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Vanessa McNair is a member of the firm’s Construction Litigation and Insurance Defense practice group, where she represents contractors, subcontractors, developers, and other insured clients in complex construction defect, general liability, and commercial litigation matters. She is committed to providing strategic, practical representation while guiding clients through every stage of the litigation process. 

Prior to joining the firm, Vanessa served as an Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida, where she prosecuted criminal cases and acquired significant courtroom and trial experience. She tried cases before judges and juries, litigated contested hearings, evaluated evidence, prepared witnesses, negotiated resolutions, and advocated on behalf of the State in a high-volume docket. As a defense attorney, Vanessa now brings her prosecutorial experience to every case she handles. She uses her understanding of how cases are investigated, analyzed, and presented in court to identify strengths and weaknesses, develop effective legal strategies, and advocate aggressively on behalf of her clients. 

Vanessa’s legal career began long before she was admitted to The Florida Bar. Prior to becoming an attorney, she spent more than six years working as a litigation paralegal, gaining extensive experience in discovery, motion practice, depositions, mediation, trial preparation, and complex civil litigation. That foundation provided her with a practical understanding of litigation that many attorneys do not develop until years into their careers and continues to shape her strategic, detail-oriented approach to client advocacy. 

Vanessa believes successful advocacy is not determined by who speaks the loudest. More often, it is the attorney who is the most prepared who achieves the best results. She approaches every case with diligence, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to protecting her clients’ interests. Whether negotiating a favorable resolution or litigating a dispute, Vanessa is dedicated to providing thoughtful, effective advocacy and pursuing the best possible outcome for every client. 

Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida Gulf Coast University in December of 2013 after transferring from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). In 2018, she went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law in Charleston, South Carolina.

Education:

  • J.D., Charleston School of Law
  • B.A., Florida Gulf Coast Universitye
  • A.A., Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Practice Areas:

Bar Admissions:

  • The Florida Bar