Judith M. Mercier

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 the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA).

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 diverse 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 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

Ms. Mercier's commitment to and passion for diversity and inclusion are reflected in the client teams she leads, her mentoring of attorneys and the recognition by clients for the diverse teams assembled to handle matters. Ms. Mercier serves as a member of the firm's Diversity Council and vice chair of the Steering Committee for the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Engagement Initiative. She also regularly serves as a semifinal judge for the annual Diversity Moot Court Competition sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on Communications.

Ms. Mercier also 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.