Martin Stern is an experienced litigator representing clients in a number of industries, including health care, hospital, construction, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality and insurance.
Mr. Stern has litigated claims involving wrongful death, breach of contract, indemnity, employer liability claims, contribution, subrogation and complex arbitrations involving preferred provider disputes associated with reimbursement rates. In addition, he handles claims and disputes involving products liability, construction, automobile and trucking litigation, hospitality, premises liability and personal injury, as well as other general liability matters.
Mr. Stern joined Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in July 2009. Previously, he was the Director of the General Liability Department in the Ft. Lauderdale office of Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin, Fichtel & Wander, P.A.
Mr. Stern began his legal career in 1994 at Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner & Kenney, P.C., in Detroit, Michigan. From 1997 to 2001, he was an attorney at Conrad, Scherer, & Jenne, P.A., in Ft. Lauderdale. He then spent five years at Steven Ziegler, P.A., where he defended managed health care organizations against claims of medical malpractice.
In addition to his other law school achievements, Mr. Stern was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and received its Distinguished Service Award. He took first place in the Widener Moot Court Competition and was Outstanding Oral Advocate in The National Moot Court Competition. He was selected by his law professors for admission to the Order of Barristers.
Mr. Stern served as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force for six years. During his service, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. He also received the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon.
Mr. Stern holds the AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethics and legal ability.
He is a member of The Florida Bar, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, American Trial Lawyers Association and the Broward County Trial Lawyers Association, where he has been recognized for outstanding contributions.
Mr. Stern is also a member of the South Florida Claims Association, Construction Association of South Florida, the Defense Research Institute and the Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.
Mr. Stern is approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services to instruct continuing education classes for insurance adjusters and provide corporate training related to general lines of insurance. He has conducted training for the Association of Property & Casualty Claims Professionals (PCCP) and the South Florida Claims Association, among others.
Some of his presentations include:
- “Employer Liability for Cell Phone Usage and Other Driving Distractions.”
- “Coverage-B Claims: Reducing the Employer’s Liability for Workplace Accidents.”
- “Spoliation of Evidence: To Preserve or Not to Preserve.”
- “Work Product and Attorney-Client Privilege: What is Truly Protected?”
- “Catastrophic Workplace Injuries: OSHA Investigations and Employer Liability.”
- “Parental Liability for the Act of Minors: Parents Beware.”
- “Product Liability Primer: Helpful Resources and Causes of Action.”
Since 2004, Mr. Stern has been an active volunteer at Gilda’s Club South Florida.
He has been active in the Northern American Riding for the Handicapped Association, where he participates with other volunteers and business owners to assist severely handicapped children to interact with horses under the immediate supervision of a physical therapist for rehabilitation.
Mr. Stern was a member of the board of directors of Kiwanis Club of Cooper City from 2006 to 2007.