William John Cook

William J. Cook has a diverse and varied legal background filled with practical experience in many different areas of civil and commercial law. He has tried numerous cases in both federal and state courts, conducted arbitrations and hearings, and handled appeals. He represents clients in matters involving business litigation and commercial and employment disputes, securities litigation, business transactions and counseling, and insurance. Mr. Cook's peers have awarded him with the highest possible rating of AV-Preeminent* by Martindale-Hubbell, which speaks to his stellar professional reputation and track record of high moral character. He has been listed in Florida Super Lawyers under business litigation since 2013.

Mr. Cook attended the Stetson University College of Law where he was actively involved as a Notes Editor with the Stetson Law Review. While in school, he also received the American Jurisprudence Book Award in Business Associations and was honored as a finalist in the Scribes National Note and Comment Competition. Serving his internship for U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich of the Middle District of Florida provided him with valuable experience in federal courtroom procedures.

After graduating cum laude, Mr. Cook became licensed to practice under the Florida Bar in 1993. He is also admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th, 11th, and D.C. Circuits and the U.S. District Courts for the Middle, Southern, and Northern Districts of Florida. Mr. Cook has written several published articles on legal topics such as insider trading and appeals issues. He also co-wrote the Florida Practice Handbook, Damages in 1995 along with the Florida Practice Handbook, Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law in 1998. Topics of other legal articles include the basics of civil litigation, insurance coverage, federal court, Florida civil procedures and expert testimony. Mr. Cook has been asked to speak at a number of professional conferences on topics such as third-party insurance coverage, basic tort law, class action lawsuits and Florida legal ethics.

*AV-Preeminent and BV-Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.