JENNIFER L. HEATH
University City,Missouri
Summary
Experienced attorney and corporate vice president seeking to transition to a role that utilizes my legal expertise, business acumen, negotiation mastery, and investigative skills. I am not seeking a position practicing law in the state of Missouri. I am ready to "retire" from practice in pursuit of my dream jobs. Recognized for high productivity and deep-dive research, evidence collection, and case management. My strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities enhance team collaboration and drive impactful results.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
VICE PRESIDENT
Hurricane State, P.A. f/k/a Heath Insurance Law
Riverview, Florida
10.2024 - Current
- Oversaw all departments to ensure smooth daily operations and alignment with business objectives.
- Maintained critical corporate relationships to support firm growth and client satisfaction.
- Managed remote teams to enhance collaboration and ensure project deliverables were met on time.
- Overseeing human resources functions such as recruitment, employee relations, training and benefits administration.
- Negotiating contracts with vendors for services, products and supplies.
- Handling cases from inception to conclusion via settlement or trial.
- Representing commercial and residential property owners in breach of contract disputes.
- Utilizing Florida 6-20 All-Lines license to independently adjust claims.
- Working with investigators, inspectors, and trusted experts during investigation of claims.
LITIGATION ATTORNEY
Maranges Law, PLLC
Boca Raton, Florida
08.2023 - 11.2024
- Representing individuals, business entities, and specialized medical facilities following catastrophic weather events.
- Managed litigation for first-party residential and commercial property claims across multiple legal stages, ensuring comprehensive representation for clients.
- Represented clients in breach of contract, negligence, and complex property damage claims.
- Conducted client intakes and managed cases from inception to conclusion, including policy interpretation, mediations and arbitrations, depositions, discovery requests and responses, summary judgment motions, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
- Collaborated with engineering experts to strengthen case arguments and provide technical insights.
- Mentored in Engineering by now retired expert witness and Professional Engineer.
- Handled high-dollar collection actions for corporate clients.
APPELLATE COUNSEL
The Shield Law Group of Florida, LLC
Davie, Florida
08.2022 - 10.2023
- Practice Lead: Breach of Contract Appellate Litigation.
- Drafted briefs and managed appeals in state and federal courts, including the 11th Circuit Courts of Appeals.
- Represented clients in federal and state-level appeals, preparing legal documents and presenting compelling arguments to support their cases.
- Practice Lead & Founder: Personal Injury practice group.
- Advised clients on legal matters and compliance issues, ensuring informed decision-making and risk management.
- Managed multiple cases, coordinating timely responses to clients and maintaining effective communication throughout the legal process.
CONTRACT COUNSEL
Heath Legal, LLC
Tampa, Florida
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Legal Services Contract Counsel business formed in reaction to need of small firms during and after Covid-19.
- Managed cases from inception to conclusion, including internet trials and appellate considerations, ensuring comprehensive legal representation.
- Practiced business transactional law, handled breach of contract disputes, civil theft cases, structural engineering claims, collections for small businesses, personal injury, and negligence claims.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop legal strategies for complex issues.
- Created solutions to mitigate delays caused by court closures, streamlining processes for affected clients.
- Established personal injury practice group for law firm client, enhancing service offerings and client support.
- Designed businesses for first-time business owners pro bono.
- Won Trial conducted solely over Zoom.
SENIOR IN-HOUSE TRIAL COUNSEL
Allstate Insurance Corporation
Tampa, Florida
11.2019 - 07.2020
- Litigated catastrophic injury claims as lead trial counsel for Fortune 100 Corporation.
- Prepared 80 cases for trial, ensuring thorough readiness for successful litigation outcomes.
- Negotiated settlements and managed dispute resolution processes, achieving favorable resolutions for clients.
- Represented Allstate clients in serious bodily matters.
- Analyzed contractual language and statutory obligations to devise effective legal strategies, enhancing case outcomes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex legal matters.
- Trained by upper level executive management and the General Counsel for Florida Breach of Contract claims within the corporation.
- Position made obsolete when Covid-19 caused indefinite court closures and cancellation of all trials.
BANKING/COLLECTION/FRAUD ATTORNEY
Kass Shuler, P.A.
Tampa, Florida
11.2018 - 11.2019
- Achieved over 90% success rate at the summary judgment stage for 550 hearings argued in one year.
- Conducted depositions of individuals committing fraud, gathering critical evidence to support litigation efforts.
- Performed transactional work, collections litigation, and conducted fraud investigations, contributing to case strategy and legal outcomes.
- Managed collections, post-foreclosure land acquisitions, and high-value claims suspected of fraud for national and international banking conglomerates, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
MULTI-PURPOSE ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
FL Legal Group
Tampa, Florida
09.2016 - 11.2018
- Attorney with the highest earnings on settlements for 15 weeks straight - firm record.
- Conducted personal injury litigation to secure fair compensation for clients.
- Reviewed and analyzed contracts, identifying and mitigating potential legal issues to protect client interests.
- Prepared Appellate Briefs for the Appellate Practice Group.
- Oversaw medical collections for hospitals and surgery centers, ensuring timely payments and reducing outstanding receivables.
- Negotiated payment for unpaid CPT-codes on behalf of healthcare providers.
- Prepared multi-campus medical facility for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, drafting and presenting the petition to facilitate a smooth court process.
- Supervised three paralegals, managing workflow, filings, and compliance deadlines.
STATE FARM DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Oxendine & Oxendine, P.A.
Tampa, Florida
09.2013 - 08.2016
- Analyzed insurance policies to identify coverage gaps and recommend improvements.
- Reviewed claims documentation for compliance with company standards and regulations.
- Researched case law to support ongoing litigation efforts.
- Managed client relationships with State Farm corporate executives and department managers, maintaining communication throughout cases.
- Developed detailed litigation strategies for the representation of State Farm Corporation.
- Participated in case reviews and provided consultation when necessary.
- Developed strategies for effective case management and resolution.
- Assisted in developing training materials for new analysts on best practices.
- Participated in cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
Education
Accredited Claims Adjuster - Property & Casualty Insurance Claims
Florida Insurance College
Maitland, FL08-2024
Juris Doctor - Law
Saint Thomas University, College of Law
Miami Gardens, FL05-2012
Bachelor of Science - Law And American Civilization
Towson University
Towson, Maryland05-2009
Skills
- Contract negotiation
- Legal operations
- Business development
- Strategic planning
- Workflow management
- Partnerships and affiliations
- Client relations
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Analytical thinking
- Team leadership
- Staff training
- Documentation and reporting
- Effective communication
- Negotiation
- Mentorship & Community Engagement
- Policy Interpretation
Charitable Community Efforts
- Youth Mentor for Pilot Program, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) 2023 - 2025
- Attorney Service Award, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, 2024
- Veterans Outreach Court, 13th Judicial Circuit, Veterans Court Planning Committee, Fundraising Chair, 2018 - 2023
Certification
Florida Bar
Timeline
VICE PRESIDENT
Hurricane State, P.A. f/k/a Heath Insurance Law
10.2024 - Current
LITIGATION ATTORNEY
Maranges Law, PLLC
08.2023 - 11.2024
APPELLATE COUNSEL
The Shield Law Group of Florida, LLC
08.2022 - 10.2023
CONTRACT COUNSEL
Heath Legal, LLC
08.2020 - 08.2022
SENIOR IN-HOUSE TRIAL COUNSEL
Allstate Insurance Corporation
11.2019 - 07.2020
BANKING/COLLECTION/FRAUD ATTORNEY
Kass Shuler, P.A.
11.2018 - 11.2019
MULTI-PURPOSE ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
FL Legal Group
09.2016 - 11.2018
STATE FARM DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Oxendine & Oxendine, P.A.
09.2013 - 08.2016
Accredited Claims Adjuster - Property & Casualty Insurance Claims
Florida Insurance College
Juris Doctor - Law
Saint Thomas University, College of Law
Bachelor of Science - Law And American Civilization
Towson University