Carmen M. Cato

Carmen Cato is an associate in the firm’s Commercial Litigation Group. Her primary areas of practice include automotive litigation and compliance, as well as employment defense of allegations of discrimination and harassment, non-compete litigation, wage-hour compliance, and advice and litigation concerning federal and state employment related statutes. She provides proactive solutions for clients on issues concerning employee handbooks and employment contracts. Carmen has defended businesses against class action lawsuits and consumer claims, and works with national automotive clients and retailers throughout the state of Florida in litigation and arbitration matters. Carmen also has experience assisting with internal investigations.

Carmen attended Stetson University College of Law and upon graduation was honored to receive the Dean’s Excellence Award, the Moot Court Board Excellence Award, the Veterans Law Institute Award for Excellence, and be named to the Order of the Barristers. While in law school, Carmen served as an Articles Editor for Stetson Law Review and was named Outstanding New Associate during her tenure, she advocated in national competitions for Stetson’s Moot Court Board and was also a member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society. Carmen earned the Book Award in Research and Writing II-Environmental Law and served as a teaching assistant for Research and Writing I, Research and Writing II, and Criminal Law.  Carmen also interned in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida for the Honorable William Jung, the Honorable Sean Flynn, and the Honorable Catherine Peek McEwen.

Prior to law school, Carmen worked in communications, primarily as a broadcast journalist. The skills she developed as a news reporter and anchor—attention to detail, problem solving, interviewing, and clear and concise communication—have also proven integral to her legal studies and practice.

Carmen has served as a volunteer and reading tutor for two area elementary schools, and outside of the office she enjoys spending time with family and traveling.