Summerland Key Maritime Lawyers

Jason Turchin, Esq. is an Attorney, Author, Media Correspondent, Producer and Entrepreneur who has handled more than 6,500 Personal Injury, Accident, Product Liability, Life Insurance, and Wrongful Death Claims. Jason has appeared throughout the national and international news on various legal topics, including car accidents, wrongful death, product liability, Takata airbag shrapnel claims, exploding pressure cooker claims, life insurance, personal injury and more. Several major media outlets have turned to Jason for legal opinions or stories on his cases, including CBS Evening News, Wall Street Journal, Miami Herald, Bloomberg News, CBS Miami, Orlando Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, Telemundo, The New...

Leland Eric Garvin, a Florida native and second generation trial attorney, began his legal career working as a Prosecutor. While at the State Attorney’s office, he gained invaluable trial experience representing the State of Florida in countless jury trials at both the misdemeanor and felony levels. Prior to taking the job with the State, and throughout law school; Mr. Garvin worked for personal injury law firms in South Florida. When he wasn’t handling injury and auto accident cases; he made time for the Moot Court Honor Society. It was during his time with Moot Court that he developed a love...

Justin B. Shapiro is a partner at Leesfield & Partners, a renowned personal injury law firm located in Miami, Florida. Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami School of Law, Mr. Shapiro joined the firm and immediately focused his practice on catastrophic injury cases and wrongful death cases. Upon being named Partner, Justin Shapiro obtained a record verdict of $36,960,000.00 in a wrongful death.

Mr. Margulies is board certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Admiralty and Maritime Law. To achieve this status, Mr. Margulies had to demonstrate a substantial background in handling maritime cases and maritime law continuing legal education. In addition, Mr. Margulies was rigorously evaluated by the board as to character, ethics, and reputation for professionalism and was required to pass a written examination on all areas of admiralty and maritime law.

Charles R. Lipcon has represented victims of cruise ship personal injury and cruise line sexual assault and claims for more than 50 years. His firm, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., has successfully handled more than 3,000 cases and recovered well over $500 million on behalf of their clients. Mr. Lipcon was named "Lawyer of the Year" in Admiralty & Maritime by US News & World Report (Miami) in 2020 and his firm is named to "Best Law Firms" by US News & World Report. Mr. Lipcon and his firm can assist with the following types of accidents and injuries: - Cruise...

Michael A. Winkleman is one of the nation’s top maritime lawyers. An active trial and appellate attorney, Mr. Winkleman is also a frequent contributing expert on maritime and cruise ship law. He has made more than 100 national television appearances regarding cruise ship law, including The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, 20/20, Inside Edition, OutFront with Erin Burnett, Fox News Channel’s ‘American’s Newsroom,’ ‘Fox & Friends,’ ‘America Live,’ ‘Happening Now,’ ‘Justice with Judge Jeanine’; and ‘Imus in the Morning.’ Mr. Winkleman has received numerous honors and accolades in recognition of his contributions to the field of maritime law

Brett Rivkind is a world renowned Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer. He has decades of experience handling maritime and admiralty cases. Mr. Rivkind represents individuals and families who have been the victims of accidents and crimes onboard all types of boats and ships, including incidents occurring aboard cruise ships. Well recognized for his dedication and excellence, Attorney Rivkind has testified before the United States Congress as a maritime expert, and has appeared on numerous television show including Larry King Live, MSNBC, Good Morning America, The Today Show, 20/20, Court T.V., Nancy Grace, Scarborough, Rita Cosby Show, The Early Show, Geraldo at...

I worked for the insurance companies for 10 years before becoming a trial lawyer for the past 37 years. While working for the insurance companies I learned how insurance companies operate and gained valuable inside information. I have concentrated my practice in the area of personal injury including automobile accidents, premises liability, in adequate security, brain damage, and a variety of other types of cases. I am bilingual in English and Spanish.

I pride myself on the personal service we give to every client. I provide my cell phone number for 24/7 access to me personally. I...

ROBERT L. GARDANA is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.A. 1975) . He obtained his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University of San Antonio Law School in 1979. He is admitted to the Florida Bar, the Supreme Court of the United States, the Fifth and Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, United States District Court, Southern, Middle and Northern District of Florida. He is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, Southeast Admiralty Law Institute, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, American Bar Association, Florida Bar Admiralty Law Committee. His practice...

Raul G. Delgado II is personal injury attorney who is a lifelong resident of Miami, Florida. Mr. Delgado’s practice focuses exclusively on the representation of injured passengers and crew members who were hurt on cruise ships around the world, in addition to those who are the victims of catastrophic injury or wrongful death involving auto, truck, motor vehicle accidents, recreational boating, negligent security, premises liability, and victims of crime. He is a member of the Florida Bar’s Admiralty Law Committee which is responsible for studying developments in this niche area of the law and informing members of the Bar of...

Maria Isabel Amaro was born in Colombia, South America in 1970. Ms. Amaro relocated to Miami, FL in 1985 and has lived in Miami for the last 24 years.

Ms. Amaro graduated from Nova Southeastern University with her Bachelors in Business Administration and a minor in Professional Management in 2005. Ms. Amaro attended Saint Thomas University School of Law receiving her Juris Doctor in 2008.

She was also a certified legal intern for Legal Aid of Greater Miami in the Family Law department for two semesters.

Upon being admitted to the Florida Bar in 2008, Ms. Amaro joined the law firm of Friedman,...

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

Daniel Grammes is a litigation attorney, handling passengers’ personal injury claims, crewmember claims, wrongful death claims, product liability claims, as well as non-maritime personal injury claims. He is dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring that every client is treated like a valued member of the firm’s family. Daniel graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Thomas University School of Law with his Juris Doctorate degree. He graduated in the top 5% of his class. While in law school he obtained Dean’s List Awards for every semester. In addition, he received the CALI Award for Excellence for his performance and mastery of...

Eliana Aklepi is a litigation attorney handling passenger personal injury, sexual assault, and crewmember cases. Eliana prioritizes working closely with clients, ensuring their stories are heard. Eliana’s undergraduate degree from Drexel University allowed her to work with artists, helping them avoid exploitative contracts. This work sparked her desire to fight corporations with abusive labor practices. Eliana received her law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. In law school, she focused her studies on international law and labor. Her interest in maritime law stems from her work in Cardozo Law School’s Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic, the only...

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

Geoffrey Probst is a new and prized addition to Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. While only recently joining LM&W, attorney Probst brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm, having specialized in admiralty and maritime law for over 17 years. Attorney Probst has extensive experience in representing both plaintiffs and defendants in legal actions involving injured or deceased passengers and crew members in cruise ship accidents. In his earlier career, he was the senior in-house litigator for a major cruise line. Having worked on both sides of these claims gives attorney Probst a unique advantage when representing accident...

Elizabeth Irazabal is a litigation attorney handling cruise ship passenger personal injury claims and crewmember claims as well as non-maritime personal injury claims. She is dedicated to providing exceptional service and representation to the firm’s clients throughout all stages of the litigation process. “When clients call for our help, they seek answers and guidance. My driving passion is to be the voice for our clients to help them feel whole again.” Elizabeth was born and raised in Miami, Florida and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies. While completing her...

Alex Perez is an active litigator licensed to practice law in all Florida Federal and State Courts, including Appellate Courts. Mr. Perez also routinely handles International Arbitrations pending in countries all over the world. Mr. Perez has secured millions of dollars for his clients. Mr. Perez primarily represents passengers injured on cruise ships, crewmembers injured on cruise ships, cargo vessels, oil tankers and other commercial sea going vessels, and handles a variety of recreational marine cases involving yachts, pleasure boats and jet skis. Before starting his practice, Mr. Perez attended Tulane University Law School where he pursued a course of study in...

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

Nicolas Lipcon is a litigation attorney specializing in maritime personal injury cases, dedicated to advocating for individuals impacted by serious injuries at sea. Nicolas represents both passengers and crew members injured on cruise ships, pleasure boats, and commercial vessels, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights defended. He completed his legal education at Vanderbilt Law School, where he sharpened his litigation skills, focusing on trial preparation, discovery, depositions, and strategic case analysis. His legal experience, shaped by intensive law school training and summer associate positions, equipped him with a strong foundation in case strategy, client counseling, and meticulous pre-trial preparation—all...

Ashley E. Wentz is a litigation attorney handling passenger personal injury and crewmember cases. Ashley received her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. After graduating law school, Ashley practiced in the areas of family law and personal injury. Ashley handled numerous trials while practicing family law in Maryland ranging from custody, visitation, and child support disputes. After moving to Georgia, Ashley practiced in the field of personal injury, successfully resolving numerous personal injury cases. Upon relocating to Miami, Ashley found an interest in practicing Maritime law and has been practicing in this field for the past two...

Ryan is an experienced trial attorney who has practiced extensively in Washington State’s Federal and State Courts. Ryan has successfully tried more than 130 civil cases in Washington superior courts. Prior to joining Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., Ryan was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington. As an Assistant Attorney General, Ryan represented Washington’s hospitals and Washington’s Special Commitment Center. As an Assistant Attorney General, Ryan worked extensively with victims of violent crime as well as with Washington’s medical and mental health workers. Ryan is also a veteran with the United States armed forces. Prior to becoming a lawyer,...

Kevin Niser earned his undergraduate degree from Florida International University in Miami, Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Minor in International Relations. He attended law school at St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, FL. While in law school, Kevin earned the St. Thomas University School of Law Pro Bono Commendation and received a Cali award recipient for Admiralty Law and Seminar: Selected Topics in Criminal law and Criminal Procedure. Kevin made the dean list for three semesters. After graduating from law school, Kevin has practiced in state courts throughout Florida specializing in First...

Spencer Aronfeld, is a board-certified civil trial lawyer who has earned international recognition as being a “lawyer for the people.” Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Aronfeld graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 1991. Upon graduation, he founded his own firm, Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, based in Coral Gables, Florida.

He has dedicated his life to representing individuals against corporate giants, such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America Cruise Lines, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Target, Publix, Walmart, Mt....

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...

Mitchell J. Panter is Board Certified as a Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Bar and National Board of Trial Advocacy, primarily practicing in the areas of Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Product Liability, Sexual Assault, Food Contamination and Premises Liability Cases. Mitchell Panter is also Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Advocacy since 1996. At the age of 31, Mitchell Panter argued the case of American Aerial Lift v. Jose Perez in the Florida Supreme Court addressing the issue of Strict Liability and Product Liability. This precedent setting case involved the award of a...

Jack Hickey is the lead trial attorney at Hickey Law Firm, P.A. For the first 17 years of his practice he represented Cruise lines and insurance companies. For the last 17 years, he has been trying personal injury and wrongful death cases in the areas of cruise ship accidents, sexual assault and rapes on cruise ships, admiralty and maritime, medical malpractice, premises liability including inadequate security, car, truck and bus crashes, product liability, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic, life changing injuries. Hickey is Board Certified in 2 areas, Civil...

Brett Steinberg began his career as an Assistant Public Defender at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, where he provided legal representation to those accused of committing criminal offenses ranging from juvenile offenses and misdemeanors to serious felony crimes. While working at the Public Defender’s Office, Mr. Steinberg handled hundreds of criminal matters and tried over 25 cases to verdict. Most notably, at the end of his tenure as an Assistant Public Defender, Mr. Steinberg successfully argued a motion to suppress physical evidence, several pounds of marijuana, and years later that decision was upheld by the United States Supreme Court. ...

Florida Injury Attorney who has recovered millions of dollars for his clients. Call for a free consultation: 833-444-2326. Adam Rieth is a litigation trial attorney with the Barnes Trial Group. While at Barnes Trial Group, Adam has obtained the following verdicts at trial for injured clients: $3,425,000 (Motorcycle crash - Pasco County, Florida); $596,900 (When attorneys fees were awarded - ultimate recovery: $1,024,498.87) (Motorcycle Crash - Hillsborough County, Florida); $583,112.37 (Motorcycle Crash - Pinellas County, Florida). Adam Rieth has also settled many cases for millions of dollars, including: $1,504,634 (Car Crash); $1,100,000 (Car Crash); $1,000,000 (Motorcycle Crash); $2,300,000.00 (Premises Liability); $1,100,000...

Philip M. Gerson is a board certified civil trial lawyer who has practiced law in Miami, Florida for more than 40 years. He is a cum laude graduate of the University of Miami Law School, where he was a member of the editorial board of the Law Review, a Moot Court winner and student instructor in legal research and writing. Mr. Gerson is admitted to practice in all Florida Courts, the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Claims, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States District Court for...

Nicholas I. Gerson is a personal injury attorney whose practice consists of representing plaintiffs in serious, catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Mr. Gerson focuses on auto, truck, and motor vehicle accidents, cruise ship accidents, maritime and marine related injuries, negligent security, premises liability, victims of crime, and other complex litigation.

Mr. Gerson is known within the legal community for his hard work, dedication and providing zealous legal representation. He has secured over 25 million dollars in jury verdicts and personal injury settlements in his first 13 years of practice. Some of Mr. Gerson's highlights include a $1.7 million dollar jury...

Wilnar Julmiste is a highly experienced Personal Injury and Maritime Law Attorney representing clients throughout the state of Florida. She is an experienced litigator and tough negotiator. She has been passionately representing personal injury clients since 2008. Prior to opening Julmiste Legal, Wilnar spent many years representing large companies that were defending themselves from claims. During that time, Wilnar gained valuable insight into the world of defense litigation strategy and understands what motivates insurance companies and large corporations to properly resolve claims. In addition to personal injury, Wilnar also concentrates her practice on maritime law, the body of law governing the...

John M. Frazier, Jr. is a partner at Widerman Malek, PL that focuses on delivering a full range of litigation in both state and federal courts; including the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States as well as acting in advisory capacities for businesses and corporations reviewing contracts, documents, and providing legal feedback to aid and assist decision-makers. His area of practice includes corporate litigation and transactions, complex commercial litigation, real estate litigation and transactions, business representation, and maritime law. John has been a keynote speaker educating the public on the...