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    Raquel Jefferson photograph

    Raquel Ramirez Jefferson

    Partner

    Tampa
    813-472-7869
    raquel.jefferson@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    Labor and EmploymentLitigationWhite Collar Defense and Investigations

    Raquel Ramirez Jefferson is a seasoned litigator with extensive experience helping clients navigate complex legal disputes across federal and state courts and in administrative proceedings.

    She represents companies and individuals facing allegations by whistleblowers and federal and state governments in criminal and civil fraud cases, including False Claims Act, qui tam and similar private action statutes, as well as employment disputes. She is skilled in managing internal and external investigations and responding to inquiries from administrative agencies.

    Raquel regularly defends clients in high-stakes corporate disputes, including employment litigation, collective and class actions, contract negotiations and breaches, restrictive covenants, and other business-to-business disputes.

    She is mindful of the impact that litigation has on a company’s operations. Her strength lies in her results-oriented approach. She is dedicating to understanding the unique needs of each client and providing tailored solutions that align with their objectives. Clients trust her to provide sound advice and effective representation.

    In addition to her trial work, Raquel advises clients on evolving regulatory compliance to help them avoid litigation, enhance corporate governance, and develop effective policies. Her proactive approach ensures that clients are well-prepared to mitigate risks and manage complex regulations.

     

    Insights

    • May 13, 2025

      President Trump’s First 100 Days: What Has Been Done in Labor and Employment…

    • May 1, 2025

      What Has Been Done in Labor and Employment During President Trump’s First 100 Days?…

    More +
    • March 3, 2025

      District Court Enjoins Trump Executive Order Requiring Broad Anti-DEI Compliance Certifications that Exposed Contractors to False Claims Act Liability…

    • February 7, 2025

      The Health Law Section of the Florida Bar Presents Representing a Physician 2025…

    • January 17, 2025

      DOJ’s 2024 FCA Report Reflects All-Time High in Qui Tam Filings…

    • January 7, 2025

      Phelps Elects Seven Partners in 2025 Class…

    • December 10, 2024

      What Goes Around Comes Around: The Origins of Zafirov's Holding…

    • December 10, 2024

      Navigating Change: Workplace Law Developments to Expect Under the New Presidency…

    • November 21, 2024

      Florida’s First District Court of Appeal Tightens Whistleblower Protections: A Legal Shift?…

    • October 16, 2024

      Florida District Court Declares False Claims Act Qui Tam Provision is Unconstitutional …

    • September 23, 2024

      Eleventh Circuit Clarifies Public Disclosure Bar for Defense of FCA Qui Tams…

    • August 15, 2024

      185 Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 20 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 26 Added to “Ones to Watch” List…

    • August 13, 2024

      DOJ’s Criminal Division Announces New Pilot Program to Reward Corporate Whistleblowers…

    • July 11, 2024

      Why Health Care Providers Rarely Go to Trial in False Claims Act Cases: The Recent Trial of Penelow v. Janssen Products…

    • June 24, 2024

      Super Lawyers Recognizes 13 Phelps Florida Lawyers on 2024 Lists…

    • June 11, 2024

      The Benefits of Self-Disclosure to DOJ of Alleged FCA Violations: A Look at 3 Recent Settlements with Health Care Providers…

    • April 8, 2024

      OSHA Opens the Door to Union Representation in Safety Inspections …

    • March 6, 2024

      Top Issues Employers Should Consider Before Using AI Recruiting Tools…

    • December 12, 2023

      Construction & Government Contracts: Cautionary Tales from the False Claims Act…

    • November 7, 2023

      Phelps Elects Three to Counsel Class…

    • August 17, 2023

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 208 Phelps Lawyers, Names 12 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 47 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • June 26, 2023

      14 Phelps Lawyers Named to 2023 Florida Super Lawyers Lists…

    • October 12, 2022

      DOL Rulemaking Proposes a Return to the “Totality-of-the-Circumstances” Analysis for Independent Contractors…

    • August 18, 2022

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 158 Phelps Lawyers, Names 10 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 40 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • June 24, 2022

      Florida’s 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 17 Phelps Attorneys …

    • June 24, 2021

      16 Phelps Attorneys Make Florida’s 2021 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists…

    • May 20, 2021

      COVID-19 Vaccine Issues and Related Legislative Developments Impacting Florida Employers…

    • April 30, 2021

      Questions Remain for Employers as DOL Delays Parts of the 2020 Tip Rule…

    • March 30, 2021

      New Florida Law Shields Companies From COVID-19 Lawsuits…

    • March 3, 2021

      Phelps Team Wins COVID-19 Business Interruption Case in Florida…

    • June 19, 2020

      Answers to the Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Bringing Employees Back to the Workplace…

    • June 12, 2020

      Return-to-Work Planning Guide: 10 Questions to Ask Before Bringing Employees Back…

    • March 24, 2020

      EEOC and CDC Give Clearer Answers on How Employers Can Manage the COVID-19 Pandemic…

    • April 22, 2019

      In Our Communities: Raquel Ramirez Jefferson Elected as new Board Director for Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts…

    Recognition

    • Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers (2017-2024)
    • Commercial Litigation, The Best Lawyers in America (2023-2025)
    • Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers (2017-2024)
    • Commercial Litigation, The Best Lawyers in America (2023-2025)

    Education

    • Stetson University College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2012
    • Barry University, B.A., Pre-Law, cum laude, 2008
    • Stetson University College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2012
    • Barry University, B.A., Pre-Law, cum laude, 2008

    Credentials

    • Florida
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    • Florida
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

    Memberships and Affiliations

    • The Florida Bar
    • Hillsborough County Bar Association - Labor & Employment Section Co-Chair (2024)
    • Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers 
    • The Florida Bar
    • Hillsborough County Bar Association - Labor & Employment Section Co-Chair (2024)
    • Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers 
    • Overview
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Labor and Employment
    • Litigation
    • White Collar Defense and Investigations
    • Employment Litigation
    • ESG
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