Burr & Forman is pleased to announce that Rick Duarte has joined the firm's Commercial Litigation practice group as a partner in its Tampa office.

“I am thrilled to join Burr & Forman's distinguished Commercial Litigation team and build upon the success of The Duarte Firm. Burr’s full-service capabilities, commitment to delivering exceptional results, and strategic geographic footprint make it the ideal place to continue growing my practice and assisting my clients across Florida and the Southeast,” said Rick Duarte.

Rick is an accomplished attorney representing companies and individuals in disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair trade practices, non-compete, and trade secret claims.

His practice also includes defending clients in employment disputes, high-exposure product liability matters, and financial services litigation, where he has represented clients in matters involving the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, civil theft, conversion, and UCC-related issues.

"Rick's extensive experience in complex litigation across various industries and his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service align with our firm's focus on advancing our clients' business goals in Florida and the Southeast," said Jacqueline Simms-Petredis, managing partner of Burr & Forman's Tampa office. "Rick's involvement in the local legal community demonstrates his commitment to our profession and reflects his dedication to advancing the interests of our clients."

In addition, Rick serves as outside general counsel to businesses across a range of industries, including health care, hospitality, real estate, construction, logistics, and transportation. In this role, he advises clients on corporate governance, employment matters, risk management issues, and strategic decisions where business and law intersect.

Rick obtained his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from the Emory University School of Law.