Florida’s insurance market is at a tipping point. The lawsuit-for-profit movement has caused unsustainable loss ratios, excessive reinsurance costs, and slim profit margins. There has never been a more important time to have a conscientious legal partner.
Florida Insurance Defense
About Our Firm
Our extensive experience on both sides of the inside/outside counsel relationship gives us a unique perspective and approach.
Shareholder/Founder
Andrew Bickford
I defend Insurance Companies in Florida first-party property litigation. As former General Counsel and head of litigation for SafePoint Insurance Company, an AM Best-rated Florida property and casualty carrier, I gained intimate and extensive knowledge of what makes an insurance company prosper. Before that, I developed and tested winning litigation strategies as a litigator at one of Florida’s largest law firms, Cole, Scott, & Kissane, P.A. But knowledge and experience require action. I co-founded Bickford and Chidnese to share this knowledge and help you win.
I am admitted to practice law in Florida. I obtained a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law and a B.A. from Rollins College.
Shareholder/Founder
Patrick Chidnese
Board Certified in Appellate Practice by the Florida Bar, I represent Florida insurance companies and businesses in high-stakes appellate and trial actions. I have been privileged to represent clients on appeals before the Florida Supreme Court, every Florida District Court of Appeal, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. I have successfully briefed and argued complex appellate issues, including matters of first impression in the State of Florida. When you need to think steps ahead, I will design and execute your strategy.
Before co-founding Bickford & Chidnese, I was a partner in the international law firm Holland & Knight LLP.
I am admitted to practice in Florida and Texas. I graduated first in my law school class at Stetson University College of Law and received a B.S. in Economics from Duke University.
Managing Attorney
Brian Orsborn
I defend Insurance Companies and their Insureds in Florida first-party property litigation and third-party personal injury litigation. As former Staff Counsel for a Fortune 100 insurance company, I gained extensive knowledge and an understanding of the intricacies of property and personal injury litigation. I’m dedicated to staying informed of the latest trends and developments in all areas of property and personal injury litigation. In addition to representing one of the nation’s largest personal lines insurers, I have been privileged to represent a diverse client base in a wide variety of construction defect and property litigation. I am proud to use my experience and knowledge to develop winning litigation strategies and to obtain positive outcomes for our clients.
I am admitted to practice before the state courts of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. I obtained a Juris Doctor with honors from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School where I served as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. After law school, I completed a two-year judicial clerkship with Justice Peggy A. Quince of the Supreme Court of Florida. I received a B.S. in Political Science from The Ohio State University. Before practicing law, I served in the United States Coast Guard.
Attorneys
I am proud to be part of Bickford & Chidnese LLP’s first-party property insurance practice group. As a recent graduate from Stetson University College of Law, I have the skills necessary to advocate for you when it matters most. During my time at Stetson, I served as Articles & Symposia Editor for the Stetson Law Review, was an award-winning member of the Moot Court Board, and interned for the Honorable Judge Julie S. Sneed of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Fluent in three languages–English, Spanish, and Swedish–I am able to communicate your needs across multicultural boundaries.
Prior to law school, I completed an internship with the Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. and graduated from Stetson University with a B.A. in Political Science. Through these experiences, I am prepared to handle your most complex litigation challenges.
Along with our incredible support staff, I defend Florida insurance companies in first-party property disputes. As a graduate with honors from Stetson University College of Law, I am prepared to produce positive results for our clients. Prior to law school I worked as an Advertising Executive on behalf of organizations such as CBS News, iHeart Media, and the National Football League. Through these experiences, I have acquired top level negotiation and closing skills from the industry’s largest professional arenas. I take pride in being a subject matter expert who produces positive results and peace of mind for our clients.
I am dedicated to diligently representing Florida’s insurance companies and business entities. Prior to joining Bickford & Chidnese, LLP, I worked as an attorney for one of Florida’s largest insurance defense firms, where I focused my practice on defending clients in multiple types of first-party and third-party insurance disputes, from onset through resolution.
While in law school at Stetson University College of Law, I focused my time on building the skills needed to excel in practice. I received a book award for my performance in pretrial practice, was named Best Oral Advocate at a national moot court competition and held multiple leadership positions on the Student Bar Association. I was also privileged to intern for the Honorable Elizabeth A. Kovachevich at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and successfully represent our nation’s veterans in appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Before practicing law, I served in the United States Army for eight years, as both an airborne infantryman and military police sergeant, and deployed to Afghanistan as part of combat operations in Operation Enduring Freedom. I know the importance of service and continue to try to advocate for, and give back to, the military veteran community in my spare time. I am proud to use my experience and practical knowledge, both in the practice of law and otherwise, to obtain positive outcomes for our clients and their business interests.
I defend Insurance Companies in Florida first-party property litigation. As former in-house counsel for a Fortune 100 insurance company, I progressed my knowledge regarding property litigation. Before that, I accelerated my growth and expertise in first-party property litigation at one of Florida’s largest defense firms, Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. I take pride in using my experience, knowledge, and attention-to-detail to develop winning strategies and obtain positive outcomes for our clients.
I am admitted to practice law in Florida. I obtained a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law and a B.S. from the University of Central Florida. After law school, I was an Assistant Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange/Osceola County, Florida, where I zealously defended and protected my clients’ rights.
I am proud to be a part of the team at Bickford & Chidnese. My skills in legal research, writing and communication provide significant value to the firm and our clients. Prior to joining the firm, I worked as a personal injury lawyer, advocating for those who had suffered traumatic brain injuries. When I discovered the emerging crisis in Florida, and what it was doing to Florida’s homeowners, I wanted to do my part to help keep insurance rates as low as possible by providing a strong defense to Florida’s carriers.
I am a Member in Good Standing with the Florida Bar and serve on the Board of Directors for the Clearwater Bar Young Lawyers Division. I am also formerly the host of a Podcast, Joe Knows Brains, and was featured on the Sharkpreneur podcast, hosted by Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida State University College of Law in 2016. While at FSU, I served as treasurer of the Moot Court team and won Best Oralist at the prestigious Robert M. Orseck Moot Court Competition in Miami. I was also one of two student members of the Florida First District Court of Appeal Inn of Court, serving alongside judges and lawyers to improve the practice of law.
I am proud to defend Insurance Companies along with my colleagues at Bickford & Chidnese, LLP. Prior to joining the firm, I worked as an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pasco County, FL where I conducted several misdemeanor and felony jury trials. From that experience I have learned the skills necessary to advocate zealously for our clients and their interest both inside and outside the courtroom.
I am admitted to practice law in Florida. I obtained a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law and a B.S. from Webber International University.
Our Services
Florida Insurance Defense Litigation
We know the pain points of the conventional carrier and outside counsel relationship: Huge bills, adverse reserve development, last minute requests for authority, long cycle times, and erratic communication. There is too much at stake for insurance carriers to put up with this behavior. We communicate promptly, follow through, adhere to the budget, and always put YOU first.
Appeals
Hindsight isn’t always 20/20. We identify and focus on what truly matters on appeal. Clear, concise, and persuasive arguments are hard to ignore. As the appellant or the appellee, our approach is strategic and aggressive.
In a trial court, the best way to protect your results is to anticipate an appeal on the horizon. We work with trial counsel to develop and structure arguments, preserve the record, and achieve results that withstand appellate scrutiny. When your case matters, be ready for the appeal.
Commercial Litigation
In addition to representing Florida’s insurance carriers, we provide general commercial litigation services to Florida businesses including commercial landlords and technology firms. With our long experience on both sides of the inside and outside counsel relationship, Bickford & Chidnese litigates to achieve results, not run up fees. Allow us to show you that difficult problems don’t always have difficult solutions.