The dedicated legal team at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith exemplifies excellence in advocacy.
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith’s managing partner, Christopher J. Smith, has been awarded a spot on The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff list for 2024. This acknowledgment highlights his contributions and leadership in personal injury law. The firm also celebrates partner Eve T.K. Volkmann’s recognition as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff. With a legacy dating back to 1962, the firm remains committed to providing legal excellence in Southwest Florida.
In a stunning recognition of legal excellence, Christopher J. Smith, the managing partner of the esteemed law firm Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, has been awarded a spot on the prestigious Top 100 Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff list for 2024 by The National Trial Lawyers. This accolade not only marks Smith’s first appearance on this elite list but also emphasizes his growing stature in the legal field since joining the firm in 2007.
The National Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization dedicated to promoting excellence within the legal profession, recognizes outstanding attorneys whose qualifications, trial outcomes, and leadership shine brightly. Smith’s remarkable journey in the legal world has seen him gain tremendous respect, leading to this impressive recognition shortly after becoming a member of the organization in 2023.
Christopher J. Smith’s ascent at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith has been nothing short of remarkable. After graduating from St. Thomas University School of Law, he became a partner in 2011 and took the reins as managing partner in 2018. His tireless commitment to serving clients has had a profound impact, as evidenced by his recent accolade as Top Lawyer 2024 for Personal Injury Litigation by Professional Research Services. Furthermore, Smith boasts an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer, making him a well-rounded and formidable player in the arena of personal injury law.
In 2023, his leadership skills were further acknowledged when he served as president of the American Board of Trial Advocates. This leadership in key legal organizations underscores his commitment to trial advocacy and sets a standard for peers in the legal community.
Not to be overshadowed, Eve T.K. Volkmann, another partner serving alongside Smith at the firm, has also garnered significant acclaim by being named among the Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff by The National Trial Lawyers. Volkmann, who joined the firm in 2019 after ranking fourth in her class at Ave Maria School of Law, has rapidly established her reputation as a formidable legal professional. Her dedication and skill led her to achieve the second-highest jury award in Lee County in 2021 for an insurance-related property claim linked to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Irma.
In 2024, the firm recognized her achievements by promoting her to partner, firmly placing her on a trajectory of continued success. Volkmann’s involvement with prestigious organizations, such as the Calusa Inn of Court, Lee County Bar Association, and Florida Justice Association, further enhances her profile in the legal landscape.
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. has a storied history serving personal injury clients in Southwest Florida since 1962. With a diverse array of practice areas, including personal injury and accidents, trip and slip and fall cases, premises liability, wrongful death, motorcycle and truck accidents, medical malpractice, and wills and estate planning, the firm’s dedicated team of attorneys continues to make impactful contributions to those in need.
With multiple offices located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres, and Port Charlotte, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith remains readily accessible to clients seeking justice and advocacy.
For individuals seeking guidance or representation, the firm can be contacted at 239-500-HURT or through their website JusticeStartsNow.com. As Smith and Volkmann continue to garner accolades, the future looks bright for the firm’s mission of fighting for the rights of those they’ve pledged to serve.
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