THE DUARTE FIRM
BUSINESS LAW & LITIGATION

Rick represents companies and individuals in all sorts of business disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, as well as non-compete and trade secret actions. He routinely handles "business divorces" and dissolution claims among owners within closely held corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and professional associations across an array of industries, including:

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• Healthcare

• Real Estate

• Hospitality

• Emerging Technologies

• Financial Services

• Logistics and Transportation

• Construction

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Rick also represents individuals, and their family members, who have been seriously injured or killed by the negligence or wrongful conduct of others in cases involving automobile and commercial vehicle collisions, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, defective consumer products, and injuries in public places. Rick began his career defending global manufacturers in product liability actions. Knowing how the defense approaches and analyzes an injury case provides his clients with a distinct advantage in their fight for justice today.

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In addition to his litigation practice, Rick serves as general counsel to many of his clients, guiding them through corporate governance, employment matters, risk management issues, and strategic decisions where business and law intersect.

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Rick has been recognized as a Rising Star in Business Litigation by Florida Super Lawyers magazine each year since 2016. Rick also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Emory University School of Law where he teaches students the Kessler-Eidson Program for Trial Techniques.

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Rick prides himself on being a problem solver. Whether preparing for trial or helping business clients in his role as general counsel, Rick works tirelessly to develop timely and strategic guidance to ensure his clients' objectives are met in the most effective and efficient manner possible.

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Representative Cases​​

• Obtained a $200,000 settlement on behalf of a nursing home client in a lawsuit where the opening offer was only $15,000.

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• Represented the CEO of a healthcare company and secured a complete dismissal, with prejudice, on client's behalf in a lawsuit alleging breach of contract, conversion, and alter ego claims. Court also awarded attorneys' fees and costs in client's favor.
   

• Represented a prominent South American agricultural company against a competitor in a lawsuit involving an alleged $15,000,000 breach of promissory note. Competitor’s alleged theories of liability included piercing the corporate veil as well as a number of different agency theories.
   

• Successfully represented national bank in complex construction loan litigation involving real estate developer, insurer, general contractor, and various subcontractors in which the plaintiff sought damages in excess of $2,000,000.
   

• At oral argument secured complete dismissal, with prejudice, on behalf of a national bank in lawsuit alleging breach of contract, fraud, conversion, and Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) violations in which the plaintiff sought more than $250,000 in damages.

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Community & Civic Involvement

Emory University School of Law Adjunct Faculty

Kessler-Eidson Program for Trial Techniques 

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Hillsborough County Bar Association

Board of Directors, Young Lawyers Division

2018 - 2021