Jacob Guariglia

Overview

Jacob works on a diverse range of commercial and employment litigation matters, utilizing a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience while remaining committed to client service. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for the law, Jacob has quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the firm and its clients.

In May 2024, Jacob earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. As a law student, he was a member of the prestigious Florida Law Review and received the Gertrude Brick Award for Best Note, showcasing his exceptional writing and research skills. He also volunteered at the Veterans and Servicemembers Clinic, where he drafted briefs to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the VA Board of Appeals on behalf of veterans appealing wrongful denials of benefits. Jacob was subsequently awarded the school’s Pro Bono Excellence Award in recognition of his public interest work.

Prior to joining Jimerson Birr, Jacob worked as a Certified Legal Intern at the State Attorney’s Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Gainesville, Florida. This experience provided him with invaluable trial experience and deepened his understanding of litigation, a foundation that he continues to build upon.

Jacob was born and raised in Nevada, where he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in May 2021. After college, he relocated to Florida to pursue his legal career.

Outside of his legal practice, Jacob is an avid Boston Red Sox fan and enjoys exploring the Florida outdoors with his wife and children.

Bar and Court Admissions
- The Florida Bar
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- Accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs
Education
- University of Florida, Levin College of Law, Juris Doctor
  - Cum Laude
  - The Florida Law Review
  - Three Book Awards
- University of Nevada, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Representative Matters
Commercial Litigation
- Obtained the dismissal of a $30 million commercial foreclosure, without leave to amend.
- Successfully procured the dismissal of a trade secrets lawsuit on behalf of two affiliated defendant corporations.
- Compelled arbitration against a non-signatory plaintiff in a lawsuit with approximately $850,000 in controversy.
- Obtained a final judgment in excess of $200,000 against an unlicensed contractor.
- Successfully secured pre-judgment writs of garnishment against a defendant, totaling approximately $100,000 in garnished funds.
- Favorably resolved a judgment lien foreclosure proceeding, enabling the client to retain their property valued at approximately $1 million.
- Secured the entry of an order staying arbitration and declaring the sued-upon contract unenforceable in a lawsuit with approximately $250,000 in controversy.
- Obtained favorable resolutions to derivative litigation concerning closely held companies, guiding the matters to negotiated settlements, member buyouts, and court-approved dismissals.
- Successfully represented a utility company through a bid protest challenging a state agency procurement.
- Secured a judgment against a supplier for breach of contract, with damages awarded in the approximate sum of $60,000.
- Effectively resolved a claim brought pursuant to the Florida Telephone Solicitation Act within one week of retention.
- Consistently achieved advantageous outcomes for clients in numerous class action Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) lawsuits.
- Obtained a final judgment on behalf of a member against an LLC, which ordered that access be granted to the books and records of the LLC and included an award of attorneys’ fees.
- Obtained a final judgment and writ of possession against a commercial tenant, successfully returning possession of the property to the landlord.
Employment Law Litigation
- Negotiated favorable resolutions for employers in connection with employment discrimination and retaliation claims asserted under both federal and Florida law, concluding with no adjudication of liability.
- Successfully defended employees in non-compete litigation.
- Resolved an unpaid wages lawsuit on behalf of an employer within one week of retention.
Employment Law Advisement and Transactional Matters
- Drafted and reviewed employment documents, including, but not limited to, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, confidentiality agreements, labor leasing agreements, severance agreements, and employee handbooks for businesses of varying sizes.
Selected Publications and Lectures
- Jacob Guariglia, Commuters Beware: Lawmakers and Rideshare Companies Jeopardize Passengers, 76 Fla. L. Rev. 437 (2024).
Organizational Affiliations
- The Florida Bar
  - Member of the Law Related Education Committee
- Jacksonville Bar Association