Overview

Ray represents educational institutions and employers in complex labor and employment matters across Florida.

With more than 30 years of experience, Ray counsels colleges, universities, and K–12 school districts on issues including tenure, employee discipline, collective bargaining, and arbitration. He is one of the few attorneys in Florida to hold dual board certifications in Labor & Employment Law and Education Law, bringing deep insight into the unique challenges facing educational employers.

Ray has also served in key in-house legal roles, including Chief Legal Counsel for Duval County Public Schools and Chief of Legal Services for the Nassau County School District. His understanding of internal operations, board governance, and public sector frameworks allows him to deliver practical, strategic advice that supports institutional goals.

Beyond the education sector, Ray represents public and private employers in litigation involving trade secret and non-compete disputes, wage and hour claims, whistleblower actions, and claims under federal and state anti-discrimination laws. He regularly appears before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts throughout Florida.

Ray began his legal career in the Employment Litigation Bureau of the Florida Office of the Attorney General, where he litigated employment matters on behalf of state agencies. His combined experience in private practice, government, and in-house counsel roles makes him a valued partner to clients navigating the intersection of employment law and education policy.

Honors & Recognition

  • 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

About Me

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

Credentials

Education

Mercer University School of Law

  • J.D., 1990
  • Mercer Law Review, 1988-1990
  • Research Assistant

Mercer University

  • B.A., 1987
  • Dean's List 

Media

Professional & Civic Associations

Professional

  • 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

Industries

Admissions

  • Florida, 1990
  • U.S. District Court - FL - M.D., N.D. 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

“It's better to burn out than to fade away.” 

Neil Young, Songwriter/Performer 
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