T. HARDEE BASS III practices exclusively in the firm's tobacco litigation unit, litigating cases against cigarette-making giants Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and Liggett. He has tried numerous complex, multi-week tobacco cases in venues across the state of Florida, and has obtained multiple seven and eight figure verdicts, including:
$21 million, Escambia County (2010)
$21 million, Sarasota County (2018)
$20 million, Palm Beach County (2014)
$13.1 million, Pinellas County (2014)
$4 million, Palm Beach County (2014)
$3.5 million, Highlands County (2012)
$2.5 million, Broward County (2014)
$500,000, Palm Beach County (2018)
In recognition of his courtroom experience, skill and expertise, Hardee has earned The Florida Bar's Board Certification in Civil Trial Law, the highest level of recognition for the competency and experience of a civil trial lawyer. Hardee is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He is currently listed in Best Lawyers in America, has been recognized as a rising star by Super Lawyers, a top "Up and Comer" by South Florida Legal Guide, and is a member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40.
Prior to joining Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA, Hardee served as a felony prosecutor in the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office. During his tenure, he handled nearly 50 jury trials to verdict, prosecuting crimes ranging from Driving Under the Influence to first degree felonies punishable by life in prison.
Hardee earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law and his undergraduate degree from The Florida State University. He is admitted to practice in the state courts of Florida, and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. He is a member of The Florida Bar; the Palm Beach County Bar Association and the Martin County Bar Association; the American Association for Justice; the Palm Beach County Justice Association; and the Florida Justice Association.
