Civil Engineer and Ave Maria Law Graduate Quinten Zak Joins Henderson Franklin’s Litigation Team

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Quinten Zak has joined the firm as an associate in its Tort & Insurance Litigation Department. A civil engineering graduate with hands-on construction experience, he brings a technical background to his legal practice, particularly in matters involving engineers, design professionals and construction-related disputes.

Before attending law school, Zak worked in engineering and construction, gaining experience in design and field operations. His work included designing parking lots, natural gas and water distribution systems, evaluating sites and utility lines and working on construction projects in the field.

“My engineering and construction background taught me how much responsibility goes into designing and building the infrastructure people rely on every day,” said Zak. “I wanted to bring that perspective to the practice of law and advocate for the professionals behind that work. Having previously spent a summer at Henderson Franklin, I knew this was the kind of firm where I wanted to begin my legal career.”

Matthew Belcastro, chair of Henderson Franklin’s Tort & Insurance Litigation Department, said Zak’s technical background will be an asset to the firm and its clients, sharing:

“Quinten comes to us with an uncommon combination of legal ability and practical engineering and construction experience. He understands how projects come together in the real world and can speak the language of the engineers, contractors and other professionals we represent. We were impressed with Quinten during his time as a summer associate, and we are very pleased to welcome him back to Henderson Franklin as an attorney.”

Zak earned his Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Ave Maria School of Law in 2026, graduating third in his class. He received the St. Raymond of Penyafort Award for Excellence in Written Advocacy and served as President of the Student Bar Association, Executive Articles Editor of the Law Review and Editor-in-Chief of the Gavel for Moot Court. He also earned CALI Awards for achieving the highest grade in several courses, including Complex Litigation, Property, Civil Procedure and Torts.

Zak earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, cum laude, from Missouri University of Science and Technology. During law school, he served in Ave Maria School of Law’s Veterans and Servicemembers Law Clinic, assisting disabled veterans with legal matters. He also supports the Honor Flight program and its mission of honoring America’s veterans.

Zak is admitted to The Florida Bar and may be reached at Quinten.Zak@henlaw.com or by phone at 239.344.1268.