About Forrest Gregory
Forrest Gregory Barnhart is a seasoned civil trial attorney based in West Palm Beach, Florida. With over four decades of legal experience, he specializes in personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability cases. As a senior partner at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A., he has achieved remarkable success—securing more than 80 verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million. His track record includes some of the highest verdicts in Florida across various practice areas, underscoring his expertise and commitment to his clients. Mr. Barnhart earned his Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School in 1979. During his time at Cornell, he distinguished himself as an Honors Fellow and served as an editor for the Cornell International Law Journal.
This rigorous academic background laid a strong foundation for his future in law. Prior to his legal studies, he graduated with honors from Vassar College, where he developed critical thinking and analytical skills that would serve him well in his legal career. Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Barnhart has held numerous leadership positions that reflect his dedication to the legal community. He served as the president of the Florida Justice Association and the Federal Bar Association, where he advocated for justice and legal reform. In addition, he was appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 15th Judicial Circuit and the Fourth District Court of Appeal. From 2011 to 2012, he chaired the commission, playing a crucial role in the selection of judges in Florida.
His professional accolades are numerous and noteworthy. For over 20 years, Mr. Barnhart has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America, evidence of his skill and reputation in the field. He was named "Lawyer of the Year" for personal injury litigation in Florida in both 2010 and 2015. Furthermore, he has been recognized as one of Florida's "Top 100 Super Lawyers" and featured in Florida Trend Magazine's "Legal Elite." These honors reflect his exceptional contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to his clients. Mr. Barnhart is admitted to practice in Florida and the U.S.
District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Florida. He is also admitted to the Fifth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals. This lets the attorney represent clients in a variety of jurisdictions. Beyond his legal practice, he is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association for Justice, the Palm Beach County Justice Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Additionally, he has served on the board of trustees for 1000 Friends of Florida, an organization dedicated to responsible planning for the state's population growth. His experience and dedication have made him a respected figure in the Florida legal community.