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traded companies. In Florida, that’s incredibly challenging. e Florida non-compete statute is reasonable and neutral. But over the years, Florida courts have re- peatedly misapplied the law, par- ticularly at the trial court level. So at large, there is this pro-non- compete culture. Management- side non-compete litigation is huge business for big Florida law rms. And lots of judges treat these cases like simple breach of contract cases, which is complete- ly wrong. It’s an uphill battle ev- ery day. It is truly the epitome of ghting against the system.
AALM: What compelled you to start your own practice?
Pollard: I’m not a company man. I’m my own man. I’m a free man. I ght for causes I believe in. I place people and morality above pro ts. I will go to the mattresses on principle. I will put myself on the line. I could never work at a big rm. I’m too controversial. I’m too un ltered. I’m too aggres- sive. I’m a crusader. I’ll do it my way or no way at all.
AALM: Tell us about your fel- low attorneys at the rm? How do you work together?
Pollard: I love seeing my col- leagues grow as people and as lawyers. I love seeing them suc- ceed. Chris Prater is my right- hand. e guy just got into Super Lawyers this year. I’m extremely proud of him. He’s an absolute monster. Brilliant, hard-working, incredibly disciplined, and detail- oriented. Ironically, he’s the good cop to my bad cop, but that’s hi- larious because there’s an IAB le on him a mile long. I hire brilliant early career associates. Coach them up a bit. Show them my process. en I give them room to operate and grow. I’m always in the mix. But I give my people a chance to do the heavy li ing. Sure, that comes with a certain amount of risk. But it’s the best way to develop talent.
AALM: What case most de ned or rede ned your practice?
Pollard: Michael Kenny. is man worked as a security guard at
a company called Critical Investi- gative Services for less than three weeks. He spent nearly two weeks of that time in unpaid training. He was assigned to work the overnight shi , but he’s a single father and couldn’t nd childcare for his daughter. CIS red him. He got another job working as a security guard in a bank. When CIS found out, they threatened to sue his new employer over a bo- gus security guard non-compete agreement. His new company red him, and he was out of work, struggling just to survive. We’ve been in litigation against CIS and their lawyers ever since. And we haven’t charged Mr. Kenny a dollar. I’m defending the non- compete claim and suing CIS for tortious interference and FLSA violations. Two di erent lawsuits. I want punitives. I’m seeking $4 million in damages and fees. And I’m not joking. I took this case to help a man who was being abused by the system. And I’m going to vindicate his rights, destroy an evil enterprise, and make tons of money in the process.
AALM: What accomplishment are you most proud of achieving?
Pollard: I’ve been a good son, a good brother, a good friend, and I’ve helped some people along the way.
AALM: What do you most hope to accomplish in the future? Where do you see yourself in ve years? In 10?
Pollard: Only a fool would tell you his plans. Read Sun Tzu.
AALM: What events are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
Pollard: We should have a jury trial against Walmart in a negli- gent hiring case involving a man- ager who sexually harassed and sexually assaulted a co-worker and in which our present demand is $30 million. We will also be try- ing the Michael Kenny case. ese are very important cases, not only for our clients and our rm, but also for society. I’m excited to try both of these cases to a jury.
At a Glance
Pollard PLLC
401 E. Las Olas Blvd., #1400 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 332-2380 www.pollardllc.com
PRACTICE AREAS
Antitrust Employment Personal Injury Whistleblower
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor, Georgetown University, 2009
Bachelor of Arts, Cornell University, 2004
HONORS
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Volunteerism Proclamation, City of
Lauderdale Lakes
Pro Bono Honor Roll, SDFL
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Flite Center Jewish Federation Legal Aid
FAVORITE QUOTE
“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” – Hemingway