Missy Duarte

Bar / Professional Activity

• New Jersey
• Florida
• New Jersey Association for Justice
• New Jersey Hispanic Bar Association
• National Trial Lawyers
• New Jersey District Court

Pro bono / Community Service

• Board Member, Main Street Business Alliance

Educational Background

• Seton Hall University – Undergraduate EducationMissy Duarte earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Seton Hall University in 2008. Her interdisciplinary studies provided a strong foundation in human behavior, critical analysis, and the criminal justice system—skills that continue to inform her practical, client-centered approach to legal advocacy. While at Seton Hall, she was named to the Dean’s List and participated in the Community Standards Board and the Academic and Servant Leadership Housing Program., 2004-2008
• Florida Coastal School of Law – Legal EducationMissy Duarte earned her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2012. During law school, she developed practical advocacy, legal research, writing, and litigation skills through mock trial competitions, editorial work, and professional certifications. She competed in the Southern Regional Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition, served as a team manager for the Earle Zehmer Mock Trial Competition, and was a senior editor of The Rainmaker. She also served as a student ambassador and participated in the Hispanic Law Student Association and Black Law Student Association. In recognition of her commitment to public service, she received Pro Bono Honors., 2009-2012

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• This seminar offers practical, results-driven strategies for maximizing the value of cases involving disputed liability, causation challenges, limited coverage, unfavorable facts, or other litigation complexities. Designed for newer attorneys, the program explores effective case evaluation, strategic evidence development, persuasive presentation of damages, client counseling, and negotiation techniques aimed at achieving strong outcomes in less-than-perfect cases.  , Speaker, New Lawyers Seminar: Maximizing Value in Imperfect Cases, NJAJ, Personal Injury, 2026
• This seminar examines the influence of implicit bias on jury selection and the administration of justice. The program explores strategies for identifying and addressing bias during voir dire, evaluating prospective jurors fairly, and promoting a more impartial and representative jury. Participants gain practical guidance for conducting thoughtful jury selection while maintaining ethical advocacy and protecting the integrity of the trial process., Moderator, Jury Selection and Implicit Bias, NJAJ, Personal Injury, 2022
• This seminar explores emerging ethical considerations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. The program provides practical guidance for implementing meaningful DEI initiatives, addressing implicit bias, strengthening inclusive hiring and advancement practices, and fostering a workplace culture that supports professional responsibility, fairness, and equal opportunity.  , Co-Chair, Ethics: Hot Topics in 2022- Implementing DEI at Your Firm, NJAJ, Personal Injury, 2022
• This seminar provides practical strategies for maximizing damages in personal injury cases while avoiding common errors that can undermine case value. The program focuses on thorough damages development, effective use of medical and expert evidence, persuasive presentation of economic and non-economic losses, client preparation, and strategic settlement negotiations. Attendees gain actionable guidance for identifying potential weaknesses early, preserving critical evidence, and positioning cases for stronger resolutions at mediation, arbitration, or trial.  , Speaker, Maximizing Damages and Avoiding Mistakes, NJAJ, Personal Injury, 2024
• This seminar examines the practical and ethical challenges that arise when a personal injury settlement is insufficient to satisfy outstanding medical liens and unpaid PIP-related bills. The program addresses lien identification and verification, negotiation strategies, settlement allocation, client counseling, and the attorney’s obligations when distributing limited proceeds. Attendees gain practical guidance for resolving competing claims while protecting the client’s recovery and navigating post-settlement disputes., Speaker, Litigation at Sunrise, PIP: Unpaid Medical Bills: When the Settlement is Insufficient to Pay Liens, NJAJ, Personal Injury, 2025

Honors

• Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, “Hat Trick” Award
• Lawyers of Distinction
• She was selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers Rising Star
• Top 10 Best Attorney, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys

“Ms. Duarte is compassionate and hard working.”

“A true Rising Star and consummate professional!!!!!”

“experienced, compassionate and pragmatic”

“Outstanding attorney.”