Martin D. Stern

Martin D. Stern is a partner at the Jacksonville office of Roig Lawyers and Co-Chair of our liability trial division. 

As an experienced litigator for over 30 years, Mr. Stern has tried over 75 civil jury trials to verdict in State and Federal Courts.   Mr. Stern has successfully defended self-insured entities, corporations and their employees.  Mr. Stern began his law practice in 1994 after graduating from Widener University Law School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  In addition to his other law school achievements, Mr. Stern was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and received its Distinguished Service Award. He took first place in the Widener Moot Court Competition and was Outstanding Oral Advocate in The National Moot Court Competition.  He was selected by his law professors for admission to the Order of Barristers.

Mr. Stern holds the AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for ethics and legal ability.  Mr. Stern has passed the bar exam in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Florida. In addition, Mr. Stern has successfully litigated numerous cases of first impression. This includes establishing national case law in Lefrock v. Walgreens Co., 2015 WL 226034 holding that Pharmacists can be sued for defamation when they make disparaging statements against the prescribing medical provider only upon a finding of malice.  This case of first impression established that Pharmacists enjoy “qualified immunity”.  Mr. Stern established a case of first impression, holding that gym owners in Florida do not have a duty to train or supervise their gym members on how to safely use gym equipment. Hassan v North Dixie Fitness, 282 So.3d 90 (Fla. 3^rd DCA 2019).  Mr. Stern has also established a case of first impression in Florida holding that Florida’s worker’s Compensation immunity statute is a litmus test rather than a balancing test.  Gorham v. Zachry Indus., Inc., 105 So. 3d 629, 633 (Fla. 4th DCA 2013).  Mr. Stern’s areas of practice include the defense of claims involving premises liability; negligent security; auto claims; employer liability under Coverage-B; professional liability claims; construction litigation including Section 558 notices; Arbitrations through the AAA and JAMS;  among others. Mr. Stern is approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services to provide training to Adjusters and Continuing Education Credits under general lines of insurance.

Prior to law school, Mr. Stern served as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force for six years.  During this service he received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.  He also received the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon.  Mr. Stern served as Chair of the Florida Bar Military & Veterans Affairs Committee from July of 2015 through July of 2017. This standing committee has jurisdiction within Florida for the provision of legal services to all members of the military establishment and their families.  Since 2004, Mr. Stern has been an active volunteer at Gilda’s Club South Florida which provides assistance to individuals, family members, and friends touched by cancer.  In addition, for the past 15 years, Mr. Stern has provided ongoing community service as a Trustee Member of the Ft. Lauderdale Riverwalk Trust Association, which includes authority over the planning and development of downtown Ft. Lauderdale.