Noel McDonell is a partner at the Tampa law firm of Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen, P.A.. She graduated from FSU as an Honors & Scholars Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in 1988 and from the FSU School of Law in 1990. Noel is a Martindale Hubbell AV-Preeminent rated trial lawyer with extensive experience managing complex commercial disputes in the courtroom. In addition, since 2013, Noel has been named one of Florida Trend Legal Elite Top Attorneys. Her practice focuses upon civil litigation, emphasizing issues of fraud and malfeasance in both state and federal court. In addition, Noel annually teaches Advanced Trial Advocacy, including leading the ethics panel each year featuring state and federal judges, on behalf of the Florida Bar Trial Attorneys Association.
Noel has tried hundreds of jury and non-jury trials and appeals in both the criminal and civil arenas. While acting as Lead Trial Attorney for the Office of the State Attorney, Noel was appointed by the Attorney General to the position of Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor in the Office of Statewide Prosecution, where she practiced throughout the state investigating and prosecuting complex white collar criminal activity. She has extensive experience in corporate fraud detection and contractual fraud litigation. As former Florida Real Estate Commissioner under Governor Jeb Bush, Noel also appreciates an historic understanding of administrative law and professional licensure issues to protect the consumer. During her tenure in government practice, Noel was awarded the Davis Productivity Award for her efforts with the Governor’s Task Force on Identity Theft.
Noel lives in both Tampa and Nashville and is an avid owner of American Saddlebred show horses, Noel is active in the equine industry within both the highly competitive world circuit and the fundraising community. Closer to home, she is an enthusiastic saltwater flats fisherman and boater.