Firm History

Clarke Silverglate was formed in 1993 by Mercer K. “Bud” Clarke and Spencer H. Silverglate as a premier civil litigation law firm representing Corporate America, insurance companies, and insureds throughout the State of Florida and beyond. The founding partners practiced law together at an AmLaw 100 firm where they honed their skills in high-stakes litigation. At the same time, they perceived inefficiencies in the big firm model. They envisioned a high-end, litigation-only boutique dedicated to providing corporate clients Big Law competency and technology, but with small firm attention and efficiency.  In fact, we like to say that we are “radically responsive”:  we return telephone calls, emails, and text messages immediately, 24/7/365.  That vision has proven effective. For 30 years, the firm has successfully represented clients, including some of the largest companies in the world, in trials, arbitrations, and appeals.

Firm Overview

Clarke Silverglate is a premier law firm representing Corporate America, insurance companies, and insured in civil litigation throughout the State of Florida and beyond. Founded by big firm lawyers, our work product and work ethic are unsurpassed. As a boutique firm, we are nimble, creative, and focused on solutions, not obstacles.  We also try cases–our attorneys have collectively tried over 100 cases to verdict.  We are willing and able to try the most challenging case anytime, anywhere, but we also take a pragmatic view of our role as counselors and lawyers. We understand that a win in litigation is defined not just by the result, but also by the efficiency through which the result is achieved.

The firm is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, listed in Best’s Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys, listed as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report, and is consistently rated by the South Florida Legal Guide and Florida Trend magazine as one of the top law firms in South Florida.

Culture

We use the term “family” not as a cliché or marketing tool but as a core value. We work as a team, and we are passionate about excellence in our work. We truly enjoy what we do, and it shows through our interactions. We respect and care for one another, and that culture transcends our office walls to the voluntary bar associations and communities that we serve and the clients whom we represent. We are aggressive, but not bullies. We are creative, but ethical. 

Social Responsibility

We understand that to whom much is given, much is expected. We are blessed to work in a collaborative and supportive environment representing clients whom we care about. We know that we must pay it forward. We mentor young lawyers, not only in South Florida, but nationally. We mentor youth in South Florida through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. We raise money to find a cure for cystic fibrosis; we feed the homeless; we help those in our community who can’t help themselves. A life worth living is a life focused on serving others. We serve each and every day.

Awards and Rankings

The firm is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, listed in Best’s Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys, listed as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report, and consistently rated by the South Florida Legal Guide and Florida Trend magazine as one of the top law firms in South Florida.  Our attorneys have been recognized in Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers Guide, Who’s Who of Product Liability Defense Lawyers, The Americal Lawyer & Corporate Counsel Magazine, and The International Who’s Who of Product Liability Defense lawyers.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical for every company and law firm. Diversity provides us varied ideas, opinions, and approaches to tackle our client’s problems. The more diverse and inclusive we are, the more ably we can think outside the box, see issues that a monolithic firm would miss, and appreciate cultural norms that other firms would ignore. In South Florida, where diverse judges and juries are the norm, our firm is a reflection of our community. We understand that pursuing diversity equity, and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but its own reward.