Justia Lawyer Rating
AV Preeminent badge
Avvo badge
Super Lawyers badge
American Association for Justice
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Picture of Ira H. Leesfield

Ira H. Leesfield

Partner
Leesfield@leesfield.com
Download VCard

Phone: (305) 854-4900
Fax: (305) 854-8266
Toll Free: (800) 836-6400



Ira Leesfield is founder and managing partner of Leesfield Scolaro, P.A., with offices in Miami, Key West, South Beach and Central Florida. Recently, Mr. Leesfield received the prestigious “Judge Learned Hand Award” presented by American Jewish Committee in recognition of his values and standards of excellence associated with Judge Learned Hand and the principles he represented: the rights of the individual and the importance of democratic values in an orderly society. In April 2010, Big Brothers/Big Sisters honored Ira Leesfield with the “Miracle Maker” award for his tireless support and contribution to the organization.

Get to Know Ira H. Leesfield

He is board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocates and now serves as board member of the certification board; a past President of the Florida Justice Association, formerly known as, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers; an EAGLE Patron; and now serves as Senior Florida Governor of the American Association for Justice, serving over 20 years.

In 2001, Mr. Leesfield received the Anti-Defamation League’s prestigious “Jurisprudence Award.” He was also honored by the Florida Region of American ORT as the first recipient in Florida of the “American ORT Jurisprudence Award” for his lifetime of dedication to his profession, his nation and his community, and recognizing his outstanding initiative in prosecuting cases that benefit public interest. In 2002, he was also awarded the “Melvin Belli Award” for outstanding practitioner of advocacy and for exercising extraordinary initiative in prosecuting cases that benefit public interest.

In 2004, the Florida Justice Association recognized his lifetime achievement by awarding the Al J. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award for his life-long crusade in helping the less fortunate and his commitment to preserving our civil justice system. He was nominated as "Lawyer of the Year" by the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, after he obtained a $19.8 million verdict against Honda Corp., and selected as one of America’s Top Ten Trial Lawyers. He has published numerous articles and treatises in the area of trial strategy while appearing as a guest commentator on national news programs, including ABC’s Nightline with Ted Koppel. He is past Chair of The Florida Bar CLE Committee; serves as a life member of The Roscoe Pound Foundation; and is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Miami School of Law.

Ira Leesfield served President Clinton in two important posts from 1992 to 2000, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets. He co-authored the President’s Report on Holocaust Assets. In 1989, he was appointed as Chair of the Third District Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Committee and was reappointed for a second term in 1995 by Governor Chiles. In 1998, he served as a member of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission.

Mr. Leesfield has twice been awarded the prestigious Wiedman Wysocki medal for outstanding advocacy. He is a Life Member of the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Leesfield was the keynote speaker at the Florida Supreme Court Justices Teaching Institute in Tallahassee, Florida where top educators from around the State of Florida convene annually for an intensive study of the judicial system. Recipient of the 2003 Crystal Eagle Award of the Florida Justice Association, in recognition for his exceptional generosity on behalf of Florida's families. He is Immediate Past President of the Melvin M. Belli Society.

Education

Juris Doctor (1971, honors), University of Florida; Member, Law Review and Moot Court; LL.M. Program, Administrative Law, George Washington University Law Center; Trial attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program, 1971‑1972; College of Advocacy, Harvard Law School, 1972; National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA-20 year certification; re-certified 2003); B.A. University of Florida (1968, honors); Florida Blue Key, Who's Who In American Colleges and Universities, University of Florida Hall of Fame.

Activities
  • Immediate Past President of Belli
  • Past President, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
  • Board of Governors, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Elected Chairman, Judicial Nominating Committee for Third Appellate District
    • Re-appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles for a second term
  • Civil Justice Advisory Group */- Southern District of Florida
  • Board of Advisors, Bureau of National Affairs, Product Safety and Liability Reporter
  • Adjunct Professor, University of Miami, School of Law, Trial Skills Faculty
  • Chair, Perry Nichols Award Committee, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
  • Co-Chair, Florida Convention Planning Committee, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Chair, Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department
  • Vice-Chairman, American Bar Association, Committee on Products, General Liability and Consumer Law
  • Chair, Law Student Programs, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Chair, Membership Department, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Chair, Education Department, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Director, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
  • Diplomate, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers - Eagle
  • Charter Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
  • Lifetime Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Chairman, Basic Course in Trial Advocacy, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Lifetime Member Roscoe Pound American Trial Lawyers Foundation
  • Trustee and Treasurer, Florida Lawyers' Action Group (FLAG).
  • Chairman, Florida Bar Insurance Committee
  • Advisory Board of the "Products Liability Advisor"
  • Board of Directors, Attorneys Information Exchange Group
  • Chairman of Steering Committee, The Florida Bar CLE Personal Injury Section
  • Founding Director, Dade County Trial Lawyers Association
  • Elected ATLA Long Range Planning Committee
  • Executive Council, Trial Lawyers Section of The Florida Bar
  • Chairman, Legislative & Seminar Committee, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
  • Fellow Member, American Bar Foundation
  • Nominated Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (TLPJ)
  • 1995 Board of Director of the TLPJ Foundation
  • Recognized as Outstanding National Litigator by the New Miami Magazine and the New Jersey Trial Lawyers
  • Florida Constitution Revision Commission
  • Chairman, Florida Bar Liaison Committee, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
  • Member, Federal Judicial Bar and Community Liaison Committee
  • Member, Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States
  • Member, Maritime Law Association
Speaking, Lectures and CLE Programs
  • 2016 - "Hotel, Resorts and Amusement and Theme Park Cases," Specialized Track Program- Premises Liability and Inadequate Security Litigation, American Association for Justice 2016 Winter Convention, Boca Raton, FL; "Med Mal on Cruise Ships:   Intricacies of Maritime Law," Melvin Belli Seminar, Los Angeles, CA July 21, 2016; "Alternative Housing and Hotel Accommodations," Stalwarts Hall of Fame, American Association for Justice Annual Convention, Los Angeles, CA July 23, 2016; Recreational Recoveries and Building Your Travel Tort Practice, "Considerations in Attracting and Handling 'Cases from Other Places'," Resort Tort, American Association for Justice Annual Convention, Los Angeles, CA July 24, 2016;
  • 2015 - "You Don't Know What You Are Missing. . .10 Frank/Direct Tips on How to Spot Product Defect Cases that You have or will 'Miss'," Florida Justice Association 29th Annual Workhorse Seminar, Orlando, Florida; "Case Selection and Screening - Tips and Techniques to be More Efficient with your Time and Efforts," New Stalwarts/Hall of Fame Committee Seminar, American Association for Justice 2015 Annual Convention, Montreal, CA; "Are you Overlooking an Important Practice Area," Resort Torts Litigation Group Program, July 11 - 15, 2015, American Association for Justice 2015 Annual Convention, Montreal, CA.
  • 2014 - "Ethical Marketing Practices," Monroe County Bar Association, March 25, 2014 Key West, FL; "How to Build and Expand your Law Firm through a New Practice Area - The Emergence of Resort Torts Nationwide," Cutting Edge Trends in Personal Injury Practice Seminar, Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston, MA, April 3, 2014; "Wining Your Case with the Defendant's Expert Deposition - Streamlining Your Trial by Destroying Defense Witnesses," New Jersey Association for Justice, Boardwalk Seminar May 1, 2014, Bally's - Atlantic City, New Jersey;
  • 2013 - “The Anatomy of a Water Sport-Recreational Tort Case,” 2013 Workhorse Seminar FJA, Orlando, FL, February 20, 2013; “The Business of Law - Managing the Firm, Advertising & Ethically Handling Conflicts” panel, 2013 Bench and Bar Program, Dade County Bar Association, Coral Gables, FL, February 8, 2013; “Cross-examination of Defendant’s Experts,” 2013 AAJ Jazz Fest Seminar: Litigating Traumatic Brain Injury Cases, New Orleans, LA, May 3, 2013; “Unlimited Opportunities for Resort Recoveries: Everyone has a Case”, 2013 AAJ Annual Convention, Resort Torts Litigation Group, San Francisco, CA; “Expanding Your Practice to a National and International Platform . . . Bar Rules and Ethical Considerations,” 2013 AAJ Annual Convention, Stalwartz/Hall of Fame Committee Program, San Francisco, CA.
  • 2012 - “How to Value the Claim and Prepare a Demand Package,” Advocacy Track, 2012 AAJ Winter Convention, Phoenix, AZ, February 11, 2012; “Direct Examination of Plaintiff’s Witness,” Super Lawyers Mock Trial Event, Dade County Trial Lawyers, Young Lawyers Division, June 15, 2012, Miami, FL; “Cell Phone, Smartphone, and GPS,” 2012 AAJ Annual Convention, Motor Vehicle Premises Liability Section, July 30, 2012, Chicago, IL; “Preparing, presenting, and handling the plaintiff at deposition and trial to maximize recovery,”  Stalwarts, 2012 AAJ Annual Convention, Chicago, IL July 28, 2012; “A $50,000 policy becomes a $10 million recovery,” The Melvin Belli Seminar, Chicago, IL, July 27, 2012.
  • 2011 - “The Use of Example and Analogy in Enhancing Persuasion Throughout the Trial (including the danger of analogies which can back fire), FJA Workhorse Seminar, Orlando, FL, February 25, 2011; “Recent Developments in Legal Malpractice Law,” Professional Negligence Section, AAJ Annual Convention, New York, NY, July 13, 2011; Maximizing Profitability in Changing Times, “Keeping in Touch the Old-Fashion Way,” AAJ Annual Convention, New York, NY, July 9, 2011; “Update on Cell Phone Driving and Texting Liability,” The Melvin Belli Seminar, New York, NY July 8, 2011; “The Rumors of Our Demise have been Greatly Exaggerated – Prospering in and Enjoying the Personal Injury Practice in the 21st Century,” North Carolina Advocacy for Justice, Fall Convention, Ashville, North Carolina, October 14, 2011.
  • 2010 - “Keeping in Touch the Old-Fashion Way,” Newsletters, E-mail and Direct mail, Networking Opportunities, AAJ Growing on the Vine: Maximizing Profitability in Changing Times, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, April 9-10, 2010; “Jury Selection Blending New & Proven Techniques,” New Jersey Association for Justice Boardwalk Seminar April 22, 2010, Bally’s - Atlantic City, New Jersey; “Case Selection and Client Screening: Winning your case with the First Interview,” AAJ Annual Convention, Stalwarts/Hall of Fame, July 10, 2010, Vancouver, BC; “Cell Phones: Finding Cover/The Deep Pocket, AAJ Annual Convention, Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway, and Premises Liability Section, July 10, 2010, Vancouver, BC; “Employer Liability for Driving Under the Influence of Cell Phones,” Melvin Belli Seminar, July 9, 2010, Vancouver, BC; “Closing Statement” Super Lawyers CLE Seminar, Dade County Trial Lawyers Association - Young Lawyers Section, June 11, 2010, Miami, Florida;
  • 2009 - “Recreational Water Craft Cases Made Easy,” Palm Beach County Bar Association, Trial Superstars on Navigating and Steering Complex Transportation Injury Cases, March 27, 2009, West Palm Beach, FL; “Closing Statement” Super Lawyers CLE Seminar, Dade County Bar Association - Young Lawyers Section, May 8, 2009, Miami, Florida; “Law Firm Management,” Louisiana Association for Justice, June 29, 2009, Carmel, California; Stalwarts/Hall of Fame AAJ 2009 Annual Convention, “ Sharing Mistakes We’ve Made to Save you the Pain,” July 2009, San Diego, CA; Florida Bar Board of Governors, “Effective Jury Selection,” Miami, FL October 2009.
  • 2008 - “Cruise Ship Litigation, Pennsylvania Bar Institute Hospitality Law Seminar, October 24, 2008,Philadelphia, PA; “The Use, Misuse and Abuse of Exert Witnesses in Discovery and Trial,” Ohio State Trial Lawyers Seminar, October 24, 2008, Cleveland, OH.
  • 2007 - “Practice Development: 10 Surefire Ways to Improve your Firm’s Business Generation,” Miami Beach Bar Association, February 27, 2007, Miami Beach, Florida; “Cross Examination of an Expert Witness,” 2007 Al J. Cone Trial Advocacy Institute - Young Lawyers Section, April 26, 2007, Orlando, Florida; Dade County Bar Association - Young Lawyers section - Annual SuperLawyer Trial Seminar, May 11, 2007, Miami, Florida; “Direct and Cross Examination of Experts,” Tennessee Trial Lawyer Association Annual Convention, June 15, 2007, Memphis, TN; “Selecting and Preparing your Expert Witness” Melvin Belli Annual Seminar, July 13, 2007, Chicago, IL; “Rental Car Immunity and Recoveries,” Litigation at Sunrise, AAJ Annual Convention, July 18, 2007 Chicago, IL; “Practice Management for the 21st Century: How to build and grow your practice” Stalwarts/Hall of Fame, AAJ Annual Convention, July 14, 2007, Chicago, IL.
  • 2006 - "Plaintiff's Closing Argument and Plaintiff's Rebuttal Argument," Dade County Bar Association - Young Lawyers section - 1st Annual SuperLawyer Trial Seminar, March 31, 2006 Miami, Florida; "Jury Selection with a Problematic Client," AFTL Jury Selection Seminar, March 16, 2006, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; "Jury Selection," Monroe County Bar Association, March 24, 2006, Key West, FL; "Creative Rainmaking and Business Development," 2006 ATLA Annual Convention, New Lawyers Section, July 16, 2006, Seattle, WA; "Cruise Ship Liability," 2006 ATLA Annual Convention, July 17, 2006, Seattle, WA; "Deposing defendant's expert in a product's liability case," Melvin Belli Society, July 14, 2006, Seattle, WA; "New Techniques for Final Arguments," 2006 AFTL Fall Advanced Trial Skills Seminar, October 20, 2006, Orlando, FL; "An Introduction to Florida Personal Injury Litigation for Canadian Lawyers," 2006 Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, October 27, 2006, Toronto, Canada;
  • 2005 - "The Prosecution of a Frye Hearing," 2005 AFTL Workhorse Seminar, Orlando, FL, February 16, 2005; "Deposing the Corporate Designee," 2005 ATLA Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada; "Building your Trial Practice in the New Millennium," Monroe County Bar Association, April 29, 2005.
  • 2004 - "Tactics for Nailing the Defense Expert," 2004 ATLA Winter Convention, Orlando, FL, February 14, 2004; Building and Marketing Your Law Firm: "10 Sure Fire Ways to Improve Business," Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, New Orleans, October 1, 2004; Plaintiff Direct Examination: "Presenting a likeable, believable, and compelling witness," 2004 ATLA Annual Convention, Boston, MA, July 5, 2004; "Themes to move your case forward," 2004 ATLA Weekend with the Stars, New York, December 11, 2004;
  • 2003 - "The Use of Risk Multipliers in Calculating Attorney's Fees," Monroe County Bar Association - Professionalism Committee, Key West, FL, January 31, 2003; "Causation and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder," AFTL WorkHorse Seminar, February 14, 2003, Orlando, FL; "How to Select the Right Jurors," Trial Masters Seminar - The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association, Orlando, FL, May 30, 2003; "Understanding Spoliation of Evidence," 2003 AFTL Annual Convention, St. Petersburg, FL, June 11, 2003; "Trying an FTCA Case to the Bench," ATLA Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, July 17, 2003; "Direct and Cross-Examination of Experts in Non-Daubert States," ABA Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, August 8, 2003; "Combating Discovery Abuses," Melvin Belli Society Seminar, San Francisco, CA, July 18, 2003; Masters of the Courtroom, The Young Guns vs. The Seasoned Veterans, Closing Statement for Defendant, Dade County Trial Lawyers Association, Miami, FL, October 31, 2003.
  • 2002 - "Winning Cases Without Discovery," Stalwart's Hall of Fame Committee, ATLA's Summer Convention, July 2002, Atlanta, Georgia. ATLA Weekend with the Stars: Discovery - "Using it to your Advantage while Combating Discovery Abuse," December 2002, New York, NY. "Recognizing and Resolving your Personal Injury Case," Monroe County Bar Association, November 15, 2002, Key West, FL. Advanced Trial Skills Seminar: A Trial Demonstration by the Masters - Closing Argument, AFTL 2002 Fall Convention, October 17, 2002, Orlando, FL.
  • 2001 - "Daubert, ATLA NCA Mid-Winter Convention, March 2001, Las Vegas, Nevada. "How to Evaluate your Personal Injury Case," Monroe County Bar Association, October 12, 2001, Key West, FL. "The Evolution of Daubert & The Admissibility of Expert Witness Testimony: What's Next?", ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Products Liability MegaConference III Meeting, June 21, 2001.
  • 2000 - "Understanding the Implications of Daubert," Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, April, 2000, Westborough, Massachusetts; "The Electronic Trial Notebook," ATLA Annual Convention, July, 2000, Chicago, Illinois; "The Proper Use of Sanctions in Litigation - The Overlooked Weapon in Today's Trial Atmosphere," Maryland Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, December 2, 2000;
  • 1999 - "Finding Satisfaction in Today's Trial Practice," AFTL 13th Annual Workhorse Seminar, Orlando, Florida; ACross-Examination of the "Independent (a.k.a. Defense) Medical Doctor," AFTL "Anatomy of a Soft Tissue Case," Fort Lauderdale, Florida; "What We Have Here. . . Is a Failure to Communicate," Monroe County Bar Association, Key West, Florida, "Effective Use of Demonstrative Evidence," 1999 AFTL Annual Convention General Session: Advanced Trial Skills Seminar, Aventura, Florida, "Manufacturer's Responsibility: Are Products Safer and Manufacturers More Responsible?," Washington State Trial Lawyers Association The Future of Products Liability Litigation, Lake Chelan, Washington, "What They Don't Teach You in Law School: Success in Your First Two Years of Practice," ATLA National College of Advocacy Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, "How to Maximize Compensatory Damages in a Personal Injury Case," ABA Tort and Insurance Section 1999 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, "Preparing Your Electronic Trial Notebook: Exhibit Selection and Organization," ATLA's Technology for the Trial Lawyer: Cutting Costs and the Cutting Edge Seminar, Washington, D.C.; Holocaust Assets in the United States, Holocaust Awareness Week, University of Miami Hillel Jewish Student Center, Coral Gables, Florida; "Damages in the Difficult Damages Case," AFTL Fall Advanced Trial Skills Seminar, November 1999, Orlando, Florida; AProducts Liability Discovery: "Discover & Uncover the Truth," Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association 1999 Last Chance Seminar, December, 1999, New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • 1998 - "Mediation Strategies," AFTL Advanced Trial Skills Seminar, Orlando, Florida; "Finding Satisfaction in Today's Trial Practice," Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 34th Annual Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana; "Manufacturer Responsibility: Are Products Safer and Manufacturers More Responsible?," NCA Resort Mega Seminar, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; "The Nuts and Bolts of Trial Practice: What Lawyers Need to Begin Their Own Practice," ATLA Law Student Seminars, Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana; "Law Clerks and Associates--Valuable Assets to the Firm," Law Student Services Committee, 1998 ATLA Annual Convention, Washington, DC; "Cross-Examination of the Defense Biomechanical Engineer," Trial Advocacy Track, 1998 ATLA Annual Convention, Washington, DC.
  • 1997 - "Playing By the Rules: How to Win Without Crossing the Line (Ethics)," NCA Education Program, 1997 ATLA Winter Convention, Boca Raton, Florida; "Litigating Cases That Arise on Foreign Soil: An Update on Forum Non Conveniens," Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Tenth Annual Aviation Law/Insurance Symposium, Daytona Beach, Florida; "The Anatomy of a Motorcycle Product Liability Case," 1997 AFTL Workhorse Seminar, Orlando, Florida; "Computer Technology in the Law Office," Monroe County Bar Association Meeting, Key West, Florida; "Every Case Has a History," National Bar Association Seminar, West Palm Beach, Florida; "What They Do Not Teach You In Law School: Bird's Eyeview of First Two Years in Practice," Law Student Program, 1997 ATLA Annual Convention, San Diego, California; "The Role of Child Sexual Abuse in Custody Cases," Family Law Section, 1997 ATLA Annual Convention, San Diego, California; "Newsletter as Marketing Tool: How to Get Going, etc.," 1997 ATLA Annual Convention, San Diego, California.
  • 1996 - "Cross Examination of the Defendant's Human Factors Expert," AFTL Workhorse Seminar, Orlando, Florida; "Helpful Hints on Claims Management," Risk and Insurance Management Society, Miami, Florida; "Avoiding Legal Potholes in Highway Design Cases," ATLA Winter Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana; Computer Technology in The Office and in Trial, Monroe County Bar Association, Key West, Florida; Trial Master, 1996 Federal Bar Association Annual Spring Seminar- Trial Masters IV, Co-sponsored by St. Thomas School of Law, Miami, Florida; "Evaluation of Crashworthiness Cases," ATLA National College of Advocacy Jazz Fest Seminar, New Orleans, Louisiana; "Trying Your First Case Alone: 10 Pearls of Wisdom," ATLA Annual Convention, Boston, Massachusetts; "Using Focus Groups to Maximize Trial Potential in Failure to Warn Cases," ABA Failure to Warn Seminar, Washington, D.C.; "Special Considerations in Representing the Injured Motorcycle Operator", ATLA NCA Workhorse Seminar, Atlanta, Georgia; "Sick Building Syndrome," Trial Practice for Everyone, 1996 Fall WTLA Seminar, Napa, California; "The Top Ten Cases of 1996 Which Impact Your Personal Injury Practice," General Session: Advanced Trial Skills, AFTL 1996 Annual Convention, Miami Beach, Florida.
  • 1995 - "Top Ten Cases of 1994," Seminar to members of Monroe County Bar Association, Key West, Florida; "Identifying and Providing a Tortuous Interference Claim," ATLA Seminar, Orlando, Florida; "The Land Owner's Responsibility for Violent Acts of Others: Inadequate Security Litigation," Orlando, Florida; "Defining Your Practice in the Mid 1990's," Dade County Trial Lawyers Association, Miami, Florida; "Punitive Damages from the Jury's Perspective," ABA Convention, Chicago, Ill.; "The New Discovery Practice under Rule 26: New Rules, Same Game?" ABA Convention, Chicago, Illinois; "Strategies to Inspire Jurors to Award Full Damages in all Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases," AFTL Proof of Damages Seminar, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; "Key Points in Representing Victims of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Molestation in Schools, YMCA's, Doctors' Offices, and Custodian Settings," ATLA NCA Workhorse Seminar, Dallas, Texas; "Special Considerations in Representing the Injured Motorcycle Victim: Minimizing the Prejudice Against Motorcycle Operators," ATLA NCA Workhorse Seminar, Dallas, Texas; "Professionalism and Ethics: How to Stay on the High Road and Win," ATLA Law Student Seminar, Chicago, Illinois; "The Brave New World of Product Liability -- The Best or Worst of Times?" ABA TIPS Product Liability Megaconference, Boston, Massachusetts.
  • 1994 - "How to Prepare an Effective Direct Examination," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Law Student Programs, San Diego, California; "Trends in the 1990's-Products Liability and Motor Vehicle Litigation," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, San Diego, California; "The Nuts and Bolts of Trial Practice: What Lawyers Need to Begin Their Own Practice," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Law Student Programs, Miami, Florida; "Zeal Within the Rules: Ethics for Lawyers," National College of Advocacy, Miami, Florida; "Strategies of Settlement: Video Settlement Presentation," National College of Advocacy, Miami, Florida; "How to Maximize Damages in Tort Cases - Your Client's Impact on the Verdict," New Jersey Trial Lawyers' Association, Atlantic City, New Jersey; "Litigating Against the Foreign Defendant," ATLA Jazz Fest Seminar, New Orleans, Louisiana; "Proving Damages in a Federal Tort Claim Case," ATLA Annual Convention, Chicago, Illinois.
  • 1993 - "Legal Writing: Law School Techniques and Practical Tips," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Redondo Beach, California; "Innovative and Unique Evidence Considerations: A Comparison of the Florida and Federal Rules," Association of Florida Trial Lawyers, Miami, Florida; "Medical Malpractice and Products Liability for Small Firms: Winning Your Case at the Defendant Doctor Deposition," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Miami, Florida; "Focus Groups in Action," National College of Advocacy, San Francisco, California; "Evaluation and Negotiation of a Products Liability Case," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, New York City, New York; "Closing Argument, What's Proper and What's Not," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Orlando, Florida.
  • 1992 - "Using the Lighting Expert: When What You See is Not What You Get," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Mid-Winter Convention; "From Classroom to Courtroom II," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Mid-Winter Convention "Trial Tactics: Maximizing Recovery In The Wrongful Death Case," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers; "Changes in Federal Rules of Civil Procedure," ABA Litigation Section, Products Liability Committee; "Laying the Proper Evidentiary Foundation," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Annual Convention; "Motorcycle Accident: Potential Defendants and Theories of Liability," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers; Product Liability Committee, Tort and Insurance Practice Section-Courtroom Presentation "Admissibility of Novel Scientific Testing & Trial Techniques" American Bar Association, Annual Convention.
  • 1991 - "Closing Argument," State Bar of South Dakota; "Streamlining Discovery," American Bar Association, TIPS National Institute; Trial Advocacy Program, Hastings College of the Law; University of Miami School of Law, Comparative Litigation Program; "Demonstrative Evidence," Law Education Institute; "Controlling and Coordinating Discovery Against A Defendant Manufacturer in a Products Liability Case," American Bar Association National Institute; "Motorcycles and ATV's," Association of Trial Lawyers of America; "How To Win through the Testimony of the Defendant's Expert and Corporate Representative," Tennessee Trial Lawyers; "Causation in Failure to Warn Cases," American Bar Association Annual meeting; Legislative and Case Law Update Seminar, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers; "Automobile and Insurance Litigation;" Masters in Trial Advocacy, Hastings College of the Law; "From Classroom to Courtroom - Making the Transition," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Annual Convention; "Discovery Against Foreign Motor Vehicle Manufacturers," Association of Trial Lawyers of America National College of Advocacy, "Emerging Trends: Exploring New Litigation Horizons," "Winning Complex Cases at Deposition," Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.
  • 1990 - "Presenting Evidence in the Profoundly Injured Child Case," Maryland Trial Lawyers Association; "Selecting A Jury in Cases Against Cities, Counties and States," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Workhorse Seminar, Chicago, Illinois; Ethics Panel: Lawsuits and Discovery - Do the Right Thing," American Bar Association; Trial Advocacy Program, Hastings College of the Law; "Video Settlement Presentation," North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers; "Video Settlement Presentation," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers; "Winning the Products Liability Case Through Discovery," Kansas City Trial Lawyers; University of Miami School of Law, Comparative Litigation Program
  • 1989 - "From the Medicine to the Law," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Evaluating Injury Program; "Direct Examination," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Annual Convention; "The Plaintiff's Case - Prevent Surprise," Association of Trial Lawyers of America; "Video Settlement Brochure," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Workhorse Seminar; "The Settlement Brochure and Video," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers/Florida Association of Women Lawyers
  • 1988 - "Trying the Products Liability Case," Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association; "Exposing Crashworthiness Cases in the 'Wreckreational' Vehicle Industry," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Annual Convention; 'Back to the Future' - A Legislative Program to Restore Litigants' Rights," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Legislative and Case Law Update Seminar; "In Depth Discovery In the Medical Negligence Case," West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association; "Recent Developments in the Law and Trial of Medical Malpractice Cases," Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association; "Innovation and New Vistas in Civil Litigation," Monroe County Bar Association; "The Who, What, Where, When, Why & How of Deposing the Manufacturers' 'Person Most Knowledgeable' Re: Design and Testing."
  • 1987 - "The Ten Commandments of Discovery in Products Litigation," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Medical Negligence and Products Liability; Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and Georgia Trial Lawyers Association; "Medical Malpractice Without Legal Malpractice," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers 1987 Legislative & Case Law Update Seminar; "Deposing the Defendant Physician in Medical Malpractice Cases," West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Annual Seminar and Convention; "Discovery in Product Liability Cases," Association of Trial Lawyers of America 1987 Midwinter Convention; "Seat Belt and Air Cushion Restraints Protective Devises or Defense Weapons?," 1987 ATLA Convention - Kansas City, Kansas.
  • 1986 - "Opening Statement and the Discussion of Damages: Setting the Stage," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers All-Star Annual Convention; "Gymnastic Cases and Playground Injuries," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Sports Injuries and the Law; "Controlling Discovery in Products Liability and Other Complex Cases," Tennessee Trial Lawyers Annual Convention; "Establishing and Proving the Liability of Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Therapist," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Professional Negligence Seminar.
  • 1985 - "Consumer Safety of Children's Toys and Garments," The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section Convention; "Preparation for Board Certification," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Products Liability Seminar; Association of Trial Lawyers of America Basic College of Advocacy, American University Law School; "Trial Strategy Seminar," The Florida Bar Annual Convention, Trial Lawyers Section Program; "How to Handle the Settlement Dilemma," and "What is Summary Judgment?," Anatomy of Medical Malpractice Seminar, American Institute of Medical Law, Inc.; "Wrongful Death Statute, Case Law Update," Legislative and Case Law Seminar, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers; Florida Network of Victim Witness Services, Inc. Annual Convention; "Motorcycle Sidestand Litigation," Association of Trial Lawyers of America Belli Seminar, Annual Convention; Instructor, Association of Trial Lawyers of America Basic Course in Trial Advocacy, Washington D.C.; Massachusetts Trial Lawyers Association - ALI/ABA "Recent Malpractice Developments;" Florida Bar Medical Malpractice Update
  • 1984 - "An Overview of Products Liability," Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention; ATLA National College of Advocacy, Yale University Law School: "Psychologists and Psychiatrists as Witnesses," and "Use of Pleadings and Instructions in Summation;" "Effective Use of Expert Witnesses," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Seminar.
  • 1983 - Association of Trial Lawyers of America National College of Advocacy, Workshop Leader for Basic Course in Trial Advocacy; "Motor Vehicle Litigation," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Products Liability Seminar; Trial Demonstration Program, University of Florida.
  • 1982 - "Law of Medical Proof," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Spring Seminar; "Use of Demonstrative Evidence in Products Liability," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Products Liability Seminar; "General Principles of Genetics in the Law," University of Miami School of Medicine.
  • 1981 - "A New Road to Discovery ‑‑ Public Agencies and Public Bodies," Young Lawyers Section Convention, The Florida Bar Winning Through Preparation Seminar; "Florida Law of Sovereign Immunity," The Florida Bar CLE Damages Seminar; "Civil Liability for Criminal Acts," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Annual Convention.
  • 1980 - "Legislative Changes and Recent Appellate Decisions ‑‑ The Florida No‑Fault Act," The Florida Bar CLE No-Fault Insurance Seminar.
  • 1979 - "Case Evaluation, Initial Investigation and Conference with Client," The Florida Bar CLE Seminar, Basics of Personal Injury Litigation.
  • 1978 - "Evaluation and Preparation of Your Difficult Liability Case," The Florida Bar CLE Seminar; "Lawyer Liability ‑‑ Legal and Practical Aspects," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Annual Convention.
Court Admissions and Professional Associations

Supreme Court of the United States (1973); Supreme Court of Florida (The Florida Bar 1971); Alaska, California, Illinois, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arkansas and New Jersey courts by special admission; Federal Bar Association; American Bar Association; State of New York Bar Association (1988); Federal District Court for the District of Columbia, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida; United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia; United States Court of Appeals for the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th and 11th Circuits; American Judicature Society; Dade County Bar Association; Monroe County Bar Association; Dade County Trial Lawyers Association; New York Bar Association; Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California and New Jersey Trial Lawyers Associations; American Bar Foundation; Federal Judicial Bar and Community Liaison Committee ("JBCLC") (1995); The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation; Western Trial Lawyers Association; Board of Directors National Board of Trial Advocacy (2003-2006).

Articles and Publications
  • Co-Author, "Excursions Gone Wrong," Trial Magazine (August 2016)
  • Co-Author, "Navigating the Rough Seas- What you need to know – Cruise Ship Passenger Litigation,"  2014
  • Author, "Bad Call: Employer Liability for Distracted Driving," Trial magazine (August 2010)
  • Author, "Cruise Ship Litigation," The Magazine for Northern California Plaintiffs' Attorneys, October 2009.
  • Co-Author, "Driving while on the Cell Phone," The Brief  (Summer 2007 Vol. 36 No.4), American Bar Association.
  • "Litigating Cruise Line Cases in the 21st Century," The Litigator (Winter 2006), Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.
  • "Show that the defense expert doesn't know the facts," Trial magazine (June, 2004); Co-Author, ATLA's Litigating Tort Cases (Chapter 20: Sanctions) 2003; "Expert Dies on Witness Stand," Trial magazine (September, 2003); Co-Author, "Admissibility of Expert Testimony: What's Next?," Trial magazine, (December, 2000); Author, "Ex Parte Communications by Government Lawyers with Represented Parties, Proposed Changes to Rule 4.2 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct," The Florida Bar Journal, (December, 1998)
  • Author, "Legal Toolbox: Using Newsletters to Market Your Firm," Trial magazine, (January 1998)
  • Author, "Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress: Where Are We Now?," The Florida Bar Journal, Volume LXXI No. 2, February 1997
  • Co-Author, "Preparing Tortuous Interference Claims," Trial magazine, (June, 1995)
  • Co-Author, "Innkeeper Liability for Sexual Assaults," Trial magazine, (October 1994)
  • Author, "Honesty, the Best Policy," Trial magazine, (September 1993)
  • Author, "It's Time To Dispose Of The Statute Of Repose, Finally," The Florida Bar Journal, Volume LXVI, No.1 (January 1992)
  • Author, "Motorcycle Products Liability: Sidestand and Crashworthiness Litigation Strategies," Best of Trial Products Liability, ATLA Press, Library of Congress Catalog : 91-35815 (1991)
  • Trial Advocacy, "The Summary Judgment Motion and Hearing," Academy Press, Handbook of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers (1991)
  • Author, "Litigating Against A Foreign Defendant," Trial Lawyers Quarterly (July 1991)
  • Author, "Cross-Examination," Florida Civil Trial Practice (4th Ed.), The Florida Bar, February 1991
  • Author, "Annual Survey of Products, General Liability and Consumer Law," ABA Torts and Insurance Law Journal, Winter 1990
  • Author, "Litigating Against a Foreign Manufacturer," Trial Magazine, November 1990; (co-author Joel D. Fogel)
  • Author, "Litigating Against the Foreign Defendant," Product Safety and Liability Reporter, The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., Volume 18, Numbers 28-30, July 1990; (co-author Joel D. Fogel)
  • Author, "Market Share and Concerted Action Theories," ABA TIPS Journal, November 1989
  • Author, "Cross-Examination," Civil Trial Practice Supplement The Florida Bar, October 1989
  • Author, "Punitive Damages: Buried Alive," Florida Bar Journal, (1988)
  • Author, "Expanding Horizons in Motorcycle Products Liability Litigation," Trial Magazine (1988)
  • Author, "The Summary Judgment Motion and Hearing," The Advocates Primer, AFTL, January, 1988
  • Author, "Negligence of Mental Health Professionals/What Conduct Breaches Standards of Care," Trial, March, 1987
  • Author, "Motorcycle Sidestand Litigation," Products Liability/Commentary & Cases, Callaghan & Company, July, 1986
  • Author, "The Sidestand Case," Trial, March, 1986
  • Author, "Why Police Officers Can't Recover For Injuries Due To Someone Else's Negligence," Heat, Police Benevolent Association, November, 1985
  • Author, "Who's Closing the Courthouse Door and Why?," The Community Reporter, September, 1985
  • Author, "Corporate Liability for Punitive Damages: Where Are We?" The Advocate, Vol. XI, No. 3, June 1985
  • Co-Author, "Sovereign Immunity for Negligent Inspections: Will the Supreme Court Resurrect Modlin v. City of Miami Beach?" The Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section Journal, 1984
  • Author, "Cross-Examination," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Practice Manual, 1983 Revision
  • Author, "Choice of Law: Application of the "Significant Relationship" Test to Aviation Multi-State Litigation ‑‑ Bishop v. Florida Specialty Paint Revisited," The Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section Journal, 1982
  • Author, "Wrongful Death Act in Florida," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Journal, 1980
  • Editor and author, "Winning, Losing and Settling the Tough Liability Personal Injury Case," The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education, 1978
  • Author, "Municipal Immunities in Florida," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Journal, 1976
  • Co-Author, "Revised Florida Criminal Code," Florida Law Revision Commission, 1969
Civic and Community Activities
  • Appointed to President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, 1994
  • Miami Heat, Corporate Education Sponsor - a scholarship program to support inner city students through sports activities.
  • Douglas Gardens Home for the Aged - Board of Directors 1990 - Next Generation, 1986-1988
  • Camillus House - Advisory Board - Miami Project for the Homeless
  • 65 Roses - Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
  • Hollywood Scholarship Foundation - Benefactor - college scholarships for graduates in Hollywood, Florida
  • Florida Marine Boys Institute - Scholarship supporting high school students with an interest in marine life
  • Boy Scouts of America - Sustaining Member, South Florida Council
  • Bronze Angel, Red Ribbon Campaign - Youth Program for a Drug-free America
  • Florida Atlantic University Foundation - Athletic Scholarships
  • University of Miami - President's Associate Scholarship and Support Funds for Students and Projects at the University of Miami.
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America - Wiedman Wisocki Citation of Excellence (1992, 1993, 1996)
  • National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse (1993)
  • Board of Directors, Florida Committee to Prevent Child Abuse (1994)
Law Student Scholarship and Endowments
  • Leesfield/ATLA Trial Advocacy Scholarship
  • Leesfield/Florida Association of Women Lawyers Dade County Chapter Law Student Scholarship
Client Reviews
★★★★★
I have known Ira for several decades and without a doubt he represents the best of the profession- a never ending commitment to his clients and a perpetual desire for learning and sharing his expertise with his colleagues. Richard
★★★★★
I found, and still find, that Ira’s firm will evaluate the case fairly and provide the client with a reasonably expectation of the process involved and will avoid giving false hope where there is none. Also Ira’s firm consistently keeps in constant touch with the client as well as referring attorneys so each knows the progress of a case. Finally I can tell you that if I personally were injured, Ira Leesfield is the first person I would call. Michael Browning
★★★★★
I'm impressed and very satisfied with the handling of my injury case at this law firm. I was helped and walked through every step of the way. I'm happy to report a fantastic settlement achieved by this excellent law firm. Thank you Rosa
★★★★★
The people at Leesfield Scolaro are extremely professional and compassionate! I would refer your Law Firm to anyone that was in need of an attorney! Thank you my friends. Karen
★★★★★
Our family highly recommends the team at Leesfield and Scolaro. Every step of the way, Barbie Leon was there to make sure we were updated on the progress of the case as well as answer any questions we had. Barbie was in constant communication with our family. She is thoughtful and caring and worked hard to make sure we understood everything that was happening around us. Linda