MHR Law is a diverse group of highly qualified litigators dedicated to winning business disputes for our clients. Clients look to us when they face complex legal issues that require skilled and experienced advocates. Our success in these matters is based on our diverse talent, experience trying cases to judges and juries, and the lessons we have learned in more than 20 years representing Clients.
Mark H. Ruff
Born in Melbourne, Florida, July 29, 1958; admitted to the Florida Bar, 1995; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; Former Judicial Clerk for the Fifth Judicial Circuit; Florida Supreme Certified Circuit Court Mediator; Florida Supreme Court Certified Arbitrator.
Education: University of Central Florida (B.A., Legal Studies, summa cum laude, 1992); Stetson University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1995). Phi Delta Phi; Phi Kappa Phi.
Member: Orange County and Lake County Bar Associations; The Florida Bar; National Pest Management Association; Florida Pest Management Association; Certified Pest Control Operators Association of Florida; Florida Fumigation Advisory Council; Florida Trucking Association; and Florida Defense Lawyers Association.
BACKGROUND: While primarily practicing in the Pest Control Arena, Mark has a significant background in engineering stemming from over 10 years of service in the U.S. Navy as a propulsion engineer. After leaving the Navy, Mark turned to agriculture and raised cattle in Southern Illinois. During that same period, he worked in his family’s business and constructed 82 homes before leaving to pursue a legal career. His experience in engineering, agriculture and construction makes him uniquely qualified to assess claims spanning these fields, to include construction defects, sink holes and mold related claims. Prior to starting his own firm, he managed the construction, toxic tort and products liability sections of his former firm. Primary Practice Areas: Toxic Tort Litigation, Pest Control Litigation, Construction Law, Administrative Law, Commercial Carrier Defense, Products Liability, Wrongful Death Litigation, Insurance Coverage Disputes, Commercial Litigation, Mediation and Arbitration. Mark has been representing the needs of Florida’s Pest Control Industry for over 25 years. During this time, he has developed significant experience representing pest control companies in defense of claims involving chemical exposure, wood-destroying organism inspection reports, repair and re-treatment contracts, administrative hearings, construction litigation, insurance coverage disputes, automobile and transportation claims, employment discrimination, non-compete agreements, loan restructuring, corporate and partnership transactions, corporate mergers and acquisitions. Mark currently serves as counsel for the Florida Pest Management Association, as an advisor to the Certified Pest Control Operators Association of Florida and as member of the Fumigation Advisory Council’s Board of Directors. Due to his experience in the industry, he currently enjoys the privilege of representing 64 pest control companies. Mark is a Certified Circuit Court Mediator and is presently dedicating part of his practice to Circuit Civil Mediation. Mark is qualified through the Florida Supreme Court Certified Arbitration Training Program pursuant to Rule 11.020, Florida Rules of Court-Appointed Arbitrators.
Leslie Thomas
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, May 6, 1975; admitted to the Florida Bar 2002; U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida; and District of Columbia Bar 2011.
Education: Florida Atlantic University (B.A., Planning and Urban Development and Criminal Justice, magna cum laude 1998); University of Florida College of Law (J.D. 2001).
Member: The Florida Bar; District of Columbia Bar; Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Primary Practice Areas: Toxic Tort Litigation, Pest Control Litigation, Administrative Law, Commercial Carrier Defense, Products Liability, Wrongful Death Litigation, Insurance Coverage Disputes, Commercial Litigation, Business Law.
Leslie is a seasoned litigator and has been representing the needs of Florida’s Pest Control Industry throughout the State of Florida. During this time, she has developed significant experience representing pest control companies in defense of claims involving chemical exposure, wood-destroying organism inspection reports, repair and re-treatment contracts, administrative hearings, construction litigation, insurance coverage disputes, automobile and transportation claims, employment discrimination, non-compete agreements, corporate and partnership transactions, corporate mergers and acquisitions. Due to her experience in the industry, she currently enjoys the privilege of representing 64 pest control companies.