Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg
Sitting in his office at 2350 South Dixie Highway, Ira Leesfield adjusts his microphone as he prepares to delve into the impactful cases, the lessons he has learned, and the ever-changing landscape of personal injury law with podcast host Chris Dreyer.
From a law enforcement witness appearing in court in casual shorts rather than in his expertly pressed uniform to the demolition of a building that potentially housed crucial evidence for one of his cases, the Founder and Managing Partner of Leesfield Shapiro has no shortage of stories and/or wisdom to share.
“You have to constantly reinvent yourself as a law firm with you lawyers … Reinvent yourself in terms of subject areas, practice areas, and also reinvent yourself seriously on the marketing side of what we do,” Mr. Leesfield said at the opening of the episode.
In terms of reinvention, Leesfield Shapiro has done just that, staying on top of trends such as the rapidly evolving cruise ship industry, marketing strategies to stay top-of-mind for out-of-state contacts, social media as an investigative tool, and using technology to continue serving injured clients and grieving families throughout Florida.
The firm, which first opened its doors in 1976, has built a reputation for zealously representing clients and obtaining record settlements and verdicts. Among these results are a $95 million jury verdict for a family who lost their daughter and whose son suffered permanent injuries due to the negligence of a drunk driver and the venues he patronized, a $40.5 million negligent security verdict recovered on behalf of a woman who was brutally attacked at a Monroe County hotel, and a $36.9 million motor vehicle accident resulting in wrongful death.
Our attorneys have provided compassionate guidance and unwavering commitment for five decades. This rich history has earned Leesfield Shapiro the trust of its clients, but sustaining this reputation is not enough without consistent client service and respect.
Reinvention
As the firm celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this month, it underwent another reinvention: a change to its name. Formerly Leesfield & Partners, the firm became Leesfield Shapiro, recognizing Partner Justin B. Shapiro’s well-deserved addition to the firm’s name.
“I cannot say enough about Justin’s participation, dedication, hard work and legal talent that have warranted this deserving change,” Mr. Leesfield said in an October press release, announcing the change. “This is certainly a celebration, especially as it marks our 50th anniversary.”
“I am passionate about the work we do, the clients we have the privilege of representing, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives,” Mr. Shapiro said. “Equally important, I am grateful for the exceptional people I work alongside and the culture we have built together.”
Mr. Shapiro began working at the firm in 2011 as a law clerk before becoming an associate attorney later that year. In 2015, he was named as a partner at the firm and has been an integral part of its success ever since.
During the podcast episode, Mr. Leesfield discussed the firm’s commitment to high-quality cases, and a willingness to pursue litigation that creates broader safety improvements. Mr. Leesfield regularly promotes safety campaigns on the firm’s digital billboard at the edge of U.S. 1, one of Miami’s most-used roadways that sees thousands of commuters each day. Among the most common reminders are notices about texting and driving, sober driving around holidays, e-bike and scooter safety, and educational posts for safe boating. The conversation also delved into the firm’s South Florida location and the role this plays in Leesfield Shapiro’s cruise ship litigation.
Cruise Ship Litigation
PortMiami has been nicknamed the “cruising capital of the world,” and the moniker is not an over-exaggeration. The passenger port saw more than 10 million cruise travelers in 2026, surpassing the more than 8.5-million-cruise-passenger-record set in 2025. Though it is widely viewed as a center for the industry with major cruise lines operating corporate offices in the city, its connection to cruise ship personal injury litigation extends beyond the busy port.
Forum-selection clauses in passenger ticket contracts require lawsuits to be filed in a designated court, which is often the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami. This paves the way for Miami-based firms such as Leesfield Shapiro to represent passengers from across the United States and internationally in their cruise ship injury cases. Leesfield Shapiro has represented countless out-of-state and international clients who have suffered injuries aboard these ships such as a Canadian woman who was attacked by a member of the ship’s crew, a New York family whose son died in a bus rash while on a shore excursion with their cruise line, and a family from the Bahamas whose child died on the ship after a faulty interior railing gave way and the girl fell to her death.
Leesfield Shapiro has faithfully represented these families throughout some of the most traumatic and unimaginable incidents that can occur at sea. Our skilled trial attorneys represent every client with the compassion, tenacity, and diligence required to achieve the best possible outcome in every case. The attention and care these cases demand begins with an exhaustive investigation, which has been increasingly supported by the use technology. Tools such as CCTV footage, social media, and online databases have become valuable investigative resources in personal injury litigation, helping attorneys uncover evidence and build stronger cases as the industry continues to evolve.
Mentorship
While technology certainly has its benefits, over-reliance on computers and their conveniences present pitfalls for young attorneys without much experience. With Zoom meetings taking place over in-person depositions and the increased use of artificial intelligence, Mr. Leesfield and other distinguished members of The Florida Bar have expressed concerns over the possible ramifications for the legal field if young attorneys do not learn the essential skills needed to effectively and confidently represent their clients in court.
“I think the primary thing that’s missing is confidence,” Mr. Leesfield said.
This lack, he explained to Mr. Dreyer in the episode, is due to young lawyers missing out on the opportunities to stand up in front of a jury and try real cases. Joining forces with Former Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis about a year ago, Mr. Leesfield developed a trial advocacy series to give these attorneys the chance to hear from experts in their field, ask questions, and make connections as a way to bridge this gap in their legal education.
Sadly, Justice Lewis passed away at the conclusion of the program’s “first semester.” When the program returned earlier this month, a dedication ceremony was held for him with his family in attendance via Zoom, marking the beginning of the Justice R. Fred Lewis Courtroom Series.
“And then you get unsolicited feedback, Chris, which is the best,” Mr. quipped. “Like a young lawyer said, you know, this was free. I got three CLE credits, and I learned more than I learned in two or three years at my big firm where I never got to take a deposition and I never got to step in court.”
The Justice R. Fred Lewis Courtroom Series is open to attorneys of all experience levels and is being offered at no cost to attendees. Previous sessions are now available on YouTube. For more information or to register for an upcoming session, contact Carmen Marrero at Marrero@Leesfield.com or Sofia Sanchez at Sanchez@Leesfield.com.
Personal Injury mastermind with Chris Dreyer’s latest episode, “How Ira Leesfield Built a 50-Year PI Legacy Through Constant Reinvention” is available to watch now on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
