Dorie L. Ortiz

Dorie Ortiz is an accomplished attorney specializing in general liability and insurance defense, with a primary focus on construction defect litigation. Based in Florida, she represents a broad range of clients, including general contractors, subcontractors, international and national insurance carriers, and key players in the construction industry. Dorie’s expertise extends to a wide variety of properties, including condominium units, commercial and residential buildings, retail spaces, and hotels.

With nearly two decades of experience, Dorie is recognized for her exceptional ability to manage complex and challenging construction litigation. She is particularly skilled in defending house wrap and stucco subcontractors and regularly reviews construction contracts to ensure her clients' legal interests are protected. Her role often involves preparing and sending tender letters to contractors and carriers, navigating intricate coverage issues, and negotiating with many of Florida’s most prominent plaintiff’s firms. Dorie has earned a reputation for her ability to significantly reduce settlement demands, frequently negotiating settlements at a fraction of the plaintiff’s initial ask.

Dorie's practice also includes coordinating complex, multiparty litigation involving numerous carriers, with some cases requiring the management of up to nearly 100 parties. Her extensive knowledge of construction law and adeptness in handling insurance coverage and professional liability claims have made her a go-to attorney for managing catastrophic losses and complicated construction disputes. Dorie’s client roster spans international and national carriers, including those from the London market, for whom she regularly advises on complex claims.

Experienced in mediation, she consistently steers even the most challenging claims toward favorable outcomes for her clients. Dorie’s strategic legal counsel and proactive defense have led to successful resolutions in numerous cases, including those involving multiple parties and carriers. Her ability to manage these challenging scenarios, paired with her background in working with various stakeholders across the industry, makes her an invaluable asset to her clients.

Before joining Chartwell Law, Dorie honed her legal skills at a Fort Lauderdale litigation firm, where she handled a variety of insurance defense and commercial litigation matters. She also managed foreclosure cases for large financial institutions across Florida and operated her own boutique practice, offering immigration and compliance services for individuals and construction companies. In addition to her legal work, Dorie holds a Florida real estate license, enhancing her ability to provide comprehensive legal services in real estate and construction matters.