For nearly 40 years, Don Blackwell has built a strong and comprehensive practice defending local, regional and national companies in product liability claims involving motor vehicles, personal watercraft, handheld power tools, heavy equipment, and industrial machinery. Don also has defended manufacturers of medical devices, commercial flooring adhesives, high-tech roofing systems, PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings, as well as numerous interests in the aviation industry. In addition, Don has extensive experience defending toxic tort and asbestos cases.
An exceptional legal writer, Don has published several feature articles in The Florida Bar Journal, The Professional, the FDLA’s Trial Advocate Quarterly, and the LCA’s Legal Commentary and Review. Don also has spoken at several national legal conferences.
Don previously served as an Adjunct Professor of Legal Research and Writing at Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law and at St. Thomas University School of Law and, more recently, as an Adjunct Professor of Torts in the Intensive Paralegal Certificate Program at the University of Miami. Don also is spearheading a campaign aimed at shedding light on the myriad mental health issues disproportionately impacting members of the legal profession and the corresponding need for a higher level of Compassionate Professionalism.
Don dedicates much of his free time to supporting and advocating for individuals and families affected by eating disorders. He has authored multiple works on the subject and is frequently called upon to speak at local, regional and national eating disorder conferences and webinars. In 2020, Don organized and hosted the “Legacy of Hope Summit” - a first of its kind symposium attended by 25 highly-respected experts in the eating disorders field aimed at arriving at a blueprint for the path forward in the care and treatment of those illnesses.