How much does it cost to hire Jennifer for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jennifer walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Jennifer offer a free consultation?

Jennifer charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jennifer's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Jennifer's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in Florida typically take?

Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jennifer gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Jennifer take my case if I'm outside Orlando?

Jennifer is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jennifer will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Jennifer?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jennifer will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Jennifer accepting new business clients right now?

Jennifer's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Jennifer Smith Thomas, Business Attorney in Orlando

Quick answer

Jennifer Smith Thomas is a partner based in Orlando, FL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Jennifer has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association.

Based in: Orlando, FL
Experience: over 18 years
Known for: Business · General · Litigation

Handles Business, General, and Litigation matters from Orlando, FL.
Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Jennifer takes on

Jennifer concentrates on business, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jennifer handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Orlando, Florida

Jennifer takes business matters in Orlando, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jennifer agrees to represent you.

General cases in Orlando, Florida

Jennifer takes general matters in Orlando, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jennifer agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Orlando, Florida

Jennifer takes litigation matters in Orlando, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jennifer agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Jennifer Smith Thomas — business lawyer in Orlando

Jennifer Smith Thomas is a partner based in Orlando, FL. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Jennifer has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association.

Jennifer Smith Thomas focuses her practice in the areas of casualty and commercial litigation.

In particular, Jen represents commercial and residential premises owners, including associations, public entities, and businesses in premises liability actions, including slip/trip and falls, negligent security, and personal injury defense matters including catastrophic injury and/or wrongful death suits. Jen also represents product manufacturers in personal injury suits.

Her commercial litigation experience includes the representation of banks, creditors, financial institutions and title insurance companies in complex business litigation and real property disputes. Jen also has significant appellate, bankruptcy, and post-judgment collection experience.

Certifications

•AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Awards & Honors

•Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, 2023-2026
•Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star, Personal Injury General: Defense, 2015-2023
•American Institute of Person Injury Attorneys-2016 10 Best Female Attorneys in Client Satisfaction
•Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Award of Excellence, (2014-2015) (2015-2016) (2017-2018)

Articles & Presentations

•Author, 'You Don’t Get (to) Squat!: Two New Florida Laws Expedite the Unauthorized Guest Removal Process for the Hotel and Commercial Properties Industries,' September 2025
•Co-author, 'How Florida’s New Comparative Fault Laws Can Help QSRs Reduce Liability Risk,' QSR Magazine, August 2024
•Co-author, 'Florida High Court Gave Bars a Big Win, But There Are Additional Ways to Reduce Liability Risk,' Modern Restaurant Management, July 2024
•Panelist, 'Preparing for the Storm in 2023,' Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) Winter Meeting, February 2023
•Co-author, 'A Look Back at the Transitory Foreign Substance Statute,' in the Trial Advocate, published by the Florida Defense Lawyers Association, December 2022
•Author, 'Understanding what Medical Bills the Jury Sees: A Primer on Florida Law for Risk Managers,' Public Risk Magazine, July/August 2022
•Author, 'COVID-19 Litigation: What Hotels Have Learned and How to Mitigate Future Exposure,' HotelExecutive, December 2021
•Author, 'Expanding To-Go Beverage Service Permanently: What to Know,' FSR, June 29, 2021
•Author, 'Cocktails Good 'To-Go' in Fla.: Potential Liability for Portable Libations Providers,' Daily Business Review, June 24, 2021
•Co-author, 'Florida Passes Law for Permanent To-Go Alcoholic Beverages for Restaurants,' May 2021
•Co-author, 'Restaurant Revitalization Grant Offers Relief to Restaurants and Bars: Opens May 1,' April 2021
•Author, 'Florida Governor Signs Liability Limitation Bill into Law,' March 2021
•Author, 'Third DCA Makes Rare Finding Against Arbitrability where Arbitration Clause is Present in Contract,' March 2021
•Author, 'Premises Liability Concerns as Hotels Re-Open in the Wake of COVID-19,' published in Hotel Executive, August 23, 2020
•Author, 'Creditors Beware: Pitfalls Lurking in the CARES Act and Local Orders,' June 24, 2020
•Author, 'COVID-19 General Liability Concerns for Restaurants and Bars as Florida Enters Phase 2,' Florida Restaurant & Lodging Magazine, July 2020
•Panelist, 'Practicing With Professionalism,' Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section, 2015, 2016
•Moderator, 'Practicing With Professionalism,' Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section, 2016, 2017
•Speaker, 'The Winning Edge,' FAMU, 2015, 2016
•Speaker, 'Raising the Bar,' FAMU, 2015, 2016
•Moderator, YLD Diversity Symposium, May 2017

Jennifer's News and Insights

09.18.2025
Commercial Litigation

You Don’t Get (to) Squat!: Two New Florida Laws Expedite the Unauthorized Guest Removal Process for Hotel and Commercial Properties

On June 2, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new...

Photo: Shutterstock.com/gnohz

08.21.2025
Firm News

27 RumbergerKirk Attorneys Named to the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America

Dan Gerber and Leonard Dietzen Named “Lawyer of the Year;”...

08.01.2025
Firm News

Leading the Way: Jennifer Smith Thomas Steps into New FDCC Leadership Roles

Jennifer Smith Thomas has been appointed the Chair of the...

08.27.2024
Casualty Litigation

How Florida’s New Comparative Fault Laws Can Help QSRs Reduce Liability Risk

In the highly competitive quick-service restaurant industry, fast-food chains are...

Shutterstock.com/Arisani

08.15.2024
Firm News

Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition Recognizes 24 RumbergerKirk Attorneys

Two Named “Lawyer of the Year” and Two Named “Ones...

07.30.2024
Casualty Litigation

Florida High Court Gave Bars a Big Win, But There Are Additional Ways to Reduce Liability Risk

Owners of bars, taverns, restaurants and other establishments serving alcohol...

Photo: Shutterstock.com/Pokoman

03.05.2024
Beyond the Bio

RumbergerKirk Laces Up to Give Back at the 10th Annual OCBA Law Day 5K

We had a great time at the Orange County Bar...

08.17.2023
Firm News

Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 24 RumbergerKirk Attorneys with Managing Partner Frank Sheppard Named Lawyer of the Year

ORLANDO, FL - August 17, 2023 - Best Lawyers has...

06.26.2023
Firm News

Seven RumbergerKirk Attorneys Listed in 2023 Florida Super Lawyers

Orlando, FL- June 26, 2023 - RumbergerKirk is pleased to...

03.08.2023
Firm News

Jennifer Smith Thomas Elected to OCBA Executive Council

Jennifer Smith Thomas has been elected to the Orange County...

Working with Jennifer on a business matter

Jennifer Smith Thomas focuses her practice in the areas of casualty and commercial litigation. In particular, Jen represents commercial and residential premises owners, including associations, public entities, and businesses in premises liability actions, including slip/trip and falls, negligent security, and personal injury defense matters including catastrophic injury and/or wrongful death…

Clients Jennifer works with

Jennifer reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and litigation matters in Orlando and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Barry University School of Law
J.D. · 2008
Mercer University
B.A. Criminal · 2005

Jennifer studied at J.D. in Barry University School of Law and B.A. Criminal in Mercer University.

Law school and academic background

Jennifer completed J.D. in Barry University School of Law and B.A. Criminal in Mercer University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jennifer runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Jennifer Smith Thomas's office in Orlando

Jennifer's primary office is at Lincoln Plaza, Suite 1400, 300 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association

Lincoln Plaza, Suite 1400, 300 South Orange Avenue

Orlando, FL 32801

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Jennifer Smith Thomas

Jennifer has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Jennifer Smith Thomas can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Jennifer Smith Thomas — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jennifer usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Jennifer charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jennifer's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jennifer will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Orlando, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jennifer

Jennifer discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jennifer confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jennifer's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jennifer Smith Thomas

How much does it cost to hire Jennifer for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jennifer walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jennifer offer a free consultation?
Jennifer charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jennifer's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Jennifer's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Florida typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jennifer gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jennifer take my case if I'm outside Orlando?
Jennifer is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jennifer will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jennifer?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jennifer will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jennifer accepting new business clients right now?
Jennifer's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Jennifer Smith Thomas. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Force A Partner To Sell Their Share In My Florida Business?
I have a co-owner in my Jacksonville, Florida, business who isn’t contributing anymore and I want to buy them out. I’m unsure if I can force them to sell their share. What legal op
1 verified answer · Business · Florida
Do I Need A Business License For My Food Truck In Florida?
I’m planning to start a food truck in Orlando, Florida, and I’m confused about the licensing requirements. I heard I might need several permits, including a health permit and a bus
1 verified answer · Business · Florida
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Orlando, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Jennifer handles business matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Jennifer Smith Thomas, Business Attorney in Orlando, Florida

Quick answer