“Coined as a “Super Lawyer” Jeff Rice was just the attorney we needed. There are no gimmicks just hard work from one of Southwest Florida’s best. Thanks for helping us out time and time again.”
– Anonymous
Jeff Rice joined the firm in 1976 and became a partner in 1978, serving as managing partner from 1997-2018.
In addition to triple board certification and decades of courtroom experience, the Cleveland, Ohio, native proved himself on the football field as a NFL referee for 25 years before retiring at the end of the season in 2020.
Over the past 25 years, Rice has officiated more than 400 NFL games and been granted 24 postseason assignments, including four Super Bowls and four Pro Bowls. Postseason officiating crews are considered the league’s top game officials. Rice is one of only 105 officials to work a Super Bowl game, and one of just 16 who have worked three or more Super Bowls.
His weekend job used his skills as an attorney, concentration and quick thinking, as well as standing up to bullies, in the courtroom and on the field. Working two demanding jobs throughout his career required stamina, organization and dedication.
Northwestern University, B.A., cum laude, 1972
Case Western Reserve University, J.D., 1975
Admitted to the Florida Bar, 1975
Licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Admitted to practice in the United States 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
Nominated for Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America, a distinction given to less than 1% of attorneys nationwide
Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate and Pre-Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial & Pre-Trial Advocacy (Trial Practice – Commercial and Corporation)
AV Preeminent Rating through Martindale Hubbell’s Peer Reviews
Named one of Florida’s “Super Lawyers” annually since 2006
Selected for inclusion in the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in America since 2013, published by Woodward/White
Florida Bar Board of Certification, Board Certified Civil Trial Law, Business Litigation, and Construction Law
Certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit and County Court Mediator
Member of the Lee County Bar Association
Member, Grievance Committee for the 20th Judicial Circuit, 1985-1988
Inn of Court, including President (2001-2002)
Grievance Committee for the Fort Myers Division of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida from 2009 to 2012
Managing Partner for the firm from 1997-2018
Named to “Best Lawyers” list and 2022 “Lawyers of the Year” list for construction law