Ms. Mercedes Gonzalez Hale, Attorney

Mercedes Gonzalez Hale has a diversified complex commercial practice and has vast experience handling jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations.  Ms. Hale has successfully prosecuted and defended complex business claims, including cases involving franchising disputes, unfair competition disputes, including trademark infringement claims and enforcement of restrictive covenants, and other business torts.  Ms. Hale also provides a variety of services to our business clients, including preparation of confidentiality agreements, non-disclosure agreements and covenants not to compete.    Prior to joining our firm, Ms. Hale was a partner in the Tampa office of a global law firm with over 3,700 lawyers. 

Sample Representations

Multiple representation of franchisors defending against franchisee  claims of encroachment, wrongful termination, breach of contract, etc.

Multiple representations of franchisors seeking enforcement of covenants not to complete, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, and prosecuting claims of trademark infringement.

Multiple representations of privately held companies, as wells as their directors and officers, in shareholder litigation.

Representation of investment group suing for rescission under the securities laws based on material omissions.

Representation of securities brokerage firm defending against claims of securities fraud.

Multiple representations of employees in matters including employee termination agreements and releases, enforcement of restrictive covenants and confidentiality agreements, and discrimination disputes

In 2001, Ms. Hale was selected by Franchise Times Magazine and profiled as one of the country's "Hotshots under 40." She is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Florida and is a member of the American Bar Association, the Hillsborough County Bar Association and the Hispanic National Bar Association.  She is also a Core Member of the Direct to Success Chapter of Business Networking International

She is fluent in Spanish and is active in the Hispanic community.  She represents Spanish speaking clients from Puerto Rico and South America, assisting them with various business endeavors throughout the Tampa Bay area.

In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Hale is an active volunteer.  She is currently a member of the New Tampa Junior Women's Club and is active in the Hunter's Green Elementary School PTA.  She has served on the board of directors of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund and the Interbay YMCA.  She also served as the President of the Alpha House Women's Auxiliary and was a member of the Junior League of Tampa.

Languages
Spanish