"Key West High School"

Published on: August 8, 2025

This Florida Keys Location Named in Top Seven Coastal Towns in U.S. What to Know.

Key West, where Leesfield & Partners has one of three Florida offices, was named as one of the top seven charming U.S. Coastal towns this week by USA Today.

It’s no wonder why the quaint area, known for its combination of Floridian and Caribbean cuisine, history and scenic beaches, was named alongside iconic locations such as Cape Cod and Shelter Island. For years, Key West has been a hub, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world. In nearly five decades of personal injury practice, Leesfield & Partners has become a figure in the area, known not just for record results for injured clients and grieving families, but also for philanthropic endeavors. Most recently, the firm launched its first-ever Dexter Butler Scholarship at Key West High School to honor the life and legacy of the beloved teacher and coach, Dexter Butler. That scholarship was given to senior Dylan Martinez in May at the school’s Class Night and was presented by Ira Leesfield, the firm’s Founder and Managing Partner, and Partner Justin B. Shapiro.

“I have known the Butler family for my entire 45 years working in Key West,” Mr. Leesfield said of the award. “There is no finer family in the community who has done more for high school athletic programs. Dexter Butler was a true role model.”

Published on: July 28, 2025

Florida Keys Charter Captain Faces Criminal Charges After Duo Accuses him of Attempting to Capsize them. What Happened?

By Leesfield & Partners

A fishing charter captain and his mate on the boat were accused of attempting to capsize a father and son on a kayak and now face criminal charges, according to local media.

James Christian Gagliardini, 52, of Marathon, Florida, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, reckless operation of a vessel and intentional harassing of a fisherman.

Gagliardini’s mate and crew member on the boat, 34-year-old Eric Robert Wink, of Marathon, Florida, faces a misdemeanor battery charge.

Published on: December 19, 2024

Leesfield & Partners Pledges Support to Key West Athletic Programs, food banks and more this holiday season. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

Leesfield & Partners Pledges Support to Key West Athletic Programs, food banks and more this holiday season. What to Know.

Leesfield & Partners is one of the leading personal injury law firms in the Florida Keys with an office on historic Whitehead Street since the 1980s where it has served clients in landmark cases. Founded and managed by Ira Leesfield, who tried his first case in Monroe County in 1973, the firm has built a legacy rooted in strong community ties and a rich history. Over the years, Mr. Leesfield has forged deep connections in the area – serving clients such as Jimmy Buffet and the late, former NFL player Christopher Dyko – making the firm a trusted name in personal injury litigation. The firm’s Key West office was honored by the Florida Bar Association with its “Historic Building Renovation” award.

In addition to historic and record settlements and verdicts achieved on behalf of injured clients and their families, Leesfield & Partners has also had a positive impact on the community, regularly contributing to charities working to foster change in areas where it is most needed within the county.

Published on: June 17, 2024

Leesfield & Partners to launch a college scholarship in honor of a beloved Key West High School teacher

By Leesfield & Partners

Dexter Butler, 38, was a pillar of his community in Key West, positively impacting the lives of his high school students, the young men on his basketball team and all who knew him.

With a planned athletic scholarship to be awarded in his name, Butler will be afforded the opportunity to continue doing just that for his students.

“Coach Dex” and Butler’s Legacy