Helping injured people in Sarasota and the surrounding areas get the compensation they deserve.
Stephen M. Fernandez received his law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law. While in law school he focused on courses relevant to the field of personal injury and trial practice. Mr. Fernandez was also an active member of the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy. Prior to studying law, he graduated with high honors from the University of Florida with a degree in Political Science. He also earned minors in Business Administration and Environmental Studies.
Professional ExperienceMr. Fernandez has focused his career on representing accident victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He also represents the victims of wrongful insurance denials.
Mr. Fernandez is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Georgia. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. His experience includes handling automobile accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, motorcycle accidents, commercial trucking cases, premises liability, negligent security, watercraft accidents, assault/battery, and insurance denials under both state law and ERISA.
Activities, Associations and AwardsMr. Fernandez has quickly built a reputation as a skilled litigator and zealous advocate for his clients. He has been named a “Rising Star” by Florida Super Lawyers magazine in 2010 and 2011. This distinction is awarded to no more than 2.5% of attorneys and is based on factors such as academic achievement, peer recognition and professional accomplishments.
In 2011 he was also named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers organization. He maintains a “Superb” rating by Avvo.
Mr. Fernandez is a member of the American Association of Justice, the Florida Justice Association, the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, the Manasota Trial Lawyers Association Board of Directors, the Sarasota Bar Association, and the Association of Plaintiff's Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. He is also on the Board of Sarasota Bay Watch, a non-profit organization committed to preserving and restoring Sarasota Bay.
Mr. Fernandez has written various publications on subjects ranging from the handling of insurance claims to fly-fishing. In 2003 his article "Captive-bred Exceptions: An Unconventional Approach to Conservation Under the ESA" won the Barbara W. Maker award and was published in the UF Journal of Law and Public Policy. He has also published fishing and conservation articles in Fisheries Magazine, Florida Sportsman and Salt Water Fly Fishing. When not representing his clients, Mr. Fernandez can most often be found fly fishing the inshore waters off Florida's west coast.
Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
3550 S. Tamiami Tr., 3rd Floor
Sarasota, FL, 34239
Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
5291 Office Park Boulevard
Bradenton, FL, 34203
Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh
6446 Central Ave
Saint Petersburg, FL, 33707
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 2007 | 04/17/2022 |
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2004 | 06/01/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2011 |
Top 40 Under 40 | National Trial Lawyers | 2011 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2010 |
Barbara W. Makar Writing Award | U.F. Journal of Law and Public Policy | 2003 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni & Walsh | 2009 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America | Member | 2009 - Present |
Florida Bar, Trial Lawyers Section | Member | N/A |
Florida Justice Association (Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers) | Eagle Member | N/A |
American Association for Justice | Member | N/A |
Sarasota Bay Watch | Board Member | 2009 - 2012 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Docket Sarasota County Bar Association | Medicare Liens: What You Don't Know Can Cost You | 2010 |
Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers | Effective Colossus Settlement Demands and Preparing to File Suit | 2006 |
Fisheries Magazine | A Market Approach to Sturgeon Conservation Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act | 2005 |
University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy | Captive-bred Exceptions: An Unconventional Approach to Conservation Under the ESA | 2003 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2003 |
University of Florida | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2000 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Florida PIP: Changes to the Law and Unresolved Questions | Florida PIP/No-Fault Law | 2013 |
What to do After an Automobile Accident | Auto Insurance Law | 2012 |
SFGAP Certification Review Course I: The Sunshine State | Sovereign Immunity & State Tort Litigation | 2011 |
Personal Injury - A Multi-faceted Overview | Handling Personal Injury Claims | 2010 |
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Scott Miller, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stephen is one of those rare attorneys that is great both inside and outside the courtroom. He works hard for his clients to achieve the best possible outcome no matter what the circumstance. You will be very well represented if Stephen is your lawyer.
Patrick McArdle, Car accident Attorney on Jun 20, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stephen is a smart, tireless lawyer who does great work.
Scott Miller, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stephen is one of those rare attorneys that is great both inside and outside the courtroom. He works hard for his clients to achieve the best possible outcome no matter what the circumstance. You will be very well represented if Stephen is your lawyer.
Patrick McArdle, Car accident Attorney on Jun 20, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Stephen is a smart, tireless lawyer who does great work.
Daniel Murphy, Car accident Attorney on Apr 28, 2016
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Jason Ramos, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 22, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Stephen Fernandez. In my opinion he is one of the best Personal Injury lawyers in Sarasota and Manatee counties. He has always shown great knowledge of the law of personal injury, and experience in aggressively prosecuting cases against insurers and tortfeasors alike. Very thorough and methodical in his approach to cases, with a keen eye towards the right resolution and just compensation for the client.
Michael Hankin, Wrongful death Attorney on Oct 15, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Steve has an unbridled passion for the law and diligently fights for his client's rights. Time after time, I've watched Steve courageously fight big insurance companies and get his clients the justice they deserve. If you have a personal injury matter, Steve's the guy to call.
Bernard Walsh, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 10, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Stephen has always done a fantastic job protecting the rights of our mutual clients. His trial preparation and his ability to negotiate is superior. I fully endorse his legal abilities.
Steven Wingo, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 6, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I was one of Stephen's suprevising attorneys at his first job following law school and we have kept in touch since then to confer regarding numerous cases. He is a dedicated advocate for his clients and is committed to ensuring each client gets the best possible representation. He will not let insurance companies take advantage of his clients. If you are an accident victim in need of assistance you can be assured he will provide quality representation and will always be in your corner looking after your best interests.
James Fasig, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 6, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Stephen is a passionate litigator who believes in his clients and is willing to fight for justice. I often refer cases to him, and he produces impressive results.