Best Civil Lawyer in Florida
Richard J. Levinson
Civil Lawyer
In 1939, Richard’s father, Jacob Levinson, founded the law firm now known as Levinson Axelrod in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. The law firm began representing ordinary people injured either at work or by the negligent conduct of others.
Richard Levinson graduated from Wesleyan University, with honors, in 1953 and graduated from Columbia Law School in 1956. He became a member of the New Jersey Bar in December 1956 and has worked continuously at Levinson Axelrod to the present, with the exception of the two years (1957 – 1958) he spent in the United States Army. Richard has been a principal architect in developing and growing the firm.
His work at the firm not only facilitated its growth from 2 attorneys to 25+, but also facilitated the incredible results the firm has achieved in the last 60 years. In the last 5 years alone, our work has resulted in $350 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients, helping them recover from their injuries with financial security and justice.
His leadership also defined the role of our firm in the community, growing us from one central office in Edison to eight offices located throughout Central New Jersey. He defined how our firm would compassionately handle clients with the legal excellence and personal empathy we are known for. Throughout our history, the majority of our clients have come to us as referrals from past clients who believed in the quality and power of our representation—no testimony is as powerful as that. It was Attorney Levinson’s work that built upon the proud tradition that began so long ago in 1939.
IMPORTANT AWARDS & MEMBERSHIPS
He was a Charter Member and President of the Middlesex County Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has been the Chairman of the New Jersey State Bar’s Civil Procedure Section and Appellate Practice Sections. He is a recipient of the New Jersey Trial Lawyer of the Year award, the James McLaughlin Award and the Herman Breitkoff award.
These are prestigious awards only given to outstanding attorneys for their achievements and professional conduct. Richard was recognized by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney and has tried hundreds of cases recovering many millions of dollars for harm caused to his clients by the fault of others. Richard is Senior Partner at Levinson Axelrod and continues to advise and support attorneys on a daily basis.
His published opinions on important cases include:
- Byrne by Byrne v. Fords’ Clara Barton Boys Baseball, 236 NJ Super 185 (App Div 1989)
- Cheung v. Cunningham, 214 NJ Super 649 (App Div 1987)
- Warshany v. Supermarkets Gen. Corp., 161 NJ Super 515 (Law DIv 1978)
- Krackonberger v. Vornado Inc., 119 NJ Super 380 (App Div 1972)
- Lieberman v. Saley, 94 NJ Super 15 (App Div. 1967)
Gabriel Levin
Civil Lawyer
Attorney Gabriel Levin is known as a tenacious fighter who protects his client’s interests as though they were his own; he has tried hundreds of cases and handled a large variety of civil matters, from minor injuries to the catastrophic. Mr. Levin prides himself on preparing every case for trial. While some attorneys view trial as a last resort, he prepares with the assumption that his client’s case will be decided by the jury. Clients know that Gabriel Levin is a very responsive attorney, keeps client fully informed, and always gets back to them in a timely manner.
As a client of Gabriel Levin, you can rest assured that he will personally handle every aspect of your case, from your initial consultation to all communication regarding the progress of your case. This is due to the fact that unlike many other personal injury firms, we do not delegate tasks to a paralegal or an inexperienced associate attorney. When you come in to our office to discuss your case, you will meet personally with Mr. Levin. In addition, while many other firms and attorneys are difficult to contact once your suit has been filed, Mr. Levin maintains an open line with his clients and ensures that he is personally available to his clients throughout the duration of their cases.
Our commitment to personal service for our clients makes the client experience at The Levin Firm significantly different that from other personal injury law firms. Gabriel Levin has over 10 years of experience practicing law in Pennsylvania, and has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for his clients. He is dedicated to helping people injured by the negligence of others recover for their losses through the civil court system.
EDUCATION
- Franklin and Marshall College, A.B., Religious Studies, 1999
- Temple University School of Law, J.D., 2002
HONORS
- Super Lawyer 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
- Member, Temple University School of Law Mock Trial Team (winner of the North Eastern Regional Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Tournament)
- Winner (Two Times), Association of Trial Lawyers of America Regional Championship
- Winner, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, National Championship
COURT ADMISSIONS
- Attorney Gabriel Levin is licensed to practice law before all Pennsylvania and New Jersey state courts as well as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and all Federal Courts in New Jersey
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Philadelphia Bar Association
Edward F. Chacker
Civil Lawyer
Whether he is negotiating a settlement or trying a case to verdict, Edward Chacker is recognized as one of the leading trial lawyers in Pennsylvania. As Senior Managing Partner and Chair of Gay & Chacker, Edward has built a successful career representing clients in the personal injury and civil litigation arenas, particularly in cases involving car and truck crashes, workplace injuries, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and police and correctional guard abuse. He is an approachable and compassionate advocate for his clients.
Some of Mr. Chacker’s notable verdicts and settlements include:
- $4.5 million settlement for the estate of a 90-year-old man who was struck and killed by a dump truck while grocery shopping with his son. As lead counsel of the client, Edward took on the case others did not believe had value due to the man’s age, and he achieved a successful resolution without the need for a costly jury trial.
- 9 million verdict for a woman who sustained severe emotional distress after witnessing a truck lose control on a highway and narrowly miss her vehicle at an intersection. Engineers recreated the incident and proved the woman suffered from psychosomatic injury.
- Million-dollar medical malpractice settlement for a five-year-old girl who was injured and required surgery after an IV was placed incorrectly. In addition to the settlement for her injury, the Philadelphia hospital installed a plaque on the wall recognizing their wrongdoing.
- $900,000 settlement for the family of a man shot through the heart by a police officer who claimed he had gun. Thorough investigation and witness interviews created doubt that the gun belonged to the victim, and the city made an offer to settle.
Through these and many other verdicts and settlements, Mr. Chacker has built a reputation for obtaining exceptional outcomes in very difficult cases. His ability to see the potential in clients’ unique situations has led him to obtain these unexpected results.
For decades, Edward has been recognized not only for his tenacious legal representation of individuals, but also for his pro bono work for the public at large. In 2012, he received the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association’s Justice Michael A. Musmanno Award, an award given annually to the person who best exemplifies the late Justice’s qualities of high integrity, scholarship, imagination, courage, and concern for human rights. Mr. Chacker was also the recipient of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Pillar of Justice in 2013. The Philadelphia Bar Association honored him with the VIP Chancellor’s Award each year from 1991 to 1994 and in 2003. Philadelphia’s Volunteers for the Indigent (VIP) Program recognized his firm for outstanding professional leadership and commitment to equal rights for all. Edward has also received the following awards and recognition:
- Pennsylvania Legal Services Ambassador for Justice Award, 2003
- Community Legal Services, Equal Justice Award, 1995
- Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society, For Service to the Bar and to the Community, 1993
- Community Legal Services, Recognition of Outstanding Service
Edward’s reputation as a skilled litigator and compassionate advocate has led him to frequently receive many case referrals from other law firms. With every case he takes on, he is devoted to obtaining the best results possible for the client.
Education and Background
Mr. Chacker earned his bachelor’s degree from Temple University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law. He is admitted to practice in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Federal Claims Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Edward is a Mediator and Arbitrator for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and he is a former Hearing Officer for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s Disciplinary Board.
A frequent speaker before legal and educational organizations, Edward places a special emphasis on trial techniques during his lectures. He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows to discuss a range of subjects in the field of law. Mr. Chacker is also deeply involved in numerous charitable organizations in the community and nationwide.
Bar Admissions
- Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1973
- Federal Claims Court, 1990
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2003
Publications and Speaking Engagements
- Mediation Training Seminar, Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, 1995, 1999, 2003
- Presenter, “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1986 – Present
- Fee Disputes Program, Philadelphia Bar Association
- New Arbitrators Seminar, Philadelphia Bar Association
- “Breakfast with the Judges: Update on CCP Major Jury Programs,” Moderator of Young Lawyer Division Basic Legal Practice Seminar, Philadelphia Bar Association
- “Hot Tips in Auto Law,” Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Law Update, Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
- Speaker, Mid-Year Meeting, Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
- Speakers Bureau, Member, Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
- “What’s It Worth and How to Get It,” Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
- Lecturer and Course Planner, “Nuts and Bolts for Young Lawyers,” Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
- Lecturer, Luncheon Seminar Series, Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania
- Implementing the Anti-Fraud Measures of Pennsylvania’s New Auto Insurance Law, Roscoe Pound Institute, Temple University
- Lecturer, Pennsylvania Defense Institute/Philadelphia Area Claims Forum
- Lecturer, “Insurance Claims Seminar,” National Institute of Trial Advocacy
Professional Memberships
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Chancellor
- Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, President
- Philadelphia Bar Foundation, President (2004)
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Board of Governors
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Chancellor Elect.
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Secretary
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Assistant Secretary
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Budget Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Nominating Committee (Ex-Officio)
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Fee Dispute Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Chair, Fee Dispute Arbitrations
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Gender Fairness Task Force
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Business/Chancery Task Force
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Chancellor’s Century 3 Commission
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Lawyers Fund for Equal Justice
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Women in the Profession Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Mentor
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Member of Cabinet
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Women’s Rights Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Public Interest Section
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Minorities in the Profession Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Civil Rights Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Finance Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Joint Bench Bar Civil System Planning Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Charter and Bylaws Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Homeless Advocacy Project, Board
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Long Range Planning Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Civil Judicial Procedures Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Compulsory Arbitration Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Chair
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Arbitration Program Criminal Justice Section
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Annual Conference (Bench Bar) Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Coordinator, Mid-Year Bench Bar Conference
- Philadelphia Bar Association Subcommittees: Philadelphia Motion Court Practice, Amicus Curiae, Subcommittee on Program Selection, Subcommittee on New Judicial Calendar
- Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, President-Elect
- Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, Vice-President
- Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Directors
- Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, IOLTA Coordinator
- Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program (VIP): Board of Directors, Standards and Monitoring Committee, Development Committee, Recruitment Committee, Community Legal Services, Fund Raising Committee
- Philadelphia Bar Foundation, Vice President
- Philadelphia Bar Foundation, Charter Member, Andrew Hamilton Circle
- Philadelphia Bar Foundation, Co-Chair, 200 for the 200th Fund Raiser
- Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Arbitrator, 1974 – Present
- Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Judge Pro Tem (Day Backward Program), 1993 – Present
- Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Settlement Master (Day Backward Program)
- Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Judge Pro Tem (Day Forward Program)
- Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Mediator
- Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, M-PER Program, Volunteer Arbitrator
- Recruitment of Law Firms to Participate in the Voluntary IOLTA Program, Chair, Justice Michael A. Musmanno Awards Dinner
- Recruitment of Law Firms to Participate in the Voluntary IOLTA Program, Assistant Secretary
- S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Mediator
- S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Arbitrator (Compulsory Arbitrations)
- Federal Prisoner Rights Litigation Panel
- The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Chair, Hearing Committee
- The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Hearing Officer
- Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member, House of Delegates
- Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Governors
- Lawyers for Consumer Rights, Executive Committee Member
- Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society, Assistant Secretary
- Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society, Board of Directors
- Lawyers’ Club of Philadelphia, Director
- Temple Inn of Court, Master
- Adath Jeshurun Synagogue, Board of Directors
- Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Lawyers Section, Solicitor
- Cheltenham Little League, President
- Golden Slipper Charities, Membership Committee
- SEPTA Injury Hotline
- PTLA, Annual Sponsorship of the “Breakfast of Champions”
Ronald J. Cappuccio
Civil Lawyer
Education
- Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
- LL.M. (Tax) – 1977
- Major: Taxation Law
- University of Kansas School of Law, Lawrence, Kansas
- Juris Doctor – 1976
- University of Exeter Faculty of Law, Exeter
- EU Law Studies – 1975
- Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
- B.S.F.S. – 1974
- Major: International Economics and Finance
Bar Admission
- New Jersey, 1976
- District of Columbia, 1977
- U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, 1976
- U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, 1984
- U.S. Tax Court, 1977
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1997
Published Works
- “Ethical Considerations & Federal Tax Practice in New Jersey”, 9 Seton Hall Law Review 177, 1978
- “Linking Fees to Skills of Buy Side Intermediaries”, 21 Mergers & Acquisitions 4, January/February, 1987
- “Review of the Omni-Reader”, 2 The Lawyers’s P.C.17, May 17, 1985
- “A ‘To Do’ List for WordPerfect 4.2”, 5 The Lawyer’s P.C. 3, November, 1987
- Various articles in the Camden County Bar Association Barrister and other professional publications emphasizing computers in law practice and taxation issues.
Representative Cases
- Dolecky v. Riverton, 538 A.2d. 856, Superior Court of New Jersey, 1988038653
- In Re Preis, NJ, Superior Court of New Jersey
Classes & Seminars
- Taxation Law Update, New Jersey ICLE, 1998 to 1998
- Taxation Law, Camden County Bar Association, 1980 to 1999
- Practice and Procedure before the Planning Board and Board of Adjustments, Rutgers University Department of Government Services, 1980
- Purchases and Sale of an On-Going Business, New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 1984 to 1985
- Estate Taxation and Probate New Jersey Skills and Methods Course, New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 1986
- Annual Tax Seminar, Camden County Bar Association, 1984
- Tax Aspects of Organization of a Small Business, Burlington County Bar Association, 1990 to 1990
- Computers in Law Firms, New Jersey State Bar Association, 1991 to 1991
- Organization and Sales of a Small Business, New Jersey ICLE Skills and Methods Course, 1992 to 1992
- Marketing the Law Practice, Camden County Bar Association, 1992 to 1992
- Frequent lectures for Camden County Bar Association, New Jersey ICLE, and private organizations on variety of tax and computer topics
Pro-Bono Activities
- District IV Fee Arbitration Committee, 1997 to 2000
Past Positions
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Chief Law Clerk-Union County, 1977 to 1978
- Lario & Nardi, Associate Attorney, 1978 to 1980
- Individual Practice of Law, 1980
- Gloucester Township Planning Board, Solicitor, 1981 to 1982
- Evesham Township Planning Board, Solicitor, 1982 to 1983
- Syndicated Radio Talk Show, Host, Client Talk, 1994 to 1995
Professional Associations
- Camden County Bar Association, Taxation Committee Secretary/ Chairman, 1986 to 1988
- Camden County Bar Association, Trustee, 1988
- New Jersey State Bar Association, Member, 1977
- American Bar Association, Member, Sections of Taxation, Business Law, Law Practice Management, 1974
- American Bar Association, Member, Sections of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law, 1974
Derek Smith
Civil Lawyer
Derek Smith has practiced sexual harassment and discrimination law for over 25 years. He has obtained the largest emotional distress jury verdict ever to be sustained on appeal in the entire United States for an employment law case. Derek Smith has also secured a settlement in excess of $15,000,000 on behalf of a client.
From Derek: “A lawyer once told me many years ago not to get so emotionally involved in my cases. Well, I think the complete opposite is true! It makes me furious when I hear stories of employers discriminating against or sexually harassing their employees! If an employer treats you differently because of your race, religion, age, gender, or disability, I say, “How dare they??!” If your boss sexually harasses you or compels you to have a sexual relationship of any kind, I am outraged! We like to partner and become one with our clients. We represent them, and they represent us. We are a team. That is our philosophy. We are personally offended when injustice is done to our clients. So, to that lawyer, who said that many years ago to me, I say that you are so, very, very wrong! It is that emotional attachment to our cases that helps us to better represent our clients and get them the most that we can on their case. That is how we have obtained many, multi-million dollar jury verdicts and many multi-million dollar settlements for our clients. The results speak for themselves.”
Attorney Derek Smith is an experienced labor & employment law litigator who has particular experience in the areas of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, civil rights litigation, employment law, and civil litigation. Attorney Smith received his J.D. in 1994 from the Penn State Dickinson School of Law, his B.A. in 1991 from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., and studied at the Université de Droit, d’Économie, et des Sciences d’Aix-Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Attorney Derek T. Smith is admitted to the state bars of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California. Derek Smith is admitted to the Federal Courts in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and California. Derek Smith is also proud to be admitted to The Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C.
Attorney Smith is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (“NELA”), National Employment Lawyers Association of New York (“NELA/NY”), New York State Trial Lawyers (“NYSTLA”) and practices in the New York, Florida, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles offices.
Attorney Smith is also a Judge in the annual Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition as well as a Judge in the Charles W. Froessel Intramural Moot Court Competition.
Attorney Smith has personally litigated and resolved numerous high profile cases against multi-billion dollar corporations and has attained some of the largest employment law verdicts in workplace discrimination and sexual harassment, with his clients receiving millions in damages in these cases.
Derek T. Smith is fluent in English and French.
Awards and Recognition
Top-Rated by SuperLawyers year after year as one of the top 5% attorneys in Employment Law; Obtained the Largest Emotional Distress Verdict upheld in an Employment Law Case in the entire United States; Secured a Settlement in Excess of $15,000,000 on behalf of a client; Settled another case for an amount in excess of $6,000,000 and another case for an amount in excess of $7,000,000. Obtained a jury verdict in excess of $4,000,000. Obtained many other multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts. Perfect 10.0 Avvo Lawyer Rating. Top Employment Lawyer As Recognized By Newsweek. Recognized by New York Law Journal for Top Verdicts in Employment Law.
Practice Areas
- Employment Law
- Employment Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment
- Wrongful Termination
- Workplace Retaliation
- Wage and Hour Attorneys
- Whistleblower Attorneys
- Rape and Sexual Assault Attorney
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Membership
National Employment Lawyers Association; NELA
Admission
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Florida
- California
- U.S. District Court of the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
- U.S. District Court Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court District of New Jersey,
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
- Supreme Court of The United States
Education
The Penn State, Dickinson School of Law, J.D., 1994
The University of Michigan, B.A., 1991
Université de Droit, d’Économie, et des Sciences d’Aix-Marseille, 1990
Steven M. Zelinger
Civil Lawyer
I specialize in estate planning for families, probate & estate administration, business succession planning, and resolving your IRS problems. I am an expert in the field, but it is my commitment to you that differentiates me from others. You can count on personalized, focused attention. Your estate plan will reflect your unique values and concerns. Your questions will be answered promptly and with respect. When you’re done, you’ll understand how the documents work and what you need to do to keep them current during your lifetime.
Matthew S. Coleman
Civil Lawyer
Matthew Coleman joined Einhorn Barbarito in its Matrimonial and Family Law department in April 2013. He focuses on a wide variety of issues including divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support and alimony. Matthew’s practice is also concentrated on the niche area of family law’s impact and interaction with both LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples.
Matthew began his career as a law clerk for the Honorable Maureen B. Mantineo, P.J.F.P – Presiding Judge for the Family Part court in Hudson County. During his tenure, he handled divorce, custody and visitation disputes, child support cases, domestic violence and other related family matters. Matthew understands that people often need the assistance of family law attorneys during highly emotional or difficult times in their lives. He has the patience and knowledge to guide clients efficiently through the court process, and the skills and experience to advocate for his clients at every stage.
Matthew is active in a variety of leadership roles in the legal community. He is a two-year term appointee to the New Jersey Supreme Court District Ethics Committee and is currently serving as a Trustee of the LGBT Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Practice Areas
- Family/Matrimonial
- LGBTQ Families
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey, 2009
- United States District Court, 2009
Education
- Rutgers School of Law, J.D., 2009
Honors and Activities:
National Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Bar Association, Student Writing Competition;
Proskauer Rose Public Interest Fellow;
Marsha Wenk ACLU Fellow;
Senior Notes Editor, Rutgers Law Record;
Co-Chair, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Caucus;
Domestic Violence Advocacy Project; and
Public Interest Committee - New York University, B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication, with honors, 2003
John Tolley
Civil Lawyer
John Tolley is a former Prosecutor & Insurance Defense lawyer licensed in the States of Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New Jersey. Mr. Tolley has tried over 45 criminal and civil jury trials. He is the co-owner and a partner in JT Law Firm where he represents clients in disputes regarding residential and commercial property insurance claims and criminal defense.
Mr. Tolley attended Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2014. While in law school, Mr. Tolley was an active member of the Nova Trial Association and the Moot Court Society, representing his law school in several trials and appellate advocacy competitions nationwide. Prior to attending law school, he graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science and Double Major in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice.
Upon graduating with honors from law school, Mr. Tolley served as a prosecutor handling thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases. He tried numerous jury trials and was quickly promoted to a special unit prosecutor handling violent first-degree felonies including attempted murders.
After serving as a prosecutor, Mr. Tolley entered private practice handling large caseloads as an attorney with a Civil Litigation Insurance Defense Firm. While practicing at this firm, he represented multiple AAA-rated insurance carriers including Citizens Property, ASI, ARK Royal, Prepared, Progressive, Security First, and Weston.
Mr. Tolley continues to be actively involved in his community. Since 2014, he mentored and developed the next wave of Law graduates serving as a head coach for Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad School of Law’s mock trial program.
Education
NSU, Shepard Broad College of Law
Juris Doctor, 2014
University of Central Florida B.A. Legal Studies & Criminal Justice, 2011
Residential Property Damage Insurance Claims
Commercial Property Damage Insurance Claims
Civil Litigation
Criminal Defense
State Bar Admissions
State of Florida
State of New York
State of New Jersey
State of Pennsylvania
- State of Texas
Federal Bar Admissions
United States Eastern District of New York
United States Southern District of New York
United States Southern District of Florida
United States Middle District of Florida
United States District Court of New Jersey
Awards
Super Lawyers, Rising Star 2021, 2022
National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 2021
National Order of the Barristers Excellence in Trial Advocacy, 2014
Lawyers of Distinction Excellence in Insurance Law, 2020, 2021
Premier Lawyer of America, 2020
Premier Lawyers of America 40 Under 40, 2020
Premier Lawyers of America Top 1% of Insurance Coverage, 2020
Activities & Affiliations
National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Faculty Member
Mock Trial Head Coach, NSU Shepard Broad College of Law
New York City Bar Association Member
New York State Bar Association Member
Florida Bar Young Lawyers, General Member
Broward County Bar Association, General Member
Brooklyn Cabinet member of the Jewish National Fund
Sabra member of Jewish National Fund
Former executive board member of JNF Futures Miami
Former executive board member of Broward County Bar Association Criminal Law
Sunshine State Justice: Why You Need a Top Civil Lawyer in Florida
Florida’s vibrant beaches and theme parks may mask a complex legal landscape. If you’re facing a civil lawsuit, navigating the legal system can feel like navigating the Everglades – unfamiliar, teeming with complexities, and demanding a skilled guide. Here’s why securing a top-notch civil lawyer in Florida is crucial for protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Masters of the Sunshine State’s Legal Domain:
Florida has its own distinct set of civil laws, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier civil lawyer licensed in Florida possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances:
- Decoding Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Florida Statutes , interpreting key court rulings that may influence the case and identify the best path forward.
- Expert Legal Guidance: Their knowledge of Florida’s civil law allows them to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
2. Championing Your Cause in Florida Courts:
The best civil lawyers are your fiercest advocates:
- Skilled Representation: They will represent your interests effectively throughout the legal process, leveraging their experience and legal knowledge to develop a strong legal argument and present evidence persuasively. (FL.gov)
3. Building a Strong Case from the Ground Up:
A skilled civil lawyer in Florida takes a proactive approach:
- Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing evidence, contracts, and witness statements. This deep dive allows them to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential claims, crafting a strategic plan to maximize your chances of success.
4. Streamlining Legal Procedures and Deadlines:
Civil cases often involve a complex web of procedures:
- Meeting Deadlines and Filing Requirements: Your lawyer ensures that all necessary documents are prepared, submitted, and filed accurately and within the required deadlines, avoiding errors that could harm your case.
5. Unearthing Evidence to Strengthen Your Case:
Building a strong case requires a thorough investigation:
- Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A top civil lawyer in Florida will have access to resources and investigative tools to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and conduct a comprehensive investigation. This thoroughness can significantly strengthen your case and increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
6. Negotiation Expertise to Secure Favorable Settlements:
Many Florida civil cases are resolved outside of court:
- Skilled Negotiation: A proficient civil lawyer will possess excellent negotiation skills, allowing them to engage in productive discussions with opposing parties or their lawyers and strive to secure a favorable settlement that meets your needs while avoiding the need for a lengthy trial.
7. Courtroom Confidence and Advocacy:
When litigation is unavoidable:
- Trial-Ready Representation: If your case goes to trial, having a skilled lawyer with courtroom experience is invaluable. They will represent you in court, present your case convincingly, cross-examine witnesses, and argue skillfully on your behalf. Their courtroom expertise and knowledge of Florida’s legal system can greatly enhance your chances of success.
8. Strategic Planning and Risk Management:
- Guiding You Through the Legal Maze: A top civil lawyer will develop a comprehensive legal strategy aligned with your goals. They will assess the potential risks and rewards of different legal approaches, enabling you to make informed decisions and manage risks effectively throughout the litigation process.