Jay Manuel

Jay Manuel is a founding partner of Manuel & Thompson, P.A. in Panama City, Florida, whose practice focuses on civil trial law involving serious personal injury and wrongful death. Manuel represents clients in matters involving personal injury, medical negligence, premises liability, product liability, nursing home liability, insurance disputes, and bad faith claims. His work centers on helping injured individuals and families pursue claims arising from significant accidents, negligence, unsafe conditions, and insurance-related disputes.

Manuel earned his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law in 1987 and a B.A. in Finance from Florida State University in 1984. He was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1987 and the Alabama State Bar in 1988. His finance background and legal education support a trial practice involving damages, insurance issues, liability questions, and complex factual records. He is also admitted to practice before several federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court.

Manuel has built a long civil trial practice centered on serious injury and wrongful death matters. He is board certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar and is also certified as a Civil Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. His practice includes claims involving defective products, medical negligence, nursing home liability, unsafe premises, insurance disputes, and bad faith. These matters often require detailed investigation, expert evidence, and careful preparation for negotiation or trial.

Jay Manuel has held significant leadership roles within the legal profession, including service on The Florida Bar Board of Governors from 2012 to 2020. He has also served on bar committees addressing disciplinary procedures, professional ethics, evidence, and civil procedure, and previously chaired the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission. His memberships include the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Florida Justice Association, the American Association of Justice, and the Bay County Bar Association.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Manuel & Thompson, PA.
• Board of Governors, The Florida Bar (2012-2020)
• Eagle Member, Florida Justice Association
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, Alabama Association for Justice
• Member, American Association of Justice
• Member, Southern Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Bay County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Florida
• Alabama

Education

• Florida State University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Florida State University
  BA in Finance

Awards & Badges