Profile
Samuel Bookhardt IV has first chair trial experience in major, multimillion-dollar litigation. He is experienced in all phases of the litigation process, including pre-suit investigations and negotiations, pre-trial motions, discovery, depositions, trial, and appeals.
Sam has a wide range of experience that includes representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex, business litigation matters arising from contract disputes and allegations of fraud. Sam’s multi-disciplinary practice encompasses matters pending in state and federal courts throughout the country, as well as arbitrations.
Sam’s ability to learn and understand the technical aspects of his clients’ businesses allows him to effectively advocate for his clients.
He has argued and prevailed on motions to dismiss, and drafted winning legal briefs for summary judgment and appeals.
Concentrations
- Commercial litigation
- Employment litigations and trials
- Real estate litigation
- Class action litigation
Capabilities
Experience
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of student loan servicer on all claims in case arising from allegations that client made misrepresentations to plaintiffs regarding their eligibility for the public service loan forgiveness program. Daniel v. Navient Sols., LLC, No. 8:17-CV-2503-T-24JSS, 2019 WL 12251947 (M.D. Fla. Aug. 28, 2019).
- Obtained dismissal with prejudice for national bank in case concerning property deeds that were allegedly fraudulent.
- Represented cash advance company in lawsuit alleging that competitor and former employee conspired to steal customers.
- Defended investment bank against claims for breach of contract, professional negligence, and negligent misrepresentation stemming from an agreement to structure a tax-exempt bond financing. The Claimants calculated their damages to be in excess of $60 million. All claims were denied in their entirety after a 15 day arbitration hearing.°
- Represented Registered Investment Advisor in investigation by the Securities & Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement. The investigation concluded with no enforcement action being filed.°
- Defended Broker-Dealer in FINRA arbitrations relating to consumer securities claims for unauthorized trading and unsuitability.°
- Defended CBD company against various claims arising from a plaintiff’s alleged ownership interest in company.
- Represented ousted restaurateur in lawsuit against shareholder to prevent takeover and regain control of restaurant.
- Represented area representative franchisee to assert fraud and breach of contract claims against franchisor.
- Obtained dismissal with prejudice of False Claims Act lawsuit for medical device manufacturer. United States ex rel. Crocano v. Trividia Health Inc., No. 22-CV-60160-RAR, 2022 WL 2800380 (S.D. Fla. July 18, 2022).
- Prosecuted eviction actions for commercial property management companies, financial services companies, and other types of landlords.
- Defended eviction actions for company undergoing bankruptcy restructuring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Defended numerous employers of all sizes against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims before the EEOC and in state and federal courts.
- Regularly counsels clients regarding federal and state employment laws, as well as the necessary provisions for employee handbooks and employment agreements.
- Obtained dismissal with prejudice of defamation claim for publicly traded biotechnology and pharmaceutical company where SEC filing allegedly contained defamatory statements relating to former executive.
- Represented student loan servicer in putative class action cases involving allegations of forbearance steering.
- Obtained decision affirming summary judgment in favor of student loan servicer on claims brought under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Floyd v. Sallie Mae, Inc., 853 F. App'x 532 (11th Cir. 2021).
- Obtained decision affirming approval of class settlement. Robinson v. Nat'l Student Clearinghouse, 14 F.4th 56, 58 (1st Cir. 2021).
- Represented local church in real estate dispute with landlord.
- Served as litigation counsel for the Indian River County, Florida Branch of the NAACP in a school desegregation case pending in federal court.°
°The above representations were handled by Mr. Bookhardt prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch," Litigation - Banking and Finance, 2024
- Member, The Florida Bar
Credentials
-
J.D., University of Miami School of Law
- Staff Editor, Race & Social Justice Law Review
- B.S.B.A., Business Economics, with honors, University of Central Florida
- Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida