Awards & Recognitions
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Awards & Recognitions
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Breaking News: Farmer Discrimination Claims, Read More Here
We are proud to welcome Sam Moghadam as a Firm Partner and leader of our new Trust, Estate & Guardianship Department
We are proud to welcome Sam Moghadam as a Firm Partner and leader of our new Trust, Estate & Guardianship Department
Firm Partner
Meet Yohance Pettis and learn why he is a nationally recognized leader in Civil Rights Law.
Yohance Pettis is a Partner at Osborne, Francis & Pettis. He represents individuals in civil litigation matters, concentrating his practice on Civil Rights law while also handling personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. A Florida native, Yohance has dedicated his legal career to serving as a voice for individuals and communities seeking justice when their civil rights have been violated.
Before joining Osborne, Francis & Pettis, Yohance spent 15 years with the United States Department of Justice, where he served as Deputy Chief of the Civil Division for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. He also founded and led the office's Civil Rights Unit, establishing one of the nation's most respected federal Civil Rights enforcement programs.
During his tenure with the Department of Justice, Yohance directed complex federal investigations across 35 Florida counties serving nearly 13 million residents. His work included enforcement of laws involving:
Among his most significant accomplishments was leading the first redlining case in Florida history, United States v. Ameris Bank. The landmark settlement secured $9 million in commitments to address discriminatory lending practices, including opening a new bank branch in a historically underserved community.
Yohance also spearheaded the Department of Justice's United Against Hate initiative within the Middle District of Florida and founded the Servicemembers and Veterans Working Group, which developed a legal rights and resources guide for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. In addition to leading major investigations, he served as a mentor and subject matter expert to attorneys throughout the Department of Justice.
A sought-after speaker on Civil Rights law, Yohance has presented before organizations including the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, the Florida NAACP Statewide Convention, the Hispanic Leadership Council, the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, the U.S. Navy's Region Legal Service Office, MacDill Air Force Base, and educational institutions throughout the country.
Throughout his career, Yohance has earned a reputation for integrity, humility, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring Civil Rights protections reach every community. His guiding philosophy is simple:
"We have to be able to say we did the right thing."
As a Partner at Osborne, Francis & Pettis, Yohance brings more than 15 years of federal Civil Rights enforcement and trial experience to clients throughout Florida. His background investigating discrimination, protecting constitutional rights, and leading complex federal litigation provides a unique perspective when representing individuals harmed by unlawful conduct.
Yohance's career has been defined by building programs, leading multidisciplinary legal teams, and pursuing accountability in matters involving discrimination, housing, education, disability rights, employment, and protections for servicemembers and veterans. Today, he applies that same experience to helping clients navigate complex civil litigation while continuing Osborne, Francis & Pettis's commitment to providing justice for all.
United States v. Ameris Bank
Led Florida's first redlining investigation. The matter resulted in a historic $9 million settlement requiring significant investments in underserved communities, including the opening of a new neighborhood branch.
Lowell Correctional Institution
Led the federal investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at the nation's largest women's correctional institution.
United States v. Morningstar Properties
Directed an investigation resolving allegations that a nationwide storage company violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by auctioning servicemembers' property without court orders.
Clay County School District
Led an investigation involving alleged discrimination against English learner students under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act.
Pasco County School District
Resolved allegations involving discrimination against students with disabilities under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
United States v. City of Orlando
Resolved allegations of discrimination and retaliation involving a female Assistant Fire Chief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Woodard v. Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative
Resolved allegations involving violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act after the termination of a National Guard member.
United States v. First Federal Bank of Florida
Resolved Fair Housing Act allegations involving discrimination in residential real estate lending based on familial status.
United States v. City of Jacksonville
Resolved allegations under the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act involving housing for veterans with disabilities.
Collins v. Key Safety Systems, Inc.
Resolved Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act allegations involving the demotion of a National Guard member following military deployment.
Settlement on behalf of our client who did not receive timely medication in the Emergency Department to treat an evolving stroke, which left him with permanent injuries and neurologic deficits. The doctors and nurses involved failed to correctly diagnose his true condition and failed to administer clot-busting medication in a timely manner.
The claim was amicably resolved with all medical providers and their insurance companies prior to a lawsuit being filed.
Our 67-year-old client faced serious complications following hernia repair surgery. During recovery, he needed breathing and oxygen support. However, the physician chose an inappropriate method of respiratory support, opting for a mask with forced airway pressure instead of intubation. This misstep resulted in a tear in the client's esophagus, which the surgery had already weakened. Consequently, our client suffered catastrophic health issues, underwent additional surgery, and fortunately survived.
"Mr. Johnson, it was a pleasure working with you on our son’s case, which you accepted to work on when many others refused to take on, as it was a difficult case. You were sincere in advising and working with us every step of the way. You got us a good settlement, which we were very pleased with. Thanks again from all of us."
"I was impressed by Mr. Nick’s expertise. He called me to advise that he would be handling my mother’s case, and in just a couple of months, it was settled beyond what she was expecting. Mr. Nick served with professionalism and achieved an outstanding result. His service is absolutely exemplary, and the staff is also professional. Mr. Nick is highly recommended."
Amanda Wright has been the most informative, professional, and supportive attorney throughout the entire process of our case. My respect towards her and the firm she represents, my case has always been addressed by “Our Case” and not “Your Case.” Attention to detail has superseded all expectations and experience of attorneys in choosing the right one for me.
I retained Ms. Amanda during the most difficult time of my entire transportation career. She showed attention to detail during the most sensitive time not only towards me but the other party involved as well. She assisted me during my affidavits and representation with law enforcement and has continued to do so, to date.
She was readily available to answer voicemails, email correspondence, and provided the most understandable of explanations pertaining to legal matters.
Thank you for your continued assistance and I would highly recommend Ms. Amanda, along with Osborne, Francis & Pettis LLC.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your firm's representation of my daughter Willow P. Ms. Amanda Wright was the attorney assigned to our case and we could not have been more grateful for her diligent and skillful representation of Willow.
My sister is Mr. J. Gerard Stranch's paralegal (Stranch, Jennings & Garvey, PLLC) and of course, I reached out to her for recommendations. Mr. Stranch recommended we contact your firm.
We contacted your office based upon the recommendation and your staff immediately did the intake of our case and assigned us Ms. Wright - I believe the most compassionate and caring attorney I have ever encountered. Ms. Amanda Wright was everything you could possibly ask for. Not only did she actually care, she gave us her personal cell phone number and assured us that no question was too small to ask. She kept us informed during every step of the process and she helped me (as a mother) through all the scary things this brings with it. She knew the best doctors to recommend and it was always her highest priority that my daughter was well taken care of and received the care she needed.
I never had to deal with having to leave messages and waiting to hear back since we had direct access to Ms. Wright. She handled everything so professionally and has become very dear to our family. This didn't feel like a legal transaction - we felt like she was taking care of us as if we were family. She cared so much even though this was a small case. She always asked how things were going outside of the case as well and spoke to my daughter personally. I don't think you can find a better personal injury attorney. She used to work for major insurance companies so she knows their tactics and was always a step ahead of them. She is a pro in knowing what insurance coverages to have and also advised us on this. I feel like I'm better prepared for the world as she also helped us obtain the needed coverage going forward to feel peace of mind for unplanned events.
Hiring a lawyer is the first step towards recovering a better quality of life. At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, we devote our undivided attention to each client, and all communications are held in the strictest privacy. Contact us by filling out the form or calling us directly at (561) 621-1385.
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