Scott Fischer

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Scott Mitchell Fischer spent the first few years of his legal career working as a defense lawyer representing nursing homes being sued for abuse and neglect, doctors in cases of medical malpractice, and drivers who caused motor vehicle accidents.

"It was a tremendous learning tool to be in the trenches with the other side," Fischer says.  But I always knew I wanted to be on the side of justice working for the victims of negligence."

Now a well-regarded personal injury attorney with Gordon & Doner, Fischer is using the knowledge he acquired while working as a defense lawyer to successfully seek justice for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, medical malpractice and motor vehicle accidents, as well as all other areas of personal injury law including premises liability and products liability cases.

Fischer says his work as a representative of the injured is much more in line with the goals that led him to become a lawyer.

"I wanted to become a lawyer because I enjoy helping people in need," Fischer said.  That is what attracted me to this job and what led me to enjoy doing what I do."

As an attorney who represents victims, Fischer has had many opportunities to help people.  But some cases stand out in his memory more than others.

"I had a case where a woman went into a nursing home for treatment of a wound on her foot.  The nursing home neglected her and the wound became infested with maggots," Fischer recalls.  "That case was a good example of the responsible party trying to blame anyone or anything but themselves.  They tried to blame the victim, the doctor, and of all things, the weather."

"As it turned out, that case went to trial and the jury held the nursing home accountable by rendering a verdict for $1.27 million," Fischer said.  "It's always gratifying to get past the excuses of the at-fault party and to get justice for someone who truly deserves it."

A graduate of the Frederick G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida, Fischer is a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum.  Fewer than 1 percent of U.S. lawyers are members, and membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Mr. Fischer has also been recognized as one of Florida's top attorneys age 40 and younger by Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite.

Fischer said his success as an attorney is connected to the characteristics that define him as a person.

"When it comes to things that are important to me, I am very passionate and persistent about what I do," Fischer said.  "The passion and persistence I bring on behalf of my clients gives me an edge that helps win their cases."

Opposing lawyers recognize Fischer's devotion to his work.

"I put so much effort into my cases that often the lawyers on the other side will ask me, ‘Is this your only case?  Don't you have anything else to do other than work on this case?'" Fischer says.  "That's when I know I'm doing my job." 

When he's not at work, Fischer enjoys spending time with his family.  Fischer also stays active with a variety of sports, including basketball, tennis, running and working out at the gym.  He's also a sports fan, happy for any opportunity to show his support for the Florida Gators, Atlanta Braves, Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins.

His favorite legal movie: My Cousin Vinny, the Oscar-winning comedy starring Joe Pesci and Marissa Tomei.

Admitted to bar: 2000, Florida.

Education: University of Florida (B.S., 1997; J.D., 2000).

Member: Florida Justice Association, Palm Beach Justice Association; Palm Beach County Bar Association; The Florida Bar, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Reported Cases: Consolidated Resources Healthcare v. Fenelus, 853 So. 2d 500 (Fla. 4th DCA 2003).