Litigation Attorney Joseph “JD” Bootka Joins Henderson Franklin

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Joseph “JD” Bootka has joined the firm as an associate in its Tort & Insurance Litigation Department. Based in the firm’s Fort Myers office, Bootka brings several years of civil litigation experience representing businesses, property owners, insurers, private clients and governmental entities.

Bootka focuses his practice on personal injury defense and general liability matters, with a particular interest in premises liability. His experience also includes automobile negligence, first- and third-party insurance claims, construction defect disputes and matters involving insured risks. Bootka represents clients throughout the litigation process, from the initial evaluation of a claim through discovery, motion practice, mediation, settlement negotiations and trial preparation.

Before joining Henderson Franklin, Bootka practiced civil litigation with a Fort Myers law firm, where he represented private clients and the State of Florida’s Division of Risk Management. His work for the State included matters involving negligence, employment discrimination, civil rights and qualified and sovereign immunity.

“Joseph brings meaningful litigation experience and a practical approach to resolving disputes,” said Matthew Belcastro, chair of Henderson Franklin’s Tort & Insurance Litigation Department. “His experience gives him a strong foundation as he joins our team. We are pleased to welcome him to Henderson Franklin and look forward to his contributions to the department and our clients.”

A Detroit native, Bootka earned his Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Legal Studies, from Aquinas College. He is admitted to The Florida Bar, the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Bootka has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2021 and the Calusa Inns of Court since 2023. He may be reached at Joseph.Bootka@henlaw.com or 239.344.1129.