Charles E. Benson
Coral Springs,FL
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Trial Attorney
State Farm
Fort Lauderdale, FL
08.2005 - Current
- Managed all aspects of complex civil litigation from initial filing through resolution of the matter.
- Prepared pleadings, motions and other documents related to civil litigation matters.
- Provided training sessions to staff members on various topics related to trial practice procedures.
- Developed strategies for effective trial advocacy based on thorough review of the relevant evidence.
- Provided guidance to junior attorneys on motion practice, discovery, trial preparation and strategy.
- Advised clients on compliance with local, state and federal regulations governing their business operations.
- Investigated facts surrounding a case by interviewing witnesses or obtaining documentary evidence pertinent to the claim being litigated.
- Examined expert witnesses at depositions or during courtroom proceedings.
- Argued cases before judges during pre-trial conferences and evidentiary hearings.
- Maintained an organized system of files containing all relevant information pertaining to each assigned case.
- Reviewed discovery requests from opposing parties for accuracy and completeness.
- Drafted client correspondence and negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Monitored changes in applicable laws that could impact pending cases or future litigation strategies.
- Assisted in preparing witnesses for deposition testimony and trial examinations.
- Participated in settlement negotiations with opposing counsel to resolve disputes without litigation.
- Advised clients on intricacies of law, fostering informed understanding of legal rights and obligations.
Trial Attorney
Powers, McNalis and Moody
West Palm Beach, FL
08.2001 - 07.2005
- Provided advice and guidance regarding applicable laws, regulations, procedures and precedents to clients.
- Presented oral argument before courts as needed during pre-trial phases or at trials.
- Collaborated with co-counsel on various aspects of litigation such as drafting pleadings or developing strategy for depositions.
- Maintained accurate records regarding each case assigned by logging time spent researching, preparing materials, and attending court appearances.
- Advised clients on all aspects of their cases including possible outcomes if they proceed to trial.
- Prepared detailed reports outlining findings from investigations conducted by law firms or other organizations involved in litigation matters.
- Interviewed witnesses to obtain information relevant to case preparation.
- Researched state statutes and federal regulations that apply to specific cases.
- Analyzed complex legal issues while preparing written memoranda summarizing the facts of a case as well as potential outcomes.
- Reviewed depositions taken by opposing counsels' attorneys.
- Developed trial strategies for clients based on their individual needs and goals.
- Drafted pleadings, motions and briefs in support of client's position.
- Represented clients at trial proceedings including jury selection, opening statements, direct examination of witnesses, cross-examination of witnesses, closing arguments and post-trial motions.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel prior to trial.
- Participated in settlement negotiations with opposing parties or attorneys when appropriate.
- Examined potential evidence and documents related to the case.
Education
J.D. - Law
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL05-1993
Skills
- Trial preparation
- Evidence analysis
- Legal research
- Pleading drafting
- Client consultation
- Settlement negotiation
- Case management
- Oral advocacy
- Team collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Witness examination
- Fact investigation
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Strong negotiator
- Witness preparation
- Evidence evaluation
- Expert litigator
- Courtroom presence
- Case analysis expertise
- Exceptional communication
- Jury selection strategy
- Cross-examination techniques
- Case analysis
Accomplishments
- United States Army 1985 - 1997 (Active Duty, Army Reserves, Inactive Ready Reserves)
- Captain (P)
- Fire Support Team Leader
- Fire Direction Officer
- Company Commander
- Battalion S3
Timeline
Senior Trial Attorney
State Farm
08.2005 - Current
Trial Attorney
Powers, McNalis and Moody
08.2001 - 07.2005
J.D. - Law
Nova Southeastern University
Similar Profiles
ALBERTO ESCOBAR RUIZALBERTO ESCOBAR RUIZ
Claim Specialist; and Producer at State Farm Corporate & State Farm AgencyClaim Specialist; and Producer at State Farm Corporate & State Farm Agency
Bethany GandyBethany Gandy
Insurance Customer Service Specialist at Brian Moore State Farm & Brent Holman State FarmInsurance Customer Service Specialist at Brian Moore State Farm & Brent Holman State Farm
Jacobie C. TaylorJacobie C. Taylor
Fire Property Claims Adjuster at State FarmFire Property Claims Adjuster at State Farm
Fabian VargasFabian Vargas
Customer Service Representative at State FarmCustomer Service Representative at State Farm
Jackeline HernandezJackeline Hernandez
Receptionist at My Lash StudioReceptionist at My Lash Studio