Florida Maritime Lawyers

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...

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

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...

Aggressive, Effective and Efficient! Ms. Brennan is a leading lady trial lawyer with over 30 years experience. You want Ms. Brennan on your side. Call now (904) 903-8233.

Matthew Dolman is the President and Managing Partner of Dolman Law Group, a Clearwater personal injury and civil trial law firm. Mr. Dolman focuses much of his practice on the litigation of catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. In fact he only represents plaintiffs who have been physically injured as a result of the negligence exhibited by an individual or corporation. The Dolman Law Group has not and will not represent the interests of a Florida insurance carrier. Mr. Dolman is a proven fighter for injury victims and has been honored for his many...

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...

Patrick W. Harland, Jr. is a seasoned litigator and personal injury attorney having tried cases in both Florida State and Federal Court.

Upon graduating from Stetson University College of Law in 1999, Mr. Harland focused his law practice on defending insurance companies as well as some of the nation’s largest nursing home chains in liability suits relating to patient care. Mr. Harland also defended physicians in correctional healthcare cases brought by inmates alleging civil rights violations due to inadequate healthcare.

Today, Mr. Harland uses that defense background to the advantage of St. Petersburg clients who have been injured by the negligence of...

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....

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.

"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.

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...

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...

While growing up, I had the pleasure to spend many summers in Florida were I developed an appreciation for boating Florida's waterways. These positive experiences influenced my decision to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a federal service academy. While at the Academy, I had the opportunity to work on container ships, boom ships, and a LASH ship. Upon graduating and receiving a USCG license, I gained valuable experience working as a marine engineer aboard research vessels, ATBs and tug boats. I also had the privilege to serve as an officer in the US Navy Reserve. After...

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...

I founded Waterway Black P.A. with a vision - to partner with my clients, not just in their most recent matter but with their ultimate business goals in mind. WBPA offers big firm quality and experience, with small firm efficiency, service and value. We provide clients with constant access to our attorneys and staff and keep clients informed throughout the pendency of every matter we handle. I represent companies and individuals in all aspects of civil litigation throughout Florida, including business litigation, shareholder disputes, entity dissolution, insurance litigation, product liability, railroad defense, transportation, and coordinating counsel/litigation management.

Todd Passman has practiced law since 1998 and is admitted to the Florida Bar as well as the Georgia Bar.

He was born and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida, where he graduated from Fort Pierce Westwood High School in 1991. On graduating, Todd was awarded both a Florida Undergraduate Scholars Scholarship and a Florida State University Academic Scholars Scholarship. He attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida and graduated in 1995 with a degree in accounting. While attending Florida State, Todd Passman studied abroad in London, England as part of Florida State University’s International Program. Finally, Todd attended the very prestigious...

Jacqueline Garcell is a senior partner and active trial attorney in maritime law for Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. She routinely handles passengers’ personal injury, sexual assault and wrongful death claims, as well as non-maritime personal injury claims. Ms. Garcell is the fastest attorney to ever make partner at the firm, having been promoted to the partner position after being with us for a decade. Ms. Garcell has helped settle hundreds of cases on behalf of both cruise ship passengers and crew members. She achieved one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in Florida in 2017 — this rare and...

James Hannon is a native of Miami, Florida and a founding shareholder of the law firm, Hannon Legal Group. The firm began on Brickell Avenue in the heart of Miami's financial district and relocated to central downtown Dadeland. The Firm specializes in serious personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, negligent security, dialysis errors, pharmacy errors, premises liability, defective products, crime victim's rights, cruise line negligence and insurance claims.

Mr. Hannon holds an AV Preeminent Rating - the highest rating for legal skill and ethics - in the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory and has been repeatedly recognized as one of the "Best Lawyers...

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...

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.

Stefanie Black is a litigation attorney handling passengers’ personal injury claims and crewmember cases as well as non-maritime personal injury claims. She has experience in maritime personal injury litigation as well as cargo claims against ocean carriers in federal court. Ms. Black enjoys state and federal court practice with a history of countless successful trials. She is passionate about providing exceptional representation to the firm’s clients throughout all stages of the litigation process. Stefanie obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from Barry University School of Law and graduated in the top 18% of her class. While in law school, she received the...

Brandon Stein is a Florida based trial attorney born in Queens, New York, and was raised in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Being the son of an accountant that owns a large firm in New Jersey, owning and operating a business is something that was engrained within Brandon Stein from a very young age.

As owner and founder of SteinLaw, Brandon Stein focuses his practice on personal injury, wrongful death, car accident and slip and fall litigation, as well as a variety of other civil litigation areas. While SteinLaw is based out of Florida, Attorney Stein handles cases all around the country.

Being...

I have practiced in the area of Personal injury and Wrongful Death for my entire legal career. This includes automobile accidents, slip and falls or any other type of injury matter. I started my career litigating injury lawsuits for the defense which included some of the largest insurance companies in the country. However, I felt my skills could better benefit the injured Plaintiff, so I "switched sides". I devote my entire practice to the area of Personal injury and Wrongful Death claims and litigation.

Olivia was born in Fairbanks, Alaska and grew up throughout Alaska. She spent most weekends salmon and halibut fishing with her family on Prince William Sound, Resurrection Bay, and the Gulf of Alaska. After she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage, she went on to work in victim advocacy, working with victims of sexual assault in Anchorage, Alaska. After relocating to Hawaii, she continued working in victim advocacy, supporting members and dependents of the Navy and Air Force experiencing domestic violence and child abuse at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Her interest in maritime law...

Donald J. Freeman, Esquire specializes in commercial litigation in state and federal courts, real estate and commercial transactions, business law and admiralty law. The firm office is located in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Mr. Freeman graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967. He then served for four years as an Officer in the United States Coast Guard and commanded the 95 foot patrol boat, Cape Shoalwater, out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. Freeman graduated from the University of Miami Law School in 1974. Mr. Freeman moved to...

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...

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...

Heather Smith is a seasoned litigation attorney who handles cruise ship passenger and crew member personal injury claims, as well as personal injury claims against hotels. Mrs. Smith has a wealth of litigation experience, as she worked as an attorney at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office for over a decade. She has tried more than a dozen cases to verdict and has taken thousands of depositions. She also worked briefly at an insurance defense firm. Her lengthy experience gives us an advantage in all of our maritime cases as she is ready willing and able to take on the toughest cases...

A native Miamian, Marc earned his undergraduate degree from American University in Washington D.C. graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He attended law school at Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, FL. While in law school, Marc earned the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award and studied abroad at Nankai University located in Tianjin, China. The semester abroad allowed Marc to have a wider outlook on life and appreciate cultural differences which has come in handy when working with clients. After graduating from law school, Marc has practiced in state courts throughout Florida and...

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.