A contentious whistleblower lawsuit brought by an attorney against her former law firm, Matthiesen Wickert & Lehrer SC, is headed back to state court after a federal judge ruled that the case fails to meet the $75,000 threshold required for federal jurisdiction.
U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard issued the decision Tuesday, finding the actual damages alleged by plaintiff Laura J. Rodgers — who once served as managing partner of the firm’s Jacksonville office — fall between $55,000 and $60,000, far below the bar to remain in federal court.
“Defendant has failed to meet its burden in establishing the amount in controversy,” Judge Howard wrote. “This action will be remanded to state court.”
Whistleblower Accusations Rooted in Legal Ethics
Rodgers alleges she was forced out of the firm to avoid endangering her law license after she raised red flags about a paralegal allegedly engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. According to her April complaint, filed in Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, the paralegal routinely advised clients, negotiated settlements, drafted legal complaints, and referred out cases — all without a license.
Rodgers began her tenure with the firm in July 2023 and claims that after raising concerns, she faced pressure that made it untenable to continue her employment, thus constituting retaliation in violation of Florida’s Whistleblower Act.
