FJA Research and Education Foundation

Larry Stewart became a personal injury lawyer in Miami in the early 1960’s.  It was a time when the longevity of the then-fledgling profession was in doubt.  He took “show & tell” presentations before a jury to a whole new level, in one of the first automobile crashworthiness cases in the country.  But he’s perhaps best known as the founder of Trial Lawyers Care, the national AAJ pro bono program that began for victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. He is a past president of both the American Association for Justice and the Florida Justice Association and a winner of the FJA’s top awards, including the Al J. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award and the Perry Nichols Award - the FJA’s most prestigious.  It’s given to a person whose perseverance, commitment, and unmatched dedication to the civil justice system is at the forefront of his or her life.  Now retired, he’s working on a book on the history of the FJA in its first 50 years.  Larry Stewart sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in late January 2021 to share his advice on how to innovate – including finding and taking advantage of the “little gems” in a case - and the one thing he believes is most important for a trial lawyer to have. Show Notes: Larry Stewart is Of Counsel at the firm he founded, Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain of Miami, Florida – www.stfblaw.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the  Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

It was losing a personal injury case in mid-career that almost made Jimmy Gustafson give up the practice of trial law.  In a few minutes, you’ll hear about the inspirational story that changed him - and his career - and the lesson he learned about true success. He is a past president of the Florida Justice Association, an Eagle Founder, and winner of the Jon Krupnick Award.  It’s given for perseverance in achieving justice for an injured client.  And it was that very case that he credits with giving him a renewed feeling of gratitude in being a trial lawyer. Jimmy Gustafson of Tallahassee sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in November of 2020 to share his life’s journey, the rules his loving wife Josie laid down that helped, and how, through questioning himself, he’s become a better lawyer. Show Notes: Jimmy Gustafson is a Shareholder and Managing Partner of the Tallahassee office of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley of West Palm Beach, Florida – www.searcylaw.com  Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

All Sean Domnick ever wanted to be while growing up was a lawyer.  Today, he represents some of the most catastrophically injured people in the country – many from medical malpractice – and has won among the largest verdicts.  As you’ll hear, he credits case preparation, but also a keen sense of empathy for his clients.  He got an extra dose of that from his own bout with cancer. He’s been a longtime board member of the Florida Justice Association and won many of its top awards.  They include the B.J. and Tom Masterson Award for professionalism and high ethics; the Jon Krupnick Award for perseverance in achieving justice for an injured client; and the McKinley Smiley Jr. Award for being a dedicated mentor to newer lawyers throughout his career.  He’ll share his tips on running a law firm and developing talent. Sean Domnick of Palm Beach Gardens sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in September 2020 to discuss the fear of losing, his growing frustration about justice delayed becoming justice denied, and the innovative way he balances career and family life. Show Notes: Sean Domnick is a Shareholder with Domnick Cunningham & Whalen in West Palm Beach, Florida – www.dcwlaw.com      Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Rich Newsome of Orlando has been at the center of some of the biggest personal injury cases involving automobiles in this century.  He played a key role in convincing Congress to pass the “Tread Act.”  He also identified a quiet trend of settlements and seized on it – resulting in the recall of more than 100 million airbags – the largest recall in history. His love of law and exploration of innovative tactics among his peers, led him to found a school for trial lawyers.  He also served as president of the Florida Justice Association during a significant time of tort reform efforts in the Florida Legislature. Rich Newsome sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in October 2020 to talk about how he’s tried to change the legal process for the better, how trial anxiety can become a lawyer’s strength, and his greatest regret that he says he’ll take to his grave. Show Notes: Richard Newsome is the Senior Partner with the Newsome Melton law firm in Orlando, Florida –  www.newsomelaw.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Fred Cunningham of West Palm Beach has made a definitive impact on bad faith law in Florida, enforcing the duty of good faith that insurance companies owe their insureds.  To date, he’s won more than $600 million in verdicts and settlements.  He’s also a former president of the Florida Justice Association, a long-time board member, and winner of many awards, including the Perry Nichols Award, our most prestigious.  It honors an attorney whose perseverance, commitment, and unmatched dedication to the civil justice system is at the forefront of his or her life.  Fred Cunningham sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in August 2020 to talk about, among other things, his unique Chinese-Irish descent, his litmus test for ethical behavior, and his concern that Florida has too many lawyers. Show Notes: Fred Cunningham is a Shareholder with Domnick Cunningham & Whalen in West Palm Beach, Florida – www.dcwlaw.com    Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

When Phil Freidin opened his own practice in Miami at the age of 29, he quickly became a legal trend-setter.  His success in a product liability case in the mid-1970’s and a bad faith case a decade later, both established significant case law.  He’s also credited with starting many legal careers in the specialty practice fields that resulted. More than 50 years later, with his son in the practice, he’s now developed the model for trying False Claims Act cases.  As a former president of the Florida Justice Association, he served at a critical time when the state was considering non-economic damage caps in all personal injury cases.  Phil Freidin sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in September 2020 to talk about his trial success, the big case he didn’t take on and later regretted, and the endearing love affair with another lawyer – Ellen Freidin - his wife of more than 50 years. Show Notes: Phil Freidin is founder of Freidin|Brown in Miami, Florida – www.yourfloridatrialteam.com    Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

It was a chance encounter with trial lawyers Fred Levin and Chris Searcy when he was just a few years out of law school that taught Don Hinkle a big lesson: To be a successful trial lawyer, you just have to be yourself.  It’s that and good old-fashioned hard work that he credits for much of his success. He focuses on catastrophic personal injury cases, limiting his practice to devote extra time and extra effort on each case.  One of his cases spurred the creation of shallow diving warning signs now seen at swimming pools around the world. Don Hinkle sat down sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in August 2020 to talk about his biggest cases, why he still gets nervous before trial, and the grave concern he has about some legal advertising. Show Notes: Don Hinkle is a Partner with Hinkle & Foran in Tallahassee, Florida – www.hinkleforan.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Jeff Liggio approaches law practice as a human being first, rather than acting like a lawyer.  It’s advice he passes along to younger lawyers and is one of his keys to trial success.  As you’ll learn, he brings “honor” to an honorable profession.   For the first 17 years he was a lawyer, Jeff Liggio was also a military pilot. Given his military background, you’d think he would have practiced aviation law.  So did he.  But it was a determined boss – and mentor – that steered him instead into insurance law.  He’s never looked back, building a successful insurance litigation practice over the past 30 years in West Palm Beach.  Jeff Liggio sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in July 2020 to talk about the very deliberate approach he brings to cases, the military lessons he takes into the courtroom, and the surprising case that was decided by a verb tense in a contract. Show Notes: Jeff Liggio is Managing Partner with the Liggio Law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida – www.liggiolaw.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

His parents were school teachers, so it’s no surprise that part of Keith Mitnik’s practice at Morgan & Morgan in Orlando is to counsel other lawyers.  He has a reputation as the “go-to guy” who helps turn seeming problems into solutions.  He’s going to share some of those lessons with us today, so grab a pen and pad of paper. He prides himself as an inventor – a process guy who has developed systems to improve trial tactics, which he gladly shares with others.  Otherwise, he’s in court trying a case or preparing for the next one.  He tries about 14-16 cases a year! Keith Mitnik sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in July 2020 to talk about his humble roots, what he thinks about lawyers doing TV commercials, and his insight on how to balance professional life with family life. Show Notes: Keith Mitnik is with the Morgan & Morgan firm in Orlando, Florida – www.forthepeople.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

It was helping a friend of a friend in a practice area outside of his usual cases that led Ted Leopold to find – and win – a new kind of case, one that would change his career.  It was the first managed care case of its kind in the country and would lead to a flood of others.  Most recently, he’s expanded into a novel way to try workers’ compensation cases, outside of workers’ compensation courts. Also, the discovery that he personally took from the engineers in the Takata air bag case has been used by plaintiffs in cases across the country.  It was that same discovery that unearthed doctored documents in what’s become groundbreaking litigation. Ted Leopold sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in June 2020 to talk about the lessons he’s learned from law practice and life, including how he’s persevered through a childhood disability that he talks about for the first time. Show Notes: Ted Leopold is with the Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll firm in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – www.cohenmilstein.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Having a father who was a well-known and successful trial lawyer didn’t mean that Mike Haggard was on easy street.  His interest in practicing law first came from his dad Andy, but Mike had to work hard.  He had no success in repeated testimony before the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission on swimming pool safety.  But he didn’t give up.  He found a unique opportunity to finally make the kind of lasting policy change that all trial lawyers hope for.  Swimming pools are safer today because of the results he achieved. While he and his Coral Gables firm focus on representing injured clients, Mike devotes significant time to proactive efforts to avoid injuries and death, speaking to corporate groups on how to improve safety for consumers.    Mike Haggard sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in May of 2020 to talk about the ongoing relationships with clients that have sustained his career,  how the trial bar and the business community can successfully co-exist, and the link between coaching youth football and trial law. Show Notes: Michael Haggard is with The Haggard Law Firm in Coral Gables, Florida – www.haggardlawfirm.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

David Fonvielle went from running a concessions business on Fort Lauderdale Beach to eventually starting a personal injury law firm in Tallahassee.  He gladly shares how he did it and why, including overcoming concern about advertising to become the first firm in the region to actively mass market. His work on Florida’s lawsuit against Big Tobacco was but one of several cases that forced changes in consumer products, sparing injuries and saving lives.  He took on the world’s largest manufacturer of space heaters, forcing a complete product recall and redesign. David Fonvielle, still going strong at age 75, sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in January 2020 to talk about his humble beginnings, how he learned to outwork and outsmart the other side, and why he thinks this is a great time to be practicing law as a personal injury lawyer. Show Notes: David Fonvielle is with the Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay law firm in Tallahassee, Florida – www.wrongfullyinjured.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Richard Slawson’s guiding principal in life has been to stay determined and never give up.  He credits it to his success in personal injury cases and to becoming one of Florida’s preeminent insurance bad faith lawyers.  He’s now focusing that tenacity on fighting human trafficking, having transitioned to an “of counsel” role. The Florida Justice Association has been another common thread in his life.  He’s a past president of the FJA and has been honored with the Perry Nichols Award, its most prestigious, together with the Al J. Cone and B.J. Masterson awards.   He’s also in the FJA’s Eagle Hall of Fame, for his lifetime of leadership and financial contributions to protect consumer rights. Richard Slawson sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in May 2019 to share his powerful message of consumer advocacy, pointers on running a successful law firm, and his one regret about not. Show Notes: Richard Slawson is Of Counsel with the Reid Burman Lebedeker law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida – www.reidburmanlaw.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Florida’s large percentage of folks over the age of 65 has highlighted a too common problem: elder abuse in nursing homes and other facilities.  Originally a defense lawyer, Tom Edwards of Jacksonville changed sides to help this needy and helpless population.  Along the way, he’s built a niche personal injury practice, with many victories.  He’s also a champion of legal ethics, helping write the code of ethics for judges’ conduct.  Among his many honors is the B.J. Masterson award from the Florida Justice Association for professionalism and high ethical standards.  He’s also a past president of the FJA and winner of many other FJA awards. Tom Edwards sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in December 2017 to share what it’s like to go against big corporations, the sacrifices he’s had to make along the way, and how his big game hunting skills have helped him in the courtroom. Show Notes: Tom Edwards is with Edwards & Ragatz law firm in Jacksonville, Florida – www.edwardsragatz.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Greg Barnhart refers to trials as “the ultimate game.”  While certainly a competition between two sides, he insists that juries expect to be entertained.  To be a successful trial lawyer, as you’ll hear, you have to be entertaining and tell a story.  He’s won more than $90 million to date in verdicts and settlements for his clients, including at one point, the largest personal injury verdict in Florida history. Along the way, he served as president of the Florida Justice Association and he’s won the Al J. Cone lifetime achievement award from the association.  He’s a law school professor and a former chair of the 4th District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. Greg Barnhart sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in July 2018 to share his in-depth trial technique, the importance of a having a healthy ego, and the story of the widow who refused to settle that inspired him to the biggest victory of his career. Show Notes: Greg Barnhart is with the Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida – www.searcylaw.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

On today’s program, something different.  We feature someone who is as well known for his political life as his distinguished trial career.  Steve Pajcic served Jacksonville in the Florida House of Representatives for six terms in the 1970’s and 80’s, nominated by the St. Petersburg Times as the Most Valuable House Member seven years in a row.  As a lawmaker, he shepherded expansion of the property tax Homestead Exemption from $5,000 to $25,000.  In 1986, he was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida, losing to Bob Martinez in a tight race. A self-described “Florida Cracker”, Steve Pajcic is half of the original Pajcic and Pajcic law firm.  His brother Gary passed away in 2006, but the practice remains a family firm, with Steve’s son and Gary’s three sons.  Together, the Pajcic family has been a tremendous force in philanthropy and social equality.  Steve Pajcic, now in his 70’s, sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in December 2017 to share how he’s remained politically active, his resilient idealism, and his personal brand of civil justice. Show Notes: Steve Pajcic is with The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic in Jacksonville, Florida – www.pajcic.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Dale Swope jokes that he’ll pay a thousand dollars to anyone that can prove they’ve been more broke than he’s been.  He had to take losing cases no one else would touch and find a way to win them.  He did, including his first personal injury case, a case that he never dreamt he would face.  Along the way, he not only made a living, but has built a vibrant law practice from the ground up, that today has 11 lawyers with its offices in a remodeled old Tampa brewery. He is a recent past president of the Florida Justice Association and is in the Eagle Hall of Fame for his lifetime of contributions.  He’s a recipient of the Mickey Smiley award for mentorship.  In fact, it was through the FJA – and a special mentor - that Dale Swope saw an opportunity to create a niche, practicing Bad Faith law.   Dale Swope sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in May of 2019 to talk about his love of courtroom battle, breaking the money cycle, and building and running a law firm that he has designed to survive him. Show Notes: Dale Swope is with the Swope, Rodante law firm in Tampa, Florida – www.swopelaw.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

He really wanted to be a doctor.  But a bad automobile accident in his teens that almost killed him – twice – landed Neal Roth in a courtroom as a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit.  It was that early legal experience that convinced him to marry his desire for medicine with law, and pursue a career as a medical malpractice trial lawyer. He has lent his penetrating, decisive focus to the Florida Justice Association as its president.  He’s also been honored with its Al J. Cone lifetime achievement award and the Perry Nichols award, the FJA’s most prestigious.  Neal Roth sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in May of 2019 for an in-depth discussion of his trial preparation techniques, how he runs a law practice, and his special relationship with his founding law partner Stuart Grossman. Show Notes: Neal Roth is with the Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen law firm in Coral Gables, Florida – www.grossmanroth.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

As one of the nine Florida trial lawyers hired by the state to fight Big Tobacco in the 1990’s, Wayne Hogan became part of the glue that held the elite team together.  He worked to smooth the disparate legal approaches and personalities to help shepherd an eventual $13+ billion judgment against the tobacco industry, the largest of its time. He also brought the first asbestos case involving punitive damages to trial in Florida, and was one of the first lawyers to become designated in Consumer Law.  A past president of the Florida Justice Association, Wayne has won four of its major awards – the Victor Tipton, the Al J. Cone, the B.J. Masterson, and the Perry Nichols Award, the FJA’s most prestigious.  Wayne Hogan sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in December of 2017 to discuss his career-long fight unearthing secret documents, how elections have consequences in trial law, and why he’s a big supporter of public education. Show Notes: Wayne Hogan is with the Terrell Hogan law firm in Jacksonville, Florida – www.terrellhogan.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

His first boss and mentor was Al J. Cone, the founder of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, the predecessor of the Florida Justice Association.  As such, our conversation with John Romano of Lake Worth is as much the story and lessons of the legendary Al Cone as it is of John’s career.  He learned well, as you’ll hear. John Romano is a Past President of the Florida Justice Association and a recipient of the Perry Nichols Award – the FJA’s most prestigious award.  But Johns is best known as the founder and leader of the FJA’s annual Workhorse Seminar.  And John is just as much an inspiring coach as he is an accomplished trial lawyer.   His approach to his practice is based on his approach to family – for John, it’s one big tapestry of love.  While he shares his motto for running a successful law practice, this podcast is more about lessons of life and love.  But it’s that love that John applies so well to his practice of law, as Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett discovered in this May 2019 conversation. Show Notes: John Romano is with the Romano Law Group in Lake Worth, Florida – www.romanolawgroup.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

As a young man growing up in Coral Gables, Stuart Grossman was upset at the social injustices shown on television news every night and wanted to change that if he could.  He could and did.  His victories include the largest verdict of its time for the death of a child and a more than one billion dollar settlement in a bank overdraft class action. His mentors include his first boss, the legendary J. B. Spence.  Among Stuart’s many honors, is the Perry Nichols Award - the FJA’s most prestigious.  It’s given to an attorney whose perseverance, commitment, and unmatched dedication to the civil justice system is at the forefront of his or her life. Stuart Grossman sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in May of 2019 to discuss the importance of self-reflection, the key advice he has to share with younger attorneys, and the personal medical tragedy that struck his life. Show Notes: Stuart Grossman is with the Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen law firm in Coral Gables, Florida – www.grossmanroth.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

It was his older sister’s mispronunciation of the word “beauty” that, as just an infant, gave James Nance the nickname that would stick with him for life: “Booty”.  With a name like that, he had to be a good trial lawyer – and he was – and still is today as he goes into the office at nearly 88 years old.  Booty Nance, of Melbourne, was one of the nine Florida trial lawyers who took on Big Tobacco in the 1990’s, eventually settling for the landmark $13 plus billion from the tobacco industry to the state of Florida for Medicaid recoupment costs of sick smokers.  While he has top professional honors – he’s a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates – he’s also known as an avid hunter and a prankster.  These skills have helped him innovate creative approaches to collecting late judgments and surviving cancer. Booty Nance sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in July 2018 for an interview that reflects the recurring theme in his law practice and his life:  He’s had fun! Show Notes: Booty Nance is with the Nance Cacciatore law firm in Melbourne, Florida – www.nancelaw.com       Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast.  The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

His mother was a smoker who died of lung cancer at the age of 54.  So when W.C. Gentry of Jacksonville got the call to join a team of lawyers fighting Big Tobacco to recover state Medicaid dollars spent on those smokers’ care, his was an easy answer.  Their $13 billion plus settlement, the largest recovery in the history of jurisprudence at the time, led to an eventual multistate settlement. As a past president of this organization, W.C. Gentry became a veteran of the tort reform wars of the mid-1980’s, that are still being fought today.  Among his many honors, is the Perry Nichols Award - the Florida Justice Association’s most prestigious.  It’s given to a person whose perseverance, commitment, and unmatched dedication to the civil justice system is at the forefront of his or her life. W.C. Gentry sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in February 2018 to discuss his expansive career, the role he’s played along the way in changing child abuse reporting laws, and his special interest as a civic leader in promoting children’s literacy. Show Notes: W.C. Gentry is with the Law Office of W.C. Gentry in Jacksonville, Florida – www.gentrylaw.net      Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast.  The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Chris Searcy grew up in trial practice in Miami, hanging around legendary lawyers such as Bill Frates, Larry Stewart, Bill Coleson, Bill Hicks, and J.B Spence, to name but a few.  As a young law student at Stetson University in 1972, he became involved with the predecessor of the Florida Justice Association, the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, at an early age, attending seminars and getting early career guidance.  And boy what a career he’s had, becoming one of today’s legendary trial lawyers.  Chris Searcy is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group of 100 lawyers.  He has been honored with the Al J. Cone Award for lifetime achievement and the Perry Nichols Award, this association’s highest honor.  He is a past president of the Florida Justice Association, and the association’s seminar on Voir Dire bears his name. But it was the two terrible personal tragedies in his life that caused him to gravitate to representing clients in death cases and is ultimately the passion that fuels his great success as a champion advocate.   Chris Searcy sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in July 2018 to talk about his special connection to personal injury law, his advice to rising lawyers seeking lead trial time, and the fine line between hating to lose and being afraid to lose a case. Show Notes: Chris Searcy is with the Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida – www.searcylaw.com    Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Working in a sausage factory while attending college taught Troy Rafferty the value of hard work and sacrifice.  Which helped him become what he is today: one of the top trial lawyers nationally who police the pharmaceutical industry by trying and winning complex mass tort cases. But as the old adage goes about sausages and laws – that you should never see them being made – Troy’s early experience also provided the fortitude for an important future battle with the Florida Legislature.  Before, during and after Troy's time as President of the Florida Justice Association, he worked tirelessly to prevent and ultimately help overturn the legislature’s decision to adopt the Daubert Standard on expert witness testimony. Troy Rafferty sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in January 2019 to share some of his winning strategies… and his twin concerns that legal practice has become too contentious and is run too much like a business. Show Notes: Troy Rafferty is with the Levin Papantonio law firm in Pensacola, Florida – www.levinlaw.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

He describes himself as a trial lawyer, cowboy, hog hunter, and red fisherman.  And not always in that order.  But then Bruce Kaster is not your typical trial lawyer.  His niche practice of suing tire manufacturers over tread defects is an esoteric and technical field of law.  He’s folksy and full of funny stories, as you’ll soon hear – but dead serious when it comes to tire and auto safety. Some of his corporate opponents dismissed him as a country bumpkin from Ocala, but they did so at their own peril.  His tenacious consumer advocacy led to an enormous recall of millions of Firestone tires and convinced carmaker Ford to change its product.  He’s earned a national reputation including testimony before Congress, fighting for more open records. Bruce Kaster sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in July 2018 to share his incredible tale of corporate lies, deceit and cover-ups and how his optimism about the practice of law keeps him going. Show Notes: Bruce Kaster is with the Kaster & Lynch law firm in Ocala, Florida – www.kasterandlynch.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

The Coral Gables firm of Colson, Hicks, Eidson was instrumental in the development of personal injury law in Florida, with its roots in firms with legendary founders such as Perry Nichols, Bill Colson, Bill Hicks, J.B. Spence, and others.  So it should come as no surprise that Mike Eidson has had the success he’s had and continued the momentum of the firm’s founders – his mentors.    Mike was one of the first practitioners of the law of strict liability in tort.  He helped change the standard used in product design and liability cases in Florida – and eventually many other states – and literally wrote the textbook on it for other lawyers.  Cars are much safer today, thanks to Mike Eidson and those who followed him.   His achievements earned him the Florida Justice Association’s Al J. Cone Lifetime achievement award in 2013. Mike Eidson sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in July 2018 to share his mentors’ lessons - and his own on personal injury law, the importance of empathy, and the special influence his wife has had in his career. Show Notes: Mike Eidson is with the Colson Hicks Eidson law firm in Coral Gables, Florida – www.colson.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Growing up as a kid, one of Mike Papantonio’s favorite books was To Kill a Mockingbird, with its sympathetic lawyer hero Atticus Finch.  Today, he’s a champion of the abused and victimized.  Mike has become known as the “King of Mass Torts” for his innovative approach to maximizing his cases and client recoveries.  It’s earned him the Defender of Justice award by the American Association for Justice, among many other awards. Mike Papantonio sat down with FJA Radio host Harvey Bennett in late August 2017 to discuss the keys to his success, his keen concern about fellow lawyers - both plaintiff and defense, and the connection between personal innovation and your quality of life. Show Notes: Mike Papantonio is with the Levin Papantonio Law Firm in Pensacola, Florida – www.levinlaw.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Imagine working on a big case with your team and then leaving town – without them – to try to settle the case before the trial starts.  Well that’s the situation that Mike Maher of Orlando found himself in back in 1997.  As Chairman of the so-called “Group of Nine” Dream Team of Florida trial lawyers, Mike negotiated the $13 plus billion settlement from Big Tobacco to the state of Florida for Medicaid recoupment costs on sick smokers.  In just a few minutes, you’ll hear his story of what happened behind the scenes with Governor Chiles and those Big Tobacco lawyers. But if not for his father’s untimely death, Mike would have most likely become an engineer.  Instead, he headed to Stetson Law School and became one of Florida’s top trial lawyers, by engineering innovative solutions for his clients.   Mike is a former President of The American Association for Justice, as well as a former President of the Florida Justice Association.  An EAGLE founder, Mike has been honored with the Al J. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award and the B.J. Masterson Award. On the eve of his 50th anniversary practicing law, Mike Maher sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in February 2018 to talk about his remarkable career, his view of the legal profession, and his surprising advice on the best way to get new clients. Show Notes: Mike Maher is with the Maher Law Firm in Winter Park, Florida - www.maherlawfirm.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Admittedly, his practice of law seems like one disaster after another.  But that’s okay for Bob Spohrer of Jacksonville who specializes in aviation and maritime law.  Disaster has become his specialty.  He and the firm he founded have recovered more than $1 billion for victims and their families, and achieved safety improvements that benefit all of us.  His notable cases include the sinking of the El Faro cargo ship with all 33 souls aboard during a tropical storm in 2015.    Bob Spohrer is also a motorcycle-riding, airplane piloting attorney who knows about risks.  He has a reputation for taking on tough cases against major opponents with long odds – and winning.  He’s a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only organization of the top 100 trial lawyers in the country, as well as the International Association of Barristers.  Bob has been honored with the Florida Justice Association’s B.J. Masterson Award, for high ethical standards and professionalism.  He’s also a Crystal Eagle Award winner. Bob Spohrer sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in December 2017 to discuss his trial focus on mastery of the facts, the keys to success that he shares with others, and how he’s kept his 1960’s idealism in changing times. Show Notes: Bob Spohrer is with the Spohrer Dodd law firm in Jacksonville, Florida - www.sdlitigation.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast.  The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Bill Wagner hasn’t tried a case since 2008.  But he’s very engaged in – and concerned about – the practice of trial law.  At age 84, he still goes into the office on most days and is actively involved in helping fellow lawyers recover from mistakes in their careers.   If you’re a lawyer and not particularly happy about being one, Bill says you’re not alone. He’s been involved in petitions before the Florida Supreme Court to amend the rules on lawyer ethics.  He advocates for a complete review of those rules, arguing that the Court needs to examine the conflict between a lawyer’s economic interest and those of the client – and together, weighed again the interests of the public at large. Bill Wagner sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in February 2018 to discuss his humble beginnings with his mentor Perry Nichols, changes in the trial law profession over his nearly 60 years in practice, and his view on why current legal practice regulation is failing: Show Notes: Bill Wagner is with the Wagner McLaughlin law firm in Tampa, Florida - www.WagnerLaw.com   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast.  The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Bob Kerrigan is as irrepressible as the sunrise over the Pensacola Bay that his law office has overlooked for the past 45 years.  Bob is one of the nine trial lawyers who brought – and settled – the famous Big Tobacco lawsuit by the state of Florida back in the mid 1990’s.  At $13 billion, it was the largest civil judgment at the time in the nation. Among his many achievements is the Florida Bar’s Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award.  He’s currently in pursuit of international human rights violators. Bob Kerrigan, with his admitted luck-of-the-Irish and devil-may-care attitude, sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in late August 2017 to discuss the keys to his success, his struggles, and his concern that big money too often is now driving the practice of trial law. Show Notes: Bob Kerrigan is with the Kerrigan Estess Rankin McLeod & Thompson law firm in Pensacola, Florida - www.kerrigan.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

There’s an old saying that “Lawyers change the world one case at a time.”  Dianne Weaver of Jacksonville is certainly proof of that.  She’s earned a reputation both in the courtroom representing her injured clients, but also on the boards of state and national brain injury associations as a compassionate expert. Dianne Weaver is not only a top trial lawyer, she’s a pioneer.  She was the only woman practicing jury trial law in Fort Lauderdale for more than five years back in the 1980’s.  Rather than focus on being a woman, she focused instead on the law.  Today, she’s a preeminent brain injury specialist. Dianne Weaver sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in December 2017 to discuss her trailblazing career, the process she uses during trial that she credits with her success, and how to handle losing a case with grace: Show Notes: Dianne Weaver is with the Weaver & Weaver law firm in Jacksonville, Florida - www.weaverandweaverlaw.com  Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Barely in his 40’s at the time, Steve Yerrid was the youngest member of the so-called “Dream Team” of Florida lawyers who took on Big Tobacco in the mid-1990’s - and won.  The idea to add racketeering and conspiracy charges – tripling the potential damages that could be awarded – contributed to the tobacco companies’ $13 billion settlement to reimburse Florida’s state Medicaid costs for ailing smokers.   Steve is still fighting Big Tobacco, helping to win a $15 million jury verdict against RJ Reynolds in 2017. But there is so much more to Tampa’s Steve Yerrid than one single case.   They include his long-shot “Act of God” defense that exonerated the harbor pilot whose ship struck the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, leading to its deadly collapse.  In all, he’s won more than 250 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more: several, record-setting.  Along the way, he’s been honored with the Florida Justice Association’s Perry Nichols Award, our highest honor.  He’s a member of the prestigious Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group of the best 100 trial lawyers in America.  He’s on the Board of Governors of the Fellows of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.  And he is a key contributor to the Endowment Fund of the FJA Research & Education Foundation, our charitable entity. Steve Yerrid sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in February 2018 and revealed his one key to courtroom success, words of wisdoms that have proven true along the way, and his advice to other lawyers on how to avoid letting trial law get the better of you. Show Notes: Steve Yerrid is with the Yerrid Law Firm in Tampa, Florida - www.yerridlaw.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast (http://floridajusticeassociation.org/CM/Member_Resources/Titans_of_Trial.aspx). The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Howard Coker of Jacksonville is a trial lawyer with a teacher’s heart.  From that one morning in fourth grade he woke-up and declared he wanted to be at trial lawyer, he also very much wanted to be an athletic coach.  In his law career, he’s created the perfect blend of his two huge talents. He’s been recognized with the Mickey Smiley Award, given by the Florida Justice Association, for the terrific amount of counsel he’s given to newer lawyers throughout his four decades plus career.  Along the way, he’s also won just about every other award there is, including the Perry Nichols Award, this association’s most prestigious – along with the B.J. Masterson Award for professionalism and high ethical standards.  He’s also a past president not only of this association, but also of the Florida Bar.  Howard Coker sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in December 2017 to talk about the big cases he’s won and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Show Notes: Howard Coker is with the Coker Law firm in Jacksonville, Florida -  www.cokerlaw.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. (http://floridajusticeassociation.org/CM/Member_Resources/Titans_of_Trial.aspx) The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Every trial lawyer in Florida – and their clients – owe a debt of gratitude to Sammy Cacciatore of Melbourne.  It was back in the early 1970’s, fresh out of law school, that he made his most successful argument before the Florida Supreme Court: that damage awards should not be disallowed simply because the victim bore some fault; but rather, awarded based on each party’s percentage of fault for the act in question.  The standard of Comparative Negligence has been the law of the land ever since, not only here in Florida but afterward in a majority of other states. Sammy’s early success resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts for his clients and a distinguished career that includes many awards and titles.  He’s a Past President of the Florida Justice Association and has served on the Florida Bar’s Board of Governors.  He’s also the current Chairman of the Fellows of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. Sammy Cacciatore sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in February of 2018 to talk about that most famous case of his career to date, the importance he places on reading, and his advice for lawyers who not only want to get ahead – but be successful.  Show Notes: Sammy Cacciatore is with the Nance|Cacciatore law firm in Melbourne, Florida -  www.nancelaw.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

You may know Fred Levin as the father of the Florida tobacco lawsuits.  He rewrote the Florida Medicaid Third Party Recovery Act in 1993 to allow the state of Florida to sue the tobacco industry, eventually settling for $13 billion and forever changing the face of tobacco litigation in the United States.   But if not for a stubborn client who refused to settle an insurance case nearly 60 years ago, Fred might not have become a trial lawyer.  Among his many honors, is the Perry Nichols Award - the FJA’s most prestigious.  It’s given to an attorney whose perseverance, commitment, and unmatched dedication to the civil justice system is at the forefront of his or her life. Fred Levin, now age 80, sat down with Florida Justice Association Radio host Harvey Bennett in late August 2017 to discuss the keys to his success, his few regrets, the ethics problems he sees in the trial bar, and his advice to those practicing trial law today – or thinking about it. Show Notes: Fred is with the Levin Papantonio law firm in Pensacola, Florida -  www.levinlaw.com Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast. The Titans of Trial podcast, sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation, features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Behind the sometimes tough courtroom veneer lies the heart of a champion advocate.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a demonstrated difference to the practice of trial law in Florida.

Florida’s most prominent trial lawyers in the past half century have a new designation – and a podcast to go with it: Titans of Trial.  In this new podcast series by the Florida Justice Association, we’ll meet the men and women who’ve not only won the big cases, but created positive social change by the rulings they’ve secured.  Along the way, they’ve also changed the way law is practiced today in Florida. Hosted by Paul Jess, Executive Director of the Florida Justice Association, the Titans of Trial podcast features Florida’s legendary trial attorneys revealing their keys to success – in law practice and in personal life – in their own words.  Sometimes whimsical, often inspirational, but always with practical advice and lessons, Titans of Trial shares the personal stories of the men and women who’ve made a difference to the practice of trial law in Florida. The Titans of Trial podcast is sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation. Visit the Florida Justice Association Podcast Webpage for full details and extras on this podcast.  On the web at www.FloridaJusticeAssociation.org or contact Ryan Banfill, Communications Director, at 850-521-1047.  Your questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome!  Date of recording 1-24-18.  Composer: www.TeleDirections.com

The Florida Legislature ended its regular session this week and with it, the hope of any fair reform or needed enhancement on several crucial issues for Florida consumers.   Among them, bills on: Workers Compensation Insurance, Automobile Insurance, and Assignment of Benefits.  None passed the legislature.  What happened?  And is no bill better than a bad bill with some of these issues? Paul Jess, Interim Executive Director of the Florida Justice Association and Jeff Porter, FJA's Director of Legislative & Political Affairs share what happened behind the scenes and what's needed now to make progress in the upcoming 2018 legislative session.  This includes a call-to-action to FJA members to refer clients to FJA who don't have enough auto coverage. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Workers’ Compensation Bills - HB 7085, SB 1582 Automobile Insurance Bills - HB 1063, SB 1766, HB 461, SB 156, www.ResponsibilityFlorida.com Assignment of Benefits Bills - HB 1421

FJA Interim Executive Director Paul Jess discusses the progress of our civil justice agenda in the fourth week of the 2017 legislative session and what’s to come. Tune in!

In a major victory for civil justice advocates, the Florida Supreme Court in February 2017 threw-out the Daubert Standard of expert witness testimony, pointing to “grave constitutional concerns.”  Four years earlier, the Florida Legislature passed Daubert into statute as a replacement to the longstanding Frye Standard, after pressure from business interests. But the Court declined to adopt it, as well as the “Same Specialty” rule, siding with the Florida Bar and FJA’s concerns that doing so would risk undermining the right to a jury trial and deny access to the courts. Troy Rafferty and Paul Jess, who championed the Florida Justice Association’s successful efforts to eliminate the Daubert Standard in Florida courts explain in this program why the Court’s decision on expert testimony is so important for Florida’s trial attorneys and warn practitioners that it’s still critical to have Daubert ruled unconstitutional, to the extent it is procedural. Program Note: Attorneys who are facing this argument and want to preserve the constitutional challenge to Daubert can refer to the arguments made in Nixon vs. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (http://bit.ly/RJRcase) in the 15th Judicial Circuit Court, Palm Beach County, February 27, 2017.  Other documents of reference mentioned in this podcast: Report of the Florida Bar Code and Rules of Evidence Committee(http://bit.ly/SCOFLAFLBAR) Baricko v. Barnett Transportation (Workers' Compensation)(http://bit.ly/Baricko)

The Florida Legislature is facing a monumental challenge when it convenes in March: How to address a workers’ compensation insurance system which the Florida Supreme Court has determined to be “fundamentally unconstitutional” with respect to certain rights and remedies. Richard Chait and Kim Syfrett, both leaders with the Florida Justice Association and Florida Workers' Advocates, share their insight in this program on the Court’s rulings and the challenges faced by their clients who routinely face delay or denial of the provision of medical treatment and related benefits in what they view to be a “fractured system” in Florida. Chait details the Florida Justice Association’s four pillars geared toward positively reforming the system in this upcoming legislative session: 1. The need for transparency and competition in the ratemaking process 2. Some element of choice in the provision of medical treatment by the injured worker 3. Revitalization of the post-maximum medical improvement benefit for those who suffer career-altering injuries 4. Codify the Supreme Court’s decision in Castellanos to ensure access to court through reasonable attorney’s fees when benefits are wrongfully denied You’ll also hear about the ever-growing “cocoon of collateral interests” which has spun so tightly around the core principles of workers’ comp through the extensive reforms over the years that we can no longer appreciate its underlying intent – to make sure the injured employee is taken care of. Program Note: Personal injury law will be one of the major topics at the upcoming Florida Justice Association’s 2017 Workhorse Seminar in Orlando from Wednesday February 28th through Friday, March 3rd. Registration is available at www.FloridaJusticeAssociation.org

Noted Workers' Compensation attorneys Kim Syfrett and Richard Chait return to FJA Radio for a no-holds barred discussion in this second part of our Workers’ Compensation program to share their reaction to the Florida business community’s reform proposal to a system the state Supreme Court ruled last year as “fundamentally unconstitutional.”   In what they describe as a “shock to the conscience”, Kim and Richard reveal that the Associated Industries of Florida proposal would eliminate a more than 70 year-old carrier-paid obligation for attorney fees when benefits are wrongly denied.  Fourteen years of eroding workers’ benefits during past reforms and “incredulous profits by insurance companies” shares Richard,  has now created a situation where the only way to prevent total fracture of the system and fall into a tort system under the AIF proposal, would be to institute a bad faith remedy. “Essentially what the (business) industry is saying with this proposal is ‘We’re going to keep our right to choose your doctor, we’re going to keep our right to decide whether you get the medical treatment that doctor recommends, and when we decide that we don’t want to give it to you, we’re going to make you pay to show that we were wrong.  And there’s not going to be any consequence for our wrongful denial.’” - Attorney Kim Syfrett

Attorney Dana Brooks Cooper has authored a new presentation titled “Managing Millennials in Your Law Firm and Marketing to Millennials”. She reveals how millennials are different in their attitudes and approach to life, how they affect your law practice as both clients and employees, and how best to manage the relationship. Her presentation will premiere at the Florida Justice Association Workhorse Seminar later in Orlando, February 28 to March 3, 2017. Ms. Brooks is a Partner in the Tallahassee firm Barrett, Fasig & Brooks.

The Florida Justice Association’s FJA Radio Podcast keeps members updated on the happenings at the FJA and delivers relevant and timely information and insight on the practice of trial law in Florida. Today’s episode features Paul Jess, FJA Interim Director and James “Jimmy” Gustafson, FJA President, discussing the leadership transition at FJA, the group’s legislative agenda for 2017, and the vision and goals for membership this new year. Date of recording 1-18-17. Copyright 2017, Florida Justice Association