Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Winter Park, FL
Established in 1990, Barrett Chapman & Ruta has built a reputation as a trusted full-service litigation firm serving clients across Florida and beyond. Our practice spans commercial litigation, corporate disputes, trade secret protection, insurance defense, landlord/tenant law, and white-collar criminal defense, with a proven track record in both state and federal courts. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience, including military service, federal clerkships, and leadership roles in legal associations. We maintain AV ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting our commitment to excellence and peer recognition.Our team represents diverse clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and individuals, combining strategic advocacy with personalized service. We actively contribute to legal education and community initiatives, including mediation programs and youth sports coaching. Our firm's longevity and client loyalty underscore our dedication to resolving complex legal challenges with integrity and expertise.
Services
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Litigation
Trade Secret Litigation
Insurance Defense
Landlord/Tenant Law
White Collar Criminal Defense
Appellate Practice
Business Associations
Mediation Services
Civil Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of litigation experience in Florida's state and federal courts
- Our attorneys maintain AV peer-review ratings from Martindale-Hubbell
- Recognized as Orlando's top litigation firm by the Orlando Business Journal
- Represent both Fortune 500 companies and local small businesses
- Combines trial advocacy with transactional expertise in business law
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubble AV Rated
Services
Commercial Litigation
Our commercial litigation practice resolves complex business conflicts in state and federal courts. We handle contract disputes, shareholder disagreements, and business torts with strategic courtroom representation. Our attorneys combine trial experience with transactional insights to protect client interests in corporate disputes.
Insurance Defense
We defend insurance companies against complex claims including bad faith litigation and coverage disputes. Our practice includes premises liability, property damage, and automobile coverage cases. We represent major insurers like State Farm and Travelers Indemnity in Florida's courts with proven defense strategies.
Landlord/Tenant Law
Our landlord/tenant practice serves residential and commercial property owners across Florida. We handle lease disputes, eviction proceedings, and compliance matters for apartment complexes, mobile home parks, and retail properties. Our experience covers both landlord and tenant representation in Florida's rental market.
White Collar Criminal Defense
We defend clients against state and federal criminal charges including fraud, RICO violations, and embezzlement. Our practice includes representing business owners and professionals in complex criminal investigations. We combine trial advocacy with negotiation strategies to protect client rights.
Appellate Practice
Our appellate practice handles complex legal appeals in state and federal courts. We represent clients in post-trial reviews across multiple practice areas. Our attorneys have argued cases before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and Florida's appellate courts with demonstrated success.
People
Victor L. Chapman
Partner
Former Air Force JAG attorney with 30+ years of litigation experience. AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator. Handles commercial disputes and appellate cases across Florida.
Ralph S. Ruta
Partner
Former federal law clerk with extensive commercial litigation experience. AV-rated attorney handling business disputes and insurance defense. Active in local school boards and youth sports organizations.
Emma Floyd
Associate Attorney
Licensed in Florida since 2022 with experience in property law and immigration cases. Graduated cum laude from Barry University Law School. Focuses on business litigation and transactional matters.
Questions
What areas of law does Barrett, Chapman & Ruta specialize in?
We specialize in commercial litigation, insurance defense, landlord/tenant law, white-collar criminal defense, and appellate practice across Florida's state and federal courts.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our attorneys have over 80 combined years of experience, including military service, federal clerkships, and AV peer-review ratings from Martindale-Hubbell.
Do you represent both businesses and individuals?
Yes, we represent Fortune 500 companies, local businesses, and individuals in diverse legal matters ranging from contract disputes to criminal defense.
Are your attorneys qualified in appellate courts?
Yes, we maintain active appellate practices in both Florida state courts and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals with multiple published opinions.
