RACHEL MAY ZYSK

OF COUNSEL

The Suarez Law Firm, P.A. » Rachel May Zysk

Rachel May Zysk is an attorney and nationally published author with extensive experience in complex criminal and civil litigation. Over her career, she has represented clients in high-profile criminal trials and defended individuals and businesses in matters involving the False Claims Act, fraud, and government investigations.

Rachel’s background bridges criminal defense and regulatory compliance. She has worked on cases involving healthcare fraud, money laundering, cybercrime, and other white-collar offenses, and she has represented clients in internal investigations and enforcement actions before state and federal authorities. Known for her analytical precision and strategic insight, she brings depth and perspective to each case she handles.

Rachel began her legal career with the Office of the Federal Defender for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa, where she was part of a trial team that successfully defended a client in a six-month terrorism trial. She later joined a national law firm, where she focused on complex litigation and compliance matters across highly regulated industries.

A graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Rachel served on the Stetson Law Review and earned her Juris Doctor cum laude with a concentration in International Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from St. Lawrence University, where she graduated cum laude.

Professional and Civic Activities

The Florida Bar

Federal Bar Association, Tampa Bay Chapter, Board of Directors

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Advisory Board, The Champion Magazine

Hillsborough County Bar Association
Crossroads for Florida Kids, Volunteer Attorney
The Pearl Society Philanthropic Giving Circle
The Florida Bar Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “A”
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law (Nonpartisan), Election Protection Attorney

13th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, Coordinator, Pro Bono Awards (2011-2019)

Honorable Robert J. Simms High School Mock Trial Committee, Chairperson (2006-2014)

Herbert G. Goldburg Criminal Law American Inn of Court (2006-2012)

American Bar Association, Editorial Board, ABA Criminal Litigation Newsletter (2007-2009)

Bar Admissions

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Florida
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
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U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
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U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
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U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
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U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee

Honors and Awards

2020

Best Lawyers in America, Qui Tam Law (U.S. News & World Report, 2020)
2019
Woman of Promise (Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, 2019)

2019

AV (Preeminent) Rating, White Collar Crime and Litigation (Martindale-Hubbell)

2018
Marcelino “Bubba” Huerta III Award for Professionalism and Pro Bono Service (Hillsborough County Bar Association Criminal Law Section, 2018).
2018-2020

Best Lawyers in America, White Collar Criminal Defense (U.S. News & World Report, 2018-2020)

2009-2019
Rising Star, White Collar Criminal Defense (Super Lawyers, 2009-2012, 2014-2019)
2010
Statewide Outstanding Young Lawyer Pro Bono Award (Florida Bar YLD Board of Governors, 2010)
2008
Outstanding Young Lawyer Award (Hillsborough County Bar Association, 2008)
2008
Keynote Speaker, Commencement Ceremony (General Brown High School, 2008)

Publications

05.2017

Co-Author, “Proving Money Laundering Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: The Problem of Commingled Property Under 18 U.S.C. § 1957,”
The Champion (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) at 34 (May 2017).

10.2016

Co-Author, “Immunity from Criminal Prosecution under Florida’s Stand Your Ground,”
HCACDL Newsletter (Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) at 4 (Fall 2016).

08.2010

Co-Author, “Let the Seller Beware: Sentencing Entrapment and Manipulation in Federal Court,”
The Champion (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) at 42 (August 2010).

06.2010

Featured, Aimee Groth, “Ahead of the Curve: How Rachel May Zysk landed a major terrorism case before even landing her J.D.,”
Florida Super Lawyers Magazine (Thomson Reuters) (June 2010).

01.2010

Commented, Sherry L. Talton, “Eleventh Circuit Excludes Attorney Fees from Money Laundering Statute,”
Litigation News (American Bar Association)(January 2010).

11.2009

Author, “Thanksgiving, After All, Is a Word of Action,”
The Lawyer (Hillsborough County Bar Association) at 20 (November 2009).

10.2008

Author, “Recent Florida Supreme Court Jurisprudence, Crawford v. Washington,”
The Lawyer (Hillsborough County Bar Association) at 24 (October 2008).

10.2008

Co-Author, “United States v. Santos: Deciphering the Majority and Taking Lessons from the Plurality,”
Corporate Integrity: the Newsletter of the Corporate Integrity and White Collar Crime Committee
(DRI: The Voice of the Defense Bar (October 2008).

10.2008

Author, “Review: Raising the Bar,” The Champion (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) at 55 (October 2008).

09.2008

Featured, Amanda A. Sansone, “YLD Board Gives Awards to Deserving Recipients,”
The Lawyer(Hillsborough County Bar Association) at 8 (September 2008).

07.2007

Co-Author, “Substantial Assistance – The Key to Freedom: Representing a Cooperating Defendant in Federal Court,”
The Champion (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) at 12 (July 2007).

09/10.2006

Co-Author, “Traps for the Unwary: Cross References and Guideline Sentencing,”
The Champion (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers) at 42 (September/October 2006).
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