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.comResources 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.comResources 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.

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.comResources 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.

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 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.

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.comResources 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.

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.comResources 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.

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 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.

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.comResources 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.

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.comResources 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.

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 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.

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.comResources 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 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.comResources 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.