San Francisco, July 21, 2025 – At the recent American Association for Justice (AAJ) Annual Convention in San Francisco, Podhurst Orseck partners Lea P. Bucciero and Ricardo M. Martinez‑Cid were recognized as recipients of the Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award for their pivotal roles as part of the court‑appointed plaintiffs’ counsel following the Champlain Towers South condominium collapse of 2021.
The Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award recognizes plaintiffs and the attorneys of plaintiffs whose cases help tell the story of the American civil justice system.
“No one in our profession ever hopes to work on a case born from such deep and needless tragedy, but when we are called to serve in moments like this, to represent those affected by unimaginable loss, the duty could not be more urgent or sacred. And the calling changes the fabric of who we are. It is the calling that should define our profession,” said Lea Bucciero.
The tragic condominium collapse killed 98 people. It was one of the deadliest structural engineering failures in history.
The team’s collective legal advocacy not only pursued justice for survivors but also helped accelerate significant legislative reforms in Florida. New safety laws now mandate structural inspections for residential buildings 30 years or older—or 25 years if within three miles of the coast—followed by inspections every ten years and timely repairs when deterioration is detected.
“Our work uncovered what was believed to be impossible, and we reached a nearly $1.2 billion settlement in less than a year with over 3 dozen defendants, complex technical evidence, and responsibility to hundreds of victims and survivors,” said Bucciero.
Podhurst Orseck’s Bucciero accepted the award on behalf of the court-appointed plaintiffs’ counsel and dedicated it to the 98 souls lost and to all those who loved them.
“We accept this award not as an endpoint, but as a call forward. As a reminder of what our profession can and should be. In a world where cynicism about the law is easy, and where plaintiffs’ lawyers are too often seen negatively, this case was a testament to what happens when we lead with integrity, empathy, and dedication,” said Bucciero.
