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Clifford Robert Mermell

Workers compensation Attorney at Miami, FL

5.0   201 reviews
  • Licensed for 34 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1989
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Clifford

Learn Clifford’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Workers compensation
    75%
    We represent injured workers under the Florida Workers' Compensation Act, the federal Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and the federal Defense Base Act. We are international lawyers who handle injuries in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere in the world where there is a U.S. Defense Base or contractors hired by private employers in aid of the mission of the U.S. We have clients in Australia, Ireland, England, Iraq and throught the world and throughout the U.S.

    34 years

  2. Personal injury
    10%
    We handle serious personal injury cases.

  3. Wrongful termination
    10%
    We handle wrongful termination cases, especially those cases involving termination while pursuing a worker's compensation case.

    34 years

  4. Admiralty and maritime
    5%
    We handle the claims of injured crew members, whether they be working for a cruise ship or working around the state of Florida building bridges, docks and seawalls.

    34 years

EXPERIENCED WORKERS' COMPENSATION, LONGSHORE AND DEFENSE BASE ACT LAWYERS AT GILLIS, MERMELL & PACHECO, PA WE FIGHT FOR INJURED WORKERS!

Clifford R. Mermell, Esq., created the law firm of Gillis, Mermell & Pacheco, P.A. on March 1, 1996, over 21 years ago. Mr. Mermell has been the senior and managing partner of the firm since its creation. The firm was created to champion the rights of injured workers.

Mr. Mermell is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell peer review rating service which is the highest rating of ethical and legal ability given. Mr. Mermell has been a member of Workers' Injury Law Group (WILG) for the past six years. Mr. Mermell received an award in 2014 Recognition as Top Rated National Lawyer in Labor and Employment Law by American Lawyer Magazine, Corporate Counsel Magazine and National Law Journal.  Mr. Mermell received the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Avvo Client Choice Award based upon testimonials and client satisfaction surveys.  Mr. Mermell received the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Avvo 10.0 Rating (Highest Rating Possible).  Mr. Mermell received the 2015 Recognition by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel as one of the Nation's Top One Percent of all lawyers nationwide.  Mr. Mermell received the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017  recognition by Workers' Injury Law Group as one of the Nation's Top 100 Injured Workers' Attorneys.  Mr. Mermell received the 2017 Recognition as Top Attorneys of North America by the Who's Who Directory of Lawyers.

Mr. Mermell, has been handling the claims of injured workers under the Defense Base Act and the Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act for the past 28 years. Mr. Mermell has represented more than 1,000 injured workers under the Defense Base Act and/or the Longshore Act and has handled those cases at every level of appeal up to the Supreme Court of United States of America. Mr. Mermell has successfully handled those claims before the Office of Worker's Compensation Programs (OWCP), Jacksonville Office, the Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ), the Benefits Review Board (BRB) and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Mr. Mermell has a 100% success rate at the level of the Benefits Review Board and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Mr. Mermell was trained by Donald D. Gillis, Esq., who had over 35 years of experience in handling claims under the Defense Base Act and/or the Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compnesation Act prior to his passing in 2004. Mr. Mermell has been invited to speak as an expert in the area of the Defense Base Act and/or the Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Law at several educational conferences.

Mr. Mermell has also protected the rights of injured workers under the Florida Workers' Compensation Act. He is Florida Bar Board Certified in that area and has been so certified since 1995. He has handled the claims of over 1,000 injured workers under the Florida Workers' Compensation Act and has handled those claims successfully at every level, including appeals to the First District Court of Appeals. Mr. Mermell has been a member of the Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Section since 1989. Mr. Mermell has been a member of the Florida Workers' Advocates since 1994. The Florida Workers' Advocates is a politically active group of Claimants' lawyers who are devoted to protecting the rights of injured workers. Mr. Mermell has been a trustee of the Friends of 440 organization since 1994, and he is currently acting as the treasurer of that organization. The Friends of 440 is an organization consisting of lawyers, judges, doctors and para-professionals devoted to the field of worker's compensation law. The organization coordinates social and educational events for the worker's compensation bar. The organization also donates substantial resources and money to its sister organization called the Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund, which was created to provide educational scholarships to the children of injured workers. Mr. Mermell has been invited to speak as an expert in the area of Florida Workers' Compensation Law at several educational conferences.

Mr. Mermell graduated from the University of Colorado obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1985. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Law and obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 1989. Mr. Mermell has been admitted to practice in all courts in Florida , including the Supreme Court of Florida, since 1989. Mr. Mermell is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

Mr. Mermell has devoted his entire professional life to the representation of injured workers. He has handled the claims of injured workers in more than 2,000 cases. He has taken the claims of injured workers to trial in over 200 cases. He has represented injured workers in more than 1,000 mediations. He has handled every type of injury imaginable including death cases, amputation cases, brain injury cases, head injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, eye injuries, mouth injuries, nose injuries, shoulder injuries, elbow injuries, hand injuries, knee injuries and foot injuries. He has handled the claims of injured workers at each and every level from the investigation phase through trial and appeals. He has a reputation of refusing to back down. He will take a case through trial and appeals and will never give up in his will to obtain the benefits to which he believes his clients are entitled. As a Florida Bar Board Certified Workers' Compensation lawyer, Mr. Mermell is recognized by Judges and his peers as an expert in the area of Workers' Compensation law.
 
 

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2022,2020,2019,2018,2017,2016,2015,2014
Client's Choice
2022 2020 2019 + 5 ...

Photos and videos

Contact Clifford

Gillis, Mermell & Pacheco, P.A.

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  201 customer reviews
5 Star
 
99%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
1%
Client's Choice 2022
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Alvaro | July 23, 2014
Excellent Defense Base Act Lawyers at Gillis, Mermell & Pacheco
I hired Gillis, Mermell & Pacheco to take care of my defense base act case because I was overwhelmed. I had very serious injuries and lost my eye. Clifford Mermell and David Pacheco are excellent lawyers. They took care of me and cared about my case. They made me feel very comfortable and that I was in good hands. I highly recommend them to anyone injured in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or anywhere overseas. You can find them at www.dbalawyers.com.
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Posted by JONATHAN | May 16, 2014
They took care of me ten thousand miles away.
Mr. Mermell, and all of his staff were so knowledgeable of what I needed to have my case completed in a timely manner. They made sure that I was comfortable at all times dealing with my pain and injury. His staff kept me informed of everything that was going on. Even though I was still overseas the time of my injury and had surgeries there. They took care of me ten thousand miles away. To anyone out there that is in need of good representation, please give Mr. Mermell and his staff a call ASAP. My name is Jonathan, and I approve this statement.
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Posted by Rondell | November 21, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Defense Base Act lawyers go to war for us guys who service the military overseas
Mr. Clifford helped me with my Defense Base Act case. He is very easy to talk to and answered all of my questions. I could tell he knows what he is talking about when it comes to this type of case. He won my case and got me an amazing settlement that I did not expect to get. I have already sent him another client and will send him anyone who asks me for a great DBA lawyer.
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Posted by Eric | August 10, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I hired Gillis, Mermell & Pacheco after reviewing their website. I received the highest quality representation on my DBA Claim!
Mr. Mermell has an amazing law firm for workers injured while working overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. I could not be happier with my representation. I was explained every detail and time line in my case. Everything I was told from the beginning came true. Especially the end. I received a tremendous settlement that allowed me to move on with my life. This firm is the best in the country as handling Defense Base Act cases. I have referred the to all of my co workers. I highly recommend this firm to anyone injured overseas,.
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Posted by Jeffrey | March 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I recommend this DBA lawyer if you are injured overseas
Mr. Mermell handled my Defense Base Act case. He was a very special person. He cared about what I was going through and patiently took care of my needs. He was more than a lawyer to me, like a counselor. My case was very tricky. He hung in there for me and got my case resolved to my complete satisfaction. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone injured overseas. He knows how to handle DBA cases and will educate you from the beginning right through to the end.
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Posted by David | September 20, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gillis, Mermell & Pacheco handles DBA cases with professionalism and compassion. My experience was tier 1 caliber
I worked for five years in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Helicopter mechanic crew chief. I found this law firm through a Google search. My experience with Mr. Mermell and his associates was absolute tier 1 caliber for providing me excellent legal services on my DBA case. The lawyers that I dealt with were knowledgeable and easy to get a hold of. They answered my questions and helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life with compassion and understanding. I feel very lucky that I found the right lawyers at the right time. I never would’ve been able to get through this without these lawyers on my side. I highly recommend Mr. Mermell and his law firm to anyone injured in Afghanistan or Iraq. There are not that many lawyers that know this law and you would be doing yourself a great service if you hire this law firm to handle your DBA case.
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Posted by Jeremy | September 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer for PTSD claims from working overseas
I developed PTSD as a result of witnessing horrific events while working in Afghanistan. Mr. Mermell and on my case under the defense base act. My experience with this lawyer was excellent. He was knowledgeable, compassionate and extremely helpful. He told me what was happening at each step of the way and told me how long each thing would take to get done. He was right on everything. His staff was top notch as well. They all seem to know exactly what’s going on with my case. He got me a great settlement. I highly Recommend Mr. mermell through anyone injured overseas and especially anyone suffering with PTSD as a result of working overseas.
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Posted by James | September 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
If you need help with your defense base at case, I highly recommend the lawyers at Gillis Mermell and Pacheco
Mr. Mermell handled my case with integrity, compassion, professionalism and honesty. What more could you ask for from a lawyer. My defense base act case took many turns over the three years that it was handled by Mr. Mermell and his firm. They help me with the ups and downs and I don’t think I could’ve made it through this case without the dedication and compassion shown to me by the lawyers and staff. In the end, they got me a fantastic settlement and I am indebted to their service. I have recommended them to all of my colleagues and would recommend them to anyone needing a great lawyer, especially a lawyer for injuries overseas under the defense base act.
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Posted by Hunter | May 31, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyers for injuries overseas; I was injured in Baghdad.
I was injured in the gym in Baghdad. Ripped my back up pretty bad. I needed a lawyer to help process my Defense Base Act case. I found these lawyers from a friend who hired them in the past. These lawyers are awesome. I cannot say enough good things about them and the way they cared about me and handled my case. I highly recommend them to my friends and family and of course anyone injured overseas like me.
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Posted by Rodger | May 31, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best defense base act lawyers for injuries overseas
I injured my shoulder while working overseas in security. My Defense Base Act case was handled by Dillon Mermell and his father Clifford Mermell. They did a great job for me. They got me my medical care and compensation and a settlement that exceeded my expectation. I highly recommend this firm to anyone injured overseas. They know what they are doing and will get you a great result.
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Posted by Ismail | March 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Defense Base Act lawyers for overseas injuries
I worked in Turkey as a translator. I was injured in 2018. Mr. Mermell and his son handled my Defense Base Act case. They did an amazing job for me. My case was difficult and the insurance company tried to deny me everything. Mr. Mermell did not let that happen. He won my case. I got a great settlement. I am recommending Mr. Mermell to all overseas workers who get injured on the job like me.
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Posted by Rolando | February 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Longshore Lawyers
Mr. Mermell and Mr. Pacheco handled my longshore case as a team. They fought hard for me and accomplished my goals. I highly recommend them to anyone injured at the port.
Posted by Mike | February 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My only lawyer in my life...Super Defense Base Act Lawyer
Mr. Mermell is the only lawyer I have ever hired. I don’t know why lawyers get a bad rap. Mr. Mermell is a compassionate, down to earth lawyer who fights hard for his clients. I injured my hand while working as a helicopter mechanic in Afghanistan. He got me a result that I never could have got on my own. My insurance company representative was a ball buster. But Mr. Mermell hung in there for me and never gave up. This lawyer is amazing! I highly recommend him to anyone injured in Afghanistan or anywheres overseas.
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Posted by Samuel | November 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Defense Base Act Lawyer got me an Amazing Defense Base Act settlement
My friend referred me to Mr. Mermell and the law firm of Gillis, Mermell & Pacheco. I had never hired a lawyer before in my life. I was nervous to go down this road, but I had seriously injuries and needed help. Mr. Mermell and his staff set me up right from the start. He made the experience very simple and he made me feel comfortable. I was always well informed and prepared for each step of the case. He helped me get my payments and my medical care. In the end, he got me a settlement that I was not expecting. I am very happy with the way my case went and I am highly recommending Mr. Mermell to any workers involved with a DBA worker’s compensation case.
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Posted by Andrew | November 10, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Anti Terrorism Act Attorney and Defense Base Act Attorney all in one place
I hired Mr. Mermell for my Defense Base Act case. He handled that like a champion. then he took it one step further. He put together a case for me under the Anti Terrorism Act. He hit a homerun for me under that law. I am still in shock at how well this lawyer did for me and six of my co-workers. I implore anyone out there with a DBA case to contact Mr. Mermell and have him put together your DBA case and your Anti-Terrorism case. You deserve the best representation and you will get it at this firm!
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Posted by Cheryl | October 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The very best Defense Base Act Attorney in the USA will help you all the way to the end of your case.
Mr. Mermell was the first person to take my call at this firm. He made me feel relaxed at a time of high stress. I could tell from that first call that he knew exactly what he was doing and that he was the one lawyer for me on my defense base act case. I had called two lawyers before Mr. Mermell, and it was night and day. This man took my case and worked with me day and night for five years to get me the benefits I needed and deserved and the medical care I needed. I am indebted to Mr. Mermell, Mr. Pacheco and Gladis. I don’t know where I would be without them and their help. Anyone who has been injured overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or elsewhere, I am telling you to go see my lawyer Clifford R. Mermell. He is the best. I just settled my case and could not be happier with the result. I am going to miss Mr. Mermell and Gladis who helped me through the worst time in my life.
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Posted by Irma | October 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyer for injuries on US military bases
I was injured while working for Popeyes on a military base in Georgia. I found these lawyers after starting with other lawyers that did not understand this law. Mr. Mermell really knows this specialized law that helps civilian employees injured on military bases. He helped me more than I can believe. He was so nice and friendly and treated me right. That insurance company would not pay me. Mr. Mermell made them pay me. That insurance company offered me so little to settle. Mr. Mermell made them pay me much more than they offered. He got me a great settlement. I am so very impressed. I am telling all my friends about this incredible lawyer.
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Posted by Anthony | September 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Extremely satisfied client of this Excellent Defense Base Act Lawyer
Mr. Mermell and his partner David Pacheco handled my Defense Base Act case. These lawyers are very aggressive against the insurance company, but they were very nice and patient with me. They made deliberate moves that showed me that they know exactly what they are doing. Whenever my checks were stopped, they got them started right back up again. They stayed in contact with my psychiatrist and therapist so that they were up to date on my medical situation. In the end, they guided me to a mediation where they exceeded my expectations with a very large settlement. I cannot say enough good things about these lawyers and their staff.
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Posted by Alex | August 25, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
HIgh quality lawyer for civilian employee injuries on military bases throughout the U.S.
Mr. Mermell took my case against the Army & Air Forxe Exchange Service where I was injured on the job. Mr. Mermell was patient and persistent. He and his associate fought hard to get me a great result. They got me my surgery and a large settlement. I am happy with my result and I am strongly recommending Mr. Mermell to anyone injured on the job, especially for civilian employee injures on military bases throughout the US.
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Posted by Besart | July 28, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kosovo worker injured in Afghanistan found best DBA lawyer in the world
I am from Kosovo. I was injured in Afghanistan. I was going through a very hard time. Did not know what to do about my injuries. Once I contacted Mr. Mermell and his firm, my fears and doubts were resolved. These guys are incredible. They took over my case and took such good care of me each step of the case. Best decision I ever made in my life. May God bless Mr. Mermell and his firm for what they did for me and my family. Anyone injured while working in Afghanistan would be lucky to get in touch with Mr. Mermell and let him handle your case. I recommend it very strongly.
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Cost

Rates
  • Contingency 10%-40%
Payment methods
Check

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • Gillis, Mermell & Pacheco, P.A.
  • 1996 - Present
  • Associate
  • Levine, Busch & Schnepper, PA
  • 1993 - 1996
  • Associate
  • Underwood, Gillis & Karcher, P.A.
  • 1989 - 1993

Education

  • University of Miami School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1989
  • University of Colorado
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1985

Legal Cases

  • Mikhail v. Invizion and Zurich
  • Success for Claimant

Associations

  • Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Friends of 440
  • Trustee
  • 1994 - Present
  • Friends of 440
  • Treasurer
  • 2009 - 2012

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Client Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2018
  • Superb Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2017
  • Client Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2017
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Nation's Top One Percent
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2016
  • Superb Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Client Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Superb Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2015
  • Nation's Top One Percent
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2015
  • Client Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2015
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Superb Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2014
  • Client Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Injured Workers' Attorneys
  • Workers' Injury Law & Advocacy Group
  • 2014
  • Top Rated
  • American Lawyer
  • 2014
  • Top Rated National Lawyer
  • National Law Journal
  • 2014
  • Top Rated National Lawyer
  • Corporate Counsel Magazine
  • 2014
  • Top Rated National Lawyer
  • American Lawyer Magazine
  • 2014
  • Board Certified - Workers' Compensation
  • Florida Bar
  • 2014
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Florida Workers' Compensation Convention
  • Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compenation Act
  • 2008

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (7)
Endorse Clifford
Workers compensation Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer. Cliff is an expert in the field. He is highly respected among his peers and adversaries alike. His tenacity coupled with his command of the law makes him a highly sought after lawyer in the community. Cliff gets top results for his clients and always ensures that his client's best interest is in the heart of everything that he does."
Personal injury Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
Workers compensation Attorney | Aug 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Mermell is a hardworking and extremely well-informed attorney who always puts his client's interests first. His results are top notch."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Ciff Mermell is a highly experienced and skilled attorney. He is recognized as an aggressive and effective advocate for his clients."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jun 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.He has appeared before me when I was a State Judge of Compensation Claims and he was always prepared and a caring and skilled advocate."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Other
"I highly endorse this attorney. He appeared before me in representing claimants in several federal workers' compensation cases when I was an ALJ. He was always well prepared and demonstrated an expertise in handling cases in that area of practice. Mr. Mermell always was respectful of the court and his adversaries, yet passionate in representing the interests of his clients. He also has participated in mediations when I was an ALJ and now in my private business of providing mediation services in federal Longshore and Defense Base Act cases. He has shown that he is as adept in settling cases for his clients as he was in litigating these cases."
Admiralty and maritime Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent advocate with the highest degree of ethics."
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