Introduction
Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in legal matters, whether personal or professional. Florida, known for its diverse population and booming economy, boasts a wealth of legal talent. This article highlights the top 10 lawyers in Florida, showcasing their expertise, accomplishments, and the areas of law they specialize in. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision when seeking legal representation in the Sunshine State.
Criteria for Selection
Before diving into the list, it’s essential to understand the criteria used for selecting these top lawyers. The evaluation is based on several factors:
- Experience: Years of practice and the range of cases handled.
- Expertise: Specialization in particular areas of law.
- Reputation: Peer reviews, client testimonials, and professional accolades.
- Success Rate: Track record of successful case outcomes.
- Community Involvement: Contributions to the local community and legal profession.
1. John Morgan
Background
John Morgan, the founder of Morgan & Morgan, is one of the most recognized personal injury lawyers in Florida. With over 30 years of experience, he has built a law firm that spans multiple states and employs hundreds of lawyers.
Expertise
Morgan specializes in personal injury law, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. His firm operates on a contingency fee basis, ensuring clients only pay if they win their case.
Notable Cases
Morgan has been involved in several high-profile cases, including multi-million dollar settlements for injured clients. His advocacy for marijuana legalization in Florida also highlights his commitment to public interest law.
Accolades
He has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America and received numerous awards for his contributions to the legal profession and community.
2. Roy Black
Background
Roy Black is a prominent criminal defense attorney known for his representation in high-stakes cases. With a career spanning over four decades, Black has a reputation for his courtroom prowess and media presence.
Expertise
Black’s expertise lies in criminal defense, particularly in cases involving white-collar crimes, complex fraud, and serious criminal charges. He is known for his meticulous preparation and aggressive defense strategies.
Notable Cases
One of his most famous cases was the successful defense of William Kennedy Smith on charges of sexual assault. Black has also represented numerous celebrities and high-profile individuals.
Accolades
Black has received the American College of Trial Lawyers’ highest honor and is consistently ranked among the top criminal defense attorneys in the nation.
3. Gene S. Devine
Background
Gene S. Devine is a leading family law attorney in Florida. With over 25 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to helping clients navigate the complexities of family legal issues.
Expertise
Devine specializes in family law, including divorce, child custody, and support matters. His approach combines compassion with rigorous legal strategy, ensuring that his clients’ best interests are always at the forefront.
Notable Cases
Devine has handled numerous high-net-worth divorce cases, securing favorable settlements for his clients. His work in contentious child custody battles has also earned him recognition.
Accolades
He has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America for family law and is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
4. Patricia A. Leonard
Background
Patricia A. Leonard is a distinguished attorney specializing in employment law. With a career that spans over two decades, Leonard is known for her dedication to protecting workers’ rights.
Expertise
Leonard focuses on employment law, representing clients in cases involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. She is a fierce advocate for employee rights and has a track record of successful outcomes.
Notable Cases
Leonard has successfully litigated numerous class-action lawsuits against major corporations, resulting in significant settlements for affected employees.
Accolades
She has been recognized by Super Lawyers and received the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
5. Willie E. Gary
Background
Willie E. Gary is a renowned personal injury and wrongful death attorney with a career spanning over 40 years. Known as “The Giant Killer,” Gary has taken on some of the largest corporations in America.
Expertise
Gary’s expertise lies in personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial litigation. His tenacity and skill in the courtroom have earned him a formidable reputation.
Notable Cases
One of Gary’s most notable cases was a $500 million verdict against one of the world’s largest funeral home chains. He has secured numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients.
Accolades
Gary has been inducted into the National Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame and is consistently listed among the top lawyers in America.
6. Marcia G. Cohen
Background
Marcia G. Cohen is an esteemed attorney specializing in elder law and estate planning. With over 30 years of experience, Cohen is dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate legal challenges.
Expertise
Cohen’s practice areas include estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, and guardianship. She is known for her compassionate approach and in-depth knowledge of elder law.
Notable Cases
Cohen has helped numerous families secure Medicaid benefits and plan their estates to ensure the well-being of their loved ones. Her work in guardianship cases has also been widely recognized.
Accolades
She has received the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
7. Michael S. Olin
Background
Michael S. Olin is a highly respected attorney specializing in commercial litigation and intellectual property law. With a career spanning over 25 years, Olin has represented clients in some of the most complex legal disputes.
Expertise
Olin focuses on commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, and business law. His strategic approach and deep understanding of business operations make him a sought-after legal advisor.
Notable Cases
Olin has successfully represented clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, securing favorable outcomes in cases involving breach of contract, trademark infringement, and trade secret misappropriation.
Accolades
He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA for his excellence in commercial litigation and intellectual property law.
8. Judith S. Korchin
Background
Judith S. Korchin is a prominent attorney specializing in healthcare law. With over 20 years of experience, Korchin is known for her expertise in regulatory compliance and healthcare litigation.
Expertise
Korchin’s practice areas include healthcare regulatory compliance, healthcare fraud and abuse, and healthcare litigation. She provides counsel to hospitals, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies.
Notable Cases
Korchin has successfully defended healthcare providers in complex regulatory investigations and litigation, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
Accolades
She has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for healthcare law and recognized by Chambers USA as a leading healthcare attorney.
9. Henry M. Coxe III
Background
Henry M. Coxe III is a distinguished attorney specializing in criminal defense and civil rights law. With a career spanning over 30 years, Coxe is known for his unwavering commitment to justice.
Expertise
Coxe focuses on criminal defense, civil rights litigation, and white-collar crime. His dedication to protecting the rights of the accused has earned him a stellar reputation.
Notable Cases
Coxe has successfully defended clients in high-profile criminal cases and civil rights violations, securing acquittals and favorable settlements.
Accolades
He has received numerous awards, including the Florida Bar’s Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
10. Elizabeth F. Russo
Background
Elizabeth F. Russo is an eminent appellate attorney with over 20 years of experience. Known for her analytical skills and persuasive arguments, Russo has a remarkable track record in appellate courts.
Expertise
Russo specializes in appellate law, handling appeals in various areas including civil, criminal, and administrative law. Her thorough understanding of appellate procedure and keen attention to detail make her a formidable advocate.
Notable Cases
Russo has successfully argued numerous appeals before the Florida Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal, often setting important legal precedents.
Accolades
She has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America for her excellence in appellate practice.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Lawyer in Florida
What Should I Look for When Hiring a Lawyer?
When hiring a lawyer, consider their experience, expertise in the relevant area of law, reputation, and success rate. It’s also important to feel comfortable with your lawyer and confident in their ability to represent your interests effectively.
How Do I Know If a Lawyer Is Right for My Case?
Look for a lawyer who specializes in the area of law that pertains to your case. For instance, if you have a personal injury case, a lawyer like John Morgan, who specializes in personal injury law, would be a suitable choice.
How Can I Verify a Lawyer’s Credentials?
You can verify a lawyer’s credentials by checking their standing with the Florida Bar, looking at client reviews and testimonials, and researching their professional accolades and recognitions.
What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Defense Lawyer and a Civil Lawyer?
A criminal defense lawyer, like Roy Black, represents clients accused of crimes, focusing on defending their rights and achieving the best possible outcome in criminal cases. A civil lawyer handles non-criminal disputes, such as personal injury, family law, or commercial litigation.
What Are Contingency Fees and How Do They Work?
Contingency fees mean that the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. This is common in personal injury cases, where the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount. John Morgan’s firm, for example, operates on a