Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
PRO
Michael D. Leader
also known as LEADER, LEADER & ZUCKER, PLLC
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Michael
Biography
Former prosecutor, recruited by most preeminant DUI defense firm to handle all DUIs in two counties. Been handling DUI and other criminal charges since 1998.
When you need a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, you can rely on the experience and expertise of Michael D. Leader. With past experience as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, Michael D. Leader has a wealth of prosecutorial experience with a multiplicity of criminal cases that he now brings to bear on the defense side of the aisle as he provides you with the vigorous representation that you can depend on. Having been hired out of the State Attorney’s office by a prestigious DUI defense team, he quickly transitioned to the other side of the courtroom as he successfully handled most of the clients for his firm that had cases in Monroe and Dade counties. - See more at: #
When you need a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, you can rely on the experience and expertise of Michael D. Leader. With past experience as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, Michael D. Leader has a wealth of prosecutorial experience with a multiplicity of criminal cases that he now brings to bear on the defense side of the aisle as he provides you with the vigorous representation that you can depend on. Having been hired out of the State Attorney’s office by a prestigious DUI defense team, he quickly transitioned to the other side of the courtroom as he successfully handled most of the clients for his firm that had cases in Monroe and Dade counties. - See more at: #
INNOVATIVE, SKILLED, EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGEABLE & AGGRESSIVE CALL TO SPEAK WITH MICHAEL D. LEADER! REPRESENTING INSUREDS WITH UNDERPAID AND IMPROPERLY DENIED INSURANCE CLAIMS!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Insurance
90%
27 years
Criminal Defense
3%
27 years
DUI and DWI
3%
27 years
Federal Crime
2%
22 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 25 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
LEADER, LEADER & ZUCKER, PLLC
(954) 523-2525
Fax
633 South Andrews Avenue, Suite 201, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301-2269
leader-law.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael D. Leader's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Akeim | July 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Second Chance
Eighteen years ago, I was a reckless kid making choices without thinking about the future. I found myself facing five years in jail, and that moment could have completely derailed my life. I hired Michael Leader when I had no real direction and maxed out a $3,000 credit card just to retain him. That ...
Posted by Russel | March 6, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Exceptional Insurance Litigator
As someone who handles a lot of this type of work, I highly endorse Mr. Leader as a "go-to" attorney when I need help, advice or second opinions about insurance law issues. I have also been through numerous evidentiary hearings with him and seen the exceptional trial work that he does. He is highly ...
Posted by Natalie | January 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent
Michael Leader and Anita were not only amazing, they were kind. I can't say enough good things about them. Michael calmed me multiple times throughout my DUI case and even took the time to call me more than once to make sure I was ok. We went to court yesterday and won. I am 100% certain that if it w...
Posted by maura | May 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
THE BEST!!!
Mr.Leader is the best at what he does! His name says it all! If you have a DUI case, best believe he will work over time to make sure he gets a satisfying verdict for you! He is Super sweet and honest. Mr. Leader is the lawyer you need!! Thanks for your help! No words can describe how much you helped...
Posted by Rebecca | November 4, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Gets the Job Done!
Michael really came through for me in my time of need. He handled my case swiftly and professionally. His staff was courteous and very helpful. They answered all my questions right away. I would certainly use Mr. Leader services again in the future if needed.
Michael D. Leader's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am impressed with Mr. Leader's thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. He has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Have known Michael for quite some time. Very knowledgeable and personable, As such, I would have no qualms referring him insurance matters that I cannot handle. Evan M. Ostfeld, Esq."
"Michael is an amazing attorney, quick and brilliant. You will be in great hands with him."
"Michael Leader is an outstanding lawyer. With sharp, aggressive, and excellent interpersonal communication skills, his clients are always well-represented. I recommend him without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"As a former prosecutor, I dealt with Michael on many cases and I have the utmost respect for him. His knowledge of the law and ability to effectively argue and convey it in court are at the highest level. I strongly endorse Michael."
"Michael is a tough lawyer who fights hard for his clients. He gets phenomenal results because he is experienced, skilled and knows how to win. Highly recommended, especially if you are facing serious felony charges or a DUI."
"Mr. Leader is well respected in the legal community. His work ethic is second to none. He is an excellent advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is very knowledgeable in the current case law and fights extremely well for his clients."
"Michael is an excellent DUI attorney and I refer all my DUI clients to him. His professionalism, dedication and determination are reasons why he is top of his field. He loves getting the best results for his clients. You will be in the best hands in you retain him. Call Michael Leader at 954.523.2020. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael wrote the book on professionalism. I am always amazed by his dedication and work ethic. He puts his heart and soul into each and every case and cares deeply about his client's well being and their success in the accusations lodged against them. I trust his legal advice entirely and have worked with him in the past on numerous matters. I am proud to call him a colleague of mine."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had a civil matter in which Mr. Leader had successfully represented the plaintiff in an underlying criminal matter and I was very impressed with Mr. Leader's handling of the defense and representation of his client even after the criminal matter had concluded."
"Mr. Leader is an excellent ambassador in the field of criminal defense. He works extremely hard in achieving successful results for his clients."
"Super approachable and knowledgeable. Michael Leader is always ready and willing to lend a hand on any case. He is a great litigator and excellent trial attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
Joshua Danz
Criminal defense lawyer
Sim Gershon
Criminal defense lawyer
Pushkar Singh
Personal injury lawyer
Evan Ostfeld
Wrongful termination lawyer
George Leader
Family lawyer
David Farber
Insurance lawyer
Samuel Kaufman
Criminal defense lawyer
Joshua Higgins
Workers compensation lawyer
Jason Forman
Criminal defense lawyer
Leah Mayersohn
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason McGrath
Litigation lawyer
Harris Gilbert
Personal injury lawyer
Michael Petruccelli
Medical malpractice lawyer
Louis Reinstein
Litigation lawyer
Melanie Horowitz
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer
Marla Chicotsky
Criminal defense lawyer
Steven Bell
DUI and DWI lawyer
Lawrence Meltzer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Grant Schwarz
Criminal defense lawyer
Andrew Parks
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 40 Lawyers under 40, The American Society of Legal Advocates
2014
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
JOSEPH F. CARTER PROFESSIONALISM AWARD, Broward County Bar Association
2013
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2013
Top100 DUI Defense Lawyer, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2012
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2011
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2010
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2009
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2009
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2008
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2007
Up & Coming Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2006
Up & Coming Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Founding Partner, Leader & Leader, P.A.
2005 - 2007
Founding Partner, Fann & Petruccelli, PA
2003 - 2005
Associate Attorney, McIntosh, Sawran, Peltz & Cartaya
2002 - 2002
Attorney, Essen & Essen, Et. Al.
1998 - 2002
Intern, CLI, Assistant State Attorney, Office Of The State Attorney
Associations
2015 - Present
American Society of Legal AdvocatesMember
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMEMBER
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
National Advocacy of DUI Defense LawyersMember
2012 - Present
Broward County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2007 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1999 - Present
Stephen R. Booher American Inn of CourtMember
1998 - Present
B'nai B'rith Justice UnitMember
American Bar Association
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
DUI
DUI dropped by state resulted in withhold on civil infraction
DUI .000 breath urine refusal charges dropped
Charges dropped
Burglary Battery, False Imprisonment, Felony Battery
All felony charges dropped; no conviction; no jail
DUI and Leaving the Scene
All charges dropped
1st Degree Drug Trafficking 25 year minimum mandatory sentence
All Charges DISMISSED
Not Guilty After Trial
NOT GUILTY VERDICT
DUI Crash
Nolle prose -charges dropped
Education
2000
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
University of Florida
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2002
Nuts and Bolts of a DUI case
DUI
Publications
2006
“Private Practice; What You Don’t Learn As A Resident”
Chapter in “Private Practice; What You Don’t Learn As A Resident”
2000
Chapter 400 Litigation Guide
Chapter 400 Litigation in Florida
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If your DUI case is dropped will the license suspension be invalidated?
04 Aug 2015
Q&A
In Florida can they drug test you in court?
19 May 2015
Q&A
I totaled my car and was arrested for a DUI. I have a hardship license but I need to buy a new car. Can I test drive a car?
21 May 2015