Sarasota Maritime Lawyers

Michael A. Winkleman is one of the nation’s top maritime lawyers. An active trial and appellate attorney, Mr. Winkleman is also a frequent contributing expert on maritime and cruise ship law. He has made more than 100 national television appearances regarding cruise ship law, including The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, 20/20, Inside Edition, OutFront with Erin Burnett, Fox News Channel’s ‘American’s Newsroom,’ ‘Fox & Friends,’ ‘America Live,’ ‘Happening Now,’ ‘Justice with Judge Jeanine’; and ‘Imus in the Morning.’ Mr. Winkleman has received numerous honors and accolades in recognition of his contributions to the field of maritime law

Curtis J. Mase is the Managing Shareholder and founder of Mase Mebane & Seitz. He is board certified in civil trial law by the Florida Bar and National Board of Trial Advocates (NBTA). Mr. Mase is also board certified in pretrial practice by the NBTA. His main area of practice is civil litigation with an emphasis on maritime and admiralty, personal injury and class actions. Mr. Mase has tried hundreds of jury and non-jury matters. Born in Coral Gables, Florida, Mr. Mase earned his B.A. with a dual major in English and Business from Florida State University in 1982. He graduated...

Justin B. Shapiro is a partner at Leesfield & Partners, a renowned personal injury law firm located in Miami, Florida. Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami School of Law, Mr. Shapiro joined the firm and immediately focused his practice on catastrophic injury cases and wrongful death cases. Upon being named Partner, Justin Shapiro obtained a record verdict of $36,960,000.00 in a wrongful death.

“Achieving substantial compensation for our seriously injured clients in a way that dramatically improves the quality of their lives is the most satisfying thing about the work that we do.” Robert B. Boyers

"Committed to changing the way the public thinks about lawyers."

Alisa Wilkes is an AV-rated preeminent attorney based in Jacksonville, Florida. She specializes in personal injury, railroad injury (FELA), and real estate cases and is licensed in Florida and Georgia. She has an extensive history of success in trials, appeals, mediations, and settlement negotiations in multiple areas of the law, including personal injuries, railroad (FELA) injuries, maritime injuries, construction accidents/fatalities, wrongful death, real estate, and contract disputes.

Brett Rivkind is a world renowned Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer. He has decades of experience handling maritime and admiralty cases. Mr. Rivkind represents individuals and families who have been the victims of accidents and crimes onboard all types of boats and ships, including incidents occurring aboard cruise ships. Well recognized for his dedication and excellence, Attorney Rivkind has testified before the United States Congress as a maritime expert, and has appeared on numerous television show including Larry King Live, MSNBC, Good Morning America, The Today Show, 20/20, Court T.V., Nancy Grace, Scarborough, Rita Cosby Show, The Early Show, Geraldo at...

Manny Arce is a civil trial lawyer whose practice focuses on personal injury claims including medical malpractice, wrongful death, auto accidents, premise liability, and defective products. He prides himself in his aggressive negotiation skills and impassioned advocacy on behalf of his clients.

Manny is a second generation Cuban-American who received his undergraduate degree at the Florida International University where he majored in Political Science. While attending F.I.U., he was nominated to the Honor Society of Pi Sigma Alpha.

He received his law degree from the University Of Miami School Of Law. While attending U.M., Manny was an active participant in multiple organizations....

David Markel is a personal injury attorney whose practice consists of representing plaintiffs in serious, catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Mr. Markel focuses on auto, truck, and motor vehicle accidents, cruise ship accidents, maritime and marine related injuries, negligent security, premises liability, victims of crime, and other complex litigation.

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Mr. Markel graduated from Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove where he was an All Dade County football player and AP Scholar. Mr. Markel attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he continued his football career and graduated with a degree in History...

ROBERT L. GARDANA is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.A. 1975) . He obtained his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University of San Antonio Law School in 1979. He is admitted to the Florida Bar, the Supreme Court of the United States, the Fifth and Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, United States District Court, Southern, Middle and Northern District of Florida. He is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, Southeast Admiralty Law Institute, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, American Bar Association, Florida Bar Admiralty Law Committee. His practice...

Ben Murphey is an attorney with the Fort Lauderdale law firm of Lawlor Winston. Mr. Murphey was born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1971. Before entering college, he served in the U. S. Army Infantry where he earned his airborne wings, and had the honor of serving as a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He has been admitted to practice before all Florida Courts, the United States District Court for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Mr. Murphey's practice areas include general and...

Ricardo V. Alsina is an active trial attorney and maritime lawyer at Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. Mr. Alsina has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1991 and has earned a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV – the highest rating for legal ability and professional and ethical standards in the industry. He focuses his practice on maritime related matters including cruise ship personal injury, cruise ship rape matters and wrongful death claims. He is also experienced in handling a number of personal injury areas including aviation disasters, automobile accidents, medical malpractice and class action civil lawsuits.

Michael W. Wallace is a trusted personal injury attorney who represents injured clients throughout the State of Florida, including injuries arising from Auto Accidents, Premise Liability (Slip & Fall and Trip & Fall), and Wrongful Death cases.

Mr. Wallace is a south Florida native. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida (located in Orlando) in 2009. He then returned to south Florida where he attended and graduated from St. Thomas University, School of Law, in December 2012. While at St. Thomas, Mr. Wallace held the position of Articles Editor...

Brian Wiklendt's skill as a Defense Base Act attorney is driven by the urgency with which he works for injured and ill men and women who have been denied medical care and benefits. Brian is an integral part and the lead practicing attorney for the Garfinkel Schwartz Defense Base Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers Act law firm in Maitland, Florida, and Titusville, Florida. Fortunately, the Defense Base Act and the Longshore Act give injured longshoremen and civilian contractors employee rights that includes: The right to: Choose their own doctor Attorney fees Medical care Compensation Insurance companies, however, don’t...

Elizabeth Estrada is a Partner at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A. she represents clients in the areas of Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice Claims, Products Liability, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Insurance Coverage Disputes, Negligent Security, Wrongful Death, Catastrophic Injuries, Nurse Home Negligence, Workers' Compensation Claims, Long-shore, and Harbor Act Based Claims. She has litigated, arbitrated, and mediated cases throughout the State of Florida.

Ms. Estrada has obtained several million-dollar settlements, judgments, and jury verdicts on behalf of her clients during her career. She is a member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a membership for trial lawyers who have won million-dollar settlements and...

Marvin Simon Schulman, Esq., has represented the rights of victims, consumers, and investors, for almost 40 years, specializing in complex litigation and serious personal injury and malpractice cases. Attorney Marvin Simon Schulman, Esq., has been acknowledged as having earned and received the highest rating (AV) conferred by Martindale Hubbell. This is the most respected directory of lawyers and law firms in the United States, reflecting the confidential opinions of his peer attorneys and Judges, as a leading Florida litigation attorney.

Senior Partner at Guy Yudin & Foster, LLP. 20 years legal experience in the areas of real estate law, riparian rights, business law; business litigation, environmental law, marinas, boatyards, yacht brokers, boat builders, and other maritime matters. Routinely prosecutes administrative actions before the Division of Administrative Hearings. Also experienced with civil appeals, property damage claims, insurance coverage, small claims, collections, construction law and mechanics liens. Admitted to practice in 1994 in the State of Florida and the District of Columbia. Practicing in Stuart, Florida since 1995. J.D. Quinnipiac College School...

Raul G. Delgado II is personal injury attorney who is a lifelong resident of Miami, Florida. Mr. Delgado’s practice focuses exclusively on the representation of injured passengers and crew members who were hurt on cruise ships around the world, in addition to those who are the victims of catastrophic injury or wrongful death involving auto, truck, motor vehicle accidents, recreational boating, negligent security, premises liability, and victims of crime. He is a member of the Florida Bar’s Admiralty Law Committee which is responsible for studying developments in this niche area of the law and informing members of the Bar of...

David is the managing attorney of BRILL & RINALDI, The Law Firm. He is also co-counsel with the Miami-based law firm of Crewmember & Maritime Advocacy Center, P.A. David began his legal career in the Office of the State Attorney in and for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami, first serving as a Certified Legal Intern and then for over three years as an Assistant State Attorney. He tried six jury trials as an Intern. He tried dozens of bench proceedings and approximately two dozen jury trials as an Assistant State Attorney. After his departure...

Daniel Grammes is a litigation attorney, handling passengers’ personal injury claims, crewmember claims, wrongful death claims, product liability claims, as well as non-maritime personal injury claims. He is dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring that every client is treated like a valued member of the firm’s family. Daniel graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Thomas University School of Law with his Juris Doctorate degree. He graduated in the top 5% of his class. While in law school he obtained Dean’s List Awards for every semester. In addition, he received the CALI Award for Excellence for his performance and mastery of...

Mr. Lindbaek has exclusively practiced Plaintiff's law since he started his career. During Law School at the University of Florida, Mr. Lindbaek worked at a prestigious Plaintiff's law firm where he gained valuable experience and insight that one can't get in law books. If you or your loved ones have been injured or treated unfairly by an insurance company, call or email Mr. Lindbaek for a free consultation.

My job is to produce solutions to my clients' problems. I am known for leaving no stone unturned when representing my clients in court. I am a lawyer warrior for my clients and I outwork opposing attorneys. From my first attorney position out of law school, I have been a litigator. I have fought for my clients' rights in court, arbitrations and at mediations. A U.S. Army Ranger veteran, my experience in a special forces military unit developed and tested my leadership skills, and taught me to react smartly and quickly under pressure, but most importantly for clients. Today, I...

Originally from Boston, Mr. Lawlor received his B.A. from Barry University in Miami and his law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1994. After several years of trying cases at local litigation firms in South Florida, Mr. Lawlor opened his own practice in 1996, and, in 1998, eventually began what is now the Law Firm of Lawlor, White & Murphey. Mr. Lawlor has a wide and varied legal background, including personal injury litigation, business litigation, criminal defense trial work and matrimonial law. His areas of focus are complex personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death cases. John...

Native to Miami, in Jacksonville for 20 + years, avid sailor and dedicated to taking proper care of my clients. I practice maritime law in large part because I love boats. I handle appeals because I enjoy research, writing, and working with other attorneys.

I always liked a good fight, and that is one thing I will guaranty. I enjoy what I do, and I enjoy being in the courtroom. However, simple gratitude from my clients is my greatest satisfaction. Outside of the courtroom, I enjoy the outdoors, surfing, hunting, fishing (when I can), and spending time with my family. If you have any issues, just give me a call.

I am a Shareholder at St. Denis & Davey Professional Association. Having practiced law since 1998, I provide experienced, skilled and knowledgeable representation for an array of legal needs. My practice areas include Legal Malpractice, Accounting Malpractice, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Defense, Products Liability, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Construction Litigation, Automotive Franchise and Dealerships, Class Actions, and Nursing Home Litigation. I defend insurance companies, construction developers, contractors, retailers, dealerships, and others throughout Florida. I am committed to providing zealous advocacy and delivering successful outcomes for my clients.

I received my B.S. in Finance from Florida State University. In 1998, I obtained my...

Joseph J. Rinaldi, Jr., graduated from the University of Florida in 1998 and from the University of Miami School of Law in 2002. He is licensed to practice in Florida, in both State and Federal Courts, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. Memberships: Florida Bar Association, American Association for Justice, Florida Justice Association, American Bar Association, Broward County Bar Association, Florida Admiralty Trial Lawyers Association, United District Court for the Southern District of Florida, United District Court for the Northern District of Florida, United States...

I have been representing people who need help ever since I graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 1997. I am a member of good standing of the Florida Bar, the Washington DC Bar, the Federal Southern District of Florida Bar, the Rhode Island Bar, the Dade County Bar Association, a board member of the Miami-Dade Justice Association, and a member of the Italian American Chamber of Commerce in Miami. I handle cases all over Florida in both the Federal and State Court.

Mr. Mermell has been the senior partner for the past twenty years in a firm that specializes in the representation of injured workers; Mr. Mermell has handled the claims of over 2,000 injured workers during the past 27 years; Mr. Mermell has tried numerous cases before the Office of Administrative Law Judges and has successfully handled appeals to the Benefits Review Board and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit; Mr. Mermell was trained by Donald D. Gillis, Esquire, who had over 35 years of experience in handling DBA/Longshoremen’s claims; Mr. Mermell has been Florida Bar Board...

Karen Grossman has over 35 years’ experience as a maritime attorney, and as a trial attorney handles cruise passengers’ and crewmembers’ personal injury claims, including shipboard medical malpractice, slip and falls, and serious injuries. She is particularly skilled at representing victims of sexual assault with sensitivity and discretion. Ms. Grossman worked for many years representing all major cruise lines and has a unique understanding of the challenges associated with living and vacationing on a cruise ship. She now focuses her career on representing persons injured on cruise ships and devotes her time to getting top results for passengers and crew...

Michelle has concentrated in the area of plaintiffs’ civil trial practice since the beginning of her legal career. Her experience includes land-based and admiralty/maritime personal injury, wrongful death, and class action litigation. Michelle works closely with her clients and will always take the time to address their concerns and provide an honest assessment of their cases.

Michelle was co-lead counsel in a jury trial in Broward County resulting in one of the top 100 personal injury verdicts in Florida in the year 2017. She is fluent in Spanish.