Brennan, Manna & Diamond

Managing Partner, Jacksonville Office

Practice Description and Experience

Mike became the Florida Managing Partner for Brennan, Manna & Diamond in September 2003.  He is experienced in litigation, arbitration, administrative proceedings and other forms of dispute resolution in a wide range of areas, including:

• Banking
• Class Actions
• Construction
• Corporate Governance
• Education
• Eminent Domain
• Entertainment and Sports
• Health Care
• the Hospitality Industry
• Insurance Coverage
• Labor and Employment
• Product Liability
• Professional Athletes

In addition, Mike serves on behalf of the Firm as outside general counsel for various companies, with regular involvement in personnel matters, labor relations, contract negotiations, insurance,risk analysis, and strategic planning.

Mike has appeared to discuss legal topics on “The Today Show”, “Good Morning America”, “CBS This Morning”, “20/20” “The Dr. Phil Show”, “The Nancy Grace Show” National Public Radio and other national , as well as, local television and radio programs

He also is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education presentations on various substantive legal topics and legal ethics.  He is published on variety of topics for professionals inside and outside the legal community.

Mike is active in speaking out in various forums against child exploitation and human trafficking. 

Mike began his legal career in the Washington, D.C. office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.  In 1995, he moved to Jacksonville and joined Smith, Hulsey & Busey where he became a Capital Shareholder in the firm’s Litigation Group.

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C. (Juris Doctorate magna cum laude, 1993)
• Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida (B.A., English & Political Science summa cum laude, 1990)
• Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida (Honorary Doctorate of Law, 2006)

Court & Bar Associations

• Florida, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Bar Associations
• Jacksonville Bar Association (President:  2011-12; Former Chair - Commercial Litigation and Professionalism Sections)
• U.S. District Court, Middle District, Florida
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court
• Federal Bar Association, Jacksonville Chapter (President 2002-2003)

Professional & Civic Affiliations and Recognition

• Florida Trend Magazine - Florida Legal Elite (by Peer Review)
• Florida Super Lawyers (by Peer Review)
• Rated AV (highest competence and ethical rating) by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Rating Service
• Jacksonville Business Journal Up and Comers (2005) (40 Most Influential Professionals Under Age 40)
• The Chester Bedell Inn of Court (Barrister)
• Christian Legal Society
• Florida Bar Fourth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee (Member:  2009-2012)
• Founding Member:  Athletics Advisory Committee of Edward Waters College