Biography
R. Michael O’Donnell concentrates his practice on worker’s compensation litigation, drawing from his prior experience in both civil and criminal litigation matters. He has experience handling trials in Florida’s Division of Administrative Hearings for Workers Compensation Claims, including lay and medical testimony on all issues of controversy, entitlement to indemnity or medical benefits, and fraud issues. Mike advises clients on all aspects of workers’ compensation claims handling, from claims filing through closure by settlement or alternative disposition, with a focus on early, cost-effective claims resolutions.
Mike has been instrumental in developing the facts necessary to successfully defend claims where fraud is evident using his background as a former prosecutor. He also converses easily with medical experts on complex issues of medical causation and identifying those situations where objections are required to ensure that the medical testimony is based on sound scientific principles.
Prior to entering private practice, Mike worked as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in asset forfeiture for crimes committed under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, where he prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases. Mike has been recognized as a five star lawyer in peer reviews from Martindale Hubbell. He is a member of the American Inns of Court and American Board of Trial Advocates, invitation only organizations where individuals must be invited by their peers to become a member. Outside of his practice, Mike enjoys stand up paddle boarding, running early in the morning, biking and musical concerts, especially when his oldest daughter Bailey is a featured musician.
Experience
Recognition
Five Star – Peer Reviewed® rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
This rating signifies a number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Background
Bar and Court Admissions
Admissions
Florida State Bar
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Hawaii State Bar
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit of Hawaii
Licenses
Florida
Education
Nova Southeastern University | J.D., 1991
Stetson University | B.B.A., 1988
Memberships
American Board of Trial Advocates
Craig S. Barnard Chapter of the American Inns of Court
Palm Beach County Justice Association
American Association for Justice
Palm Beach County Bar Association
Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar
Supporting Member and Volunteer – Friends of McArthur State Beach Park
News & Events
News & Events
- Presenter, American Inns of Court – Palm Beach County, 2014