Gary Andrew Costales

Employment is an ever-changing area of law that demands a specialist rather than a lawyer who dabbles in the area. I am board certified in Labor and Employment law. Of the more than 100,000 lawyers licensed in the State of Florida, less than 170, (>.001%) are board certified by the Florida Bar in Labor and Employment law.  In addition, having a lawyer who understands both sides is indispensable to success. There are only a handful of lawyers in the tri-County area who are board certified that represent both management and deserving plaintiffs. 

I enjoy helping people and companies achieve their goals. There are a few keys to success.

Communication and accessibility are crucial to achieving a goal. I try to be accessible at all times. I’ve answered client calls during holidays, while on vacation and even in the wee hours if necessary.

Litigation is stressful. My office strives to avoid the stress of litigation.

Years of litigation and life experience have helped me become an more effective lawyer. I am a native New Yorker who moved to Miami Beach at the start of high school. My experience as a litigator and as one who held a variety of jobs before law school helps to better frame arguments that will resonate with a judge, jury or an opposing party.

I graduated from the Cumberland School of Law, established in 1847, law school to two Supreme Court justices, past Presidents of the Florida Bar and various other state and federal judges and legislators.

My desire to handle civil rights cases led me to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) based in Memphis, Tennessee, where I was an Administrative Judge and later an EEOC Trial Attorney. I litigated or adjudicated cases throughout the United States during my time at the EEOC. I returned to Miami and worked at a law firm that represents exclusively management before opening my own practice about 20 years ago.

I represent both deserving plaintiffs and management in my practice. I have won jury trials throughout the State. Being an advocate for both sides hones one’s skills and avoids the “tunnel vision” that can be detrimental at trial. My litigation experience and solid client relationships have led me to other areas of the law on occasion. For instance, I have successfully handled bid protests and other matters pertaining to procurement.

I have handled a variety of commercial and noncompete matters and have filed several qui tam actions. These have all come about as the result of good client relations.

My recent community involvement includes serving as Chair and co-Chair (respectively) for the City of South Miami’s Historical Preservation and Community Relations boards. I enjoy all the benefits that come with living in South Florida, including being on the water.