Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg
Leesfield Shapiro, the longest-serving personal injury law firm in Coconut Grove, will commemorate five decades of service to clients by giving back to various community organizations.
“As we celebrate 50 years in the community, there is no better way to mark this milestone than by giving back to the people, organizations, and places that have helped shape our journey,” said Ira Leesfield, the firm’s Founder and Managing Partner.
With a $50,000 donation to Friends of The Underline, a nonprofit aiming to transform the previously unused 11-mile stretch of land underneath Miami’s Metrorail, and the continuation of a legal education series, Leesfield Shapiro is investing in the future of the South Florida community. This amount will be supplementing a previous contribution of $250,000 to the organization.
“Our commitment has always extended beyond the courtroom — it is about making a lasting difference for the generations that follow,” Mr. Leesfield said.
The donation to The Underline will be used to expand the Leesfield Family Garden, a portion of the pathway that sits directly across the street from the firm’s Miami office on U.S. 1, and to expand on the art that is already in place. Estrella de Luz, a bronze masterpiece by renowned Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry, serves as the garden’s centerpiece, drawing visitors from across the community and encouraging them to pause for a break along the peaceful corridor.
“Every global city identifies with a world-class park and The Underline is ours,” Mr. Leesfield said. “It’s an honor to help bring this vision to life.”
Mr. Leesfield has been a member of the Friends of The Underline’s Board of Directors since March 15, 2023.
Partner Justin B. Shapiro
Formerly known as Leesfield & Partners, the nationally recognized personal injury law firm has added Justin B. Shapiro to its name, becoming Leesfield Shapiro.
“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.
“I cannot say enough about Justin’s participation, dedication, hard work and legal talent that have warranted this deserving change,” Mr. Leesfield said. “This is certainly a celebration, especially as it marks our 50th anniversary.”
‘Huge Heart, Empathy, and Understanding’
Celebrating these milestones coincides with the highly anticipated relaunch of the Classroom to Courtroom series, now renamed in honor of the late Justice R. Fred Lewis. The first session was held on Thursday, Oct. 15, and was attended by attorneys and law students throughout the state both in person and via Zoom.
For years, Mr. Leesfield and Justice Lewis maintained a close friendship and professional relationship. Justice Lewis developed the Courtroom Trial Advocacy Series alongside Mr. Leesfield and was an active Curriculum and Course Advisor for the series.
The Justice R. Fred Lewis Courtroom Series Session VI “The Art of Cross-Examination” took place on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in honor of Justice Lewis.
“Fred Lewis was and is a remarkable person,” Mr. Leesfield said during a dedication ceremony for Justice Lewis on Oct. 15. “His life story is one of heroism and courage.”
Anyone wishing to attend future sessions of the Justice R. Fred Lewis Courtroom Series virtually or in person may contact Carmen Marrero at Marrero@Leesfield.com or Sofia Sanchez at Sanchez@Leesfield.com.
The celebrated Classroom to Courtroom series was developed by Ira H. Leesfield and Justice R. Fred Lewis before his passing. In October 2026, the series was relaunched as the Justice R. Fred Lewis Courtroom Series in his honor.
