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Rich Newsome is the senior partner of the Newsome Melton law firm and represents families and individuals who have experienced catastrophic injuries caused by defective products. Rich is passionate about helping his clients and ultimately making products safer as the result of product liability litigation.
After graduating from the University of Florida College Of Law, Rich worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern and Middle districts of Florida. After leaving the U.S. Attorney’s office Rich worked briefly at a big products defense firm before leaving and becoming a plaintiffs’ attorney.
For more than 20 years, Rich has represented injured people against manufacturers who make defective products. During the past two decades, Rich has won numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients, has written countless articles and about product liability, is a regular speaker at trial lawyer conferences and events across the country, and is recognized by members of the Bar as a leading expert in product liability litigation.
Rich has not only advocated for safer products through the civil justice system, he has also spent substantial time helping to protect the justice system in Tallahassee and in Washington D.C. As a Past-President of the Florida Justice Association, a previous member of the Board of Governors of the American Association of Justice and a current member of the Executive Committee of the National Trial Lawyers, Rich has advocated to protect the rights of families and has fought efforts by manufacturers to limit access to courts and juries.
In addition to a long list of awards and accomplishments, Rich was recently honored by being invited to be a member of The Summit Council. He is also recognized in Best Lawyers of America, Florida’s Legal Elite, Best Plaintiff’s Lawyers in America, and Orlando’s Top Lawyers. Rich is a husband and father of three children, lives in Orlando, and enjoys offshore fishing and diving.
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24 years
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Chat withState: Oregon
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
State: New Mexico
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
State: Texas
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
State: Florida
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
201 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1500, Orlando, FL, 328013482
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"Rich is a consummate professional who I strongly recommend when it comes to catastrophic products liability matters. His methodical approach to handling cases and tenacious nature make him an excellent advocate for his clients. The results Rich has achieved for his past clients speaks volumes as to his abilities as a trial lawyer."
Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Nov 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Rich is truly one of the most skilled and passionate products liability attorneys in this state. He and his firm work tirelessly for their clients and achieve superior results. The recoveries he has obtained for his clients, many catastrophically injured, have provided medical care, living expenses and compensation that allows them to pick up the pieces of their life and provides for a secure future. He is truly a champion for justice and deeply cares for his clients and their families."
"Richard Newsome is by far one of the best lawyers in the Country. He is dedicated to his field and is extremely intelligent. Rich not only is an excellent lawyer, but he is a good friend. He is there for you when things get tough and stick with you through thick and thin. I would recommend Richard to anyone in need of PI lawyer."
"Rich is perhaps the greatest trial attorney I have ever met. His skill and knowledge in the courtroom is only bested by his care and compassion for clients. I wholeheartedly endorse Rich because, if tragedy has struck, you need the best in your corner."
Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Jun 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. He is of the highest moral and ethical character. He takes care of his clients and they trust him. Insurance companies fear him. Judges trust him."
Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Jul 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is well respected in the community, has an excellent courtroom presence and obtains great results."
Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Feb 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Newsome is the best in his field and an excellent attorney. He also has accepted important leadership roles in seeking to improve consumer rights in Florida - I highly endorse him."
Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Aug 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Rich Newsome is widely respected in Florida and nationally as an experienced product liability attorney with proven results in courtrooms in Florida and across the country. Rich is especially known as highly knowledgable in rollover and crashworthiness cases against motor vehicle manufacturers and in defective drug cases against pharmaceutical companies. I endorse Rich and his firm without reservation."
"Rich is a fine trial lawyer. He is well respected in the legal community by lawyers and judges alike. I unequivocally endorse him."
Personal injury lawyer
Lawsuits and disputes lawyer
Defective and dangerous products lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Financial markets and services lawyer
Car accident lawyer
2016
Orlando PI Litigation - Plaintiffs "Lawyer of the Year", Best Lawyers in America
2015
Steven C. Sharp Public Justice Award, American Association for Justice
2012
Best Lawyer, Personal Injuy, Best Lawyers in America
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Best Lawyers in Orlando, Orlando Magazine
2011
Best Lawyer, Personal Injury, Best Lawyers in America
2011
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2010
Best Lawyer, Personal Injury, Best Lawyers in America
2009
Best Lawer, Personal Injury, Best Lawyers in America
2008
Best Lawyer, Personal Injury, Best Lawyers in America
2005
Rough Rider Award, Florida Justice Association
2004
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2002
Stephen C. Sharp Public Service Award, American Association for Justice
1991
Special Achievement Award, U.S. Department of Justice
1995 - Present
Partner, Newsome Melton, LLP
1993 - 1995
Associate, Cabaniss, Burke & Wagner
1989 - 1993
Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Department Of Justice
2002 - Present
Attorneys Information Exchange GroupBoard Member
1995 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2011
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember, Executive Committee
2005 - 2006
Florida Justice AssociationPresident
2001 - 2002
Florida Lawyers Action GroupChairman
2000 - 2002
Fifth District Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating CommissionChairman
1998 - 1999
Central Florida Trial Lawyers AssociationPresident
1996 - 1998
The American Assocition for JusticeBoard of Governors
$2,100,000 verdict for the Plaintiffs.
$13,602,345.35 Verdict for Plaintiffs.
$5,000,000 settlement for Plaintiffs and recall of more than 30 million defective valve stems.
1989
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
2015
2015
2015
2014
2014
2014
2014
2013
2013
2012
2015
English
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