Michael Lewis Forte, ADR Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Class Action, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
PartneratRumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association
Tampa, FL
Practicing adr in Tampa since 2002.
- 24+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 6 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael Lewis Forte?
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Quick answer
Michael Lewis Forte is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on ADR, Class Action, and General. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 24 years
- Known for
- ADR · Class Action · General
- Handles ADR, Class Action, and General matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Lewis Forte: Michael Lewis Forte is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on ADR, Class Action, and General. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on adr, class action, general, government, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Class Action
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General
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Government
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Health Care
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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ADR cases in Tampa, Florida
Michael takes adr matters in Tampa, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in Tampa, Florida
Michael takes class action matters in Tampa, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Tampa, Florida
Michael takes general matters in Tampa, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Tampa, Florida
Michael takes government matters in Tampa, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Tampa, Florida
Michael takes health care matters in Tampa, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael Lewis Forte — adr lawyer in Tampa
Michael Lewis Forte is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on ADR, Class Action, and General. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Mike Forte practices in the areas of trucking, casualty and product liability. He defends clients in trucking accidents involving negligence, catastrophic injury and wrongful death in both state and federal courts. A large portion of his practice involves defending Canadian drivers in lawsuits stemming from Florida accidents. Mike has written and lectured extensively on cross-border issues important to Canadians. He also defends manufacturers of medical equipment and exercise equipment, as well as automobile and airplane manufacturers in product liability matters, and represents retail companies across the state in matters involving negligent security and premises liability.
Awards & Honors
•Named a '40 under 40 Up & Comer' by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, 2014
•Florida Defense Lawyers Association Trial Advocate Quarterly Award, 2014
•AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
•Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star, Personal Injury Defense-General, 2009-2017
•Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Litigation-Insurance, 2022-2026
Articles & Presentations
•Author, 'Strategic Considerations in Admitting Liability,' published in Florida Defense Lawyers Association's 'Trial Advocate,' April 2026
•Author, 'A Quick Note Regarding Surveillance Reports in Florida,' October 2024
•Panelist, 'Auto & Transportation Committee Roundtable,' Florida Defense Lawyers Association, April 2024
•Author, 'Additur for Future Pain and Suffering Damages,' FDLA Trial Advocate, March 2024
•Co-Presenter, 'Investigating the How and Why of Motorcycle Accidents,' Florida Defense Lawyers Association, February 2024
•Author, 'A Quick Note about Removal with Less Than $75,000 in Medical Specials,' November 13, 2023
•Author, 'Tips for Young Lawyers: CME Location,' Trial Advocate, November 18, 2021
•Co-presenter, 'Claims Management Challenges and Settlement Strategies,' CEU Institute, November 11, 2021
•Co-Author, 'A Quick Note about Pain and Suffering Disclosures in Federal Court,' November 2021
•Co-Host, 'Automotive and Trucking Accidents in the U.S. with Foreign Defendants: What Insurers Need to Know,' Legally Qualified Podcast, August 2021
•Presenter, 'The Seven Privileges: Protecting Confidentiality of Florida Defendants,' Celesq Virtual Webinar, June 1, 2021
•Author, 'Landowner’s Duty of Care in Florida, and the Special Case of Contractors,' April 2021
•Author, 'A Quick Note About Florida PIP Setoffs Without PIP Insurance,' March 2021
•Author, 'The Seven Privileges: Protecting Confidentiality of Florida Defendants,' Daily Business Review, March 17, 2021
•Co-Author, 'Florida Car Accident Lawsuits: How to Apply the Brakes on Plaintiffs,' Without Prejudice, Official Journal of the Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association, Vol. 85. No. 7. March 2021
•Co-Presenter, 'COVID-19 Business Interruption Claims and Bad Faith,' RIMS, The Risk Management Society, November 18, 2020
•Author, 'Using Vicarious Liability to Defeat Employer Negligence Claims,' The Trial Advocate, a publication of The Florida Defense Lawyers Association, Volume 39. Number 2., June 2020
•Author, 'Combating Permanency Without a Defense Medical Expert,' Trial Advocate Quarterly, Vol. 37, No. 1, Winter 2018
•Co-Presenter, 'Defense Strategies Giving You the Most Bang for Your Buck,' Claims Education Conference, May 2018, New Orleans
•Author, 'An Important Defense Tool in U.S. Lawsuits against Canadians,' Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association, Without Prejudice, September 2017
•Co-Author, 'Punitive Damages: When Are They Available in Premises Liability Lawsuits?' Trial Advocate Quarterly, Vol. 33. No.1, Winter 2014
•Presenter, 'Public Records and Sunshine Law,'Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association, September 2014
•Co-Author, 'Rodriguez v. Miami-Dade County: The Florida Supreme Court Clarifies Certiorari Review in Sovereign Immunity Cases,' Florida Bar Journal, Vol. 88, No. 1, January 2014
•Author, 'Admissibility of High-low Agreements in Multi-defendant Litigation,' Florida Bar Journal, Vol. 87, No. 1, November 2013
Mike's News and Insights
05.12.2026
Trucking
Strategic Considerations in Admitting Liability
This article was originally published by the FDLA in its...
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Tricky_Shark
02.05.2026
Firm News
Pinellas County Jury Rejects $2M+ Damages Claim in Trucking Accident Case
In an admitted liability tractor-trailer accident case, a Pinellas County...
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;”...
10.18.2024
Casualty Litigation
A Quick Note Regarding Surveillance Reports in Florida
In Florida, if you want to use surveillance footage at...
Photo: Shutterstock/Aleksandrkozak
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...
04.08.2024
Casualty Litigation
Additur for Future Pain and Suffering Damages
When a jury’s verdict is unreasonably low, the presiding judge...
Shutterstock.com/sebra
01.16.2024
Media Mentions
DRI Members Share Their Victories, The Voice
DRI, the leading organization of civil defense attorneys and in-house...
11.13.2023
Casualty Litigation
A Quick Note about Removal with Less Than $75,000 in Medical Specials
Removing a case to federal court requires diversity of citizenship...
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Andrey_Popov
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...
08.19.2022
Firm News
23 RumbergerKirk Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America 2023
Orlando, Fla., August 18, 2022 - RumbergerKirk is pleased to...
How Michael handles adr matters
Mike Forte practices in the areas of trucking, casualty and product liability. He defends clients in trucking accidents involving negligence, catastrophic injury and wrongful death in both state and federal courts. A large portion of his practice involves defending Canadian drivers in lawsuits stemming from Florida accidents. Mike has written and lectured extensively on cross-border issues…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, class action, and general matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Stetson University, College of Law
J.D. · 2002
University of Florida
B.A. English · 1999
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Florida
2002 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Stetson University, College of Law and B.A. English in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Stetson University, College of Law and B.A. English in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Michael Lewis Forte's office in Tampa
Michael's primary office is at 100 North Tampa Street, Suite 2000, Tampa, FL, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association
100 North Tampa Street, Suite 2000
Tampa, FL 33602
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Lewis Forte — 5.0/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Tampa.
5.0
6 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Lewis Forte claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Lewis Forte — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Lewis Forte
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Florida typically take?
Simple adr 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new adr clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
Michael handles adr matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
