Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Products Liability; view more
Licensed in Florida since: 1985
Education: University of Florida Levin College of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2006 - 2024 Call today:
888-395-0001
Leighton Law, P.A.
1401 Brickell AvenueSuite 900
Miami, FL 33131 Visit website
Details
John Leighton is the managing partner of Leighton Law, P.A., in Miami and Orlando, Florida. In his 38 years of representing families in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases, he has obtained some of Florida's largest verdicts and settlements. With offices in Miami and Orlando, he serves clients throughout Florida. He is best known for handling high profile serious injury cases throughout Florida and across the country.
Several of his cases have resulted in record-setting recoveries. He won a $24 million verdict in a medical malpractice case which was the largest verdict in Seminole County, Florida. He followed that with a $24 million wrongful death verdict and recently a $49 million verdict for a victim of sexual assault. He has appeared in both local and national media and also shares his knowledge by teaching and lecturing nationally.
He recently taught at Harvard Law School at "ATLA's Ultimate Trial Advocacy College: The Art of Persuasion." Mr. Leighton is the author of the leading textbook on negligent security and sexual abuse, Litigating Premises Security Cases (West Publishing 2006) and has published many peer-reviewed articles in Trial magazine. He has written and lectured extensively on negligent security, sexual abuse and violent crime litigation, as well as medical malpractice and traumatic brain injury cases.
The recipient of numerous honors and awards, Mr. Leighton has attained a rating of AV Preeminent* from the peer review organization Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been listed for a dozen years in “The Best Lawyers in America,” selected by Florida SuperLawyers as a "top 100 attorney," as well as named “legal elite” by both Orlando Style and Florida Trend magazines and a “top lawyer” in the South Florida Legal Guide.
Mr. Leighton has served leadership roles in various professional organizations, including the National College of Advocacy, Academy of Trial Advocacy, and the American Association for Justice. He recently served as President of the National Crime Victim Bar Association. He is also a member of the invitation-only American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Society of Barristers, and was elected to membership in the prestigious American Law Institute (ALI).
Mr. Leighton graduated from the University of Florida with both a B.A. with honors and a J.D. with honors. In law school he was an Editor of the Florida Law Review, taught first year jurisprudence, and competed on the trial team. He is board certified by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education in civil trial law.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Products: PlaintiffFocus areas
Assault, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Delayed or Incorrect Diagnosis, Medical Malpractice, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff, Slip and Fall, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 50% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 40% Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff
- 10% Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1985, Florida
Professional Webpage: https://leightonlaw.com/john-elliott-leighton/
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Dade County Comprehensive Pro Bono Project, “Put Something Back” participant
- Miami Council for International Visitors (Board of Directors, 2001-03)
- Cocoplum Civic Association (Vice President, 2001-2002)
- Business Network International
- Temple Beth Am, Miami, Florida, Board of Directors (2004-11), Committee of 100
- National Crime Victim Bar Association Victim Advocate Training Program, 2006-2018
Educational Background:
- University of Florida, College of Law, Juris Doctor (with honors). Honors: Florida Law Review (editor), Trial Team, Teaching Fellow, 1985
- The University of Florida, Bachelor of Arts (with honors), Honors: President, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honorary fraternity, Honors: Florida Blue Key leadership honorary, Honors: Savant UF leadership honorary, Honors: Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, Honors: Student Senate Majority Leader, Honors: Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity (Life Member, Chapter Supervisor/Graduate Advisor 1982-85), 1983
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- Board Certified specialist in Civil Trial Law, Florida Board of Legal Specialization (certified 1996; re-certified 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021), 1996
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- Adventist Health System/Sunbelt v. Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury, 865 So.2d 561 (Fla.5 DCA 2004, en banc), rev. den. 882 So.2d 384 (Fla. 2004), 2004
- $24 million - medical malpractice/birth trauma verdict, Seminole County, Florida (Shoaf v. Geiling), 2005
- Salomon v. Austin Trading, Inc., 75 So.3d 745 (Fla. 4 DCA 2011)
- $7.4 million verdict in a trucking case where client sustained amputation. Osceola County, FL. (Erb v. Peninsula Logistics)., 2013
- Amore v. G.D. Searle & Co., 748 F.Supp. 845 (S.D. Fla. 1990)
- Publix Super Markets, Inc. v. Jeffery, 650 So.2d 122 (Fla. 3 DCA 1995)
- Doe v. HGI Realty, Inc., 254 Ga.App 181, 561 S.E.2d 450 (Ga. App. 2002)
- School Board of Miami-Dade County v. Leyva, 975 So.2d 576 (Fla. 3d DCA 2008)
- $8 million award for wrongful death of 19 year old survived by parents.
- Johnston v. Halliday, 516 So.2d 84 (Fla. 3 DCA 1987)
- Rivas v. Freeman, 940 F.2d 1491 (11 Cir. 1991)
- Barnes v. City of Coral Gables, 149 F.3d 1195 (11 Cir. 1998)
- Wiedenbeck v. Searle, 385 Ill. App. 3d 289, 299, 895 N.E.2d 1067, 324 Ill. Dec. 352 (2008)
- $24.5 million verdict/wrongful death, Orange County, FL (Estate of Gordon v. Terry, et al.), 2011
- $49.3 million verdict for sexual assault. 15 year-old girl raped by teacher at school. Miami-Dade County, FL. (C.R.R. v. School Board of Miami-Dade County and Bresnniel Jansen, November 2017)., 2017
- Buirley v. Aluma Systems, 494 So.2d 1156 (Fla. 3 DCA 1986)
- White v. Am-Sprad Metals, Inc., 583 So.2d 769 (Fla. 4 DCA 1991)
- Floval Oil Corp. v. Munoz, 679 So.2d 286 (Fla. 3 DCA 1996)
Bar/Professional Activity:
- American Law Institute, 2017
- President 2019-2021, National Crime Victim Bar Association, 2019
- AAJ Press Advisory Board Committee (Vice Chair, 2003-06)
- National Crime Victim Bar Association (NCVBA), Recipient, 2007 “Advocate of Justice” award
- United States District Court Southern District of Florida (General and Trial Bars)
- Birth Trauma Litigation Group
- Melvin M. Belli Society (Fellow)(Marketing Chairman, 2008-11)
- State Courts pro hac vice Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia, New York, Indiana, North Carolina, Illinois, Arizona, Kentucky
- Permanent Endowment Committee (1994-95)
- Florida Justice Association (Formerly Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers) (EAGLE Sponsor)
- Supreme Court of Florida
- National College of Advocacy, Member, Board of Trustees (2000-2004; 2008-; Executive Committee 2011-)
- Dade County Trial Lawyers Association (Board of Directors, 1987-91)
- Nursing Home Litigation Group
- The Academy of Trial Advocacy, Chairman (2007-)
- Miami Beach Bar Association
- Communications, Computers and Law Office Technology Committee (Co-Chair 2001-05)
- National Crime Victim Bar Association (NCVBA), Member, Board of Advisors
- United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- Medical Negligence Information Exchange Group
- Public Justice Foundation (formerly Trial Lawyers for Public Justice), member
- United States District Court Northern District of Florida
- Co-Chairman, Law Student Services Committee (1993-95)
- The Florida Bar (Trial Lawyers Section; CLE and Civil Procedure Rule Committees)
- American Association for Justice (AAJ)(formerly The Association of Trial Lawyers of America - ATLA), Sustaining member
- National College of Advocacy (Certified Advocate and Fellow)(Faculty member)
- Cooperative Association of Medical Malpractice Attorneys (CAMA), charter member
- Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section, First Vice Chair (1995-96)
- The Academy of Trial Advocacy (Charter Member)
- Monroe County Bar Association
- Leader’s Forum (2009-present)
- National Crime Victim Bar Association (NCVBA), charter member
- International Personal Injury Network (I.P.I.N.), charter member
- ATLA Exchange Advisory Committee (2003-06)
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- United States District Court Middle District of Florida
- Founding Co-Chairman, National Trial Advocacy Competition Committee (1992-95)
- Member, Florida Tort Claims Study Commission, 1989
- Inadequate Security Litigation Group, Chairman (1996-present)
- Resort Tort Litigation Group (Founding Member)
- American Bar Association, Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Vice Chair, Product, General Liability and Consumer Law Committee (1987-88)
- Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section, Chairman (1996-97)
- National College of Advocacy, Executive Committee and Secretary, Board of Trustees (2000-2003)
- Miami-Dade County Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Section
- The Academy of Trial Advocacy, Vice Chairman (2006-07)
- Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (A.P.I.L.) (U.K.) (overseas member)
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Spoke on techniques for developing expertise in representing survivors of sex abuse and those lost or injured from violent crime., Speaker, How To Become An Expert Child Sex Abuse and Negligent Security Trial Lawyer, National Crime Victim Bar Association, National Conference, Boston, MA, 2023
- Spoke on the issue of child-on-child sex abuse cases, and how to investigate, evaluate and litigate these matters., Speaker, Child On Child Sex Abuse Cases, National Crime Victim Bar Association national conference, 2021
- Lectured on sex abuse in institutional settings, including schools and day care facilities., Speaker, How to Navigate, Investigate, and Litigate Sex Abuse Cases at Schools and Day Care Facilities, American Association for Justice annual convention, 2021
- Webinar for members only., Speaker, Lessons Learned from the Parkland Shooting Litigation: Screening, Intake, and Strategy in Mass Shooting, Violence, and Crowd Control Cases, National Association of Premises Liability Attorneys, 2021
- Teaching faculty for trial lawyers looking to improve their deposition skills; used video and simulations with participant/students., Teaching faculty, Deposition Skills, National College of Advocacy Trial Advocacy College: Depositions, 2021
- Spoke on jury selection and how it differs in sex abuse and negligent security cases; techniques to maximize likelihood of a favorable jury, Speaker, Jury Selection in Sexual Abuse and Security Cases, National Crime Victim Bar Association national conference, 2020
- Spoke to trial lawyers about damages in sex abuse and violent crime cases., Speaker, Dealing with damages in sex abuse, violent crime and premises liability cases, American Association for Justice annual convention, 2020
- Lectured to Tennessee trial lawyers about sexual assault, abuse and negligent security cases., Speaker, Negligent Security and Sex Abuse Cases: How to evaluate, prepare and litigate them, Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association annual convention, 2020
- Lectured at American Association for Justice winter convention on maximizing damages by a jury., Speaker, “Helping Jurors Help Themselves to Maximize Your Client’s Damages”, American Association for Justice, Winter Convention, Miami Beach, FL, 2019
- Spoke to experienced trial lawyers about the evaluation process for negligent security cases., Speaker, Evaluating and Taking Security Cases: What You Need to Know, National Crime Victim Bar Association national conference, Denver, CO, 2019
- Served as teaching faculty and lecturer for Depositions College for trial lawyers from around the United States. Multi-day College took place in Chicago., Speaker, faculty, Developing Rules and Standards, National College of Advocacy - Trial College: Depositions, 2019
- Spoke to trial lawyers from around the globe about how to obtain the discovery needed in cases and how to defeat obstructions to discovery., Speaker, Pinata Discovery: Getting the Discovery and Testimony You Need in Your Case, American Association for Justice annual convention, 2019
- Addressed issues relating to the use of expert witnesses in violent crime, sex abuse and negligent security cases., Speaker, Things Every Lawyer Should Know About Experts in Negligent Security Cases, American Association for Justice annual convention, 2019
- Spoke to trial lawyers in Massachusetts about how to maximize damages in jury trials., Speaker, Driving the Green Bus: How to Maximize Damages at Trial, Massachusetts Association of Trial Attorneys Annual Convention, 2019
- Spoke at conference to attorneys and judges on deposition strategies., Speaker, Taking The Winning Deposition, American Inns of Court Bench & Bar Conference, 2019
- Addressed experienced trial lawyers at Arizona's premier trial advocacy course in Tempe, AZ, Keynote Speaker, Maximizing damages in Serious Injury Cases, Arizona Association for Justice, Law, 2018
- Spoke to trial lawyers on strategies for litigating mass shooting cases., Speaker, Beyond the Shooter: Litigating Mass Shooting Cases in America, American Association for Justice, Law, 2018
- Spoke to trial lawyers at annual convention., Speaker, Representing Survivors of Sexual Abuse, American Association for Justice, Law, 2018
- Addressed annual conference of National Crime Victim Bar Association about mass shootings., Speaker, Mass Shootings in America: Is the Solution Legislation or Litigation?, National Crime Victim Bar Association, Law, 2018
- Course Chair, Litigating Nursing Home Cases, National College of Advocacy/Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Houston, TX, April 2001
- J. Leighton and S. Laird, Chapter 11: Medical Experts: Coordination of Witnesses, Litigating Spinal Cord Injuries: Law, Medicine, and Economics, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1995)
- Lecturer, “Winning Through Discovery,” Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, Memphis, TN, June 2006
- Lecturer and Moderator, "Drafting Pleadings and Discovery," From Classroom To Courtroom: The New Lawyer's Start Up Kit, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Miami, FL, Feb. 1994
- Lecturer, “Depositions and Discovery,” The Florida Bar Basic Basics Seminar, Tampa and Miami, FL, May 2010
- Course Chair and Lecturer, “Finding, Selecting and Handling Expert Witnesses,” Premises Liability: Inadequate Security and Violent Crimes, National College of Advocacy/Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Miami, FL, March 2001
- J. Leighton, “Preparing and Trying Inadequate Security Cases,” Trial Lawyers Quarterly, Vol. 25 No. 24, New York State Trial Lawyers Association (Summer 1995)
- Lecturer,”Creating the Silver Lining: Techniques for Opening Statement,” New Jersey Trial Lawyers Association, Atlantic City, NJ, April 2006
- Lecturer, "Depositions: Strategy and Demonstration," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Winter Convention, San Diego, CA, January 1994
- Lecturer, “Alternative Dispute Resolution,” The Florida Bar Basic Basics Seminar, Tampa and Miami, FL, May 2010
- Lecturer, “Resort Torts: Vacation, Resort & Recreational Liability,” Daily Business Review seminar series, Miami, FL , May 2010
- Course Chair, “Misdiagnosis, Mistreatment and Malpractice in the Nursing Home,” Failure to Diagnose and Treat Diseases, National College of Advocacy, Waikiki, Hawaii, Feb. 2001
- Cited in Persuasive Jury Communication: Case Studies From Successful Trials, Chapter 10: “Persuasion in a Premises Security Case” (Shepard's/McGraw-Hill, 1995)
- Lecturer, “Trying Cases in Trying Times: Jury Selection in Today’s Environment,” Kentucky Academy of Trial Attorneys, Destin, FL, April 2006
- Lecturer, "Anticipating, Addressing and Defeating Defenses and Exclusions," Premises Liability for Violent Crimes: Legal Issues and Practical Solutions, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Atlanta, GA, November 1993
- Lecturer, “DWD: Driving While Distracted - The New DUI,” Jazzfest Seminar: Litigating Auto Collision Cases, New Orleans, LA, April 2010
- Lecturer, "The Nursing Home Industry vs. Government and Advocates: Legislation, Litigation and Bankruptcy”, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Winter Convention, New Orleans, LA, February 2001
- J. Leighton, "The Recall Process: Removing Defective Juvenile Products from the Market," Product Liability Law Reporter (Vol. 10, pp. 72-73, May 1991)
- Moderator, Association of Trial Lawyers of America Annual Convention, Honolulu, HI, February 2006
- Lecturer, Proving and Disputing Damages, National Business Institute, Miami, FL, Sept. 1993
- Lecturer, "Preparing For Trial: The Last 10 Days," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, August 1993
- Lecturer, “Resort Torts: Vacation, Resort & Recreational Liability,” Orange County Bar Association, Orlando, FL, April 2010
- Teaching Faculty and Lecturer, “Finding and Using Experts” and “Negotiation and Settlement Techniques,” Medical Trial Skills College, Association of Trial Lawyers of America/National College of Advocacy, Miami, FL January 2001
- J. Leighton, “Make Sure New Toys Will Be Safe Toys,” South Florida Parenting, December 1991
- Speaker, Civil Remedies for Criminal Acts, National Center for Victims of Crime Victim Advocate Training Program, Fort Lauderdale, FL, January 2006
- Lecturer, "Preparing, Developing, and Trying the Tough Negligent Security Case," Annual New Orleans Jazzfest Seminar: Liability, Causation and Damages, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, New Orleans, LA, April 1993
- Lecturer, “Jury Selection in Today’s Economy,” American Association for Justice Winter Convention, Maui, Hawaii, February 2010
- Teaching Faculty and Lecturer, Essentials of Civil Litigation Trial College, National College of Advocacy, National Judicial College, Reno, Nevada, October 13-20, 2000
- Co-Author, "Market Share and Concerted Action Theories," 25 Tort & Ins. L.J. 369-401 (1990)
- Lecturer, “Inadequate Premises Security,” PESI Premises Liability seminar, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, November 2005
- Lecturer, "Drafting Pleadings and Discovery," From Classroom To Courtroom: The New Lawyer's Start Up Kit, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Los Angeles, CA, February 1993
- Lecturer, “Civil Remedies for Criminal Acts,” National Crime Victim Bar Association Crime Victim Advocate Training Program, West Palm Beach, FL and Orlando, FL, December 2009
- Lecturer, “Backyard Hazards: Pools, Trampolines and Other Recreational Dangers,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Chicago, IL, July 2000
- J. Leighton, "Punitive Damages - Plaintiff's View," Vol. 2, Chapter 18, Product Liability Practice Guide, (Matthew Bender & Co., 1988)
- Lecturer, “Comparing “Fault” – Current Status of Efforts to Include Perpetrators on Verdict Forms...Restatement Approach/Legislation/Case Law/Comparison to Crashworthiness Doctrine,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada, July 2005
- Lecturer, "Cross Examination," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Washington, D.C., July 1992
- Lecturer, “Sex, Drugs & Violence: Inadequate Premises Security Litigation,” Louisiana Justice Association, Winning With The Masters Seminar, New Orleans, LA, December 2009
- Keynote Speaker, “Recognizing and Evaluating Nursing Home Cases,” Monroe County Bar Association luncheon meeting, Key West, FL, April 2000
- Co-Author, "Motorcycle Products Liability", Trial, November 1988, pp. 32-41
- Course Chair and lecturer, Litigating Nursing Home Cases seminar, ATLA/National College of Advocacy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, March 2005
- Lecturer, "Damages," National Business Institute, Miami, FL, February 1992
- Keynote speaker, “Sex, Drugs & Violence,” Negligent Premises Security Litigation, Daily Business Review Roundtable seminar, Miami, FL, October 2009
- Lecturer, “Demonstration of an Opening Statement: Setting the Stage,” Litigating Nursing Home Cases, National College of Advocacy, Las Vegas, NV, March 2000
- Co-Author, Product Liability: Commentary and Cases, monthly column (Callaghan & Co.) 1985-87
- Program Chair, Collateral Sources Seminar, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, FL, January 2005
- Lecturer, “Opening Statement,” Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Fall Trial Skills Seminar, Orlando, FL, November 2004
- Lecturer, "Real and Necessary Trial Preparation: Preparing for Trial Without Reinventing the Wheel," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Winter Convention, Boca Raton, FL, Jan. 1992
- Lecturer, “Direct Examination: Storytelling at Trial,” American Association for Justice Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, July 2009
- Program Chair, Cooperative Association of Medical Malpractice Attorneys, Winter Conference, Miami, FL, Jan., 2000
- J. Leighton, "Market Share Liability: Too Much or Too Little", Products Liability/Commentary & Cases, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1986
- Lecturer, “Jury Selection,” National Crime Victim Bar Association Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., October 2004
- Lecturer, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada, July 1991
- Lecturer, Academy of Trial Advocacy, Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, July 2009
- Lecturer, “Courtroom vs. Movie Set: Choreographing Your Case,” Rediscovering the Magic: Taking Back Control of the Courtroom, Maryland Trial Lawyers Association, Baltimore, MD, December 1999
- Two volume treatise on handling, litigating and trying premises security cases., Author, Litigating Premises Security Cases, Thomson-West publishers, 2006
- J. Leighton, "Market Share Liability: The Need for a Uniform Market Share Liability Act," Trial, November 1985, pp.83-89
- Co-Author, "Why Police Officers Can't Recover For Injuries Due To Someone Else's Negligence", Heat, Police Benevolent Association, November, 1985
- Lecturer, “Liability for Failure to Admit (EMTALA), Discharge and Transfer”, Holding the Hospital Accountable seminar, ATLA/National College of Advocacy, Montreal, Canada, October 2004
- Lecturer, "Jury Selection," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Recovering for Psychological Injuries: What You Don't Know Can Hurt Your Client, San Francisco, CA, November 1990
- Moderator and Chair, Litigating Inadequate Security Cases, American Association for Justice Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, July 2009
- Lecturer, “Apportionment of Fault: How To Deal with Placing The Perpetrator on the Verdict Form in Inadequate Security Cases”, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, July 1999
- Invited lecturer, “Like Flies to Honey: Crime Management and the Dangers of ATMs, Convenience Stores and Other High Risk Retail Premises,” American Association for Justice Annual Convention, Baltimore, MD, July 2014.
- J. Leighton, "Punitive Damages in Florida," Final Report of the Florida Bar Commission on Tort Litigation, 1984.
- Lecturer, "Screening, Selecting and Investigating Inadequate Security Cases: What to Look For Before Taking A Case,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Boston, MA, July 2004
- Lecturer, "Trial Advocacy," National Business Institute, Miami, FL, November 1990
- Lecturer, “Resort Torts,” Melvin M. Belli Seminar, San Francisco, CA, July 2009
- Lecturer, “Combatting Evidentiary Attacks on Expert Testimony: How to Deal With Daubert”, Doubleheader Seminar: Litigating Catastrophically Injured Infant Cases and Inadequate Security and Violent Crimes seminar, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Phoenix, AZ, Feb. 1999
- Lecturer, “Sex, Drugs & Violence: Inadequate Premises Security Litigation in Florida,” Annual Leighton Seminar Series, Daily Business Review, Miami, FL, November 2013
- ATLA's Ultimate Trial Advocacy College: The Art of Persuasion, Harvard law School, Cambridge, MA, Faculty and Lecturer, American Association For Justice/National College Of Advocacy, 2018
- Lecturer, 57 Annual Melvin Belli Seminar, Boston, MA, July 2004
- Lecturer, "Determining and Proving Damages," National Business Institute, Miami, FL, July 1990
- Keynote speaker, “Building a Resort Tort Case,” Resort Torts seminar, Miami Daily Business Review, Miami, FL, May TM 2009
- Lecturer, “Litigating Product Liability Cases,” Federal Civil Litigation in Florida seminar, Lorman Education Services, Miami, FL, September 1998
- Lecturer, “Jury Selection in Premises Security Cases,” Inadequate Security Education Program, American Association for Justice Annual Convention, San Francisco, July 2013
- Lecturer, “Mediation 2.0,” American Association for Justice Annual Convention, San Francisco, July 2013
- Lecturer, “Apportionment of Fault,” Premises Liability: Inadequate Security Cases, ATLA/National College of Advocacy Teleseminar, May 2004
- Lecturer, "Winning the Product Liability Case Through Discovery," Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, Warm Weather Seminar, Freeport, Bahamas, February 1990
- Course Chairman, Essentials of Trial College, National College of Advocacy, 2009
- Course Chair and Lecturer, “Discovery and Rambo Litigation”, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Washington, D.C., July 1998
- Moderator, “Daubert Strategies and Litigation Update” teleseminar, American Association for Justice, July, 2013
- Lecturer, “Jury Selection: Negligent Security,” Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Everything You Wanted To Know About Jury Selection seminar, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, March 2004
- Lecturer, "Movies and Videotapes," Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Demonstrative Evidence Seminar, San Francisco, CA, May 1989
- Lecturer, “Presenting Tragic Violence at Trial: Closing Argument in Security and Violent Crime Cases,” National Crime Victim Bar Assn., 2008 National Conference, Chicago, IL, Oct. 2008
- Lecturer, “Investigating, Preparing and Litigating the Inadequate Security Case,” Kansas Trial Lawyers Association Premises Liability Seminar, Overland Park, Kansas, June 1998
- Lecturer, “Overcoming Tort Reform,” How To Practice Law in the Age of Tort Reform: Getting Leaner, Smarter & Tougher, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Houston, TX, May 1998
- Lecturer, “Depositions and Discovery,” The Florida Bar Basic Basics Seminar, Tampa, FL, May 2013
- Lecturer and Course Co-Chair, "Effective Settlement Techniques,” Litigating Nursing Home Cases, ATLA/National College of Advocacy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, March 2004
- Lecturer, "Offer/Demand for Judgment/Settlement - How, When, and Why," Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Winning Cases Without Trial, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nov. 1988
- Lecturer, “Jury Selection and Today’s Juror,” Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Annual Convention, Snowmass, CO, August 2008
- Lecturer, “Countering the Seat Belt Defense,” Jazzfest Seminar, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, New Orleans, LA, April 1998
- Lecturer, “Alternative Dispute Resolution,” The Florida Bar Basic Basics Seminar, Tampa, FL, May 2013
- Co-Chair, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Winter Convention, Orlando, FL, Feb. 2004
- J. Leighton, “Why You Are Safer On The Highways Than In A Hospital,” South Florida Legal Guide,Vol. 15, No. 1, January 2014.
- Lecturer, “Juror Perceptions and Responses to the Use of Technology and How to Deal With Them,” American Association for Justice, Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA, July 2008
- Lecturer, “ATLA Hornbook Series: Inadequate Premises Security”, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Winter Convention, Maui, Hawaii, February 1998
- Lecturer, “Selecting and Investigating Premises Liability Cases,” American Association for Justice Winter Convention, Miami, FL, Feb. 2013
- Lecturer, "Opening Statements and Today’s Special Considerations,” Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Fall Convention, Orlando, FL, October, 2003
- J. Leighton, “How To Improve Parasailing Safety Through Economic Disincentives,” South Florida Legal Guide, Vol. 14, No. 2, Fall 2013, pp. 40-41
- Lecturer, “Insurance Coverage: Getting Around Exclusions,” American Association for Justice, Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA, July 2008
- Course Chair, Moderator and Lecturer, Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Educational Program, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, San Diego, CA, July 1997
- Lecturer, “Plaintiff’s Perspective on Breaking the Impasse at Mediation,” 67th Annual National Workers Compensation/Mediation Conference, Orlando, FL, August, 2012
- Lecturer, "Apportionment of Fault in Inadequate Security Cases,” National Crime Victim Bar Association 2003 National Conference: Rights, Recourse & Recovery: Civil Litigation for Victims of Crime, Washington, DC, October 2003
- J. Leighton, “Corporate and Institutional Liability for Sexual Assaults and Sexual Abuse,” South Florida Legal Guide, Vol. 13, No. 1, 2012
- Lecturer, “Sex, Drugs & Violence; What You Need to Know about Violent Crime Cases and Negligent Premises Security Litigation,” Florida Facilities Managers Association, Annual Meeting, Palm Beach, FL, June 2008
- Course Chair, Moderator and Lecturer, Inadequate Security Education Program, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, San Diego, CA, July 1997
- Lecturer, “Why Can’t We Be Friends? Attacking The Defense Security Expert,” American Association for Justice Annual Convention, Chicago, IL, July 2012
- Lecturer, "Creating and Reinforcing the Trial Story: Presenting the Expert Witness,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA, July 2003
- J. Leighton, “Vacation, Resort and Recreational Liability,” South Florida Legal Guide, Vol. 12, No. 2, Fall 2011, p. 44.
- Lecturer, “Parasailing Recreation,” American Association for Justice Winter Convention, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jan. 2008
- Lecturer, “Standing Up for a Fair Jury: Voir Dire in Security Cases,” American Association for Justice, Annual Convention,Chicago, IL, July 2007
- Course Chairman and lecturer, “Terror in the Sky: Security Aboard Airplanes and in Airports”, Mega Seminar: Premises Liability: Inadequate Security and Violent Crimes, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Las Vegas, NV, February 1997
- Lecturer, “Reducing Institutional Sexual Abuse Through Litigation,” Melvin M. Belli Society Annual Seminar, Chicago, IL, July 2012
- Speaker, “Linguistic Minorities”, National Employment Lawyers Association, Annual Convention, Vail, CO, June 2003
- J. Leighton, “When There’s Trouble in Paradise...What Are You Liable For?,” Hotels - the magazine of the worldwide hotel industry, 3/10/2010
- Lecturer, “Picking Civil Juries for Crime Victims,” National Crime Victim Bar Association Annual Conference, Washington,DC, June 2007
- Course Chair and Moderator, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Winter Convention, Boca Raton, FL, January 1997
- Lecturer, Demonstration of Cross Examination of a Defendant, Dade County Bar Association Super Lawyers CLE, June 2012
- Co-Chairman, Litigating Nursing Home Cases seminar, National College of Advocacy, Austin, TX, March 2003
- J. Leighton, Litigating Premises Security Cases, Vol. 1 and 2, (Thomson-West Publishing, 2006; supplemented 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012). [Two volume treatise on premises security litigation]
- Lecturer, “Increasing Civility in Civil Litigation,” 11th Annual Florida Liability Claims Conference/Florida Defense Lawyers Association, Orlando, FL, June 2007
- Course Chair and Moderator, Inadequate Security Education Program, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Winter Convention, Boca Raton, FL, January 1997
- Lecturer, “Resort Torts...and the Courts,” 3rd Annual Leighton Seminar Series, Daily Business Review, Miami, FL, November 2011
- Co-Chair and moderator, Litigating Catastrophically Injured Infant Cases, National College of Advocacy, Atlanta, GA, February 2003
- J. Leighton, “Expert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Cases Do Not Need Further Regulation,” Daily Business Review, June 29, 2006
- J. Leighton, "Apportionment of Fault in Inadequate Security Cases,” Victim Advocate, Vol. 4 No. 2, Fall 2003, pp. 3-6
- Keynote Speaker, “Resort Torts,” Monroe County Bar Association Annual Seminar, Key West, FL, May 2007
- Lecturer, “Top 10 Things to Look (and Look Out) For in Evaluating Inadequate Security Cases,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Boston, MA, July 1996
- Lecturer, “Designing The Mediation,” 66th Annual National Workers Compensation Conference, Orlando, FL, August, 2011
- Co-Chair and moderator, Weekend With The Stars annual seminar, National College of Advocacy, New York, NY, Dec. 2002
- J. Leighton, “Prepare For Trial, But Win At Settlement,” Trial, Vol. 39 No. 6, June 2003, pp. 26-28
- Lecturer, “Premises Liability,” Basic Tort Litigation Seminar, The Florida Bar, Tampa and Miami, FL, May 2007
- Lecturer, “Demonstrative Evidence in Settlement and Mediation,” Motor Vehicle, Highway and Premises Liability Section, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Boston, MA, July 1996
- Lecturer, “Evaluating, Assessing and Litigating Premises Security Cases,” American Association for Justice, Annual Convention, New York, NY, July 2011
- Lecturer, “Effective and Efficient Use of Internet Discovery,” Advocacy Track, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Atlanta, Georgia, July 2002
- J. Leighton, “A World of Words Comes To Court (Linguistic Minorities),” Trial, Vol. 38, No. 8, August 2002, pp. 20-27.
- Lecturer, “Inadequate Security Litigation,” New Jersey Trial Lawyers Association, Boardwalk Seminar, Atlantic City, NJ, April 2007
- Course Chair, Premises Liability: Inadequate Security & Violent Crimes, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Scottsdale, AZ, February 1996
- Lecturer, “$24 million verdict: Trial of ATM Shooting Case,” Melvin M. Belli Society Annual Seminar, New York, NY, July 2011
- Lecturer, “How Daubert Can Help and Hurt Your Case,” Annual Jazz Fest seminar, National College of Advocacy/Association of Trial Lawyers of America, New Orleans, LA, May 2002
- J. Leighton and M. Sylvester, “Apportionment of Fault in Inadequate Security Cases,” Trial, Vol. 37 No. 13, December 2001, pp. 18-25
- Keynote Speaker, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, “Victims’ Rights Conference,” State Attorney’s Office - Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami, FL April 2007
- Moderator, "From Classroom to Courtroom", Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, New York, NY, July 1995
- Lecturer, “Terrorism and Civil Actions,” National Crime Victim Bar Association National Conference, Washington, DC, June 2011
- Lecturer, “Handing the Jury a Package - The Art of a Closing Argument - Lecture and Demonstration,” South Dakota Bar Association, Clearwater, FL, March 2002
- J. Leighton, “Fighting New Defenses in Inadequate Security Cases,” Trial, Vol. 35, No. 4, April 2000, pp. 20-25
- Lecturer, “Deposition Techniques – Lay and Expert Witnesses,” American Association for Justice, Winter Convention, Miami Beach, FL, February 2007
- Lecturer, "Preparing, Litigating and Trying the Negligent Security Case", Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway, and Premises Liability Section, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, New York, NY, July 1995
- Keynote speaker, “Medical Malpractice: What You Don’t Know May Kill You,” Association of Health Underwriters, Miami Dade, March 2011
- Lecturer and Teaching Faculty, Essentials of Civil Litigation Trial College, National College of Advocacy, Houston, TX, October 2001; Lecturer: “Opening Statement” and “Computers and Technology in the Courtroom”
- Course Chair and Lecturer, “Screening Nursing Home Abuse Cases,” Litigating Nursing Home Cases, National College of Advocacy/Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Phoenix, AZ, October 2001
- J. Leighton, “The Negligent Security Case: A Primer,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America Motor Vehicle, Highway and Premises Liability Section Quarterly, Vol. 5 No. 1, Winter 1999/2000, pp. 1-8
- Lecturer, “Using Computer Animation in Civil Cases,” 59 Annual Melvin Belli Seminar, Seattle, WA, July 2006
- Lecturer and Moderator, "Drafting Pleadings and Discovery," From Classroom To Courtroom: Trial Techniques for the New Lawyer, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Redondo Beach, CA, February 1995
- Moderator, “Social Media: Considerations for Today’s Trial Lawyer,” American Association for Justice Winter Convention, Miami, FL, February 2011
- Lecturer, “The Boob Tube: Making Videotaped Evidence Interesting,” Advocacy Track – Trial Psychology and Persuasion, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Montreal, Canada, July 2001
- J. Leighton, “Are Children Caught in the Seat of Disaster? Child Restraint Systems and Product Liability Cases,” Trial, Vol. 34, No. 3, March 1998, pp. 54-64
- Lecturer, “Fundamentals of a Hospital Chart – What’s There and What’s Not,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Seattle, WA, July 2006
- Lecturer, "Comparative Fault/Joint and Several Liability: Comparing the "Fault" of the Criminal Perpetrator with the Negligence of the Premises Owner", Premises Liability: Inadequate Security & Violent Crimes, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Las Vegas, NV, October 1994
- Lecturer, “Terrorism as an Inadequate Security Case,” American Association for Justice Annual Convention, Vancouver, Canada, July 2010
- Lecturer, “Expert Testimony: How to Deal With Daubert/Kumho Challenges,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Montreal, Canada, July 2001
- J. Leighton, “Identifying and Evaluating Inadequate Premises Liability Cases”, Association of Trial Lawyers of America Motor Vehicle, Highway and Premises Liability Section Quarterly, 1996
- Lecturer, “Insurance Issues in Inadequate Premises Security Cases,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Seattle, WA, July 2006
- Moderator and Chair, Classroom to Courtroom, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, Chicago, IL, July 1994
- Lecturer, “Dealing With The Violent Criminal in Civil Cases,” Annual Belli Seminar, Vancouver, Canada, July 2010.
Honors/Awards:
- Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice & Product Liability, Best Lawyers, 2023
- Florida SuperLawyers/Top 100 in Miami, Florida SuperLawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2023
- Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Best Lawyers, 2022
- Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend magazine, 2023
- Florida SuperLawyers/Top 100 in Miami, Florida SuperLawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2023
- Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice & Product Liability, Best Lawyers, 2023
- Florida SuperLawyers - Top 100 Miami, Florida SuperLawyers, 2022
- Top Lawyers - Personal Injury, South Florida Legal Guide, 2022
- Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend magazine, 2022
- Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Best Lawyers, 2021
- Florida SuperLawyers - Medical Malpractice (Plaintiffs), Florida SuperLawyers, 2021
- Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend magazine, 2021
- Top Lawyers - Personal Injury, South Florida Legal Guide, 2021
- Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Best Lawyers, 2020
- Florida SuperLawyers - Medical Malpractice (Plaintiffs), Florida SuperLawyers, 2020
- Top Lawyers - Personal Injury, South Florida Legal Guide, 2020
- Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend magazine, 2020
- Florida SuperLawyers, Florida SuperLawyers, 2019
- Orlando Legal Elite, Orlando Style magazine, 2019
- Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend magazine, 2019
- Top Lawyers - Personal Injury, South Florida Legal Guide, 2019
- Selected as Orlando Legal Elite by Orlando Style magazine., Orlando Legal Elite, Orlando Style Magazine, 2018
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2008-2019, Best Lawyers in America, 2019
- Selected again for Top Miami Superlawyer, Top 100 Miami SuperLawyer, Florida Superlawyers, 2018
- Selected as Florida Legal Elite., Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend magazine, 2018
- Selected for Best lawyers in America for Personal Injury (Plaintiffs), Medical Malpractice and Product Liability., Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers, 2018
- Top 100 SuperLawyers in Florida (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013)
- Florida Trend Legal Elite 2006-2009, 2012-2018 (Top 2% of Lawyers in Florida)
- Recipient, “Wiedmann-Wysocki Citation of Excellence”, 1993
- Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America
- National Law Journal Top 100 verdicts of 2011
- Florida SuperLawyers 2006-2018 (peer selected statewide)
- Top 50 SuperLawyers in South Florida (2010, 2011, 2012)
- AVVO.com attorney rating 10/10 (“superb” - highest rating)
- Who's Who in America, Who’s Who in the South and Southwest
- International Who’s Who of Professionals
- “Attorney of the Month,” Attorney At Law magazine, Vol. 3 No. 2, April 2013
- Martindale-Hubbell AV preeminent rating
- Top Lawyers in South Florida, South Florida Legal Guide, For Medical Malpractice, Product Liability and Wrongful Death, 2003 through 2018
- Business Leader Media “Mover & Shaker Award”, 2009
- Who's Who in American Law
- Co-Nominee, Trial Lawyer of the Year, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (1995)
- Wrongful death verdict hall of fame, Verdict Hall of Fame, Daily Business Review, 2015
Selections
19 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2006 - 2024
Top Lists
Top 100: Miami Super Lawyers: 2010 - 2016, 2018, 2022 - 2023- Top 100: 2023 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2022 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2018 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2016 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2015 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2014 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2013 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2012 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2011 Miami Super Lawyers
- Top 100: 2010 Miami Super Lawyers
Certificates and credentials
Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization
Civil Trial
Civil Trial
