Best's Recommended Insurance Attorneys - General Defense

Dale R. Hightower

Miami, FL

Admitted

• Florida, 1983
• U.S. District Court, District of Florida, 1984
• U.S. District Court, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida
• U.S. Supreme Court, 1989

Dale has been recognized as an expert litigator and has been invited to teach at various legal seminars on various topics ranging from discovery techniques to “door shutting” closing arguments. He has been named The Best Lawyers in America, “Top Lawyer” by the Florida Legal Guide, a Super Lawyers®, Litigation Council of America Senior Fellow, and has maintained an AV Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell® since 1993. His courtroom experience of over 200 jury trials all over Florida with an 80% success rate is unequaled among Florida lawyers.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar
• Dade County Bar Association (Board of Directors, 1985-1988)
• South Florida Claim Association
• New York Claim Association
• American Trucking Association
• Defense Research Institute (Trucking Law Committee)
• Florida Trucking Association
• Florida Defense Lawyers Association
• Transportation Lawyers Association

Education:

• Florida Southern College, B.S., 1980
• Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, J.D., 1983

Christopher S. Stratton

West Palm Beach, FL

• Telephone: 561-833-2022

Admitted

• Florida, 2002
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 2003
• U.S. District Court, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

Chris has been aggressively litigating cases throughout Florida for two decades and has been with the firm for over 18 of those years. From Jacksonville to Key West…from the Panhandle to Palm Beach, Chris was named to Florida Super Lawyer’s “Rising Stars” list six years in a row (2011-2016), became a Super Lawyer© (2024), named a Litigation Counsel of America fellow, recognized as a Top Lawyer by Palm Beach Illustrated (2020-2025) and named to the 2024, 2025 and 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Product Liability Litigation and Transportation Law.

Memberships:

• American Bar Association (Committee Member: Torts & Insurance Practice Section)
• The Florida Bar

Education:

• Florida State University, B.S., 1998
• University of Miami, J.D. (cum laude), 2002

Daniel M. Novigrod

Managing Partner-Miami

Miami, FL

• Telephone: 305-539-0909

Admitted

• Florida, 2004
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

Since joining the firm, Dan’s drive and determination distinguished him amongst his peers, earning him partnership in the firm.

As a Partner, and throughout his career with the firm, Dan has had the privilege of representing industry leaders and has established excellent relationships with their risk managers. He effectively defends major corporations and insured individuals in various types of civil cases including automobile negligence, construction defect, first-party property, insurance coverage issues libel/slander/defamation, negligent security, premises liability, products liability, property damage, restaurant liability, subrogation and windstorm. Florida Trend magazine awarded the prestigious Legal Elite® NOTABLE - Managing Partner honor to Dan in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Also, Dan is a member of the Trial Law Institute, Diversity Law Institute and has been named a Florida Super Lawyer in Super Lawyers© Magazine (2017-2025), Florida Trends Florida Legal Elite (2016-2022) and a Litigation Counsel of America Fellow and was named a Top Lawyer by Aventura Magazine (2024, and 2025).

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar
• Miami-Dade County Bar Association (Young Lawyers Division)

Education:

• California State University, Fullerton, B.A. (cum laude), 2001
• University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 2004

Language:

• Spanish

Michael A. Costello

Managing Partner-Orlando

Orlando, FL

• Telephone: 407-352-4240

Admitted

• Florida, 2011
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Michael’s years of hard work and relentless dedication to his clients earned him the position of Managing Partner of the Orlando office. He practices in various areas including automobile negligence, general liability, premises liability, products liability, property damage, representation of public entities, subrogation insurance coverage issues and transportation & trucking. Michael was named a Florida Trend Legal Elite NOTABLE - Managing Partner for 2023, 2024, 2025, named to the 2024, 2025 and 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants, and named a Super Lawyers© for 2024 and 2025 for his exceptional work in Insurance Coverage.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar
• Orange County Bar Association

Education:

• St. Leo College, B.A., History (with honors), 2008
• Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, J.D., 2011

Aaron A. Hussaini

Managing Partner-Tampa

Tampa, FL

• Telephone: 813-588-4350

Admitted

• Florida, 2019

Aaron started as an Associate in the firm’s Orlando office, where he was able to hone his litigation skills successfully defending large corporations in complex Civil Litigation, First Party Property, Personal Injury Defense, and Premises Liability against the largest Plaintiff law firms in the nation.

Aaron’s uncanny ability of taking on increasing workloads, steadfast commitment to clients, track record of favorable outcomes, and mentoring junior attorneys, showed his true colors as a dependable leader, earning him the distinction of being promoted to Managing Partner in the Tampa Office.

Aaron has saved his clients tens of millions of dollars through early case resolution, favorable settlements, and aggressive motion practice. 

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar

Education:

• Rollins College, B.A., 2013
• Florida A&M University College of Law, J.D., 2018

Lee A. Kantor

Firm Managing Partner

West Palm Beach, FL

• Telephone: 561-833-2022

Admitted

• Florida, 2005
• U.S. District Court, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida

Since joining the firm, Lee has become an experienced trial attorney.  Lee has garnered a reputation as an aggressive litigator not afraid to take a case to trial before a jury. He has obtained numerous defense verdicts as well as countless favorable settlements for his clients including the Champlain Towers South condominium collapse in Surfside. Lee is a member of the Trial Law Institute and Diversity Law Institute. He has been named a Florida Super Lawyer©, Litigation Counsel of America Fellow for defense of his corporate clients in auto negligence, bodily injury, commercial property, construction defect, hospitality liability, public entities, state governments, trucking and transportation, windstorm, and workers compensation. Lee was named a Top Lawyer by Palm Beach Illustrated (2020-2025), Florida Trend Legal Elite NOTABLE - Managing Partner for 2023-2025 and named to the 2024-2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation - Construction. Lee is the Managing Partner of the firm and is the chairman of the firm’s Business Development committee.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar

Education:

• University of Massachusetts Amherst, B.A. Political Science (cum laude), 2001
• Loyola University New Orleans, J.D., 2005

Herb L. Uzzi

West Palm Beach, FL

• Telephone: 561-833-2022

Admitted

• Florida, 2014
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

Herb has been a valued partner at Hightower, Stratton, Novigrod & Kantor for several years. Herb was named Top Lawyers by Palm Beach Illustrated for 2020-2025 and was named to the 2024-2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants.
His practice areas include defending nationwide corporations in automobile negligence, breach of contract, insurance coverage, negligent entrustment, negligent hiring, negligent security, negligent training, PIP defense, premises liability, subrogation, traffic defense, trucking and transportation industries. 

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar

Education:

• University of South Carolina, B.A. Communications, 2006
• Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, J.D., 2014

Michael J. Greene

Orlando, FL

Practice Areas

• Insurance Defense

Admitted

• Florida, 2013

As a partner in the Orlando office, Michael has continued to obtain great results for clients through research, preparation, and attention to detail. He practices in various areas including automobile negligence, insurance coverage issues, premises liability, property damage, and subrogation and windstorm. Michael was recognized as a 2023, 2025 and 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar

Education:

• State University of New York at Buffalo, B.A., 2009
• Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, J.D., 2013

Charles S. Thompson

Miami, FL

• Telephone: 305-539-0909

Admitted

• Florida, 2018

Charles has invaluable experience in many crucial stages of insurance litigation, including, but not limited to, settlement negotiations, mediations, depositions, hearings, discovery, and motion practice. Charles was selected to the 2021-2025 SuperLawyers© Rising Stars list as well as 2022-2026 Best Lawyers: One’s To Watch® in America for Insurance Law.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar

Education:

• Florida International University, B.A. (Dean's List), 2014
• Florida International University College of Law, J.D., 2018

Language:

• Spanish

Nixon J. Alcantara

Miami, FL

• Telephone: 305-539-0909

Admitted

• Florida, 2021

Nixon has worked diligently since joining the firm. He specializes in first-party property and windstorm defense. He was selected to the 2024 and 2025 Super Lawyers© Rising Stars list for his exceptional work in Insurance Coverage and was named a Top Lawyer by Aventura Magazine in 2024.

Additionally, Nixon, was selected to the 2026 Best Lawyers: One’s To Watch® in America for Insurance Law.

Education:

• Florida International University, B.A., 2014
• Florida International University College of Law, J.D. (cum laude, Dean's List), 2021

Language:

• Spanish

Carlos A. Flores

West Palm Beach, FL

• Telephone: 561-833-2022

Admitted

• Florida
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

As a formidable litigator, Carlos vigorously defends individuals, businesses, and insurance companies in high-stakes litigation with a proven track record of successful outcomes. His extensive trial experience in various litigated matters has exposed him to complex medical cases including catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, orthopedic injuries, chronic pain conditions, neurological conditions, psychological diagnoses including PTSD, as well as other complicated injuries.

Additionally, his specialized expertise in employment matters has made him invaluable to small businesses seeking assistance with contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution. Carlos excels in helping business owners navigate workplace challenges through mediation, arbitration, and litigation, when necessary, while also defending them in matters involving torts, non-compete enforcement, and discrimination charges. He has developed particular proficiency in non-compete agreements, where he strategically enforces these critical contracts for companies protecting their business interests while also defending professionals facing restrictive covenant challenges.

Carlos has successfully represented clients ranging from individuals to multi-national entities at both state and federal court levels, earning a reputation for aggressive advocacy and meticulous attention to detail. He currently concentrates his practice in bodily injury, contracts, employment law, and general liability. His excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named a 2023 - 2026 Top Lawyer by Palm Beach Illustrated for Business and Commercial Litigation and his nomination to the 2024 - 2026 Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers—an honor reserved for only 2.5% of Florida attorneys who exhibit excellence in practice. Additionally, Carlos, was selected to the 2027 Best Lawyers: One’s To Watch® in America for Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar
• Palm Beach Bar Association

Education:

• University of Central Florida, B.A./B.A. (cum laude)
• Tulane University Law School, J.D.

Language:

• Spanish

Jean Strickland

West Palm Beach, FL

• Telephone: 561-833-2022

Admitted

• Florida, 2019

Jean started her legal career as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Barry S. Seltzer in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Before joining the firm, Jean was further privileged to serve in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Jared M. Strauss and to the Honorable Shaniek M. Maynard.

Jean was selected to the 2027 Best Lawyers: One’s To Watch® in America for Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants and was happy to be recognized as a Top Lawyer by Palm Beach Illustrated in 2026 for Law and Personal Injury Litigation.

Outside of work, Jean enjoys attending live music events where her husband plays bass guitar as part of a band, reading books as part of a book club and traveling with family and friends.

Education:

• University of Illinois, B.A., 1986
• University of Miami School of Law, J.D. (cum laude)

Mylena O. Chin-See

Miami, FL

• Telephone: 305-539-0909

Admitted

• Florida

Throughout her law school career, Mylena clerked with the Florida Department of Health’s Prosecution Services Unit and the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office. She was a member of the nationally ranked FSU Law’s Trial Team, where she competed and earned the title of “Outstanding Advocate”. Mylena also served as a Student Advocate in the Children’s Advocacy Center at FSU where her team successfully lobbied the Board of Education for stronger requirements in Human Trafficking education in all Florida public schools. After graduation, Mylena worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the Eleventh Circuit Judiciary.

Mylena was recognized as a Top Lawyer by Aventura Magazine in 2024-2026, voted a 2026 Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine - an honor reserved for only 2.5% of Florida attorneys who exhibit excellence in practice. She is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar and admitted to practice in Florida State Courts. She practices in first-party property defense & windstorm.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar (Young Lawyers Division)
• Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Florida Association of Women Lawyers

Education:

• Florida A&M University, B.S. (magna cum laude)
• Florida State University College of Law, J.D.

Robert “Trib” W. Williams III

Orlando, FL

• Telephone: 407-352-4240

Admitted

• Florida
• U.S. District Court, Middle, Northern and Southern Districts of Florida

Trib attended the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law.

Trib began his legal career representing clients in first-party property insurance disputes, including windstorm and other property damage claims, in private practice. He now focuses his practice on automobile negligence, personal injury, and property damage. He was selected to the 2027 Best Lawyers: One’s To Watch® in America for Transportation Law.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar (Young Lawyers Division)

Education:

• University of North Florida, B.A.
• Stetson University College of Law, J.D.

Valeria F. Peguero

Orlando, FL

• Telephone: 407-352-4240

Admitted

• Florida

Valeria currently focuses on property damage and personal injury litigation, including auto liability, premises liability, and negligent security. She also volunteers at sealing and expungement clinics, assisting eligible individuals with clearing their criminal records and expanding access to employment, housing, and other opportunities. Valeria, was selected to the 2027 Best Lawyers: One’s To Watch® in America for Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants.

Memberships:

• The Florida Bar

Education:

• Flagler College, B.A. (Dean's List)
• Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, J.D.

Language:

• Spanish