We believe in high ethical standards when it comes to the way we practice law. We aren't going to do anything to abuse the public trust or violate the confidences of our clients or do anything that would reflect poorly on our profession or our community.
Business & Commercial Litigation
A large percentage of the firm's litigation practice involves business and commercial disputes. The firm handles everything from small business disputes to large-scale, multimillion dollar litigation. These disputes involve claims of breach of contract, unfair and deceptive trade practices, theft of trade secrets, Uniform Commercial Code violations, breach of warranty, and many others. Litigation is an unfortunate reality in the business world. The firm prides itself in assisting businesses in efficiently navigating the litigation.
Appeals
The attorneys at Matthews & Hawkins are actively involved in litigating appeals before the appellate courts of Florida and the United States. Appellate practice requires attention to detail and a full understanding of the appellate court rules and procedure. The firm takes pride in its written appellate briefs, oral advocacy, and efforts to seek innovation in the law.
Banking and financial services
Banks and financial institutions today find themselves far more involved in litigation than anyone anticipated just a few years ago. Matthews & Hawkins has the experience to handle these challenging times and represents banks and financial institutions in multiple areas of litigation, including real estate foreclosures, defending predatory lending claims, and in Uniform Commercial Code actions.
Civil rights and constitutional law
The most fundamental rights of the citizenry are found in the federal and state constitutions. Among those is the right to be free from unreasonable search, seizure, and force at the hands of the government. Seeking recovery from the government when constitutional violations occur is difficult. Complicated issues of sovereign immunity and qualified immunity are always present. The firm takes selective cases involving suits against the government and police for constitutional violations such as excessive force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, violations of the Fourth Amendment, and causes of action under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983.
Collections
Successfully obtaining a judgment is not the end of the process for an injured party seeking relief. While Matthews & Hawkins is not structured as a traditional debt collector, the firm takes select post-judgment collection matters, in addition to post-judgment collections in matters which the firm initially prosecuted. The firm has experience in locating and collecting against assets of judgment debtors.
Contract disputes
The business world and much of the dealings between individuals are based on contracts – some are complex and some are simple oral contracts. Despite the best efforts of the parties, contract disputes often result. The firm handles all aspects of contract litigation and assists clients in preventing disputes in the beginning.
Florida Department of Business Regulation Licensing
Many professions require licensure from a governmental agency. In addition other regulated trades, such as alcohol and tobacco sales, also require licenses. In Florida, most professional and trade licenses are regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, commonly referred to as "DBPR." Matthews & Hawkins represents licensees in the initial licensure process, license compliance, as well as defending license complaints before administrative quasi-judicial bodies.
Noncompete and trade secrets
At Matthews & Hawkins, we believe that a company’s most prized assets are its trade secrets and clients. A successful business has worked hard for its clients and labored extensively in developing a successful business practice. We will help you protect your trade secrets and your clients.
Premises liability
Property owners face risk of liability to those who are injured on their premises. This risk affects both commercial use properties and personal use properties alike. Usually the risk is insured and the insurer steps in to either pay or defend the claim. However, under certain circumstances, the landowner may be left to defend the claim alone. In those situations, Matthews & Hawkins stands ready to defend property owners facing premises liability claims.
Real Estate litigation
Much of the firm’s practice is in someway involved with real estate. On the litigation side, it involves construction disputes, title disputes, boundary disputes, pre-construction contract disputes, and breach of contract claims. Real estate is the lifeblood of Florida’s panhandle and Matthews & Hawkins is intricately involved is all its aspects.
Tortious Business Interference
The relationships and contractual rights developed during business transactions can have tremendous value. Unfortunately, third parties sometimes interfere with those rights. Matthews & Hawkins is experienced in assisting clients in protecting their business and contractual rights from the harms caused by these infringements