Atty. Bud Kirk
One of the firm’s founders, Bud Kirk concentrates his practice in the areas of product liability, commercial litigation and professional liability. A significant portion of Bud’s practice is devoted to the representation of clients in commercial litigation matters.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Orlando, FL · 58+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Bud Kirk at a Glance
Bud Kirk is a Partner based in Orlando, Florida, practicing at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association. They have 58+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1968. Their practice focuses on business, product liability, litigation, and aviation. Admitted to practice in Florida U.S. District Courts of Florida (Northern, Middle, Southern) (1968). Educated at University of Florida, College of Law J.D. (—) and Stetson University B.A. Social Science (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Orlando, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Bud Kirk
- One of the firm’s founders, Bud Kirk concentrates his practice in the areas of product liability, commercial litigation and professional liability
- A significant portion of Bud’s practice is devoted to the representation of clients in commercial litigation matters
- He represents clients in commercial cases including those involving claims of contract breach, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and professional malfeasance
- Among his clients are local and nationally known companies in the fields of law, accounting, real estate development and communications
- A seasoned trial lawyer with a national reputation, Bud’s product liability practice centered on high profile cases in which plaintiffs seek recovery of millions of dollars
- He represented domestic and foreign manufacturers of passenger cars and trucks throughout the United States, as well as manufacturers in the aviation and heavy equipment industry
- Bud represented clients in hostile territory in Florida and throughout the United States including Louisiana, Wisconsin, Maine, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and West Virginia
- Bud’s decades of defending professionals in the legal and accounting fields against malpractice claims earned him the moniker of the “Lawyer’s Lawyer.” In 1996, Bud’s prowess in the courtroom was recognized by The National Law Journal in its annual edition of “Winning” which highlights ten top litigators in the country
- Bud was asked to share his strategies for achieving success in the courtroom which he did in the article featuring him, “In Hostile Territory, Show You Trust the Jury.” In 1999, he was recognized by The National Law Journal again as being one of the “Top Litigators.” He has since been recognized for his advocacy skills in numerous articles and publications, including designation by Florida Trend magazine as one of the “Top Defense Counsel.” In 2010, Bud was named “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Central Florida Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and as a “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of personal injury litigation-defendants for Orlando by Best Lawyers in America in 2013 and 2018
- Recognized for his successful trial career, Bud was inducted as a fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers, a prestigious by-invitation-only organization composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada
- In February of 1991, Bud was appointed by former President George H. W. Bush to the Board of Directors of the Legal Service Corporation which administers nearly a half billion dollars to programs throughout the United States rendering legal services to the poor
- He served in that position for three years
- He has served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association and is a former member of the International Association of Defense Counsel
- Within the firm, Bud formerly served on the Executive Committee and as Managing Partner for thirteen years
- In addition to his professional activities, Bud is active in the community in the After School Outreach program for Howard Middle School children
- For many years, he served as a member of the Board of Directors for WMFE, the local public radio and television stations
- He is also a member of Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law’s Dean’s Advisory Council
- Following graduation from law school, Bud served as an assistant professor teaching courses in real property, legislation and water law
- Community •WMFE Board of Directors Former member, Board of Directors •Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law’s Dean’s Advisory Council •University Club •Board of Directors, 2007-Present Certifications •AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell Awards & Honors •Best Lawyers 'Lawyer of the Year' for Personal Injury- Defendants in Orlando, 2013, 2018, 2025 •Listed in Best Lawyers in America
- Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
- Insurance Law
- Litigation - Insurance. 2010-2026 •Listed in Florida Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, 2006-2018, 2020 •Listed in Florida Trend Legal Elite 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013 •Listed in Who's Who Legal of Product Liability Defense Lawyers 2009, 2010 •2010 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Central Florida Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) •Recognized in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for General Commercial Litigation Articles & Presentations •Speaker, Orange County Bar Association Member Perks, November 2020 •Florida Trend article “Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite” - Spotlighted - July 2004 and July 2005 •Florida Trend article regarding the top defense litigators - Spotlighted - February 2004 •In Hostile Territory, Show You Trust Jury,” in The National Law Journal’s annual edition of “Winning,” which presents the top ten litigators in the nation and their strategies for success in the courtroom - Featured in article - May 1996 •Justice Holmes and the Trial Lawyer: Malicious Prosecution, Bad Faith and . .
- Excellence,” - Co-author - 1981 •Public Finance: New Test for Public Purpose,” - Author - 1967 Bud's News and Insights 08.21.2025 Firm News 27 RumbergerKirk Attorneys Named to the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America Dan Gerber and Leonard Dietzen Named “Lawyer of the Year
- ”... 08.15.2024 Firm News Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition Recognizes 24 RumbergerKirk Attorneys Two Named “Lawyer of the Year” and Two Named “Ones... 08.17.2023 Firm News Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 24 RumbergerKirk Attorneys with Managing Partner Frank Sheppard Named Lawyer of the Year ORLANDO, FL - August 17, 2023 - Best Lawyers has... 03.01.2023 Beyond the Bio Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring a Legend of Our Own A Closer Look at RumbergerKirk’s First Female Attorney - Lori... 08.19.2022 Firm News 23 RumbergerKirk Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America 2023 Orlando, Fla., August 18, 2022 - RumbergerKirk is pleased to... 08.19.2021 Firm News Eighteen RumbergerKirk Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America 2022 ORLANDO - August 19, 2021 - RumbergerKirk is pleased to... 06.24.2021 Firm News Florida Super Lawyers Names RumbergerKirk Attorneys to 2021 List Three Attorneys Named “Rising Stars” RumbergerKirk is pleased to announce... 11.04.2020 Events Bud Kirk Speaks at Orange County Bar Association Member Perks Virtual Event One of the firm’s founders and Board Certified Civil Trial... 08.20.2020 Firm News 18 RumbergerKirk Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America 2021 ORLANDO, FL - August 20, 2020 - Eighteen RumbergerKirk attorneys... 06.04.2020 Firm News Florida Super Lawyers Names RumbergerKirk Attorneys to 2020 List FLORIDA - June 4, 2020 - RumbergerKirk is pleased to
Practice Areas Explained
Bud Kirk's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Bud Kirk handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Orlando.
Business & Corporate Law in Orlando
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Bud Kirk is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Florida →
Product Liability in Orlando
Bud Kirk is one of 65,610 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Florida →
Civil Litigation in Orlando
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Bud Kirk is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Florida →
Aviation Law in Orlando
Aviation attorneys for aircraft accidents, FAA regulation, pilot defense, and aviation industry matters.
Bud Kirk is one of 9,145 aviation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse aviation attorneys in Florida →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Orlando
Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Orlando are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Orlando Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Orlando-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Orlando or all attorneys in Florida.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Orlando Choose Bud Kirk
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Bud Kirk's practice in the field of business, product liability, litigation, and aviation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Bud Kirk brings 58+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, product liability, and litigation, Bud Kirk can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Orlando
A Orlando-based practice means Bud Kirk attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Bud Kirk Handles in Orlando
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Bud Kirk has experience with under Florida law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Bud Kirk directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Bud Kirk Online
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Bud Kirk's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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