Michael Udowychenko has enjoyed living in Florida for most of his life. He obtained both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida and is an avid Gator fan. During law school, he gained legal experience working for the United States Attorney's Office in Gainesville, the Virgil Hawkins Civil Clinic at the University of Florida, and the Legal Aid Society of West Palm Beach.

After law school, he spent a significant number of years litigating cases throughout the state of Florida for some of the largest corporations in America. This experience allowed him to develop a reputation with judges and attorneys across the state and to learn the local customs and practices of many courts. He also built and directed a statewide litigation section for a law firm seeking to diversify its representation of such corporations. Because of this, he has a unique perspective on the tactics used by businesses and insurance companies to defend claims.

In 1995, while driving in Orlando, he was hit head-on by a vehicle that improperly crossed a double yellow line. His car was destroyed and the paramedics almost had to cut his car to pieces to get him out. For several hours after the accident, he could not even move. Physical therapy was extensive and time-consuming. Dealing with both the insurance companies and the medical care providers as a patient provided a new perspective on the claims process. This perspective helped forge his commitment to representing injured people and allows him to understand the challenges that they face.

He is actively involved in First Baptist Church Orlando, serving as a director in the student ministry and as a deacon. Outside of church, he has previously served as a youth counselor, Guardian ad Litem for abused children, and assistant scoutmaster. He and his wife share a passion for mentoring young people.

He has been married to Carrie Ann Udowychenko, a professional mechanical engineer, since 1996. They have two children: Hunter (born 2000) and Alexis (born 2003).

Education

• Juris Doctorate, University of Florida, 1993
• Bachelor of Science, University of Florida, 1990
• Attended Palm Beach Atlantic College, 1986-1987

Admitted to Practice

• All Florida State Courts
• Georgia Bar
• Supreme Court of the United States
• U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Past & Present Memberships

• Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
• Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Orange County Bar Association
• Osceola County Bar Association
• Florida Creditors Bar Association
• Florida Association of Collection Professionals

Miscellaneous Information & History

• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society
• Book Award, Civil Procedure II
• Outstanding American Free Enterprise Student
• Student Government Representative
• College Ambassador
• Alachua County Sheriff's Explorer
• Rinker Companies Scholarship Recipient
• Resident Assistant, University of Florida
• Counselor, Florida Sheriff's Youth Camp
• Guardian ad Litem, 8th Judicial Circuit
• Assistance Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America
• Adjunct Professor of Law, Southern College
• Deacon & Deacon Officer, First Baptist Church Orlando
• Director, C Hour Junior High, First Baptist Church Orlando