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Ferris Paula

PAULA FERRIS

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Paula Ferris-Richardson is a trial lawyer in the Firm’s Miami office. Prior to joining the firm, Paula was as Assistant State Attorney with the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida (Dade
County), where she again excelled, conducting over 62 jury and non-jury trials, in both misdemeanor and felony court, in both with a conviction rate of approximately 90%. After
completing her commitment to public service, Ms. Ferris was a part of the Trial Division of House Counsel in United Auto Insurance Company. There, Paula handled PIP Insurance
defense claims from initial filing through Trial, inclusive of all intermediate discovery, depositions, Summary Judgements, as well as participating in over 17 civil jury trials, as 2nd
chair and several as 1st chair. She earned the well-deserved reputation of being a well-prepared and zealous advocate, while maintaining her sense of reasonableness and professionalism with both court and counsel.

Paula was born in the US Virgin Islands, and moved to Miami, FL as a child. She accepted a full athletic scholarship to Florida Memorial University for her volleyball prowess and her scholastic aptitude, pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., became a member of the Honor Society, was elected Senior Class President, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Major in Criminal Justice.

PRACTICE AREAS

Personal Injury Protection

Insurance Defense

Education

J.D., University of Florida
- UF’s Levin College of Law, member of the Trial Team
- Winner Final Four Trial Team
- Voted Best Advocate in the Florida Bar Chester Bedell Trial Team Competition, and a member of the winning team for that competition
- Awarded the Order Of Barristers
M.P.A., Florida Memorial University, with 3.5 GPS
B.A., manga cum laude, Florida Memorial University, graduated

Memberships

Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association, Member

Admissions

Florida

Experience

Erika Cecilia Rodriguez v. UAIC, (05-3378 CC 05), handled litigation of the of the case from assignment through to trial. Jury trial to verdict, Defense favor (2007), as lead counsel.
Eduardo Garrido a/a/o Danubia Ramirez v. UAIC, (05-10667 SP 25), handled the litigation of the case from assignment through to trial. Jury trial verdict, Defense favor (2008), as lead counsel.
Cicero Ortho Med-Center v. UAIC, (05-6989 SP 21), handled the litigation from assignment through to trial. Jury trial verdict, Defense favor (2007), as 2^nd chair, however was primary litigator during trial: argued preliminary motions in limine, presented opening statements, conducted direct of client and cross of Plaintiff, and presented closing arguments.
Jesus Moreno v. UAIC, (05-10667 SP 25), handled the litigation of the case from assignment through to trial. Defense Summary Judgment motion was Denied prior to trial; case proceed to Jury trial verdict, Plaintiff favor (2010); Case appealed, and reversed on appeal, and Plaintiff’s DCA petition denied. The 11^th Judicial Circuit Court of Appeals, reversed finding that the Defense Motion for Summary Judgment, that was previously denied prior to trial, and preserved for appeal during trial, should have been granted in Defendant’s favor. Appeal Court reversed the Jury verdict, and granted Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment, case returned to lower court for fees to Defendant.
Hialeah Medical a/a/o Jany Coto v. UAIC, (02-16536 CC 05), (2001 date of loss); inherited case after returned from second appeal, after jury verdict for Plaintiff. Handled litigation of the case from assignment through to Jury trial verdict, Defense favor (2011), appeared as 2^nd chair.
Brenda Lezama v. UAIC, (02-21243 CC 05), (2001 date of loss), appeared as 2^nd chair at personal request of UAIC Lead Trial Counsel. Primarily responsible for preliminary motions, succeeded in defeating Plaintiff’s motions to strike defense medical expert and exclude material evidence. Assigned to review 400 page, 10-hour deposition of Defense Medical Expert, and to prepare substantive excerpts of transcript, prepare case law and arguments to Plaintiff recorded objections, identify any and all possible or potential objections. Specifically handled all of the depositions objections from the 10-hour deposition during court’s evidentiary hearing. Presented Opening arguments. Jury verdict in Defense favor (2011).
Miami Medical a/a/o Miriam Guzman v. UAIC, (09-04654 CC 05), handled the litigation of the case from assignment through to trial, appear as 2^nd chair on day of trial (2017); Plaintiff counsel settled case for $5000, after completing their jury selection.
Miami Medical a/a/o Carmen Merchan v. UAIC, (14-9592 CC 05), handled litigation of the case from assignment through to trial. Jury trial (2018), appeared as 2^nd chair. Prior to trial Plaintiff demanded $125K to settle the case. During trial claimant was severely impeached using prior deposition testimony, that strategically solidified her statements. Plaintiff then chose to settle the case for $2500. (Note: Plaintiff also resolved the companion case, for nuisance amount, which was not set for trial).