Leonard K Samuels
USA Guide 2023
Band 5 : Litigation: General Commercial
Band 5
About
Provided by Leonard K Samuels
Practice Areas
As a partner at Berger Singerman, Leonard Samuels splits his time handling employment-related litigation and complex business litigation. His practice focuses on matters that encompass both the knowledge of an employment lawyer and a seasoned trial lawyer's skills. Mr. Samuels’ litigation experience includes handling non-compete litigation throughout the United States and essential multi-state matters involving theft of trade secrets, tortious interference with business relationships and contracts. He has also represented companies and executives in a wide variety of matters ranging from claims involving breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty to various types of alleged discriminatory conduct.
Professional Memberships
- The Florida Bar Business Law Section, subcommittee reviewing Florida law on Restrictive Covenants
- Member, Commercial Panel for the American Arbitration Association
- Chair, Jewish Federation of Broward County Judicial Reception
- Board, Jewish Federation
- Finance Co-Chair, Fair Districts of Florida
- Board Member, Broward Business for the Arts
Publications
- Samuels, L. (2018, February 24). Are corporate whistleblowers protected under federal law?. The Hill. https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/375411-are-corporate-whistleblowers-protected-under-federal-law/
- Samuels, L. (2019, March 19). Trump’s NDA Use Raises 1st Amendment Questions. Law360. https://www.law360.com/articles/1139255/trump-s-nda-use-raises-1st-amendment-questions
- Samuels, L., & Zelmanowitz, A. (2020, March 17). The Wary Employer’s Guide to Key Coronavirus Concerns. Law360. https://www.law360.com/health/articles/1253899?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=section
Work Highlights
- Represented insurance brokerage company in enforcing restrictive covenants precluding competition and the use of trade secrets
- Represented four executives of an insurance company against claims that they violated restrictive covenants, misappropriated trade secrets and engaged in unfair competition
- Obtained a defense verdict following a three week trial in Volusia County Florida following a three week trial
- Represented a real estate developer and obtained directed verdict in jury trial on a claim brought under The Americans With Disabilities Act. The Judge excused the Jury after the presentation of Plaintiff’s case
- Represented an international cruise line against its former head of US operations alleging violations of the Florida Trade Secrets Act and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
- Lead trial counsel for a body armor manufacturer in a matter involving claims and counterclaims for breach of military supply agreement valued in excess of $100 million
- Represented a timeshare company in defense of class action asserting that employees were improperly classified as independent contractors
- Represented company with facilities in 48 states in defense of a Fair Labor Standards Act case with 2,900 plaintiffs
- Represented a large utility in the defense of a $130 million multi-count complaint involving tax credits and contracts
- Represented a Florida company in pursuing claims for theft of trade secrets and tortuous interference following the resignations of 4 top executives who left to work for a competing company
- Represented fuel additive manufacturer in claims and counterclaims involving false advertising and unfair competition
- Represented former hospital executive in whistleblower action against a hospital chain that resulted in a settlement of $90 million
- Represented a hedge fund in claims for theft of trade secrets and breach of contract against former executives
- Represented 50% owner of internet marketing company in claims and counterclaims involving activities of other 50% owner. Litigation of the case was in Florida and related arbitration proceeded in the Bahamas
- Represented Finnish ship manufacturer in defense of tortuous interference and patent infringement claims
- Lead counsel in Broward County for Gore-Lieberman recount efforts
- Successfully obtained Final Summary Judgment representing a significant defense contractor in claims arising under the Defend Trade Secrets Act, the Florida Trade Secrets Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act claims in the Southern District of Florida
- Defended a fuel additive manufacturer in a False Adverting and Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Claim in the Southern District of Florida. Obtained a defense verdict following a three week jury trial
- Represented a hair care distributor in Broward County Circuit Court and obtained Final Summary Judgments on claims totaling approximately $20M
Expert in these Jurisdictions
- Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court, Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida
- U.S. Supreme Court
Languages Spoken
- English
Education
Florida State University College of Law
J.D.
University of Florida
B.A.
Awards
The Best Lawyers in America
Best Lawyers
2023
America's Leading Business Lawyers
Chambers & Partners USA
2023
Florida SuperLawyers
Florida SuperLawyers
2022
Man of Influence
Las Olas Lifestyle
2022
Top Lawyer
South Florida Legal Guide
2019
Legal Elite
Florida Trend
2010
Jack & Lilyan Mandel Human Resource Development Award
Jewish Federation of Broward County
AV® Preeminent™
Martindale-Hubbell
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Berger Singerman
Florida
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Key Sectors
Provided by Berger Singerman
Property, Construction and Infrastructure
Health and Life Sciences
Business and Professional Services