The following are some prior matters from Rick’s commercial practice:
Constitutional Challenge to Illegal Martin County Regulation
In 2022, Rick brought a constitutional action in federal court challenging a Martin County law illegally regulating small businesses. Rick was successful in obtaining a preliminary injunction blocking the law, which resulted in the County abandoning the illegal scheme as affecting his client. The case concluded in 2024 with Rick’s client recovering $250,000 in attorneys’ fees from the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.
Represented Real Estate Brokerage Defrauded out of Commission on $8.6 million Waterfront Home
In 2025, Rick represented a boutique real estate brokerage defrauded out of a brokerage commission. Rick brought suit for breach of contract and fraud after uncovering that the buyer had falsified public records to cover his tracks. Rick successfully asserted a claim against escrow proceeds, resulting in the surrender of the full commission owed.
Represented Developer Wrongfully Denied Certificate of Occupancy by Town Government
In 2024, Rick successfully represented a developer against a local government after the Town wrongfully withheld a development approval and refused to issue a certificate of occupancy for a newly constructed home. The matter involved a complex factual issue regarding a local utility company’s demand to relocate a sewer line as a condition of issuing the certificate of occupancy. Rick was successful in establishing a damaging record pre-suit, resulting in abandonment of the Town’s position and issuance of all approvals without the need for protracted litigation.
Civil Theft Wire Fraud Claim Against Money Mule in International Conspiracy
In 2016, Rick represented the victim of wire fraud perpetrated by members of an international crime ring. Through strategic planning prior to litigation, Rick obtained a pre-judgment writ of attachment against real property, before pursuing and recovering a civil theft judgment for three times the amount stolen plus all attorneys’ fees; and then levying execution against real property. The case concluded in 2020 with Rick’s client recovering three times the amounts stolen plus attorneys’ fees.
Defeat of Fraudulent Bankruptcy and Competing Lien Claim
As a bankruptcy proceeding ancillary to civil litigation, Rick litigated a fraudulent bankruptcy petition filed by a debtor in an attempt to discharge a lien held by Rick’s client. Rick ultimately defeated the fraudulent bankruptcy and then defeated a lien held by a competing creditor, in a matter involving complex questions surrounding priority of liens among bona fide secured creditors. Rick ultimately prevailed on all issues resulting in full recovery by his client.
Defended Execution Against Homestead in Case Involving Novel Florida Constitutional Question
In 2020, Rick was engaged after entry of a $10 million judgment against a small business, when the creditor sought to seize assets from the deceased corporate officer’s wife. Rick handled the defense of the execution action, which involved complex questions as to the protection afforded to homestead property under the Florida Constitution. Rick defended the action before the trial court; pursued appeal of Constitutional homestead question to the Fourth District Court of Appeal; and ultimately sought certiorari review by Florida’s Supreme Court.
Asset Seizure on Behalf of Creditor
From 2012 until 2014, Rick was part of the team representing a national financial institution in an action following default by a commercial borrower. Rick’s role was discovering and pursuing assets available to satisfy the multi-million-dollar judgment. In a contentious proceeding supplementary lasting two years, Rick was ultimately successful in levying execution against substantial assets including a multi-story office building, stock shares, classic cars, and vessels, resulting in the surrender of additional assets to satisfy the judgment.
Defense Against Defamation Claims
From 2012 until 2014, Rick participated in defending claims brought by a plaintiff business against a non-profit business rating agency for allegedly unfair grades and ratings. Facing claims for defamation and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA), Rick was successful in obtaining a dismissal with prejudice based on the First Amendment protection afforded to statements of mixed opinion.
Defense of Claims for Fraud and Non-Disclosure Against Real Estate Brokerage
From 2010 until 2012, Rick was part of the defense of a residential real estate broker sued for fraud and non-disclosure of property defects. In multi-party litigation, Rick was successful in obtaining a full dismissal with prejudice based on a contractual waiver argument and then obtaining an order entitling the client to recover its attorneys’ fees as a prevailing party.