Respected
Ocala Law Firm

Decades of Experience

Many Years of
Successful Work

Gooding & Batsel, PLLC, is a full-service business law firm based in Ocala and serving clients in Marion County and throughout North Central Florida. Our attorneys appreciate the trust of our clients, who are leaders, businesses and individuals striving to positively impact our community.

We provide legal services involving real estate, land use and development, business transactions, commercial litigation, banking and lending, local government, and outside general counsel needs. Our team of experienced attorneys has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing businesses and individuals in our area, and are committed to providing personalized, effective solutions that meet our clients’ needs.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell property, navigate complex development regulations, resolve a business dispute, or simply need advice on legal ramifications of a pressing business decision, our team is here to help. We understand that legal issues can be stressful and confusing, and we work hard to ensure that our clients are informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.

We believe that our success is rooted in our client’s success. Thus, we take the time to get to know each of our clients personally, understand their goals and challenges, and develop tailored legal strategies that help them achieve their objectives.

In addition, we have vast experience in assisting our private clients in handling complex legal matters. We look forward to having the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your particular legal matter.

Partner

W. James "'Jimmy" Gooding, III

Jimmy represents buyers and sellers of commercial and large-tract agricultural parcels. He represents lenders and commercial borrowers in financial transactions, and provides a broad range of business advice to his clients.

Jimmy was the Assistant City Attorney for City of Ocala from 1995 to 2021 and in such capacity learned the value of being able to work amicably but effectively with elected officials and staff, even in what would otherwise be adversarial settings. Jimmy follows this practice in dealing with the North Central Florida counties and cities in which his clients operate. He is an agent for First American Title Insurance Company and Attorneys Title Insurance Fund Services, LLC.

Education
University of Florida, Bachelor of Arts and Political Science, Phi Beta Kappa, 1977
University of Michigan Law School, Juris Doctor with Honors, 1982

Admissions
Florida Bar
United States District Court for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida U.S. Supreme Court

Prior Employment (former names of firms)
Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson, 1982-1985
Ayres, Cluster, Curry, McCall & Briggs, P.A., 1985-1992
Gunster, Yoakley and Stewart, 1992-1995
Gilligan, Gooding, Batsel, Anderson & Phelan, P.A., 1995-2021

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Partner

Robert W. “Rob” Batsel, Jr.

Rob’s practice is focused on land use and development, real estate transactions, banking law, business and commercial law, and local government law.

He regularly represents national and local developers before local governments concerning land use and development matters including rezonings, comprehensive plan amendments, special use permits, variances, development agreements, and other entitlements for a wide range of projects improving our community.

On the transactional side, Rob assists purchasers and sellers of real property or businesses, lenders, local governments and higher education institutions in a wide range of transactions, including purchase and sale agreements, title matters, commercial closings, leasing transactions, and business formation, operations, and contracting.

Rob has the privilege of working with clients and government officials and staff throughout central Florida, including Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake, Levy and Alachua Counties. In the course of his practice, Mr. Batsel works closely with various title insurance companies, and is an agent for First American Title Company and Old Republic Title Insurance Company / Attorneys’ Title Fund Services.

Education
University of Florida, B.A. in Political Science, 2006; Minor, Business Administration
Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, Florida, 2009

Admissions
Florida, 2009

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Partner

Robert W. Batsel, Sr.

Robert W. Batsel, Sr., an alumnus of the University of Florida School of Law, class of 1981, has built a steady and respected career in law with a primary focus on litigation. Throughout his career, Robert has cultivated a reputation for diligent and thoughtful legal work, consistently achieving positive outcomes for his clients.

With a practical and careful approach to legal challenges, Robert has demonstrated a deep understanding of the nuances of the law. His commitment to his clients and the profession has earned him the respect of both his clients and peers, though he remains modest about his accomplishments.

In recent years, Robert has chosen to focus his practice more selectively, dedicating his efforts to cases where his specific expertise can be most impactful. This thoughtful approach ensures that each client receives careful attention and benefits from Robert’s extensive legal experience.

Beyond his courtroom achievements, Robert is a proponent of lifelong learning and professional development. He often shares his knowledge and experience with emerging lawyers, contributing to their growth in the field. His presence at our firm is valued not only for his legal acumen but also for the wisdom and guidance he offers to colleagues and clients alike.

Education
University of Florida, Frederic G. Levin College of Law Juris Doctor, 1981

Admissions
Florida, 1981

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Associate

James T. Hartley

James focuses his practice on real estate transactions and litigation, commercial transactions and litigation, and local government law. His work often involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, real estate developers, and local businesses, giving him an excellent reputation in legal community.

He excels at guiding clients through the intricacies of real estate dealings, including property acquisition and sales, lease negotiations, and business formation and operations.

He is recognized for his proficient representation of both individuals and businesses in diverse legal matters, ranging from local government issues to complex commercial transactions and litigation. He has a proven track record of successfully navigating clients through legal challenges, offering tailored solutions that align with their unique needs and objectives.

Education
University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
Juris Doctor, 2016

University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 2012

Admissions
Florida, 2016

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Associate

Kenneth "Mac" MacKay, IV

Kenneth “Mac” MacKay is a sixth generation native of Ocala, Florida and alumnus of the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, class of 2018. While in law school, Mac was a member of the prestigious Moot Court team and competed in several national and regional tournaments. Following graduation, Mac moved to West Palm Beach where he practiced with a prominent South Florida litigation firm representing Fortune 500 companies in a wide variety of cases. In addition, Mac was recently recognized by Florida Super lawyers as a Rising Star in Civil Litigation.
Mac is a member of the firm’s civil and commercial litigation practice group. Mac prides himself on guiding individuals and businesses through the court system to accomplish his client’s objectives and attain the best possible result. He represents businesses, individuals, and municipalities in civil litigation with an emphasis on commercial litigation, real estate litigation, product liability, and premises liability.

Education
J.D University of Florida Levin College of Law, cum laude
Auburn University, Political Science

Admissions
The Florida Bar
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

Prior Employment
Adams Coogler, P.A. – West Palm Beach, Florida.
Awards & Accomplishments
Florida Super lawyers Rising Star – Civil Litigation (2024

Education

J.D University of Florida Levin College of Law, cum laude
Auburn University, Political Science

Admissions
Florida, 2018
Southern District of Florida, 2018

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