Miami Super Lawyer
Miami Attorney Phillip J. Mitchell, Jr., with offices in Coral Gables is the founder and an equity partner in Mitchell & West, LLC. Attorney Mitchell is passionately devoted to the fight for justice and to date has over forty cases under his belt with a track record that has earned his firm the title of Super Lawyers. In an exclusive interview for HL Magazine, attorney Mitchell tell us about his outstanding achievements in the legal industry.
Q & A WITH ATTORNEY PHILLIP J. MITCHELL, JR.:
-What would you say is your most memorable case to date, why? I have litigated thousands of cases over the course of almost 18 years in the legal profession. There have been a lot of memorable cases, including media cases, but the most memorable are those where I have changed my client’s life in a positive direction. I’ve helped victims of sexual assault and family members of loved ones who have suffered wrongful death. It is truly humbling knowing that I can help my clients and be a positive force in their lives.
-Your law firm has earned the title of super lawyers, why? Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers in numerous practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Typically, the designation of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars are based on peer to peer nomination and independent verification. We have done our best to produce high quality work and create value for our clients.
-Tell us about your membership to the Million Dollar Advocate Forum? The Million Dollar Advocate Forum is limited to attorneys who have won million-dollar judgments and settlements in personal injury cases. A seven-figure verdict or settlement is typically the result of hard work and tactical skill which not every lawyer possesses. To date, approximately 1% of U.S. lawyers are members of this forum. I am a member and have had success resolving cases through final judgment and settlement in excess of 1 million dollars.
-How do you keep up a five-star rating? We focus on the fundamentals. I focus on the client and their needs. Most importantly I place my clients in a position to win. For each case I develop a comprehensive plan. I look at a number of factors which includes the assessment of liability, damages and risk. Then I chart a pathway specifically tailored for success.
-Did you always have a passion for justice? I’ve always had a passion for justice which includes the rule of law. Without it, the most important rights we have would be subverted. One of the most important rights we have in addition to the right of free speech, is the right of individuals to own and protect one’s property. This right protects us against the government confiscating one’s property without just compensation. Lawyers seek justice through the American legal system utilizing the rule of law. Without it, there is no justice for any of us.
-Do you consider yourself an aggressive attorney? I would agree with that statement. However, I would qualify that by saying I am aggressive but professional. In litigation, lawyers are advocates. When you have advocates for the respective parties there is going to be a natural conflict. That’s why it’s important for the lawyers fulfilling their responsibilities to preserve dignity and respect for the parties and the legal system during the course of the litigation.
-Your firm practices in areas of practice, what would you say is your favorite area of specialization and why? Our firm has several lawyers who practice in their own preferable practice areas. I focus my civil practice in personal injury and wrongful death. On occasion, I do take on certain criminal matters. In my civil practice, I focus on representing victims of sexual assault and personal representatives of decedents in claims against resorts, condominium associations and other commercial venues.
-Are there any trends or upcoming future changes in the legal industry in Florida that you would like to share with our readers? Technology is going to continue to change the practice of law. With the advent of automated recording devices, you will continue to see a decrease of the need for court reporters for depositions and in courtrooms. As we all know, artificial Intelligence is the future. It will affect the legal profession by a more data-driven approach to the practice of law. This includes predicting judicial ruling and attorney’s strategic success rate based on past performance.
-Tell us about your charity work. Seven years ago, we started the Mitchell & West LLC Reindeer Run 5K and Mile race. The race takes place on the first Saturday of December of each year. The race runs through the scenic, tree lined streets of Coral Gables during the winter Holiday Season. It starts on Biltmore Way and loops by the Historic Biltmore Hotel and finishes back at City Hall. The 5K start time: 7:30 a.m. while the mile race start time is 8:30 a.m. Every year we donate to one of several charities like the Coral Gables Women’s Club which supports a dental clinic for children. -What are some of your regular hobbies? After a long work week, I disconnect by practicing yoga and running. At night, I enjoy the nightlife by having dinner at one of my favorite restaurants like the Villagio or Caffe Vialetto at Merrick Park in Coral Gables. If I’m not traveling, I spend my weekends home here in The City Beautiful as it is known, which has beautiful tree-lined boulevards, homes and historical landmarks such as the world-famous Biltmore Hotel.
-Your favorite place to travel? We are truly lucky to live in Miami which is a springboard for international travel. For a romantic getaway, I’ll share with you one particular gem which is a must see, Eleuthera Island and in particular Harbour Island, Bahamas which is well known for its beautiful waters and pink sandy beaches. It’s a must do!
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