Edward Montoya

Edward was born in Queens, New York. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Vermont Law School, where he served as Editor of The Forum newspaper and was a Debevoise Scholarship recipient. While at Vermont, he clerked at the U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Environmental Division and was inducted into Phi Delta Phi, a national honor society. Edward earned a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, summa cum laude, from Columbia University in the City of New York. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a minor in Political Science from Florida International University (FIU).

As a litigator, Edward handles cases in state and federal courts. He has over 30 years of experience litigating and negotiating wrongful death, air disaster, product liability, and other personal injury-related cases. Edward has tried numerous jury, non-jury, and administrative cases to verdict or judgment representing plaintiffs and defendants. He has received many multi-million dollar jury awards and negotiated dozens of settlements above $1 million. These experiences add significant value to Edward’s ability to resolve cases.

Edward maintains a balanced clientele portfolio, including plaintiff and defense cases, and represents several companies and airlines in commercial contracts, liability claims, and FAA-related matters. Some of his past clients include Traveler’s Insurance and Belair Insurance Company, which required defense for automobile, personal injury, construction accidents, and other matters. Edward leads and manages the firm’s mediation practice.

Edward is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator for Circuit Civil cases, meaning he is a licensed expert in resolving complex and challenging disputes. He is a Florida Bar and District of Columbia Bar Association member, allowing him to practice law in two critical jurisdictions. Edward is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit, and the U.S. Federal District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.

Edward and his firm have received many recognitions and honors, including:

• Best Law Firm and Best Lawyer, U.S. News and World Report (2018 - Present)
• A.V. Preeminent Rating” by and Lexis-Nexis (2002 - Present)
• SuperLawyers, Florida” Aviation Law and Air Disasters (2019 - Present)
• Best Lawyers in America” (2017 - Present)
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by National Trial Lawyers’ Association (2016 - Present)
• Top 100 Lawyers for Florida” by the American Society of Legal Advocates (2015 - Present)
• South Florida Top Rated Lawyers by the Daily Business Review (2015)
• Top Rated Lawyer in Product Defects” by the Miami Herald (2013 - Present)
• Top Lawyers in Florida” by the Legal Network (2013 - Present )
• Legal Elite -Top Lawyer” – Civil Litigation” by Florida Trend Magazine (2004, 2008 - 2016)
• Superb” (10 of 10)” by (since 2009 - Present)
• "Silver Pride Award” Florida International University Alumni Association (2017)
• “Up and Coming Attorney” by South Florida Legal Guide (2002)

Edward is a passionate advocate for social justice and equality and works tirelessly to protect immigrant families from being separated and deported. As past chairman of the board and current secretary of CASA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Edward’s hard work, diligence, and dedication have helped the CASA board and staff expand the organization’s range of services and explore grants and fundraising opportunities.

As a well-established South Florida legal community member, Edward’s commitment to serving others remains his central focus. His contributions include serving on the Miami Dade Trial Lawyers Association Board, being Chairman of the Broward County Bar Association, International Law Section, and speaking at seminars for paralegals and attorneys. Since 2001, Edward has trained and mentored dozens of paralegal interns for Miami Dade Community College, many of whom are now practicing attorneys.

Edward is fluent in English and Spanish.