Having worked as a board certified trial lawyer for nearly 30 years as well as acting as Fellow to the Litigation Counsel of America, a society that only recognizes less than one percent of lawyers in the United States, Jerry Hamilton has easily cemented his place in Miami law history. Hamilton has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 in Admiralty and Maritime Law and Litigation – Insurance.
Hamilton stated, “I have been very fortunate to work with a great team at Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel who have been instrumental in getting fantastic results for our clients. Within the past year, we have had two defense verdicts, two significant marine cases upheld on appeal in the 11th Circuit, two summary judgements in some very high-profile maritime cases and have been successful in obtaining various dismissals in COVID-19 class action cases.” Hamilton noted that this work is a testament to HMB’s team effort and that his recognition as one for all the talented lawyers and professionals at HMB.
After 25 years working in the field of law, Hamilton has learned that sometimes there are greater rewards than victory to be earned, all bearing no shortage in challenges along the way.
“While winning is rewarding, the most rewarding aspect about my field of law is watching the impact our diverse firm and our clients have on the social landscape of our communities. Our marine clients have been there to help in every natural disaster or catastrophe thought the world. From the storms that have hit our homeland to the disasters in Haiti, our clients have been there to provide food, shelter and a lifeline to those in need.” The firm also continues to work through the Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel Charitable Foundation, which collaborates with the New Education Initiatives and other community partners to create unique programs advancing legal education. “These children will grow up to be the guardians of our democracy and it is truly humbling to be part of that endeavor.”
As for challenges in the legal field, Hamilton stated: “Diversity continues to be a challenge. We are but one of a limited few firms in this space. Our industry is slow to change but we are making strides. Our results help us to blaze a path which shows that a diverse firm is far more equipped to deal with changing demographic in a marine market. With our clients’ help, we are meeting the challenges head on so that we can get more diverse lawyers into the practice so when one becomes a ‘Lawyer of the Year’ it is seen as commonplace and not an anomaly.”
