MIAMI – Rubenstein Law is proud to announce the appointment of seven attorneys to its partnership, demonstrating the firm’s growth and the advancement of its accomplished legal team. 

The new partners are Evan Abel, Edismary Brito, Ramon Castillo, Kevin Donovan, Carlos Jordi, Dayna Nilsen, and Samantha Reid.

“This is a significant milestone that reflects not only their outstanding legal talent but also their strong leadership within our teams and their deep commitment to the Firm’s culture and future growth.” said Robert Rubenstein, founder of Rubenstein Law.

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases. 

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
Rubenstein Law 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com

MIAMI – The National Trial Lawyers proudly announces the selection of Sofia Jordi, trial attorney at Rubenstein Law, to the NTL – Civil Plaintiff – Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers in Florida. 

This prestigious honor is awarded to a select group of attorneys under the age of 40 who demonstrate superior qualifications, exemplary trial results, and exceptional leadership in civil plaintiff law. Membership in the Top 40 Under 40 recognizes young legal professionals for their accomplishments and provides access to a national network of peers, continuing education, and professional development opportunities. 

About Sofia Jordi 
Sofia Jordi is a dedicated trial attorney at Rubenstein Law who passionately advocates for clients affected by negligence and injustice. Known for building strong relationships and truly listening to her clients, Sofia combines meticulous preparation with tenacious courtroom advocacy. In a short time, she has emerged as a rising leader in personal injury litigation, and her selection to the NTL Top 40 Under 40 reflects her skill, commitment, and drive to achieve justice. 

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases.

About The National Trial Lawyers 
The National Trial Lawyers is an invitation-only professional organization composed of the Top 100 trial lawyers from each state and the Top 40 Under 40 rising stars. It is dedicated to promoting excellence in the legal profession through networking, advocacy training, and continuing education.

Media Contact 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer
305-807-1417 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com 

MIAMI – The National Trial Lawyers proudly announces the selection of Bonnie Navin of Rubenstein Law as a member of the Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers Association – Top 25, an honor reserved for the most qualified attorneys in this practice area. 

This prestigious distinction recognizes Bonnie among an elite group of attorneys across the country chosen for membership in The Specialty Associations of The National Trial Lawyers. These associations spotlight top trial lawyers in particular practice areas, offering a platform for professional growth, advocacy training, and knowledge-sharing nationwide. 

About Bonnie Navin 
Bonnie Navin is a highly skilled board-certified civil trial attorney and partner at Rubenstein Law who focuses her practice on complex medical malpractice cases. She is known for her meticulous preparation, strong courtroom presence, and unwavering commitment to justice for clients impacted by medical negligence. Bonnie’s selection to the Top 25 underscores her outstanding results and dedication to advancing excellence in the medical malpractice field. 

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases.

About The National Trial Lawyers 
The National Trial Lawyers is an invitation-only professional organization composed of the top trial lawyers from across the country. Through its Top 100 and Specialty Associations, the NTL promotes excellence in the legal profession by providing continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy training.

Media Contact 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer
305-807-1417 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com 

MIAMI – The National Trial Lawyers proudly announces the selection of Rubenstein Law CEO Nicole Armstrong and attorney Evan Abel as members of the NTL – Civil Plaintiff – Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the state of Florida. 

The Top 100 distinction is bestowed upon a select group of attorneys who exhibit superior qualifications, exemplary trial results, and exceptional leadership in the realms of criminal defense and/or civil plaintiff law. Membership in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 not only recognizes these legal professionals for their achievements but also offers invaluable legal news, information, and continuing education resources to trial lawyers nationwide. 

About Nicole Armstrong 
Nicole Armstrong serves as CEO and Partner at Rubenstein Law. She has played a pivotal role in guiding the firm’s growth and success. Under her leadership, Rubenstein Law has expanded its footprint across multiple states and strengthened its standing as a premier personal injury practice. Nicole’s vision emphasizes not only outstanding legal results but also a collaborative work environment that empowers attorneys and staff to provide the highest quality service. 

About Evan Abel 
Evan Abel is a dedicated board-certified civil trial attorney at Rubenstein Law who focuses on fighting for the rights of injury victims across multiple states. Known for his tireless preparation and strong advocacy in the courtroom, Evan has successfully represented clients in a wide range of personal injury matters. Evan’s commitment to client service and his pursuit of justice have earned him recognition as one of Florida’s top trial lawyers. 

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases.

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Rubenstein Law is proud to announce that several of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 editions of Best Lawyers® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®, prestigious peer-reviewed honors that highlight the top legal talent nationwide. 

This year, Bonnie Navin earned the distinction of being named the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in Fort Lauderdale, an honor awarded to only one lawyer in each practice area and region. In addition, she was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. 

Catherine C. Darlson, who was previously honored in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch from 2021-2025, has now been recognized on the prestigious Best Lawyers list for 2026. She was recognized for her outstanding work in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs. 

Peter R. Hunt also received recognition in Best Lawyers for his excellence in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. 

In addition, two Rubenstein Law attorneys were named to the 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list which honors attorneys early in their careers who have demonstrated exceptional professional excellence: 

• Joey M. Chindamo – Recognized in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs 

• Lisa-Gaye Smith –  Recognized in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs 

“These recognitions speak to the caliber of lawyers we’re fortunate enough to have on our team. They are sharp thinkers, relentless advocates, and people who consistently deliver results for our clients,” Rubenstein Law CEO Nicole Armstrong said. “We’re especially proud to see new talent rising through the ranks alongside our seasoned litigators.” 

Recognition in Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch is based entirely on peer review, reflecting the respect a lawyer has earned among their professional colleagues. 

For more than 35 years, Rubenstein Law has been a leading advocate for personal injury victims across multiple states. With over 20 offices and a deep bench of experienced trial lawyers, the firm is committed to securing justice and life-changing results for clients. 

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases.

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
Rubenstein Law 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com

MIAMI – Rubenstein Law is proud to announce that Attorney Megan Schmidt has been selected for the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Litigation’s Young Lawyer Leadership Program (YLLP), a national initiative that recognizes and develops promising early-career litigators. Schmidt’s two-year appointment from 2025 to 2027 places her among just four attorneys across the country chosen for this prestigious honor. 

The YLLP offers rising legal leaders hands-on experience within the ABA Litigation Section, including active participation in committees or task forces, structured mentorship with senior ABA leaders, and opportunities to attend and contribute to high-level strategy at the Section’s Annual Conference and leadership meetings. 

“Megan’s selection for the ABA’s leadership program reflects both her dedication to the profession and Rubenstein Law’s commitment to supporting the development of strong leaders in the legal community,” Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney and Partner Miriam Fresco Agrait said. 

Since joining Rubenstein Law, Schmidt has played an integral role on the firm’s litigation team, successfully handling mass tort cases. Known for her trial skill, compassion, and tenacity, she has helped further solidify Rubenstein Law’s reputation as a top personal injury firm. 

“I am honored to be accepted into this program and to rise as a leader in the American Bar Association,” Schmidt said. “Young lawyers are in a unique position to cultivate progress in our practices. As a disabled, Latina lawyer, my hope is to foster change that would make the legal profession more inclusive and accessible for all. I feel great pride in representing Rubenstein Law during my appointment and I am so grateful for the Firm’s support.” 

Rubenstein Law has a long-standing commitment to excellence, diversity, and leadership in the legal industry. With over 20 offices in multiple states and a deep bench of talented litigators, the firm continues to invest in initiatives that advance both attorney development and client advocacy. 

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases. 

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
Rubenstein Law 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com

Miami, FL – Aug. 1, 2025 Rubenstein Law is proud to announce that Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney Peter Hunt has been elected to serve as Secretary of the Florida Justice Association (FJA), a prestigious statewide organization committed to protecting Florida’s civil justice system and the rights of individuals. 

Elected in June 2025, Hunt will ascend the leadership ladder of the FJA, ultimately serving as its President in 2028. His appointment underscores not only his professional excellence and commitment to justice but also his long-standing dedication to advancing the rights of injured individuals across Florida. 

“I am truly appreciative to my firm and colleagues for supporting me in my move into FJA leadership,” said Hunt. “The FJA is Florida’s only organization that protects the rights of those injured by the negligence of others. I look forward to helping to guide the Association and protect our firm’s clients into the future.” 

With over 11 years of experience litigating complex personal injury cases, Hunt holds Board Certification in Civil Trial Law from The Florida Bar, a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of Florida attorneys. His election to this critical leadership role reflects the high regard his peers hold for his advocacy, ethics, and vision for the future of the civil justice system. 

The Florida Justice Association plays a vital role in shaping public policy, supporting trial lawyers, and ensuring fair access to the courts for all Floridians. Hunt’s leadership will help guide the organization through some of the most pressing legal and legislative challenges facing plaintiffs and their attorneys today. 

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases. 

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
Rubenstein Law 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com

Stuart, FL – July 25, 2025 – Rubenstein Law proudly announces that Attorney Melissa S. Renza has been officially sworn in as President of the Martin County Women Lawyers Association (WLA), a chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL). 

Renza, a respected leader and advocate in Florida’s legal community, previously served as Program Chair for the 2023–2024 year and as President-Elect for the 2024–2025 year. Her swearing-in marks the beginning of her term as President for the 2025–2026 year. 

As President, Renza plans to focus on increasing member engagement and strengthening the local network of women lawyers. “My goal this year is to boost attendance at events and foster greater connection and support among our members,” she said. “By engaging more fully with one another, we can better empower and elevate women in the legal profession.” 

Licensed to practice in nine states, Renza focuses her legal practice on personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents and premises liability. These states include Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin. Based in South Florida, Renza is known for her passionate advocacy and community involvement.

About Melissa S. Renza 
Melissa S. Renza, born in the Chicago suburbs, holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and earned her law degree from Savannah Law School. She began her career working with a dedicated personal injury litigation team and later joined Rubenstein Law in 2025. Outside the courtroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children and engaging in community activities. 

About the Martin County Women Lawyers Association 
The Martin County Women Lawyers Association is a voluntary bar association dedicated to promoting the professional development of women in the legal profession. As a Florida Bar‑registered organization founded in 2009, it offers networking, mentorship, and continuing education opportunities. Current leadership includes Jessica Marie VanValkenburgh as Secretary and Erin Kirkwood as Treasurer.

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases. 

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
Rubenstein Law 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com

Tampa, FL – July 11, 2025 – The University of South Florida (USF) recently announced that it will create a new mental health research center named the Senator Darryl E. Rouson Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Research, honoring Florida State Senator and Rubenstein Law Attorney Darryl Rouson. 

The announcement took place on June 25 in a ceremony at USF Health Downtown, where Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1620: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders. The governor, joined by state leaders, revealed that the research center within USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences will bear Senator Rouson’s name University of South Florida – Newsroom. 

“Florida is leading the nation in delivering meaningful solutions to tackle these complex issues and help improve people’s lives,” said Gov. DeSantis. “As the nation’s largest behavioral health services research institute, the Rouson Center will continue its cutting-edge research to help transform the lives of people struggling with addiction and mental health.”

Senator Rouson, an attorney at Rubenstein Law, and a longtime champion of mental health policy who has openly shared his own history of overcoming addiction and homelessness, expressed gratitude for the honor. “This legislation is a direct result of the hard work of the commission. It will ensure that Florida continues to be a leader in how we treat people living with mental illness,” he said during the event. 

The center is authorized by SB 1620, drawing upon recommendations from Florida’s Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder. Its mission will include:

• Conducting rigorous research into the link between substance abuse and mental health 
• Developing evidence-based treatments to improve outcomes 
• Reducing societal impacts of substance use and behavioral health conditions 
• Supporting workforce development through training and education 

“The University of South Florida is where you come for solutions, where you come for action, where you come for impact,” said Mike Griffin, Vice Chair of the USF Board of Trustees. A formal board resolution to finalize the naming is forthcoming. 

This recognition reflects Senator Rouson’s dedication since joining the Florida Legislature in 2008, serving Tampa Bay and advocating across party lines. His leadership as chair of the state’s mental health commission and sponsor of key legislative reforms, such as the “Tristin Murphy Act”, demonstrates his ongoing impact on policy and community well-being. 

About Senator Darryl Rouson 
Senator Rouson, a Rubenstein Law attorney, has been a pillar in Florida’s legislative landscape since 2008. Representing Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, he has led efforts in mental health reform, including pivotal roles on the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder. Formerly unhoused and in recovery, he now stands as a testament to resilience and reform. 

About USF’s Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute 
As the nation’s largest behavioral health services research institute, the Louis de la Parte Institute is committed to advancing science-driven solutions for mental illness and substance abuse. The creation of the Senator Darryl E. Rouson Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Research reinforces the institution’s leadership in shaping Florida’s behavioral health landscape.

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases. 

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
Rubenstein Law 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com

Attorney Peter Hunt and the firm’s appellate counsel, Phil Parrish of Parrish Appeals, P.A., led the Rubenstein Law team

MIAMI, June 13, 2023 — Rubenstein Law, P.A., a personal injury firm headquartered in Florida, announced today that the US Federal Court of Appeals overturned a summary judgement ruling for Walmart in favor of our client setting precedent in all future similarly situated Federal cases. This was the first known decision from the 11th Circuit on F.S. 768.0755 addressing the misinterpretation of the law in this area at the summary judgment stage and discusses the burden of the Plaintiff on proving notice.

Rubenstein Law’s client slipped in a Wal-Mart, fell to the ground, and injured her back and shoulder. The client slipped on a squished grape which had been there for some time causing the dangerous situation. The District Court granted summary judgment in Wal-Mart’s favor, determining that there was no genuine issue of material fact that Wal-Mart had actual or constructive knowledge of the grape before the accident, as required by Florida law.

Through thorough briefings and oral argument, it was proven through circumstantial evidence that the spill or substance was dirty, had tracks and footprints through it, showing that it was on the floor for a sufficient amount of time and dangerous to customers. This led to the overturning of the summary judgement ruling as the Appellate Court found ample evidence that Wal-Mart should have known through constructive notice that the grape was on the floor, and they had ample time to remedy the dangerous condition that caused our client significant and permanent injuries. CCTV also video captured the incident. The Appellate Court painstakingly reviewed this video that commenced an hour prior to the fall. The Court agreed with the Plaintiff that the video did not show how the foreign transitory substance (the “grape”) got onto the floor in the hour preceding the fall, and that an inference that the grape was on the floor for longer than an hour was reasonable. The Court also agreed with the Plaintiff that numerous Wal-Mart employees were seen in the video in the area of the incident, but that none of them appeared to look at the ground in the area where the incident occurred. 

“This was a very meaningful case for us as big retail stores have gotten away with careless inspections for decades, causing dangerous conditions for customers,” Rubenstein Law attorney Peter Hunt said. “This decision will help ensure that injured people get their day in court, and that the large retailers cannot get away with filing motions citing no notice of the dangerous conditions as a means of absolving themselves of their responsibilities in the matter.”

Despite Wal-Mart’s attempt to hide behind the no notice statute, the 11th Circuit published the opinion, making it binding on all Federal slip and fall transitory substance cases. This was the first known decision from the 11th Circuit on F.S. 768.0755 which addresses the misinterpretation of the law in this area at the summary judgment stage, and the burdens on the Plaintiff on proving notice.

“For decades, we have been representing clients in a variety of matters like this one,” Rubenstein Law founder Robert Rubenstein said. “We hope that this decision will lead to meaningful change, and that retailers will be more mindful with inspections, add the required safety mats in areas where food and liquids might fall, and invest in more detailed measures that will help prevent significant injuries like the ones many of our client’s face.”

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases. 

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
Rubenstein Law 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com

Partner Raul E. Garcia Jr. led the Rubenstein Team in the hotly contested trial

MIAMI, Feb. 28, 2023 — Rubenstein Law, P.A., a personal injury firm headquartered in Florida, announced today that it obtained a $20 million verdict in a premises liability case following a hotly contested two-week trial. The jury verdict was delivered against two corporate defendants and in favor of a young man who was seriously injured when a wall separating a construction site from a public sidewalk collapsed.

In 2015, a 15-year-old was walking home from school in Miami when an unreinforced masonry wall separating a construction site from the sidewalk was struck by a piece of construction equipment and collapsed. The young man was struck by falling cinderblocks and pinned under the rubble, suffering critical injuries. After 5 difficult surgeries, he is now 22 years old and left with instability in his left knee and severe scarring which has drastically impacted, not only his teenage years, but the rest of his life.

Rubenstein Law partner and trial attorney Raul E. Garcia Jr. represented our client as the Plaintiff against the two corporate defendants, both of which were represented by legal teams of significant size.

“It was a genuine privilege to represent this exceptional young man who continues to endure so many challenges,” Garcia Jr. said. “I am very pleased that the jury ruled in his favor and can only hope that this case will bring light to preventable harm at construction sites.”

About Rubenstein Law 
Rubenstein Law has been getting justice for personal injury victims since 1988. Today, Rubenstein Law is recognized as a premier name in personal injury, representing clients in a variety of matters, including auto injuries, slip and fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, premise liability, medical malpractice, child & birth injury, motorcycle accident cases, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Rubenstein Law’s Mass Tort division represents clients nationwide in defective products, dangerous drugs, and chemical cases. 

Media Contact: 
Katie Amor 
Chief Creative Officer 
Rubenstein Law 
katie@rubensteinlaw.com