, it provides a crucial opportunity for clients to assess their options and learn about the legal process without immediate extensive financial commitment.
• Transparent Fee Structures: During the initial discussion, the firm will typically provide clear information regarding their fee structure, whether it’s an hourly rate, or other arrangements suitable for the specific type of litigation. Transparency in billing is a professional standard that benefits clients by setting clear expectations.
• Educational Resources: While not a direct promotion, the firm often provides valuable insights and thought leadership through articles and presentations (as noted in Scott J. Frank's highlights). These resources can help potential clients understand complex legal concepts before even formally engaging services, demonstrating the firm's commitment to client education.

For precise information regarding the terms of an initial consultation or fee arrangements for your specific legal needs, it is always recommended to contact Scott J. Frank's office directly.

To reach out to Scott J. Frank and his team at Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP for legal assistance, here are the direct contact details:

• Address: 400 N Ashley Dr #2300, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
• Phone: (813) 281-1900
• Mobile Phone: +1 813-281-1900

When contacting the office, having a brief summary of your legal issue prepared can help the administrative team direct your inquiry to the most appropriate person and facilitate the scheduling of a consultation efficiently.

For anyone in Florida, especially those in the Tampa Bay area, confronting a civil legal dispute that may necessitate litigation, Scott J. Frank stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for legal representation. The advantages of engaging a local attorney who is also a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial attorney are profound. His location in the heart of downtown Tampa at 400 N Ashley Dr #2300 offers both convenience and a professional setting, ensuring ease of access for local clients across the region.

More importantly, his board certification is not merely a title; it is a rigorous attestation by The Florida Bar of his superior competence, experience, and ethical conduct specifically in civil trial law. This elite distinction, held by only a small fraction of attorneys in Florida, provides an unparalleled level of assurance that you are engaging a lawyer with proven courtroom expertise. His extensive experience spanning over two decades, coupled with an AV Preeminent® rating, reflects a deep understanding of Florida's legal system, court procedures, and the nuances of complex civil litigation.

Whether your needs involve intricate property coverage disputes, personal injury liability, commercial litigation, or issues of bad faith, Scott J. Frank’s dedicated focus on trial practice means he is prepared to advocate fiercely and strategically on your behalf. For Floridians seeking serious, results-oriented representation in civil disputes, choosing Scott J. Frank means partnering with a local expert who is highly respected by his peers and profoundly committed to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients right here in our community.