Each year, Florida Trend publishes the Legal Elite, a set of lists recognizing some of the most respected attorneys in the state. We’re thrilled to announce that Attorneys and Stephen Cain and Michael Levine have been included in the 2021 edition of the Legal Elite.
Both attorneys are receiving this honor because of the leadership they’ve exhibited in the legal community. Stephen was included on the “Florida’s Legal Leaders” list for his work helping plaintiffs during personal injury matters. Michael was included on “Up & Comers,” a list that includes the top practicing attorneys in the state under 40.
Stephen Cain Recognized as a Legal Leader
Stephen Cain has devoted his career to helping clients with serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. It is this advocacy for his clients that has led to his inclusion on the Legal Elite “Legal Leaders” list for 2021. For the last 21 years, he’s earned a reputation for securing notable results in cases involving medical malpractice, birth injury, defective products, motor vehicle accidents, and other instances of negligence.
Stephen has become a go-to lawyer for birth-related injury and death cases, representing clients throughout Florida and beyond, including West Virginia and Georgia.
Over the years, Stephen has been a fierce advocate for those suffering from the wrongs of others, both inside and outside of the courtroom. In addition to his significant results for clients, Stephen has been involved with several legal organizations, including the Florida Justice Association, where he currently serves as treasurer. He is frequently called upon to testify before the Florida legislature regarding our civil justice system and advocating for the legal rights of plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Michael Levine’s Recognition from Florida Trend
Michael’s inclusion on the “Up & Comers” list places him alongside many of Florida’s most accomplished young attorneys for the second consecutive year. Besides being a dedicated advocate to his clients, Michael sets an example in the legal community by serving on the Florida Bar Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee. He also holds seats as an elected member of the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors and the Board of Directors for the Dade County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Selection.
Besides his work within the legal community, this award also recognizes Michael’s fierce dedication to helping both his clients and anyone at risk of suffering from preventable accidents. He worked with Attorney David Bianchi to craft Andrew’s Law, an anti-hazing law that encourages witnesses to call for help after someone has been seriously hurt during hazing.
The statute is named after Andrew Coffey, a student killed during brutal hazing practices at Florida State University. Andrew’s death was preventable had onlookers not been afraid of calling for help. Andrew’s Law is designed to make sure other students don’t suffer the same preventable and tragic fate.
In addition to his advocacy for hazing victims, Michael represents clients in cases involving medical malpractice, products liability, and premises liability throughout Florida.
What Is Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite™?
When Florida Trend releases its annual list of top attorneys, only 1.4% of the state’s practicing lawyers are included. Lawyers are divided according to their practice area. Any attorneys under 40 are included on the “Up & Comers” list. Selections to the list are made during a voting process that’s only open to members of the Florida Bar. First, practicing lawyers are asked to nominate colleagues that they respect. Then, votes are counted by an independent agency. Florida Trend then vets attorneys with the most votes to verify their accomplishments.
The work of Stephen and Michael proves their dedication to clients and their focus on making sure that other people don’t suffer in the same ways they have. They’ve earned their inclusion on the Legal Elite list, and we’re excited to see how Stephen and Michael will continue to use their legal skills to help others.