3 Jury Trials.
3 Months. 3 Wins.
St. Johns Law Group opened 2026 with favorable jury trial results for clients in complex business, construction and real estate litigation.
Quick Answer: Three Jury Trials, Three Client Wins
St. Johns Law Group began 2026 with three jury trials in approximately three months and favorable verdicts for its clients in all three matters. Jury Trial 1 resulted in a complete defense verdict against claims seeking more than $10 million. Jury Trial 2 resulted in an award of 100% of the $55,650 sought by our contractor client, together with entitlement to recover attorneys’ fees and costs. Jury Trial 3 resulted in an award of the full $280,000 real estate escrow deposit sought by our buyer clients, together with entitlement to recover attorneys’ fees and costs.
Three Jury Trials. Three Different Disputes. Three Client Wins.
At St. Johns Law Group, jury trial work is an important part of our civil litigation practice . To begin 2026, our litigation team tried three materially different civil cases before juries and obtained favorable verdicts for our clients in each jury trial.
Jury Trial 1 involved claims seeking more than $10 million arising from a business dispute between members of a real estate development company. Jury Trial 2 involved a residential construction dispute, construction lien and competing contract claims. Jury Trial 3 involved entitlement to a $280,000 escrow deposit from a failed $2.8 million St. Augustine real estate transaction.
Although the subject matter differed, our jury trial approach was consistent: detailed preparation, collaboration among attorneys, careful development of the facts, strategic discovery and presenting complicated disputes to jurors in a clear and understandable way.
Owner and Founder Douglas N. Burnett leads the firm's civil jury trial team.
Jury Trial 1 — Defense Verdict Against $10+ Million Claim
Jury Trial 1 involved a high-stakes business dispute between partners in a real estate development company. The plaintiff contended that our client violated the company's operating agreement by independently pursuing a Palm Beach development opportunity rather than presenting that opportunity to the company.
Claims Presented in Jury Trial 1
- Breach of contract;
- Breach of fiduciary duty;
- Breach of the implied covenant of good faith;
- Constructive fraud;
- Fraudulent transfer; and
- Declaratory relief involving ownership interests.
Our Jury Trial Defense
Our defense focused on the governing operating agreement and the factual history of the development opportunity. Evidence was presented that the opportunity had been presented and declined, that the operating agreement permitted independent business activity, and that the challenged financial transfers were lawful, supported by consideration and not fraudulent.
After a four-day jury trial, the jury rejected the claims against our client and returned a complete defense verdict against the $10+ million claim.
Jury Trial 2 — 100% Recovery for Contractor Plus Entitlement to Attorneys’ Fees and Costs
Jury Trial 2 arose from a residential construction dispute involving a construction lien, unpaid contract amounts, unjust enrichment and competing homeowner claims.
Our Client's Claims in Jury Trial 2
- Foreclosure of a construction lien;
- Recovery of unpaid amounts; and
- Unjust enrichment.
The Homeowners' Claims
- Defective construction;
- Delays in completion;
- Overbilling beyond the contract price; and
- Improper construction lien amounts.
The Evidence Presented at Jury Trial
At jury trial, we presented evidence supporting the contractor's position that there were no construction deficiencies, no project delays and no improper billing practices.
Evidence also established that after the contractor obtained the Certificate of Occupancy, the homeowners moved into the property, changed the locks and refused to pay the final draw.
After a four-day jury trial, the jury awarded our contractor client 100% of the $55,650 sought.
Our client was also awarded entitlement to recover attorneys’ fees and costs, with the recoverable amount subject to determination by the court.
Learn more about Florida construction liens and payment disputes .
Some Civil Cases Cannot Be Resolved Without a Jury Trial
Litigation strategy should account for the possibility of jury trial from the beginning. St. Johns Law Group represents individuals, businesses, property owners, contractors and organizations in substantial civil disputes throughout Northeast Florida.
Jury Trial 3 — Full $280,000 Real Estate Deposit Award Plus Entitlement to Attorneys’ Fees and Costs
Jury Trial 3 involved a substantial escrow deposit dispute arising from a failed transaction for a luxury home in St. Augustine.
The Issue Presented in Jury Trial 3
The transaction used an As-Is Residential Contract. When the transaction did not close, the parties disputed which side was contractually entitled to the $280,000 escrow deposit.
Our clients, the buyers, asserted that the financing contingency entitled them to the return of the deposit and that they had made the good-faith and diligent financing efforts required by the contract.
The Jury Trial Verdict
Following a three-day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict awarding our clients the full $280,000 escrow deposit.
Our clients were also awarded entitlement to recover attorneys’ fees and costs, with the recoverable amount subject to determination by the court.
St. Johns Law Group represents buyers, sellers, investors and other parties in Florida real estate litigation and related contract and escrow deposit disputes.
How St. Johns Law Group Prepares for a Civil Jury Trial
Jury trials place factual development, discovery, witness preparation and legal strategy into a highly compressed courtroom presentation. Effective jury trial preparation begins well before jury selection.
Develop the Facts
Identify documents, witnesses, timelines and events that may ultimately determine the jury trial.
Discovery With Jury Trial in Mind
Written discovery and depositions are developed with potential courtroom use and evidentiary presentation in mind.
Prepare Witnesses & Evidence
Organize testimony, exhibits and factual themes so the jury trial presentation remains focused and understandable.
Communicate With the Jury
Voir dire, witness examination, demonstrative evidence and closing argument require clear and persuasive communication.
Civil Litigation Matters We Handle
Civil Litigation
Significant civil disputes from pre-suit strategy through discovery, motions and jury trial.
Business & Commercial Disputes
Contract, ownership, operating agreement and fiduciary-duty disputes.
Real Estate Litigation
Contract, escrow, title, property and other Florida real estate disputes.
Construction Litigation
Construction contract, defect, payment and contractor disputes.
Construction Liens & Payment
Construction liens, unpaid balances and contested payment obligations.
Development & Land Use
Development projects, property rights, entitlements and related disputes.
A Jury Trial Team Backed by a Full-Service Law Firm
Significant jury trials can involve more than courtroom procedure. Understanding the underlying transaction, contract, construction project, business relationship or property issue can be equally important.
Douglas N. Burnett
Civil trial lawyer handling complex litigation, real estate, development, business and substantial property disputes.
View Attorney Profile →Shaun C. Saliba
Litigation attorney handling construction, commercial, contract and property-related disputes.
Alex Nunchuck
Attorney handling commercial litigation, contested civil matters and appellate issues.
Eric D. Whitcher
Trial attorney with experience involving property, business disputes and civil litigation.
Joshua R. Saxon
Civil litigation and personal injury attorney representing clients in contested matters and significant claims.
Hillary E. Mesa
Attorney representing clients in condominium, homeowners' association and property-related disputes.
Jury Trial Resources Beyond a Single Practice Area
St. Johns Law Group is a full-service law firm. When a jury trial involves real estate, construction, business operations, development, contracts or another substantive legal issue, our litigation attorneys can draw upon the experience of attorneys across the firm.
That depth can be particularly valuable when the underlying transaction or industry is as important as the procedural litigation issues.
Meet Our Legal Team
Preparation, Depth and Jury Trial Experience
Team-Based Jury Trial Preparation
Significant cases can benefit from multiple attorneys testing arguments, reviewing evidence and preparing the presentation.
Substantive Legal Experience
Our full-service structure can bring real estate, construction and business experience into the litigation strategy.
Prepared for the Courtroom
Litigation strategy should consider how testimony, documents and complicated facts ultimately may need to be explained to a jury.
Florida Civil Jury Trial FAQs
Does every civil lawsuit in Florida go to a jury trial?
No. Many civil disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, dispositive motions or settlement before trial. Whether a jury trial is available also depends upon the particular claims and requested relief.
Why should jury trial preparation begin early?
Pleadings, document discovery, depositions, expert work and witness preparation can affect the evidence ultimately available at jury trial. Preparing with the ultimate courtroom presentation in mind can maintain focus throughout the case.
What types of civil jury trials does St. Johns Law Group handle?
The firm handles civil litigation involving business and commercial disputes, real estate, construction, contracts, property disputes and other substantial contested matters.
Can real estate and construction cases require jury trials?
Yes. Depending on the claims, disputes involving contracts, payments, damages and escrow deposits may proceed to a jury. Other issues may instead be decided by a judge.
Do these jury trial wins guarantee another client will receive the same result?
No. Every case involves different facts, evidence, parties, legal issues and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee or predict another result.
Facing a Business, Construction or Real Estate Dispute?
St. Johns Law Group represents clients in substantial civil litigation throughout Northeast Florida. Speak with our team about your dispute, available options and potential path toward trial.