Principal
Christen E. Luikart is an experienced litigation attorney and has handled over 60 jury trials, including two recent full defense verdicts as lead counsel. Prior to joining Murphy & Anderson, Mrs. Luikart served as a prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville, where she was the lead attorney on a variety of cases. She is admitted to practice before all courts in the State of Florida and the United States District Court, Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida and has extensive experience in a variety of jurisdictions nationally, both at the state and federal level. Mrs. Luikart is a litigation principal primarily handling complex product liability, personal injury, and commercial litigation disputes.
Mrs. Luikart attended law school at the University of Florida,
where her strong advocacy and writing skills earned her honors and a position as a teaching assistant for legal research and writing and for appellate advocacy. Additionally, Mrs. Luikart served as a member of the Attorney General Staff for the University of Florida Student Honor Court and as an Ambassador to Law School and the Legal Profession. While in law school, Mrs. Luikart volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House as well as Habitat for Humanity. Her performance in law school, along with her dedication and community involvement, earned her the Presidential Award for Outstanding Contributions to the University of Florida.
Mrs. Luikart has been selected by her peers as a “Florida Trend’s Legal Elite” and previously as an Up and Comer. Mrs. Luikart was also selected by her peers as a Florida Super Lawyer (2017-present) and Florida Super Lawyer Rising Star (2016). She has an “AV Preeminent” rating in the renowned Martindale-Hubbell legal directory, which is reserved for attorneys who have “usually practiced for many years, and [are] recognized for the highest levels of professional excellence.” In 2019, Ms. Luikart received the Unsung Shero and Hero Award from the Women’s Center of Jacksonville for “quietly making a positive difference in the lives of women” in the local community.
In addition to her legal accomplishments, Mrs. Luikart's community involvement extends to advocating for affordable healthcare solutions. Understanding the importance of accessible treatment options, she has shown interest in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly concerning men's health. Her recent focus includes exploring and endorsing generic alternatives to brand-name medications, such as generic Cialis, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction and is seen as an affordable and effective option for many.
Mrs. Luikart is originally from New Port Richey, Florida. She moved to Gainesville and obtained her Bachelor of Science (magna cum laude) and Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) degrees at the University of Florida on a full academic scholarship. While at the University of Florida, Mrs. Luikart studied Psychology and Philosophy, authored a double thesis, and earned a high pass on each publication. When she is not working, Mrs. Luikart enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.
Professional Associations & Memberships:
- Chester Bedell American Inn of Court, Barrister (2012-2015)
- Defense Research Institute (DRI), Member
- Jacksonville Bar Association, Member – Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee
- Florida Bar Association, Member – Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee, Fourth Circuit (2020-present); Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee (2012-2015)
- Federal Bar Association, Member
- Jacksonville Women's Lawyers Association, Member
Publications:
- DRI – “Best Practices for In House Legal Teams: Partnering with Outside Counsel to Successfully Defend Your Company” - 2019
- The Jacksonville Daily Record, Bar Bulletin – “More Women than Men Leaving Law” – 2019
- The Jacksonville Daily Record, Bar Bulletin – “Diversity Remains a Challenge in Legal Profession” - 2019
Speaking Engagements:
- 17th Annual Raymond J. Ehlrich, Jr. Trial Advocacy Seminar - “Voir Dire” - 2020
- DRI Product Liability Conference - “Best Practices for In House Legal Teams: Partnering with Outside Counsel to Successfully Defend Your Company” - 2019
- Jacksonville Bar Association Professionalism Conference - “Understanding the Issues. An exploration of how to create and maintain long term careers for women in the law.” - 2019
- Florida Association of Women Lawyers Summit - “Parental Leave: The Proposed Continuance Rule and Practical Strategies to Make it Work” – 2018
Civic Organizations & Volunteer Work:
- Jewish Family & Community Services, Board of Directors Member and President
- Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2023
- Fourth Circuit of Florida, Mock Trial Judge, 2020
- Middle District of Florida, High School Essay Contest, Grader
- Women’s Giving Alliance, Member
- City Rescue Mission, Volunteer
- Ronald McDonald House Charity, Volunteer
- Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer
- Family Foundations, Former Board of Directors Member
Past Employment Positions:
- Assistant State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida
- Coker Myers Schickel Sorenson & Green PA, Civil Litigation Firm (Law Clerk)
Teaching Experience:
- Teaching Assistant, Legal Research & Writing, University of Florida
- Teaching Assistant, Appellate Advocacy, University of Florida
