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    Rhett Parker photograph

    Rhett C. Parker

    Partner

    Tampa
    813-472-7890
    rhett.parker@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    Litigation

    Rhett Parker guides companies and individuals through litigation when market changes move faster than regulations. From the gig economy to name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, his proactive approach helps clients navigate the uncertainties of novel legal landscapes and shape legislation on emerging issues. His extensive trial experience gives clients the support they need to make reasoned and well-informed decisions in unsettled areas of law, even when that decision is to try the case.

    After trying more than 60 cases, Rhett applies his deep understanding of the litigation lifecycle to disputes where there is little to no established law. He sees clients through every step of litigation, from investigation to resolution and trial, offering transparent, detailed counsel on the risks and opportunities of each path forward.

    Clients in emerging industries often face issues that set new legal standards and affect future regulations. With his varied defense background, having tried cases ranging from first-degree murder to economic crimes and contract disputes, Rhett is well-equipped to advise clients on the complex, high-profile nature of these cases. He manages clients’ added reputational risks and provides a strategic advantage as policy evolves on these issues.

    Rhett manages the full spectrum of commercial litigation, regulatory advice, and defense for a wide range of clients, including:

    • Gig economy companies
    • Student-athletes
    • Businesses
    • Medical professionals
    • Short-term rental owners
    • Property owners
    • Retail and grocery stores
    • Insurers

    Rhett also serves as a member of Phelps' Operations Committee.

    Outside of his law practice, Rhett enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, and as a native Floridian, cheering on the Gators, Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Braves.

    Clients in emerging industries often face issues that set new legal standards and affect future regulations. With his varied defense background, having tried cases ranging from first-degree murder to economic crimes and contract disputes, Rhett is well-equipped to advise clients on the complex, high-profile nature of these cases. He manages clients’ added reputational risks and provides a strategic advantage as policy evolves on these issues.

    Rhett manages the full spectrum of commercial litigation, regulatory advice, and defense for a wide range of clients, including:

    • Gig economy companies
    • Student-athletes
    • Businesses
    • Medical professionals
    • Short-term rental owners
    • Property owners
    • Retail and grocery stores
    • Insurers

    Rhett also serves as a member of Phelps' Operations Committee.

    Outside of his law practice, Rhett enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, and as a native Floridian, cheering on the Gators, Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Braves.

    Experience

    • Helped online gig economy platform avoid litigation and limit exposure in multimillion-dollar wrongful death claims by reaching settlements through thorough investigation and earnest negotiation before lawsuits were filed.
    • Secured dismissal of lawsuit against gig economy platform through motion to compel arbitration in line with platform’s user agreement.
    • Negotiated pre-suit claims for excess insurer in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases and achieved resolution to avoid litigation.

    Insights

    • April 29, 2025

      Roster Limits Remain a Sticking Point to Settle Landmark NIL Case Against the NCAA…

    • April 9, 2025

      Judge Raises Issues as $2.8B NIL Settlement Talks Move Forward…

    More +
    • 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 12, 2024

      Navigating Florida Negligent Security Claims Post Tort Reform…

    • June 28, 2024

      FL Governor Vetoes Short-Term Rental Reform Bill Amid Disputes Over Local Laws …

    • June 4, 2024

      What Florida High School Student-Athletes Should Know About FHSAA's NIL Bylaw…

    • May 24, 2024

      The Future of the NCAA is Settled But Not Fixed - House v. NCAA Raises Pressing Questions for Former and Current Student Athletes…

    • August 17, 2023

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

    • August 18, 2022

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

    • January 5, 2022

      Phelps Elects Five New Partners in 2022 Class…

    • January 4, 2022

      Florida’s New Law Could Pave the Way for Growing Peer-to-Peer Car-Sharing Industry…

    • August 19, 2021

      More Than Half of Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 12 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 40 Make “Ones to Watch” List…

    • August 20, 2020

      127 Phelps Lawyers Selected to Best Lawyers in America, 16 Named "Lawyer of the Year" and 37 Chosen for First Class of "Ones to Watch"…

    Recognition

    • Commercial Litigation (2022-2024), Litigation - Construction (2021-2024), Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2021-2022, 2024), Ones to Watch list, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2025), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Commercial Litigation (2022-2024), Litigation - Construction (2021-2024), Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2021-2022, 2024), Ones to Watch list, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2025), The Best Lawyers in America

    Education

    • University of Florida, Levin College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, 2011
    • University of Florida, B.A., History, cum laude, 2007
    • University of Florida, Levin College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, 2011
    • University of Florida, B.A., History, cum laude, 2007

    Credentials

    • Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    • Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

    Memberships and Affiliations

    • Federal Bar Association, Tampa Chapter
    • Florida Bar Association
    • Hillsborough County Bar Association
    • William Reece Smith Litigation Inn of Court
    • Federal Bar Association, Tampa Chapter
    • Florida Bar Association
    • Hillsborough County Bar Association
    • William Reece Smith Litigation Inn of Court
    • Overview
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    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

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