The Duarte Firm

08/28/2026

We are proud to share that Rick Duarte has once again been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation!

Consecutively recognized by Best Lawyers since 2024, Rick has earned this distinction among the top 5% of attorneys recognized nationwide – a testament to his experience, skill, and dedication to his clients.

We’re thrilled to celebrate this achievement and his continued excellence in commercial litigation!

08/26/2026

As a boutique firm, we believe clients deserve direct access to their attorney, tailored strategy, and relentless advocacy.

Whether you’re navigating a complex commercial dispute or recovering from a catastrophic personal injury, we provide focused representation for clients facing critical legal matters in Tampa Bay and throughout Florida.

⚖️ Our Practice Areas ⚖️
- Business & Commercial Litigation: Partnership disputes, breach of contract, trade secrets, and complex business conflicts.
- Catastrophic Personal Injury: Severe accidents, defective products, wrongful death, and life-altering injuries.

When the stakes are high, your legal representation should be personal.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.duartefirm.com/

08/19/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING | Mid-Level Business Litigation Associate

The Duarte Firm, P.A. is hiring a mid-level business litigation associate who wants real responsibility and the chance to help build a practice from the ground up.

We bring Big Law training and standards to a focused, high-stakes practice: complex business disputes and catastrophic plaintiff-side personal injury matters—work where judgment, efficiency, and strategy genuinely move the needle.

What You’ll Do

- Lead motion practice, depositions, and key phases of litigation
- Drive discovery and case strategy in close collaboration with the founding partner
- Manage cases day-to-day with autonomy and accountability
- Work directly with clients, experts, and decision-makers

What We’re Looking For

- 4+ years of complex business, employment, real estate, and/or construction litigation experience—Big Law or Am Law 200 firm preferred
- Excellent legal writing, sharp strategic instincts, and sound judgment
- Someone ready to own cases and step into a visible leadership role
- Florida Bar admission

What We’re Offering

- Big Law-caliber work without the bureaucracy or politics
- Compensation at the top of the Tampa market, with performance-based upside
- Health insurance, 401(k) with 4% match, PTO, and firm-paid CLEs and bar dues, etc.
- Direct client contact and decision-making authority
- A ground-floor role at a firm with an ambitious, high-performing culture

Ready for a role where your experience actually drives outcomes?

📩 To apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to: [email protected]

08/18/2026

When a business dispute arises, choosing the right path to resolution can have a significant impact on your case.

Arbitration may be a practical option for certain straightforward, contract-based disputes, while litigation may be better suited for complex matters, disputes involving multiple parties, or cases where court intervention is important.

The right approach depends on the specific facts, contracts, and goals involved.

🔗 Read our blog for a breakdown of both methods: https://www.duartefirm.com/post/arbitration-vs-litigation-which-is-better-for-your-florida-business

🗣📱📩 As always, consult with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you understand your options.

08/13/2026

We’re proud to offer Outside General Counsel services to businesses that need trusted legal guidance without the cost and commitment of a full-time hire.

Whether you need occasional legal advice or a more consistent presence at the table, we provide proactive counsel designed to help you make informed decisions, manage risk, and protect what you’ve built.

🔗 Learn how we can support your business:

Protect your Florida business before disputes arise. Our Tampa outside general counsel offers proactive, flexible legal support to help your company grow. Whether you need a few hours a month or a steady presence as you scale, we offer flexible arrangements that give you in-house-caliber counsel wit...

08/10/2026

Clear roads (hopefully! 😉), full backpacks, and endless possibilities.

Wishing all Tampa Bay students, parents, teachers, and school staff a safe, successful, and exciting first day back. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead! 🚌📚🍎

08/07/2026

After an accident, be sure to document the entire scene – not just vehicle damage and injuries. 🤳

Capture details such as traffic lights, road conditions, skid marks, and surrounding buildings. Memories fade, but timestamped photos and videos can provide valuable evidence to support your claim.

🤕 Need guidance after an injury? Reach out to our team today.

08/04/2026

Nobody wants to have the "What are we?" conversation... especially in business. 😅

The best business relationships start with communication and clear expectations. Make sure you get the answers you need before moving forward with anything serious, such as signing an agreement or making a major investment.

Need guidance? We can help you identify legal risks before they become business disputes. 👍

07/31/2026

AI and third-party apps can boost efficiency, but they may also create unexpected legal risks.

Using public AI platforms or certain cloud services in connection with a legal matter could unintentionally waive attorney-client or work-product privilege.

Read our latest blog to learn what you need to consider before sharing sensitive information.

👉

With AI becoming an important part of everyday life, you may want to think twice before consulting a third-party application for legal advice about your specific matter.

07/24/2026

Wherever you are in Florida, you deserve legal counsel that is responsive, strategic, and committed to your success.

We are proud to represent clients throughout Tampa Bay and across the state in business disputes, outside general counsel matters, and personal injury cases. ⚖️