The Florida Justice Association 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.