Our Team

Brian S. Pearl

Senior Founding Partner

In 1973, Brian Pearl (together with the late Robert Thomas) founded Thomas & Pearl, P.A., a law firm that has stood the test of time and remained steadfast in its commitment to providing injury and accident victims in South Florida with the very highest level of legal representation.

Over decades of facing off against insurance companies, high-priced insurance defense lawyers and all manner of legal obstacles, Brian and his firm have gained a reputation for integrity, tenacity and effectiveness. He and the firm’s other attorneys have always handled critical out of court negotiations and mediations with the upmost preparation, persuasiveness, and success, often meeting and exceeding client’s expectations without ever going to trial.

But, as Brian says with such clarity and conviction in the firm’s introductory overview video, when all else fails and a Thomas & Pearl client still have not received a fair settlement: “We know where the courthouse is”.

In fact, with his deep in-area roots, Brian Pearl knows where a whole lot of things in South Florida are, especially legally-related. He graduated from University of Miami School of Business Administration (majoring in Finance) in 1969 with a Cum Laude Bachelor’s Degree, and continued his studies at the University of Miami School of Law receiving his Juris Doctorate Degree in only two-and-a-half years. Since 1973, Brian has helped over 25,000 people receive compensation for their injuries. Brian has also been President of a local charity for over 20 years and has been involved in innumerable pet and animal rescues charitably and personally.

EDUCATION
Brian graduated from the University of Miami School of Business Administration in 1969 with a Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Finance. He continued his studies at the University of Miami School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate Degree in only two-and-a-half years.

JD, University of Miami School of Law, 1972
BA, University of Miami, 1969
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice, Florida, 1972
Past Professional & Bar Association Memberships
Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
American Arbitration Association

It’s worth noting that Brian’s studies at the University of Miami School of Law were not only accelerated, but illustrious, as he twice received the school’s prestigious Book Award, designating him as the top student in his class in both Insurance Law, and Remedies.

PRACTICE AREAS
General Consultation, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury Law, Premises Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Wrongful Death

Contact Brian today to discuss your case or call at 954.563.9225

Jason B. Pearl

A native of South Florida, Jason knew from an early age that practicing law was his calling, and he now dedicates his life to representing victims of motor vehicle accidents, falls, workplace injuries, and almost all forms of personal injury cases.

Born and raised in Miami, Jason moved to Fort Lauderdale at an early age where he attended and eventually graduated from the Pine Crest Preparatory School. Choosing to remain in the South Florida area, he received his undergraduate degree in Business Management from the Florida Atlantic University before immediately beginning law school at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center- where he received a Book Award as the top student in his Workers’ Compensation Law class.

Since earning his Juris Doctor degree in 2006, Jason has obtained millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of his seriously injured clients.

In addition to handling his own caseload, Jason is an integral component in most areas of Thomas & Pearl. He has been featured in numerous television and radio spots for the firm, is regularly asked to speak to various groups and at community events, has been an invited guest on radio shows to discuss issues inherent in personal injury cases, and can be found greeting people at all local events in which Thomas & Pearl is able to participate.

When he is not working to help his clients or the community, Jason can often be found spending time with his family (including his rescue pets), jogging along Las Olas Boulevard and A1A, at the beach, or relaxing in the Florida Keys.

EDUCATION

JD, Nova Southeastern University School of Law, 2006
BA, Florida Atlantic University, 2002
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice Florida State Courts, 2007
Professional & Bar Association Memberships Florida Bar Association

PRACTICE AREAS
Insurance Claims, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Negligent/Inadequate Security, Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect, Personal Injury Law, Slip & Fall, Workers Compensation

Contact Jason today to discuss your case or call at 954.563.9225

Nathan Hoy

Nathan Hoy joins Thomas and Pearl as an aggressive trial attorney who focuses his practice on personal injury, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. Nathan is an experienced litigator and legal counselor with extensive experience in the area of automobile liability actions and all other forms of personal injury claims.

Prior to joining Thomas and Pearl, Nathan worked as an in-house trial attorney for the largest automobile insurer in the State of Florida for many years, providing him an in-depth knowledge and insight into how insurance companies evaluate and litigate cases. Nathan also worked for one of the largest Florida insurance defense firms, focusing on defending insurance companies and businesses in the area of worker’s compensation. As a defense attorney, Nathan earned a reputation as an aggressive and professional litigator.

After many years of representing defendants and insurance companies, Nathan chose to utilize his skills and experience to represent the people who have been the victims of negligence. Nathan committed to providing his clients with the most professional, diligent, aggressive, and thorough representation in all areas of personal injury matters. He worked for many years at a plaintiff’s personal injury firm representing injuries clients before joining the Thomas and Pearl team.

Nathan’s love of the water takes him sailing and fishing as often as possible. He is a proud sponsor of the Youth Sailing Foundation in Fort Lauderdale and loves working with the kids.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science, Western Michigan University, 2004
Juris Doctor, University of Toledo, 2008
The State Bar of Florida, 2008
Member of the Florida Justice Association
Member of the Broward Bar Association

PRACTICE AREAS
Litigation, Insurance Claims, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Negligent/Inadequate Security, Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect, Personal Injury Law, Slip & Fall, Workers Compensation

Contact Nathan today to discuss your case or call at 954.563.9225

Dara Paulsen, Esq.

A New York City transplant, Dara went to middle school and high school here in South Florida.

Always excelling academically, she graduated with Honors cum laude from Olympic Heights High School in Boca Raton, Florida, and earned a full scholarship to University of Florida for her undergraduate education.

After graduating magna cum laude at University of Florida, she worked as an Education Advocate for a year in Brockton, Massachusetts, advocating for children with disabilities in the public school systems before attending law school.

Dara attended Syracuse University College of Law where she graduated cum laude, with a concentration in public health systems. She performed legal research for Burton Blatt Institute and was a research assistant for Professor Kanter, Founding Director of Disability Law and Policy Program.

Since earning her Juris Doctor degree in 2011.

Dara has since worked as a Plaintiff’s attorney in the areas of law of First Party Property and Personal Injury, representing clients in motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, trip and falls, negligent security, hurricane damage, pipe bursts, fire damage, mold, and almost all forms of personal injury and first party property cases.

Dara has tried cases as lead attorney in front of a jury and is a natural in the court room. When outside the office, she enjoys the gym and other athletic activities.

EDUCATION

JD, Syracuse University College of Law, 2011

BS, University of Florida, 2007

– Jurisdictions

- Admittd to Practice in Florida, 2015
- Admitted to Practice in Georgia, 2011
- Admitted to Practice in Middle District of Florida, Federal Court
- Admitted to Practice in Southern District of Florida, Federal Court

PRACTICE AREAS

Prelitigation, Insurance Claims, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Negligent/Inadequate Security, Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect, Personal Injury Law, Slip & Fall, Workers Compensation, Social Security Disability, First Party Property, Hurricane Claims, Homeowner Property Damage Claims

Jonathan Davalos

Born and raised in Hialeah, Florida to Cuban parents, Jonathan Davalos is an attorney for Thomas & Pearl’s Fort Lauderdale office. After graduating from Florida International University with a bachelor’s in Business Administration, Jonathan received his law degree from FIU’s College of Law in 2018. Jonathan’s practice is dedicated to representing clients suffering from injuries due to the negligence of other persons and corporations, having handled hundreds of cases including auto accidents, premises liability cases, slip/trip and falls, liquor liability, negligent supervision and dog bite accidents.

Jonathan’s proven track record of exceptional settlements can be attributed to his attention to detail, oral and writing skills, and aggressive advocacy. He adopts a hands-on approach and works closely with clients to map out a strategy so that they obtain the maximum compensation and feel comfortable that they have a lawyer on their side that cares.

In addition to personal injury, Jonathan has a passion for and has assisted clients in various entertainment law issues including music and artist representation matters, contract drafting and negotiation, and trademark registration/enforcement.

EDUCATION

Florida International University College of Law, 2018

PRACTICE AREAS
Litigation, Insurance Claims, Motor Vehicle Accidents , Negligent/Inadequate Security , Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect , Personal Injury Law , Slip & Fall , Workers Compensation

Contact Jonathan today to discuss your case or call at 954.563.9225

Merrill H. Thomas

Office Administrator

Married to Thomas & Pearl co-founder, Robert Thomas, Merrill was instrumental in opening the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach offices for the firm, transitioning over from a career as a Certified Medical Assistant and becoming the firm’s Administrator in 1979.

In addition to teaming with support staff and attorneys alike to keep the entire operation running smoothly and efficiently for over thirty years now, Merrill’s prior professional experience in Orthopedics has been an extremely useful asset for an Injury Law Firm like ours.

Before beginning her professional career with Thomas & Pearl, Merrill attended Broward College and received an Associate in Science Degree as a Medical Assistant, then went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities form Nova Southeastern University.

Merrill spearheads the community involvement activities of Thomas & Pearl, including an annual Back to School Supplies purchasing program for under privileged youth in our area, an annual Christmas Toy Drive for local foster children and the annual Martin Luther King Festival.

Merrill has also been extremely giving of her time and energy in her personal life, serving as president of the Cystic Fibrosis, Gold Coast Guild for two years and earning the prestigious President’s Award in 2000 and again in 2010. She remains an active board member on 1000+ Club to Benefit Cancer; a lifetime member of Kids in Distress and a member of Pinion Special Olympics. It is this level of volunteerism and “giving back” to the community that led her receiving the Volunteer’s Service Award in 2005 and to being voted Woman of the Year in 2012.

Merrill has two daughters, Lisa and Lauren, and in addition to enjoying her time with them, counts cycling as her favorite recreational/exercise activity.

EDUCATION

A.S. Broward College, Medical Assistant
B.A. Nova Southeastern University, Humanities

PRACTICE AREAS
Administration, General Consultation

Contact Merrill today to discuss your case or call at 954.563.9225