TAMPA, FL—Shumaker proudly announces the expansion of its Litigation and Disputes Service Line with the addition of two distinguished partners, Peter P. Murnaghan and Jill K. Schmidt. This strategic move enhances Shumaker's litigation practice, addressing the growing demand for legal services in construction defect cases and the defense of business clients against personal injury claims.
"Shumaker’s business clients face an evolving array of legal challenges best resolved by experienced and effective trial attorneys," explained Jaime Austrich, Vice Chair of Shumaker's Management Committee and Partner. "The addition of Peter and Jill rounds out our litigation practice to meet this need in today's business landscape. Their wealth of courtroom experience will be an invaluable asset to Shumaker’s clients navigating significant and complex legal matters."
Peter brings over 40 years of litigation experience and a stellar reputation as a highly respected litigator. With a focus on civil trial practice, Peter has successfully handled hundreds if not thousands of cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and commercial issues. His expertise lies in highway construction, trucking operations, and industrial plant operations. Furthermore, he is actively involved in aviation litigation and has contributed significantly as a member of the ABA Select Subcommittee on Aviation Law and the Florida Bar Subcommittee on Aviation and Space Law.
Jill, an accomplished trial attorney and qualified arbitrator, brings a wealth of experience to the firm. She is recognized for her high-performance litigation skills and has received the prestigious AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, denoting the highest level of professional excellence. Jill's practice areas within the Litigation and Disputes Service Line encompass civil trial practice, wrongful death and personal injury, construction law, and commercial law.
Moreover, she provides pre-litigation dispute counseling and corporate training for accident investigations and preservation requirements.
Just last month, Shumaker acquired a team of nine experienced insurance recovery attorneys, resulting in a significant boost to the firm’s existing insurance practice.
“Jill and Peter are nationally recognized trial lawyers with outstanding market reputations and profiles, and their addition to the team will further strengthen our practice," said Michele Leo Hintson, Shumaker Partner and Litigation and Disputes Regional Service Line Leader.