Atty. Michael S. Hooker
Mike Hooker concentrates his practice in the area of commercial litigation. During his more than 30-year career, Mr.
Commercial Litigation Attorney · Serving Tampa, FL
Profile Summary
About Michael S. Hooker at a Glance
Michael S. Hooker is a business and litigation attorney based in Tampa, Florida, practicing at Phelps Dunbar LLP. Admitted to practice in Florida, The Florida Bar. Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 1981) and University of Virginia (BA, 1976). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Florida Super Lawyers (2026). Serves clients in Tampa, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael S. Hooker
- Mike Hooker concentrates his practice in the area of commercial litigation
- During his more than 30-year career, Mr. Hooker has litigated a variety of complex commercial actions, including contract disputes, business torts, products liability claims, shareholder disputes and derivative actions, antitrust and trade regulation issues, disputes between franchisors and franchisees, Section 1983 constitutional claims, real estate disputes, land use issues, unfair trade practice claims, telecommunications disputes, RICO and fraud claims, consumer protection claims, Multi-District Litigation, and banking disputes
- Although Mr. Hooker more often has represented defendants during his career, he also has prosecuted claims on behalf of plaintiffs in select cases
- Mr. Hooker’s clients have relied on him on numerous occasions to guide them through complicated "bet the business" litigation
- In addition to his broad commercial litigation expertise, Mr. Hooker has extensive experience defending clients in significant class action cases, and he is currently defending a large qui tam case involving claims of Medicare fraud
- His clients have ranged from individuals with substantial claims to large publicly traded companies
- Mr. Hooker also has represented franchisors, municipal and county governments, and privately held businesses of all sizes over the years
- In 2014, Mr. Hooker was recognized by Florida Super Lawyers as one of the "Top 100 Lawyers" in the State of Florida
- This was the third time in the last five years that he received this recognition from his peers
- Mr. Hooker is also very action in local and state bar activities
- He is a Past President of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation, and the Federal Bar Association, Tampa Bay Chapter
- He currently serves as a representative of the 13th Judicial Circuit on The Florida Bar Board of Governors
- Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Mr. Hooker was a shareholder at Glenn Rasmussen Fogarty & Hooker, P.A., and an associate at Holland & Knight LLP, in Tampa, Florida
Practice Areas Explained
Michael S. Hooker's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael S. Hooker handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Tampa.
Business & Corporate Law in Tampa
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael S. Hooker is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Florida →
Civil Litigation in Tampa
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael S. Hooker is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Florida →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Tampa
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 Tampa 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.
Tampa Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Tampa-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 Tampa or all attorneys in Florida.
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Common Questions About Michael S. Hooker
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Tampa Choose Michael S. Hooker
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 Michael S. Hooker's practice in the field of business and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business and litigation, Michael S. Hooker can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Tampa
A Tampa-based practice means Michael S. Hooker 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 Michael S. Hooker Handles in Tampa
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael S. Hooker 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 Michael S. Hooker directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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Michael S. Hooker's Practice Areas & Specializations
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