Lauren Purdy is a shareholder who serves as vice-chair of Gunster’s Business Litigation Practice and co-chair of its Appellate Practice. She advises local, national and multinational clients in a wide array of business disputes in both state and federal courts. Lauren’s practice is focused on complex commercial litigation, transportation and professional liability matters at both the trial and appellate court levels. She also serves as one of the firm’s Loss Prevention Partners where she assists the firm’s general counsel with internal loss prevention issues.

As a trial lawyer who devotes a substantial portion of her practice to appeals, Lauren is personally dedicated to bringing a unique and well-rounded perspective to litigation strategy and courtroom advocacy. Lauren’s experience in trial and appellate courts includes the representation of both plaintiffs and defendants in jury trials, bench trials and arbitration hearings. She has also briefed and argued complex commercial appellate matters before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Florida Supreme Court and other Florida appellate courts.

Lauren joined Gunster in 2013 after completing two separate one year clerkships. The first clerkship was for Judge Robert L. Hinkle of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, and then for Judge Joel F. Dubina of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Outside the practice of law, Lauren is committed to serving both her local Jacksonville community and greater Florida. Drawing on her love of sports, Lauren has supported the JaxSports Council and Gator Bowl in various volunteer roles over the past several years. She is also a member of the Women’s Giving Alliance, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the mission of improving the lives of women and girls in Northeast Florida. And as a graduate of Leadership Florida, Lauren has served in numerous leadership roles within the organization, which connects statewide leaders striving to build a stronger future for the state of Florida.

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, 2021-24
  • Florida Trend, “Up & Comer,” 2017-2022
  • Florida Super Lawyers, “Rising Star,” 2016-present
  • “Northeast Florida Women of Distinction,” Honoree, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, 2023
  • Harvey E. Schlesinger Spirit of Giving Award presented by the Jacksonville Federal Bar Association, 2022
  • Eight-time NCAA Division II All-American Women’s Swimming, 2005-08
  • Eight-time NCAA Division II Honorable Mention All-American Women’s Swimming, 2005-08
  • Four-year NCAA Division II Academic All-American, 2005-08
  • Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, Ouachita Baptist University, 2008
  • Jacksonville Federal Court Bar Association, 2013-present
    • Vice President – Membership, 2023-present
    • Vice President – Programs, 2022-23
    • Treasurer, 2021-22
    • Nimmons Seminar Chair, 2021
    • Summer Series for Law Students, Co-Chair, 2017
  • Jacksonville Bar Association, 2013-present
  • Chester Bedell American Inn of Court
    • Barrister Member, 2019-22
      • Program Chair, 2020
    • Alumni Member, 2015-19
    • Associate Member, 2014-15
  • Leadership Florida
    • Northeast Florida Regional Council, 2018-19, 2021-present
      • Regional Council Chair, 2022-23
    • Connect Florida, Class VIII
  • Women’s Giving Alliance
    • Member, 2016-present
    • Education committee, 2019-20
    • Delores Barr Weaver Fellow
  • JaxSports Council
    • JaxSports Charities, Board Member, 2018-20
    • Young Professionals Group, 2018-21
    • Administrative Committee, 2017-20
    • ACC cheer & band host, 2017-20
    • ACC coaches host, 2016
  • Florida State University Law School Alumni Association, Board of Directors
    • Executive Committee
      • President, 2023-present
      • President-Elect, 2022-23
      • Secretary, 2021-22
    • Career Services Committee, Chair, 2015-21
    • Director, 2014-present
    • Presidential Appointee, 2013-14
    • Class agent, 2012-13
  • Ortega United Methodist Church, 2013-present
    • Missions Committee, 2021-22

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