Amanda Simmons has a diverse professional and legal background, and concentrates her practice in construction litigation and equine law. In addition to preparing complaints, briefs, motions, legal memoranda and advocating in court, she has experience drafting stock and asset purchase agreements and other corporate documents. She has developed a national reputation as an equine attorney, where she represents nationally acclaimed and international clients in both litigation and transactional matters. Her clients have included Eclipse Award-winning Thoroughbred racehorse owners and breeders, the owner of an Olympic gold medal champion, and dressage and hunter/jumper riders, trainers and agents. She is the Chair of the firm’s Equine Law Group.
Ms. Simmons' practical experience in equine law comes from 20 years of involvement in the hunter/jumper and Thoroughbred industries.
Ms. Simmons is admitted to all state courts in both Kentucky and Florida, as well as all federal district courts in the State of Florida.
Speaking Engagements
- 76th Annual International Conference on Assessment Administration, “What is the Chinese Drywall Problem all About?” - a look at health, environmental and valuation issues.
- The Florida Bar, Animal Law Committee CLE on Equine Law, June, 2009, Orlando, Florida. Overview of Laws Impacting the Horse Business.
- Seminole County Cooperative Extension, Sanford, Florida, February, 2009 regarding “Ethics Implications Involved in the Sale of Horses.” February, 2009.
- Volusia County Fair, Economic Impact of the Horse Business on Florida’s Economy, November, 2008.
- Lorman International CLE Seminar on Construction Lien Laws, July, 2008.
- Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’ Association/The Greatest Game, Legal Issues Impacting Racehorse Ownership, February 2008 and February 2006.
Publications
- “The Jockey Club’s Inherent Power to Regulate” - Paulick Report, (April 4, 2012)
- "Business Owners Find Often Forgotten Tool in Personal Property Liens," Daily Business Review, Board of Contributors (September 2011)
- "Sales Ethics: It's Not All Black and White," Equestrian (May 2005)
Reported Opinions
- Militti v. Luby, 64 So.3d 691 (Fla. 5th DCA 2011)(successful in having trial court's decision affirmed that bankrupt co-founder of the parties' LLC had ceased being a member pursuant to 608.4237, Fla. Stat.)
- O'Keefe Architects, Inc. v. CED Construction Partners, Ltd., 944 So.2d 181 (Fla. 2006) (favorable decision for clients to have the defendant's affirmative defenses determined by arbitration)
- Keybank USA, Nat. Ass'n v. Bergen, 949 So.2d 1071 (Fla. 5th DCA 2007) (defeated national bank's efforts to have case dismissed to Ohio)
Recognition
- Voted as one of Orlando's "Top 40 Under 40" by the Orlando Business Journal
- Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’ Association Member of the Month
Education
- University of Kentucky, J.D., 2003
- Oklahoma State University, B.S., cum laude, 1995
Bar Admissions
- The Florida Bar
- Kentucky Bar Association - Vice Chair (2008-2009) Equine Law Section
- American Bar Association
- Orange County Bar Association
Court Admissions
- United States District Court for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida
Affiliations
- Sponsor Member, Thoroughbred Owners' and Breeders' Association
- Member, Florida Thoroughbred Owners' and Breeders' Association
- Consultant and Lecturer for The Greatest Game, National Advisory Committee on Thoroughbred Investing
- Fundraising Volunteer, The Race for Education
- Volunteer, Orlando Chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters
- Fundraiser/Media Liaison, High Hope Steeplechase, Lexington, Kentucky
- Fundraiser, Lisa Merlin House, Inc.
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Member, Women's Horse Industry Network