Michael S. Vitale

Partner

Orlando
T +1.407.649.4083
F +1.407.841.0168

Overview

Michael Vitale practices commercial litigation with a focus on matters involving breaches of contract, construction litigation, condominium and timeshare disputes, business disputes concerning deceptive and unfair trade practices and product liability defense.

Recognized for being practical in his approach, Michael works efficiently and strategically while keeping the clients' long-term goals in mind.

Select Experience

  • Worked to obtain a full dismissal of a libel and malicious prosecution action against a local doctor.
  • Obtained final summary judgment in favor of a large fuel supplier in a multimillion-dollar tort case.
  • Defended a leading wholesale distribution company against several multimillion-dollar claims during all stages of litigation, eventually obtaining a defense verdict at trial.
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Experience

  • Worked to obtain a full dismissal of a libel and malicious prosecution action against a local doctor.
  • Obtained final summary judgment in favor of a large fuel supplier in a multimillion-dollar tort case.
  • Defended a leading wholesale distribution company against several multimillion-dollar claims during all stages of litigation, eventually obtaining a defense verdict at trial.
  • Obtained a six-figure judgment in favor of an air pollution supply company in a breach of contract dispute.
  • Assisted a large environmental services company in prosecuting a multimillion-dollar breach of contract dispute during all stages of litigation, eventually obtaining a multimillion-dollar jury verdict at trial.
  • Represented a local landowner in a land classification dispute that resulted in a favorable out-of-court resolution.
  • Obtained a complete dismissal of a state court complaint alleging fraud and other torts against a Central Florida home builder. 
  • Secured a voluntary dismissal of a multimillion-dollar federal defamation suit against a major film distributor. 
  • Authored a brief on behalf of a Florida construction firm in a Small Business Administration (SBA) appeal regarding federal bid preferences, eventually obtaining an appellate reversal in favor of the client.
  • Obtained final summary judgment in favor of a Florida condominium association in a lawsuit brought by condominium residents.
  • Was the principal author of an appellate brief that helped to assist an out-of-state general contractor to preserve a near-seven-figure federal court judgment throughout the appellate process.
  • Assisted a commercial real estate developer in obtaining a summary judgment in a class action lawsuit alleging breach of contract and various business torts in connection with a high-rise condominium project.  
  • Obtained the complete dismissal of a consumer collection practices act case filed against a local physician group.
  • Served as local counsel of a small litigation group that obtained a full dismissal of a putative class action against a large automobile insurer.
  • Worked as a key member of a small trial team that defended the international supplier of sophisticated laboratory equipment from claims of intentional wrongdoing in a complex federal intellectual property case.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • The Legal 500 United States (2016 to 2018)
    • Recommended in Real Estate and Construction: Construction (including construction litigation)
  • Florida "Super Lawyer" (2013 to 2021)
    • Florida Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2012)
  • Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent
    • Litigation
    • Business Law
    • Commercial Law
  • Federal Bar Association "Outstanding Leader Award" (2017)
  • Florida Trend "Florida Legal Elite Up and Comer" (2012)
  • William A. McDonnell Scholarship Award Recipient

Memberships

  • Federal Bar Association
    • Director (2020 to 2022)
    • Vice President for the Eleventh Circuit (2014 to 2019)
    • National Delegate (2013 to 2014)
    • Orlando Chapter: President (2012 to 2013)
  • Orange County Bar Association

Community

  • Orlando Federal Judicial Relations: Committee Member (2013 to 2016, 2018 to 2019)
  • Middle District of Florida Bench Bar Fund: Committee Member (2013 to 2014)
  • Orange County Bar Association Executive Council: Federal Bar Liaison (2012 to 2013)
  • Leadership Orlando Class 85 Graduate

Prior Positions

  • Law Clerk for the Honorable Patricia C. Fawsett, then-Chief United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of Florida (2005 to 2007)

Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • Florida

Education

  • J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School, 2005; Dean's List; Symposium Editor, Vanderbilt Law Review
  • B.A., American Studies, Political Science, Florida State University, 2002, summa cum laude, with honors, Phi Beta Kappa