Ronald Kammer, practice leader of Hinshaw & Culbertson in Miami.

Objectively, what key moments or accomplishments have defined your career?

After I was asked to come to Florida to manage Hinshaw & Culbertson’s first Florida office, I was fortunate to shape Florida insurance law during my career, arguing significant cases before the Florida Supreme Court, Florida Courts of Appeal and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. In addition, I played a key role in helping to resolve some of the most significant dollar claims in Florida, including the partial collapse of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, the FIU bridge collapse, Chinese drywall and, most recently, Champlain Towers.

Subjectively, what are your proudest or most personally satisfying achievements?

I am grateful for the confidence of the clients who entrusted me to handle their matters.  However, I am most proud of the time I spent training and mentoring lawyers at Hinshaw & Culbertson during my 43 years at the firm that the practice of law is a profession and not a job and that you can represent clients vigorously and well, while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and are Florida lawyers well positioned for the future?

In many courtrooms, there is a message that states: “Those who labor here seek the truth.” While most cases have a shade of grey and should be litigated, over the past 40 years, many cases that were once quickly resolved are being litigated in what becomes a war of attrition. This issue is not unique to Florida and for the profession to enjoy its once-respected status, lawyers must practice with the highest degree of ethics and treat one another with respect.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career in law, or someone whose career in law has not been satisfying so far?

My advice to someone who is starting out or unhappy is to find an area of law that you like, study that area of law until you know it well, if not better than most, and do not be afraid to talk to other lawyers, especially those that you are up against, to see how the “other side” thinks. If you practice in an area of the law that you do not like, try something new. If you are just starting out, try different areas if you can until you find one you like. Finally, get involved in organizations to meet other lawyers and to help others.