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 work spans 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 ability to manage complex and challenging construction litigation. 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. She has earned a reputation for significantly reducing settlement demands, frequently negotiating resolutions 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 nearly 100 parties. Her extensive knowledge of construction law and her proficiency in handling insurance coverage and professional liability claims have made her a go-to attorney for catastrophic losses and complicated construction disputes. Her client roster includes international and national carriers, including those from the London market, for whom she regularly provides guidance on complex claims.

Experienced in mediation, she consistently steers even the most challenging matters toward favorable outcomes. Dorie’s strategic legal counsel and proactive defense have led to successful resolutions in numerous multiparty and multi-carrier cases. Her ability to manage these demanding scenarios—combined with her background working with diverse stakeholders across the industry—makes her an invaluable asset to her clients.

Before joining Chartwell, 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, providing immigration and compliance services for individuals and construction companies. In addition, Dorie holds a Florida real estate license, further enhancing her ability to provide comprehensive legal services in real estate and construction matters.

Outside of her legal practice, Dorie is actively involved in Pet Therapy. She and her Great Dane work as a certified therapy team, visiting hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, corporate offices, schools, and other community settings.

Claims & Litigation Management Alliance

Defense Research Institute (Construction Law Committee, Women in the Law Committee)