Douglas W. Ackerman Mr. Ackerman is a seasoned attorney in his 13th year of private practice and a partner in the firm. Upon graduating magna cum laude from the Florida State University College of Law, Mr. Ackerman worked closely on a variety of real property and permitting disputes with Thomas G. Pelham, one of the top attorneys in the State of Florida, cited as legal authority by the Florida Supreme Court and appointed to the top position in the Department of Community Affairs by both Governor Martinez and Governor Crist.
Since joining the firm, Mr. Ackerman has continued to handle a variety of real property issues, primarily construction related negotiations and disputes. Mr. Ackerman has represented public and private owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, sureties, architects, engineers, and insurers. Mr. Ackerman has negotiated and litigated the full spectrum of any project, from land use, zoning, and permitting to initial contract negotiations, bid protests, contemporaneous contract administration, change order disputes, mediation, arbitration and litigation.
Mr. Ackerman was recognized by the Florida Supreme Court as a specialist in construction law in 2005.
Finally, Mr. Ackerman has substantial experience in appellate practice and heads the firm’s appellate practice group. Mr. Ackerman drafts and finalizes all appellate briefs and motions and has on numerous occasions participated in oral argument before a panel of judges.
Construction Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Appellate Practice
Real Estate Litigation
Land Use / Zoning
EDUCATION:
University of Miami, B.A., 1990
Stetson University, M.A., 1991
Florida State University, J.D. magna cum laude, 1997
COURT/BAR ADMISSIONS:
State Bar of Florida; United States District Court for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts; United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
CERTIFICATIONS:
Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Supreme Court (Inaugural Certification Class 2005)
HONORS/AWARDS:
Chambers & Partners 2007, 2008, 2009
Super Lawyers 2008
Super Lawyers 2009
PUBLICATIONS:
“The Growing Scourge of Local Preferences on the Public Procurement Process,” Associated Builders and Contractors (October 2005); “Controlling Disputes by Controlling the Forum: Forum Selection Clauses in Construction Contracts,” The Construction Lawyer Vol. 22, No. 4 (2002); Kennewick Man: The Meaning of ‘Cultural Affiliation’ and ‘Major Scientific Benefit’ in the Native American Graves Protection & Repatriation Act,” 33 Tulsa Law Journal 359 (1997).
REPORTED CASES:
The Marseilles Condominium Owners Association, Inc. v. Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, 2009 WL 3491016 (Fla. 1st DCA 2009); Langley v. Knowles, 958 So.2d 1149 (Fla. 5th DCA 2007); Kany v. Florida Engineers Management Corp., 948 So.2d 948 (Fla. 5th DCA 2007); Pinecrest Lakes, Inc. v. Shidel, 795 So.2d 191 (Fla. 4th DCA 2001); Citrus County v. Florida Rock Industries, Inc., 726 So.2d 383 (Fla. 5th DCA 1999).
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS:
Business Law Section of the Florida Bar; Appellate Section of the Florida Bar; Associated General Contractors; Associated Builders and Contractors
