Ray Poole

Ray is a seasoned labor and employment attorney with more than 30 years of experience representing educational institutions and employers across Florida. One of only a few attorneys in the state to hold dual board certifications in Labor & Employment Law and Education Law, Ray has advised colleges, universities, and school districts on matters ranging from tenure and employee discipline to collective bargaining and arbitrations. He has also served in key in-house roles, including Chief Legal Counsel for Duval County Public Schools and Chief of Legal Services for the Nassau County School District.

Beyond the education sector, Ray has represented public and private employers in employment litigation, including trade secret and non-compete disputes, wage and hour claims, discrimination and whistleblower lawsuits, and other high-stakes matters. He regularly appears before state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies. Ray began his legal career in the Employment Litigation Bureau of the Florida Office of the Attorney General, where he handled employment disputes for state agencies.

Ray’s unique combination of in-house, government, and private practice experience makes him a trusted advisor to clients navigating the intersection of education and employment law.

• Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Labor and Employment Law
• Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Education Law
• Best Lawyers® (2013-2017)
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence

• Executive Counsel of the Florida Bar's Labor and Employment Law Section, 2010-2018
• Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law Section, Member
• Co-Editor, Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law Section Newsletter, The Checkoff, 2003-2004

Ray is happily married to Melissa and is the proud father of two children, Blake and Hannah.