A Strong Start to 2026 for St. Johns Law Group
At St. Johns Law Group, trial work is not just part of what we do—it is a core strength of our firm. And to start 2026, our litigation team has delivered results that reflect both preparation and performance: three jury trials in three months, and three verdicts for our clients.
Led by Owner & Founder Douglas N. Burnett, our trial team approaches every case with a collaborative strategy. Unlike firms that assign a single attorney, our jury trial model brings a team of attorneys together, combining experience, perspective, and preparation to maximize outcomes.
This approach is producing results—particularly in complex civil litigation, business dispute litigation, and real estate litigation matters.
Case 1: Defense Verdict in an Eight-Figure Business Dispute
The first trial involved a high-stakes business dispute between partners in a real estate development company—an area where our firm regularly handles business litigation and partnership disputes tied to real estate development and land use.
The plaintiff alleged that our client violated the company’s operating agreement by pursuing a Palm Beach development opportunity independently rather than presenting it to the company.
The lawsuit included claims for:
- Breach of contract
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Breach of the implied covenant of good faith
- Constructive fraud
- Fraudulent transfer
- Declaratory relief involving ownership interests
The plaintiff sought eight-figure damages.
Our defense focused on the facts:
- The opportunity had been presented and declined
- The operating agreement permitted independent business activity
- Financial transfers were lawful, supported by consideration, and not fraudulent
After four days of trial, the jury returned a defense verdict, rejecting the claims and delivering a complete win for our client—demonstrating our strength in commercial litigation and fiduciary duty disputes.
Case 2: Construction Dispute – Full Recovery for Contractor
The second 2026 jury trial arose from a residential construction dispute involving a claim of lien and competing breach of contract claims—core issues within our construction law and construction litigation practice.
Our contractor client sought to:
- Foreclose on a construction lien
- Recover unpaid amounts
- Assert unjust enrichment
The homeowners countersued, alleging:
- Defective construction
- Delays in completion
- Overbilling beyond the contract price
- Improper lien amounts
We presented evidence establishing there were no construction deficiencies, no project delays, and no improper billing practices. Once the contractor obtained the Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.), the homeowners moved in, changed the locks, and refused to pay the final draw.
After four days of trial, the jury returned a verdict awarding 100% of the $55,650.00 sought by our client, reinforcing our experience in construction defect claims and lien disputes and breach of contract litigation.
Case 3: $280,000 Real Estate Deposit Dispute
The third trial involved a significant escrow dispute arising from a failed real estate transaction for a luxury home in St. Augustine—a matter squarely within our real estate contract dispute and escrow litigation practice.
Key facts included:
- Purchase price: $2.8 million
- Deposit held in escrow: $280,000
- Contract: As-Is Residential Contract
- Issue: Which party was entitled to the deposit after the deal failed to close
Our clients, the buyers, asserted their contractual right to the deposit based on the financing contingency and the good faith and diligent efforts they made to apply for financing.
After a three-day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict awarding the full $280,000.00 deposit to our clients—highlighting our strength in real estate litigation and escrow deposit disputes.
A Team-Based Trial Strategy That Delivers Results
These three outcomes reflect more than individual case success—they highlight how St. Johns Law Group prepares and tries cases across complex litigation matters.
Our approach includes:
- Collaborative trial preparation across multiple attorneys
- Detailed fact development and witness preparation
- Tactical discovery and depositions taken with an eye for use at trial
- Strategic voir dire and jury communication
- Clear, persuasive trial presentation, especially closing argument
Every case benefits from the depth of our team, not just a single perspective.
Trial Experience Matters
Jury trials are where preparation meets pressure. Results are not accidental—they are built through experience, teamwork, and execution.
With three jury trials, three verdicts, and three wins to begin 2026, St. Johns Law Group is proud to continue delivering results for clients across Northeast Florida.
If you are facing a business dispute, construction claim, or real estate litigation matter, our team is ready to help.
Contact St. Johns Law Group
Attorneys · Mediators · Lawyers
Dedicated & Responsive Service®
📍 St. Augustine, Florida
🌐 www.sjlawgroup.com