Scott Simmons, Esq. | Rossen Law Firm

Scott Simmons is a dedicated attorney known for his relentless advocacy and commitment to helping others. Born and raised in South Florida, he developed a deep sense of justice early on. Witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by individuals without proper representation fueled his passion to become a lawyer.

His legal journey began at Florida Atlantic University, where he excelled academically and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. During his time at FAU, he had the opportunity to intern at the Broward Public Defender’s Office, which solidified his desire to help others.

Eager to expand his knowledge and legal expertise, Scott pursued a Juris Doctorate at Nova Southeastern University – Shepard Broad College of Law. Throughout his law school years, he earned numerous accolades and recognition for his exceptional skills in trial advocacy.

He proudly showcased his courtroom prowess by winning the nation’s largest Moot Court Criminal Procedure Competition. Additionally, he received recognition for his writing abilities and was awarded the second-best brief in the same competition. He also participated in various National Trial Competitions, where he continued to demonstrate his exceptional litigation skills.

Scott’s commitment to excellence was evident as he consistently achieved Dean’s List honors throughout his law school career. His outstanding performance in the trial advocacy class earned him the highest grade, highlighting his exceptional grasp of courtroom dynamics. Thanks to his advocacy skills, he was inducted into the prestigious Order of Barristers, a national society celebrating excellence in courtroom advocacy.

Before joining the Rossen Law Firm, Scott served his community as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward County, Florida. He handled various cases during his tenure, from second-degree misdemeanors to serious felonies like Armed Carjacking and DUI Manslaughter. He tirelessly fought for his clients’ rights and best interests, striving to help each of them achieve their best future.

While at the Broward Public Defender’s Office, he was recognized for his trial skills and ability to secure multiple “Not Guilty” verdicts in succession.

Joining the Rossen Law Firm was a natural choice for Scott, as he recognized the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional legal services and client-centered representation. By being part of the Rossen Law Firm’s team of highly skilled and compassionate attorneys, he can help clients through the most stressful times of their lives and ultimately assist them in achieving their best futures.

When not working, Scott enjoys spending time with family and friends, and he loves taking his golden doodle to the dog park. As a South Florida native, he cherishes being out on the water, fishing and scuba diving.

Susan Lawson, Esq. | Rossen Law Firm

Susan Lawson is a Partner at Rossen Law Firm and takes great pride in being a Board Certified Expert in criminal trial law with over 15 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has fearlessly advocated for her clients in both State and Federal court, earning a reputation as a dedicated and passionate legal advocate.

Growing up in South Florida, Susan has an intimate understanding of the local legal landscape. However, her expertise extends beyond Florida, as she has also practiced criminal law in Maryland and the District of Columbia, broadening her knowledge and skills in the field.

Over the years, Susan has handled numerous cases, boasting an impressive track record of over 100 jury trials. From driving under the influence and drug offenses to more serious charges like sexual battery and homicide, she has stood by her clients, ensuring they receive the most vigorous possible defense.

Her journey in law began with her educational pursuits. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida and later pursued her Juris Doctor degree at Saint Thomas University School of Law. During law school, she was deeply involved in the International Moot Court and the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review, reflecting her dedication to legal excellence and her passion for seeking justice.

Susan chose a career in law because of her love for litigation and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. She firmly believes in the power of her voice, knowledge, skills, and passion to bring about change and protect the rights of her clients who depend on her.

Joining the Rossen Law Firm was an easy decision for Susan, as the firm’s core values and commitment to excellence resonated with her deeply. She appreciates the team’s collaborative approach and strong work ethic, where every case is treated as a collective effort to secure the best outcomes for clients. At Rossen, clients are treated like family, and the relentless pursuit of justice drives the team forward.

Outside of her work at the firm, Susan’s family plays a central role in her life. She cherishes every moment spent with her husband, two young sons, and their beloved French bulldog, Brody. The family are die-hard Atlanta Braves baseball fans, and most weekends, they can be found on the field, enjoying the love of the game together.

Susan’s commitment to her clients, extensive experience, and dedication to justice have earned her a reputation as a formidable Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer. She approaches each case with tenacity and genuine concern for those she represents, embodying the values that define her work at the Rossen Law Firm.

Together, the team strives to make a real difference in the lives of those they serve, which keeps Susan passionate about her work every day.

Armand Murach, Criminal Defense Attorney | Rossen Law Firm

Armand Murach is a highly skilled attorney specializing in criminal defense law. He graduated cum laude from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where his academic performance earned him the NITA Excellence in Advocacy Award and induction into the prestigious National Order of Barristers, an honors society limited to the top trial advocacy students in each graduating class. These honors reflect his commitment to legal excellence and his passion for advocating for his clients.

Throughout his career, Armand has become known for his strategic, 360-degree approach to criminal defense. He has handled a wide range of cases, from serious felonies to minor offenses, establishing himself as a trusted advocate in both state and federal courts. His in-depth knowledge of criminal law and courtroom experience allows him to build strong defenses and secure favorable outcomes for his clients. His dedication to justice is evident in his thorough preparation and tireless efforts to protect his clients’ rights.

Armand’s legal expertise began with his years of experience as an Assistant Public Defender in the 19th Judicial Circuit, where he handled all types of cases, from major crimes to juvenile cases. This role provided him with a comprehensive understanding of criminal law from both defense and prosecution perspectives. He represented clients in cases involving violent offenses, drug crimes, murder, and other complex criminal matters, always advocating for the rights of individuals facing serious charges. His work in juvenile defense also allowed him to navigate the unique challenges of representing minors in the justice system, shaping his current criminal defense practice and contributing to changes in the law.

After moving back to South Florida, Armand served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County. During this time, he worked in several specialized units, including Drug Trafficking, Traffic Homicide, and the Career Criminal Units. These roles provided him with invaluable insight into the strategies and tactics used by the prosecution in complex and high-stakes cases. He also trained and mentored new prosecutors, further sharpening his ability to evaluate cases from multiple perspectives and anticipate prosecutorial moves. This unique combination of prosecutorial experience and training enhances his ability to craft more effective defenses, giving his clients a distinct advantage in criminal cases.

In addition to his legal practice, Armand has dedicated much of his career to teaching and mentoring aspiring lawyers. For over a decade, he has been actively involved with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), where he teaches trial skills and helps develop the next generation of litigators. He also coaches law students in mock trial competitions, assisting them in honing their courtroom strategies, cross-examination techniques, and persuasive arguments. His commitment to legal education has earned him the respect of his peers as he continues to inspire and shape the future of trial law.

I. Pretrial Motions and Discovery Strategies – Scott Simmons | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

• Case assessment and investigation techniques
• Crafting effective pretrial motions
• Analyzing and applying relevant case law
• Discovery tactics for trial preparation
• Maximizing pretrial outcomes

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

II. Jury Selection and Voir Dire Techniques – Susan Lawson | 2:10pm – 3:10pm

• Developing effective jury selection strategies
• Techniques for preserving the record during voir dire
• Case law related to jury selection
• Importance of not accepting the panel prematurely
• Making a strong record during jury selection
• Building rapport with potential jurors
• Identifying and addressing juror bias
• Personalizing your approach to jury selection

Break | 3:10pm – 3:20pm

III. Leveraging Trial Exhibits and Technology – Armand Murach | 3:20pm – 4:20pm

• Creating impactful trial exhibits
• Utilizing courtroom technology effectively
• Presenting evidence using modern tools
• Enhancing case presentation through visual aids
• Adapting technology use for different types of cases