Overview

Judith M. Mercier is an attorney in Holland & Knight's Orlando office who concentrates on complex business and commercial litigation, with an emphasis on class action litigation and arbitration, throughout Florida and the United States. Her practice focuses on contract disputes, business torts, intellectual property, invasion of privacy, defamation, First Amendment, defending consumer claims and compliance. Ms. Mercier has significant experience defending actions for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, negligence, and unfair and deceptive trade practices, as well as various statutory claims under Florida and federal law, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

Ms. Mercier has tried jury and bench trials in state and federal court, argued federal court appeals, and arbitrated cases across the country. As a national counsel, she devises practical strategies for clients to navigate disputes and leads a team of attorneys that handles trial court cases, appeals and arbitrations throughout the United States.

Ms. Mercier represents companies in a wide range of industries, including e-commerce, financial and payment services, sports, real estate and hospitality, and media and entertainment. Ms. Mercier understands her clients' businesses, opportunities and standing in the marketplace and assists clients to evaluate risks and regulations, identify trends, and develop strategies to achieve their business goals. She stays up to date with emerging technologies, innovations and developments that could impact her clients' businesses.

Ms. Mercier is a former certified public accountant and has significant experience conducting corporate investigations and advising clients on compliance matters.

In addition, Ms. Mercier is a former co-chair of the national Media Practice Team. Her First Amendment and media law practice involves representing media and other entities in defamation actions, actions to obtain access to judicial records and proceedings, and defending journalists facing subpoenas under Florida's shield law.

Ms. Mercier serves as a member of the firm's Diversity Council and Steering Committee for the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Engagement Initiative. Ms. Mercier has served on the Director's Nominating Committee for Holland & Knight and as the national chair of Holland & Knight Women's Initiative, as well as participated in the firm's Rising Star program.

Credentials

Education
  • University of Miami School of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • University of Florida, B.S., Accounting
Bar Admissions/Licenses
  • Florida
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Memberships
  • Orange County Bar Association, Judicial Relations Committee, former Chair and Vice Chair
  • Leadership Orlando, Graduate
  • Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, former President
  • University of Miami Law Review, former Articles and Comments Editor
Honors & Awards
  • Diversity in Business Award, Orlando Business Journal, 2022
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Commercial Litigation, 2008-2025; Media Law, 2008-2024
  • Florida Super Lawyers magazine, 2013-2024
  • Holland & Knight Pro Bono All-Star, 2021
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • American Jurisprudence Book Award, Evidence, University of Miami

Publications

Florida Appellate Courts Uphold Immunity for Website Operator, Approve City's Redaction of Polygraph Report
Holland & Knight Newsletter
April/May/June 2012
3 Minutes
Bloggers Beware: Florida’s Long-Arm Statute Reaches Nonresidents Who Post Material Online
Holland & Knight Newsletter
October/November 2010
3 Minutes

Speaking Engagements

The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Statewide Diversity Symposium

May 9, 2014

ABA Forum on Communications Law Annual Conference

Hot Issues in Newsgathering / February 7-9, 2013

Ethics in the Digital Era: How to Avoid Striking Out

Association of Corporate Counsel, Central Florida Chapter / March 22, 2012

ABA Forum on Communications Law Annual Conference

Faculty / 2012 Media Advocacy Workshop; Panelist, Hot Issues in Reporters Privilege / February 11, 2012

Florida Diversity Council Women in Leadership Symposium

A Day of Excellence Through Leadership / October 6, 2011

New Judicial Administration Rule 2.420

Panelist / The Orange County Bar Association Judicial Relations Committee seminar / April 8, 2011
Showing 1-6 of 6