Daniel F. Blonsky
Partner
dblonsky@coffeyburlington.com
Dan Blonsky is Chair of the firm’s Employment Litigation Practice Group and also has vast experience in high stakes and contentious commercial litigation in a variety of industries, especially in real estate related litigations on behalf of developers. His peers describe him as “one of a select few lawyers working in his space” and his ability to exert “appropriately aggressive” advocacy to advance his client’s goals. A highly effective communicator, his guidance is frequently sought when internal investigations are needed by institutions when facing delicate internal challenges.
Representative Experiences
Though all cases vary and none is predictive, Dan’s recent experience includes:
- Prevailed, along with partner Kendall Coffey and Scott Hiaasen, in a trial in 2022 in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court against the City of Miami on behalf of a marina developer, obtaining a declaratory judgment and a writ of mandamus for the award of a nine-figure marina-development lease. Affirmed on appeal.
- Prevailed, along with partner Susan Raffanello, in a trial in 2022 in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on behalf of a real estate developer and defeated efforts to rescind a multi-million dollar commercial condominium purchase agreement.
- Obtained, along with partner Kendall Coffey, in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court a temporary injunction on behalf of a major medical practice enforcing restrictive covenants against departing physicians.
- Obtained a seven-figure judgment in a FINRA arbitration against a major brokerage for improper securities transactions.
- Successfully argued an appeal to the Eleventh Circuit vacating an arbitration award in a Fair Labor Standards Act dispute for being in manifest disregard of the law.
- Brought and successfully resolved in 2020 in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court an action against a major flag hotel that was the first COVID force majeure breach of contract claim in Florida.
- Successfully pursued an appeal with the Eleventh Circuit dismissing a Telephone Consumer Protection Act class action lawsuit for lack of standing, creating new law.
- Obtained summary judgment in the Broward County Circuit Court and prevailed on appeal in 2023 with the Fourth District Court of Appeal on behalf of a medical practice holding company against claims of vicarious and joint venture liability.
- Obtained, along with partner Robert Burlington, a jury verdict in the Southern District of Florida on behalf of a sexual harassment plaintiff.
- Prevailed at trial in the Southern District of Florida on behalf of an employer in a race and religious discrimination lawsuit.
- Obtained substantial jury verdict in the Broward County Circuit Court on behalf of a sexual abuse plaintiff.
- Obtained substantial jury verdict in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on behalf of a software developer in an action for conversion against a former employee.
Professional and Community Involvement
- Past President, Board of Directors, Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services
- Board and committee member of various non-profits, including Chapman Partnership for the Homeless, St. Alban’s Child Enrichment Center and Leadership Miami
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Education
- University of Pennsylvania School of Law, J.D., 1990
- Duke University, A.B., 1987
Admitted to Practice
- The Florida Bar
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Practice Focus
- Health Care Litigation
- Commercial Litigation and Trial Practice
- Employment Litigation and Trial Practice
- Real Estate Litigation and Trial Practice
- Legal and Accounting Professional Liability Defense and Trial Practice