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Published on: February 27, 2017

2016 – In review / 2017 – Off to a good start!

-Cases Resolved in Key West and Monroe County on a rapid increase.

In our 40-year practice in Key West and Monroe County, we have seen the trend for serious and unnecessary injuries and deaths increase for a number of reasons. First, the number of visitors from the United States and abroad to Key West/Monroe County has now topped three million per year. Moreover, poorly maintained streets, bicycle and moped activities and heavy selling of water sports have contributed greatly to this trend. Key West is now much more than visiting the Ernest Hemingway House or the Truman Little White House. We now see cases where children’s hands have been attacked by sharks in the tank, serious boating and jet ski accidents. Inexperienced excursion guides with a lack of supervision are major culprits in this recent increase. All along Duval Street, local vendors are selling snorkeling trips, diving tours, parasailing tours, boating, jet ski, bicycle and moped rentals. After the purchase, the unknowing, entrapped, unsuspicious visitor is then poorly supervised or instructed. There are no directions on how to use land based or aquatic equipment. Representative results from this category of neglect includes:

∙ Family involved in a jet ski/boat collision awarded $1 million.

Published on: September 30, 2015

Justin Shapiro made Partner at Leesfield & Partners

By Leesfield & Partners

Leesfield & Partners, a leading Miami-based personal injury law firm recently announced Justin B. Shapiro is being named partner. He joined the firm in 2011 and will help lead the firm’s Recreational and Resort Litigation Section.

“As we enter our 40th year in practice this October, Justin’s promotion is a clear indicator of our continued growth,” said Managing Partner Ira Leesfield.

justin shapiro.jpg Justin received his juris doctor degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law, graduating at the top of his class, and was inducted to the Order of the Coif. He holds a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from the University of Central Florida. Since graduation, Justin has actively litigated hundreds of cases for the firm’s statewide practice, obtaining outstanding results in complex personal injury matters.

His verdicts and settlements for severely injured clients have been recognized by leading Florida journals and organizations. He will continue to focus his practice in the areas of personal injury/wrongful death, premises liability, auto and motor vehicle accidents, and complex personal injury cases.

He is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the Florida Justice Association, an organization dedicated to protect the rights of Florida citizens, the Dade County Bar Association and the Coral Gables Bar Association.

Justin is married to Karina Smuclovisky, who is also a practicing attorney. They reside in Coral Gables, Florida.
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Published on: October 20, 2014

Ira H. Leesfield interviewed by LawDragon (Excerpts)

By Leesfield & Partners

Ira H. Leesfield, Senior Managing and Founding Partner of Leesfield & Partners, recently sat down for an interview with the people at LawDragon. LawDragon is a legal media company that provides legal news, and features some of the nation’s leading lawyers in its Lawyer Limelight section. Below is an excerpt of Ira Leesfield’s interview:

“What advice would you give attorneys wanting to go out on their own?

Ira Leesfield: If you are willing to make the sacrifice, work the hours and appreciate the responsibility of having your own firm – then go for it! If you are a builder, a motivator and want to be a leader in your community and beyond, the best vehicle is to get out on your own and do it. Don’t be hesitant, and be sure you have a strong support system for when times get tough. Last but not least, be sure to surround yourself with high quality professionals, it always helps to have someone to turn to for advice along the way.”