About Us

Our History

Podhurst lawyers in conference room

Podhurst Orseck was founded in 1967 by determined young lawyers Aaron Podhurst and Robert Orseck as a litigation and appellate law practice. Quickly recognized by fellow practitioners and jurists for their skillful and relentless pursuit of client justice, the firm’s trial and appellate attorneys have earned a global reputation for its tort litigation involving aviation, complex commercial and class action, white collar defense, and personal injury.

Throughout its history, the name Podhurst Orseck has been associated with cases that have captured global attention. From the 1972 crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 in the Florida Everglades, to the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, to tragedies associated with the Boeing 737 Max 8, to the ongoing issues of NFL player concussions and CTE, Podhurst Orseck has grown from aviation litigation pioneer to the premier firm of its kind globally.

The Miami-based, boutique law firm has prevailed against rivals many times its size by providing each client dogged, competent service unmatched in any legal setting.

Several dimensions differentiate Podhurst Orseck. While other firms grow larger, Podhurst Orseck has remained deliberately boutique. Extremely selective in hiring, each new attorney is chosen for outstanding intellect and character traits that strengthen a deep bench amid a congenial atmosphere and a collaborative approach to the most complex cases.

Subject expertise and functional skills ensure sufficient talent to handle any assignment at the highest level. Empowered by significant investments in the latest in litigation technology, we’re lean, nimble, and efficient. Highly selective in cases selected, we take calculated risks and try cases to verdict.

Community Involvement

The attorneys and staff of Podhurst Orseck are staunch advocates for each client. But we are community citizens first. Our shared sense of civic and professional pride drives us to active involvement in many cultural, civic, religious, philanthropic, and professional service organizations. We see it as our commitment to our neighbors, peers, and those served by our profession.

In the community, founder Aaron Podhurst and wife Dorothy are long-time supporters of the Pérez Art Museum Miami, whose board Aaron chairs.

Our support of professional organizations helps ensure the next generation of capable and engaged attorneys. Podhurst Orseck attorneys are founding sponsors of, and presenters at, the Miami Law Class Action & Complex Litigation Forum, a day-long discussion by national judges, MDL panelists, practitioners, and scholars on multi-district class actions and mass tort litigation.

We work with Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., and hold or have held senior positions with such organizations as the South Florida Chapter of the American Constitution Society and the Florida Justice Association, which fights for the civil justice system and the protection of the rights of Florida's citizens.

The firm created and funds the Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition hosted by the Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division. The competition is named for firm founder “Bobby” Orseck, who drowned while traveling in Israel in 1978.

Our community reputation helps the firm brand resonate with younger attorneys as both an exceptional law firm and a cause-related company engaged in community and issue advocacy.

Giving back reflects our dedication to improving South Florida. This is our home. The work we do and the organizations we serve elevate the quality of life for ourselves, our families, and those around us.

Podhurst community events
Podhurst Team

Award-Winning Legal Team

Fifty years of legal precedents, important verdicts, and significant damage awards have won Podhurst Orseck high praise from peers, jurists, even adversaries across the legal industry.

Firm and attorneys individually and collectively also have earned scores of awards, rankings, and indoctrinations from media, industry, academia, and the community in which they live and work.

Awards and recognition have come from such respected organizations as the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, National Law Journal, Chambers USA, the Daily Business Review, Chambers & Partners, the University of Miami School of Law.

The legal team has been lauded for its work in highly complex trial and appellate litigation in domestic and international venues, and the aviation, complex commercial litigation and class action, white collar defense, appellate, and personal injury cases handled.

Consistently ranked as “The Best Lawyers in America,” attorneys have been commended for outcomes that draw on subject-matter expertise, proven functional skills, and unparalleled professionalism that produces client-focused outcomes.

Beyond awards, praise, plaudits, the firm’s greatest accomplishment comes from delivering the highest caliber service that benefits those who matter most: our clients.

Top ten ranked lawfirm 2014
Top ten ranked lawfirm 2015
litigation department of the year
Best lawyers 2020
Top ranked chmabers USA
Peer review
Super Lawyers award

News & Insights

Image for Our heartfelt thoughts are with the members of our community affected by the Surfside tragedy
Our heartfelt thoughts are with the members of our community affected by the Surfside tragedy
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Image for Daily Business Review: Litigation boutique with focus on class actions, MDLs, aviation
Daily Business Review: Litigation boutique with focus on class actions, MDLs, aviation
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Image for Bloomberg: Boeing sued over Ethiopia crash as plane orders in Asia waver
Bloomberg: Boeing sued over Ethiopia crash as plane orders in Asia waver
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