William P. Rothrock, Esq. Email & Phone Number

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, United States

What do Boy Scouts, Green Berets and Estate Attorneys all have in common? Answer, they like to be prepared. At Rise Up Legal, we believe in being prepared. That means being proactive, especially when it comes to estate planning. As an estate planning attorney, we focus on helping individuals and families prepare for life’s toughest moments—when you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.Many people overlook the importance of preparedness, whether it’s in the face of natural disasters like hurricanes, or in the face of death or incapacitation. Just like in the military, where we train others to step up during our absence, estate planning allows you to ensure that your loved ones can make critical decisions aligned with your own wishes when you are incapacitated. We must prepare the next generation for our absence.Think of the preparedness you already instill in your family—whether it’s preparing for a storm, teaching your kids to ride a bike, changing a tire, to stand up for themselves or discussing what to do in case of an emergency. Estate planning works the same way. It is your opportunity to guide and protect your family when they need it most, through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal documents that ensure they know what to do, how to do it and what you would have done if you were there or able to decide for your self. Don’t wait for a crisis to have these important conversations. When grief and emotions cloud judgment, having a well-laid plan can ease the burden on your loved ones.Contact Rise Up Legal today to schedule your initial consultation. Let’s discuss how we can help you lead your family by preparing for the future, so they don’t have to react in moments of uncertainty. You can contact us on our website or by phone. For those of you who read, you get the luxury of my personal number at seven zero six, six six two, nine eight three eight. Be the leader they need—now and always.

Pro-Bono Legal Representation of a tremendous non-profit foundation. The CDF intends to preserve the history of combat divers, eventually building a brick and mortar museum in Key West Florida, home of the Special Forces Underwater Operations. No Bubbles, No Troubles.

Green Cove Springs, Florida, United States

As a public defender, my days are dedicated to safeguarding the constitutional rights of individuals against government prosecution. Each morning, I step into the courthouse, acutely aware of the profound responsibility I carry. My clients, often marginalized and unable to afford private counsel, rely on me to navigate the complexities of the legal system.I pore over case files, meticulously preparing for trials and hearings. In the courtroom, I stand as a bulwark against potential miscarriages of justice. I object to unconstitutional evidence, ensuring that the prosecution upholds the strict standards of the law. My arguments are not just about legal technicalities; they are impassioned pleas for fairness and justice.Negotiating plea deals is a delicate balance. I counsel my clients about their options, always prioritizing their rights and best interests. For many, I am their only ally in a system that can feel overwhelmingly adversarial.Beyond the courtroom, I advocate for reforms to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system. My role extends to educating the public about the importance of legal representation for all, regardless of economic status.Every case is a reminder of the fragile line between freedom and incarceration. As a public defender, I don't just defend individuals; I uphold the principles of justice and equality embedded in our Constitution. This is my calling, and each day I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I represent.

Jacksonville, Florida, United States

As an Associate Attorney with the Wilner Firm I was focused in deposition defense against the tobacco industry. My role was pivotal in representing clients witnesses in lawsuits. During my tenure, I focused on ensuring the complex history of the tobacco industry's deceptive practices, which began in the 1950s were revealed in depositions.The tobacco industry, confronted with irrefutable, peer-reviewed scientific evidence, embarked on a manipulative campaign to undermine the established harms of smoking. Their sophisticated public relations strategies were not just about creating a narrative but involved actively distorting the science. This was achieved through fostering conflicts of interest between the industry and academia, a tactic that effectively sowed doubt and scientific uncertainty. This strategy was not merely a defense mechanism but an active assault on public health efforts and regulatory interventions aimed at reducing the devastating impacts of smoking.My responsibilities encompassed more than just legal representation. I delved into the historical context, understanding how the industry's campaigns influenced perceptions and policies. This knowledge was crucial in effectively defending our clients and witnesses during depositions, ensuring that their testimonies accurately reflected the truth about the industry's practices. I worked closely with clients and witnesses to prepare them for depositions, ensuring they were comfortable and confident in their ability to convey their experiences and knowledge.My time as an Associate Attorney was not just a job but a commitment to justice and truth. It was about holding a powerful industry accountable for its actions and ensuring that the voices of those affected by their nefarious practices were heard and validated. This experience has not only honed my legal skills but deepened my understanding of the importance of ethical practices in law and business.

Jacksonville, Florida Area

Jacksonville, Florida Area

Volunteered over 300 hours assisting indigent veterans file, process and fight for their VA benefits.

New York

Position: Operations Non-Commissioned Officer, Modern War Institute (MWI), United States Military AcademyRole Overview:I played a pivotal role in the operational success of the MWI at the prestigious United States Military Academy.My responsibilities included orchestrating and enhancing the educational journey of over 4,400 cadets and numerous officers through various Modern Warfare Institute (MWI)-sponsored events.I took the lead in organizing and executing key initiatives like the MWI lecture series, symposia, and conferences, aiming to foster a rich learning environment.Key Responsibilities:Actively involved in integrating technology, historical perspectives, and current events into the military science curriculum, impacting the education of 4,400 cadets.As the principal implementation NCO, editor, and liaison, I was at the forefront of developing the military science digital textbook, a significant project with a budget of $1,000,000.Served as a senior instructor for the Military Science 300 course, I provide essential training in orders production, mission analysis, planning, and leadership, focusing on theoretical platoon level infantry tactics for junior-level cadets.Impact and Contributions:My role was instrumental in shaping future military leaders by providing them with comprehensive and modern educational experiences.Through those initiatives, I contributed significantly to the preparation of cadets for dynamic and challenging roles in their military careers.

Ft. Bragg, Nc

Role and Responsibilities:As a Special Forces Engineer I was a Green Beret, and I specialized in various missions like special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, direct action, and unconventional warfare. Unconventional warfare typically involves military and paramilitary operations by specialized units, working with local or indigenous forces for diverse objectives. It includes guerrilla warfare, subversion, intelligence gathering, and supporting resistance movements. I utilized my expertise in light construction, demolition, and target analysis, leading and training forces in both conventional and unconventional tactics.As the team engineer I was responsible for leading construction and demolition projects. The team engineer works on construction projects, building critical infrastructure and creating bridges, buildings, and field barricades. As a demolitions specialist, we would carry out demolition raids against strategic enemy targets like railroads, fuel depots, and bridges, destroying critical components of infrastructure to give our Soldiers a tactical advantage.My additional responsibilities were focused on logistic and encompassed negotiating, facilitating, and managing government contracts. This role required me to adeptly handle operational funds and oversee logistical support, ensuring the smooth execution of our objectives.Operational Experience:Serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, I applied my skills in a high-stakes environment, contributing significantly to our mission's success.Impact and Achievements:My tenure as an SF Engineer combined technical skills, leadership, and strategic thinking. I navigated complex environments, played a key role in force training and development, and gained a deep understanding of military operations, contract management, and logistical challenges. This experience shaped me into a versatile and effective leader.

Sfuwo, Key West Fl

As a Special Forces Underwater Operations (SFUWO) Instructor, my role was to train elite military personnel in advanced underwater techniques and tactics. This specialized position involved instructing Special Forces soldiers in various scuba diving methods and underwater combat skills, essential for covert operations.My Key Responsibilities included:Diving Techniques Training: I provided comprehensive training in different diving techniques, including both closed-circuit and open-circuit scuba systems. I ensured that soldiers were proficient in underwater navigation and operations.Underwater Tactics Instruction: My role was to educate soldiers in specialized underwater tactics necessary for covert operations, such as infiltration, exfiltration, underwater demolition, and reconnaissance.Operational Planning Support: I assisted in the planning and execution of underwater missions, applying my expertise to ensure their success and safety.Equipment Maintenance and Management: I was responsible for the upkeep and management of advanced diving gear, ensuring it was always ready for training sessions and operational use.Safety Protocol Enforcement: A critical part of my duty was to enforce strict safety protocols during training. This was essential to prevent accidents and safeguard the well-being of the personnel involved.My experience as an SFUWO Instructor required a deep understanding of underwater environments, diving physics, and operational tactics. I brought to the role my extensive background in Special Forces, contributing real-world knowledge to my teaching.The training I provided was vital in preparing Special Forces for a variety of maritime operations, including beach landings, ship assaults, and underwater surveillance. My expertise directly influenced the operational capabilities and success of Special Forces in challenging and high-risk maritime situations.

Ft. Benning, Ga

Trained, evaluated, mentored and counseled Ranger students during the first 20 days of Ranger School.

Ft. Drum, Ny

Lead Squad in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.Lead, trained, mentored, counseled and developed the leadership of two first line supervisors. Responsible for the administrative affairs, health, welfare, morale, discipline and operational readiness of two teams consisting of nine men.

Ft. Drum, Ny

Managed and supervised the daily operations of the 10th Mountain Division's rotary and fixed wing air missions. Informed commanding general on air assets and operations.

Vicenza, Italy

Led Squad, jumping into Kosovo in support of Operation Rapid Guardian.Lead, trained, mentored, counseled and developed the leadership of two first line supervisors. Responsible for the administrative affairs, health, welfare, morale, discipline and operational readiness of two teams consisting of nine men.

Ft. Cambell Ky And Vicenza Italy

Responsible for three team member's health, welfare, physical fitness, training and discipline. Sustained their readiness for operations.

Panama And Ft. Cambell Ky

Line soldier in an infantry platoon and scout platoon.

Juris Doctor, Law, Graduate

Activities and Societies: Certificate in Social Justice Advocacy; Veteran Benefits Clinic; Military Law SocietyTaking the Florida Bar.

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Strategic Studies And Defense Analysis, 3.7 Gpa (Suma Cum Laude)

Norwich University’s Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis program focuses on strategies for improving.

Associate Of Science (As), General Studies, 3.6 Gpa (With Honors)