Michael M. Bajalia

Michael M. Bajalia

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Areas of Practice

Mr. Bajalia’s focus is primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, construction litigation, business and commercial law, contracts, litigation and appeals. Florida Trend magazine has named Mr. Bajalia as one of Florida's Legal Elite.

Education and Employment Background

Mr. Bajalia attended Valdosta State University and the University of North Florida, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, in 1988. Mr. Bajalia obtained his Juris Doctorate from the Emory University School of Law in 1991.

Bar Admissions

  • Florida, 1991
  • Georgia, 1991
  • U. S. District Court Middle District of Florida
  • U. S. District Court Northern District of Florida
  • U. S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit

Professional Affiliations

  • The Florida Bar
  • Jacksonville Bar Association
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • American Bar Association
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Florida Justice Association
  • Jacksonville Trial Lawyers Association

Selected Experience

Insurance Litigation:

  • In August, 2002, the State of Florida, Department of Insurance, filed an action in the circuit court of St. Johns County, Florida seeking to have a Conservator appointed for Future First Financial Group, Inc. Future First was a viatical settlement provider whose license was revoked in May, 2002. The court-appointed conservator of Future First retained VBWR as lead counsel on his behalf. Mr. Bajalia has assisted the Conservator in securing the assets of Future First, primarily the portfolio of life insurance policies with total face values in excess of $250 million in securing premium financing to maintain the portfolio and ultimately assisted in securing a purchaser of the portfolio for the benefit of the Future First investors.
  • Additionally, Mr. Bajalia has handled all claims arising out of the Future First conservatorship, including defense of third party claims, interpleader actions and claims against the former principals for injunctive relief, civil theft, conversion, unjust enrichment, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, embezzlement, waste of corporate assets and fraudulent/voidable transfers.

County Work:

  • Mr. Bajalia represents county government, boards and officials in a variety of litigation matters, including certiorari petitions, declaratory actions, Chapter 163 actions, Bert Harris actions and Comprehensive Land Plan challenges, that often arise out of land use and zoning disputes.

RV Industry:

  • For several years, Mr. Bajalia has represented clients in the recreational vehicle industry, including a major, multi-state recreational vehicle dealer and a recreational vehicle manufacturer. Mr. Bajalia has developed an intimate knowledge of the issues within the RV industry, including dealer-manufacturer relations, licensing matters, regulatory matters, state and federal warranty issues and banking, floor plan and repurchase agreement issues.

Construction Litigation:

  • Mr. Bajalia represents contractors and developers in construction litigation claims, including contract disputes, defect claims, lien and bond claims, liquidated damages claims, bid protests and insurance coverage disputes.