Attorney
Rachel M. Karden
Orlando, FL
Rachel Karden is an Associate Attorney at Cobb & Gonzalez, where she focuses on insurance defense litigation. She represents insurers in a wide range of matters, including personal injury claims, premises liability, product liability, and complex coverage disputes. Before transitioning to insurance defense, Rachel built a solid foundation in corporate litigation, handling high-stakes commercial disputes, contract issues, and business torts.
Rachel graduated magna cum laude, ranking second in her class at Barry University School of Law. As Senior Editor of the Barry Law Review, she honed her legal writing and analytical skills. She also worked at the Bankruptcy Pro Se Clinic, assisting individuals with bankruptcy proceedings, and taught a Florida Bar essay preparation course, mentoring students preparing for the bar exam.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida, with minors in English and Classical Studies, and went on to complete her Master of Arts in Advertising at the University of Texas at Austin, combining her understanding of human behavior with strategic communication.
Before joining Cobb & Gonzalez, Rachel served as a judicial intern for both the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, gaining valuable insight into the federal judicial process. She also contributed her time to the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, providing pro bono legal services to underserved communities.
Rachel brings a diverse background to her legal career, having served as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for the City of Pflugerville, Texas, worked as a developer of affordable housing, and taught sixth grade in public schools, where she also coached and mentored students. Her varied experience informs her legal perspective and deepens her connection to the communities she serves.
Honors and Awards
- Book Awards
- Florida Civil Practice, Professor Sherri DeWitt
- Evidence, Professor Christopher Ogolla
- Family Law, Judge Gisela Laurent
- Immigration, Professor Katherine Aschenbrenner-Rodriguez
- Criminal Procedure, Professor Samuel Kan
- Legal Methods II, Professor Linda Coco
- Bluebook Competition – Quarter Finalist
Admissions
- United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, 2023 to present
- State Court, Florida, 2023 to present
Education
- Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, Orlando, Florida
- Juris Doctor – Magna Cum Laude
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas 2007
- Master of Arts, Advertising
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Bachelor of Science, Psychology 2005
PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME
- Involved in a complex personal injury case where amateur softball player sustained a severe eye injury during a game, ultimately resulting in the loss of an eye. The case centered on allegations regarding assumption of risk and safety measures, requiring in-depth analysis of liability and causation. Through strategic litigation and deposition testimony, the case was successfully resolved through settlement.
- Defended an apartment home community in a premises liability case where the plaintiff, a tenant, alleged that mold in her unit caused health issues and property damage. The case required a thorough analysis of environmental conditions, medical records, and the plaintiff’s claims. A key turning point in the litigation was Rachel’s deposition of the plaintiff, which effectively challenged the credibility of her allegations and exposed inconsistencies in her testimony.
- Represented a client in a case involving a collision with a delivery truck that resulted in significant injuries. Through a thorough pre-suit investigation, including analysis of accident reports, medical records, and liability factors; Rachel developed a strong legal strategy addressing the key issues in the case. Leveraging strategic negotiations, the matter was successfully resolved through a favorable settlement before litigation became necessary, achieving an efficient and just outcome for her client.
- Represented a client in a complex breach of contract dispute involving the supply of medical testing materials. The opposing party sought to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction, arguing that the matter should be litigated elsewhere. Through strategic legal arguments, Rachel successfully overcame the motion to dismiss, ensuring the case remained in Florida. This procedural victory positioned the case for a strong resolution, ultimately leading to a favorable settlement that secured a successful outcome for the client.
- Represented a trustee in a breach of trust case involving complex fiduciary obligations and financial disputes. As part of the defense strategy, Rachel skillfully defended the deposition of the defendant, effectively addressing key legal and factual issues while mitigating potential risks. Through strategic negotiation and advocacy, the case was ultimately resolved through a favorable settlement, achieving a successful outcome for the client while avoiding prolonged litigation.