Mr. Vader has more than 25 years of experience. We have recovered millions of dollars on our clients’ behalf. Our experience includes work in both state and federal trial courts, and even on the appellate level. This includes work in all types of personal injury cases, from auto accidents to wrongful death and even commercial litigation. Christopher has tried many cases to verdict before juries. He has won cases on motions and has successfully appealed erroneously granted motions. In addition, he has handled more than a thousand depositions. One case that we are particularly proud of among many is the case of Don vs. Unum. This was a complex federal class action case where policyholders claimed that they were denied their insurance benefits. After receiving the personal time and attention offered at Christopher C. Vader PC, a $46 million settlement was obtained, providing thousands of dollars of relief to each class member in all fifty states.

Born and raised in Tampa, Jody graduated from Jesuit High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida in 1998 and his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law in 2001. He defends matters involving personal injury, wrongful death, trucking and automobile accident liability, premises liability, and medical malpractice. Jody is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and all state and federal Courts within the State of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Jody is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, American Bar Association, Florida Defense Lawyers Association, and the Defense Research Institute. Jody has been recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer by Florida Super Lawyers magazine in the area of personal injury and has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation. He holds an AV® Preeminent rating, as well as the AV Preeminent – Judicial Edition rating, from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence. In addition, Jody has been named to the Most Honored Lawyers edition, further underscoring his outstanding reputation among his peers. Jody served on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee and was past Chairman. He currently serves as a Florida Bar Fee Arbitrator.

Josefina L. Valdez is a highly accomplished attorney with approximately ten years of legal experience. She began her career dedicated to helping underprivileged and underserved individuals as a staff attorney and later as the Executive Director of a local non-profit legal services organization. Her background as a legal services attorney gives clients a unique advantage because Josefina had to learn a wide array of practice areas and is able to apply that expertise to each case she works on. Additionally, she learned how to provide quality representation while maintaining a large case load.

Megan Valles was born in Fresno and later moved to San Fernando Valley where she has enjoyed living ever since. She was later inspired to become an attorney by two things. The first was her love for legal drama tv shows like Law & Order. She loved watching attorneys present their cases and fight for their client’s case. The second came as a fortunate result to a very unfortunate situation. Megan was in a serious car accident and needed an attorney to help her take on the insurance company. Eventually, she found herself working for her attorney and enjoying the fine details of law and research. Megan did her undergrad at Cal State Northridge where she majored in sociology and criminology. After graduating, she enrolled in University of West Los Angeles, juggling a heavy course load while working full time at a personal injury law firm. Megan has gained valuable experience since becoming a lawyer at the Drake Law Group. She enjoys handling personal injury cases because she can deeply understand her clients having been in a similar position twice. When she isn’t fighting for her clients, Megan enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and running. She has done six half marathons and is aiming to do a full marathon in the near future.