A skilled Florida trial attorney, Stephen G. Mellor brings nearly two decades of experience delivering strategic, results-driven counsel to insurers and clients navigating complex personal injury and contract disputes.
Known for his meticulous preparation and sharp courtroom acumen, Stephen safeguards his clients’ interests while minimizing exposure in high-stakes litigation. As a Partner at Roig Lawyers’ Deerfield Beach office, Stephen dissects complicated claims, identifies risks early, and crafts strategies that withstand the scrutiny of both judges and juries. He represents clients in state and federal courts across Florida, handling matters involving bodily injury, premises liability, coverage disputes, and contract issues. Stephen’s expertise extends to guiding clients through intricate issues related to insurance policy interpretation, claims handling, and mitigating potential fraud exposure.
Stephen takes a collaborative approach with his clients, working closely to evaluate case strengths, explore settlement or trial options, and develop strategies that align with both legal and business objectives. Colleagues and clients alike commend him for translating complex legal and medical issues into clear, actionable strategies that consistently drive favorable results. His experience includes negotiating settlements, conducting examinations under oath and depositions, successfully arguing Motions for Summary Judgment and litigating jury and non-jury trials, with a focus on protecting client interests while achieving efficient resolutions.
Beyond his litigation practice, Stephen is committed to advancing the legal profession. He actively mentors young attorneys and contributes to professional development programs. Through these efforts, he shares insights on trial strategy, alternative dispute resolution, and innovative case management techniques. His dedication to fostering legal talent and improving client outcomes reflects both his professional rigor and personal integrity. Additionally, Stephen regularly presents continuing education courses for insurance adjusters and attorneys and has presented at conferences regarding complex legal issues regarding out-of-state insurance policy coverage disputes.
Born in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, and now based in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Stephen balances his rigorous legal practice with community service and mentoring young attorneys. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the courtroom, ensuring each client receives thoughtful and strategic representation.
If you are seeking a trusted and skilled Florida trial attorney who combines courtroom expertise, strategic insight, and collaborative guidance, contact Stephen today to schedule a consultation.
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Insurance defense litigation
- First Party Out-of-State Insurance Policy Claims
- Coverage-related matters
- Contract Disputes
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Stephen earned his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, and his undergraduate degree from Salem State College. Before entering the legal profession, he built a successful career as a business executive, serving as Regional General Manager for Colombian Emeralds International, a major Caribbean-based jewelry retailer. During that time, he lived and worked throughout the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands, gaining valuable leadership and cross-cultural experience.
He also served as President of a land development and real estate company in Freeport, Bahamas, where he acted as legal liaison and risk manager for numerous real estate transactions. This extensive background in business and real estate continues to inform his practical, results-oriented approach to legal strategy.
Stephen gained his introduction to insurance defense law while working as an associate with Rudd & Diamond, P.A., where he developed foundational experience representing insurers and their insureds in civil litigation. At Roig Lawyers, he has expanded that experience, representing clients in complex insurance defense matters and skillfully employing alternative dispute resolution techniques—including mediation and arbitration—to minimize litigation risk while protecting client objectives.
Experience
- Northwood Sports Medicine and Physical Rehab. (James Krumenacker) v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co.; County Court of Palm Beach County, Order Granting Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment entered by Honorable Reginald L. Corlew; September 16, 2011. “Exhaustion.” Defendant insurer’s Motion for Final Summary Judgment granted based on exhaustion of benefits pre-suit and finding that State Farm did not act in bad faith. The Court held that State Farm was not required to set aside a reserve fund for services that are denied or reduced as it would be unreasonable and detrimental to the insured.
- Hallandale Beach Orthopedics, Inc. (Monette Bonhomme) v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co.; County Court of Broward County; Final Judgment for the Defendant entered by Honorable Linda Pratt; August 4, 2011; “MRI Re-read.” Hallandale Beach Ortho. submitted bills to State Farm for the re-reading of two MRI scans. State Farm had previously paid the technical and professional component of these MRIs to another provider. State Farm argued that it was not responsible for the re-read having already paid, and that the readings (CPT 72141 and 72148) were unbundled from the more comprehensive evaluation code of CPT 99244 and should not be paid separately. State Farm relied on the No Fault statute itself which provides that insurers are not required to pay for unbundled services, and the Physician’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) book which is referenced in F.S. 627.736(5), and which provides that review of diagnostic tests is included in CPT 99244 as part of the complexity of medical decision making. State Farm submitted an affidavit of coding expert, Connie Coleman in support of its position. The Plaintiff failed to produce counter evidence on the issue of coding and argued expert testimony was not warranted. The Court agreed with State Farm’s reliance on the CPT book and agreed the re-read was included in the evaluation code and Plaintiff had unbundled the charges. Final Summary Judgment entered in favor of State Farm. This Summary Judgment was affirmed on Plaintiff’s appeal by the Circuit Court sitting in its Appellate Capacity.
- North Lauderdale Chiropractic Center, Inc. (Carline Simon) v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company; County Court of Broward County; Final Judgment for the Defendant entered by Honorable Robert W. Lee; June 7, 2011; “Demand Letter.” Defendant’s Motion for Final Summary Judgment was granted because the Plaintiff’s pre-suit demand letter included a service (CPT 99215 for $300.00) which was not received during the claims handling process and prior to receipt of the pre-suit demand letter. State Farm advised the Plaintiff of this issue before it filed suit and a new demand letter was not sent. Plaintiff filed suit and Defendant moved for summary judgment on the grounds that the Plaintiff failed to strictly adhere to the requirements of F.S. 627.736 (10) and did not seek or specify the exact amount due. The Court agreed and held the Plaintiff failed to meet a necessary condition precedent to suit and granted State Farm’s Motion for Final Summary Judgment.
- Gary Simmons v. M/V Lady Katherine, et al , U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. “Admiralty/ Maritime Salvage Lien”. Stephen was successful in negotiating a substantial settlement for the Plaintiff, Gary Simmons who was a professional salvage master who had rescued a luxury yacht from sinking after it had run aground of Freeport, Bahamas. Filing both an “in rem” action against the vessel and an “in personam” action against the owners of the vessel, this case was vigorously litigated in both the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi before being settled.
MEMBERSHIP & LEADERSHIP
- Florida Bar, Member
- Federal Bar Association, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, Member
- Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, Member
- Broward County Bar Association, Member
- Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center Mentoring Program, Mentor
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- AV® Preeminent™ Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Florida Super Lawyers: Rising Stars (2015); (2016); (2017)
- The Osram Sylvania Scholarship Award was awarded to Stephen by Salem State University’s Bertolon School of Business. This award is given to those who have achieved the highest grade point average in their concentrations.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Presenter, “Will You Have Coverage If You Cross The Line? Out of State Policy Defense Strategies,” 26th Annual Florida Insurance Fraud Education Committee (FIFEC), June 2018
- Presenter, “Out of State Policy Handling and Defense Strategies,” Safeco, June 2016
- Presenter, “Out of State Policy-Handling and Defense Strategies,” Liberty Mutual, April 2016
- Speaker, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Law- Law Center Plus Seminar Series on The Balancing Act: Managing Work & Life in a 24/7/365 world, January 2015
