Overview
Derek Mountford is a litigator and problem solver who handles a broad range of commercial matters in Florida and, when needed, across the country. His practice focuses on complex, bet-the-company cases that often involve breaches of contract, corporate governance disputes, or alleged antitrust violations.
Derek represents clients in a variety of industries, including transportation & logistics, sports & entertainment, healthcare, real estate, and technology. He also represents financial institutions in matters concerning all aspects of their business, including those arising under the Uniform Commercial Code, fraud, and consumer finance laws.
Prior to joining Gunster, Derek spent time at national law firms and served as a judicial law clerk for two U.S. District Judges in Jacksonville, Florida. The lessons learned along the way have broadened his perspective and provide a unique lens through which Derek assesses cases.
Outside the office, Derek is an active member in the community, serving on nonprofit boards, participating in professional and leadership organizations, organizing community service events and coaching a variety of youth sports.
Experience
- Defending Class I Railroad in multi-district litigation involving alleged antitrust violations.
- Obtained dismissal of nine-figure mass-action claims brought against multiple electric cooperatives involving their handling of patronage capital, which was affirmed by the Fifth Circuit on appeal.
- Defended large auto finance company in consumer finance litigation brought nationwide, including claims brought under the TCPA, FDCPA, FCRA and TILA.
- Obtained dismissal of claims brought against a bank for violations of Article 4A of the UCC, which was affirmed by the Eleventh Circuit on appeal.
- Successfully defended a financial institution from allegations of fraud and obtained a sanctions award in the bank’s favor under Fla. Stat. § 57.105.
- Through pro bono representation in a case arising under the Hague Convention, reunited a mother in Sonora, Mexico, with her son who was wrongfully detained by his father in Jacksonville, Florida.
Honors
- Florida Super Lawyers, “Rising Star,” 2022-24
News & Insights
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Involvement
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Jacksonville Federal Court Bar Association, Board Vice President, Programs
- Florida Bar Association Consumer Protection Committee, Former Vice Chair
- Chester Bedell American Inn of Court, Barrister
- Jacksonville Bar Association, member
Civic & Community Service
- United Community Outreach Ministry (UCOM), Immediate Past President
- Police Athletic League of Jacksonville (JaxPAL), Board President
- Jaguars Foundation, JaxMVP, Class of 2019
Practices
Education
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, Gainesville, FL, J.D., cum laude, 2016
- Harding University, Searcy, AR, B.A., Public Administration, cum laude, 2013
Admissions
- Florida Bar, 2017
- Middle District of Florida, 2017
- Southern District of Florida, 2017
- Northern District of Florida, 2017
- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, 2019
- All Florida District Courts of Appeal, 2017
