Mariano Garcia

MARIANO GARCIA is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer known for his unwavering dedication to his clients. With over 30 years of experience, he represents individuals in a wide range of personal injury cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, including traffic accidents of all types, aviation accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and human rights violations, representing both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking clients. He has successfully litigated cases in state and federal courts, earning an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell for the highest level of professional excellence and ethics. He has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers every year since 2011, and his Florida Bar Board Certification in Civil Trial Law highlights his exceptional expertise, a distinction held by fewer than 7% of Florida attorneys.

For over 14 years, Mr. Garcia has been a vital force at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, where he leverages his expertise and bilingual skills to advocate for clients, particularly in the Hispanic community.

A licensed pilot with a deep understanding of aviation law, Mr. Garcia has represented victims of civilian and military aircraft disasters, including cases involving Apache and Blackhawk helicopter crashes. His combination of legal acumen and technical aviation knowledge gives him a unique advantage when handling aviation-related litigation.

Notable Achievements:

• On the Searcy Denney trial team that obtained a $38 Million Verdict in the Chiquita Banana case in which the jury found that Chiquita knowingly financed the AUC in Colombia’s Urabá and Magdalena regions from 1997-2004
• On the Searcy Denney trial team representing multiple victims of the Surfside Condo Collapse, the beachfront condominium collapse that caused the deaths of 98 people, resulting in over $32 Million in recoveries for clients
• On the Searcy Denney trial team that obtained a $20 Million Verdict against Reynolds Tobacco Company
• Obtained many seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements in medical malpractice, premises liability, and traffic and aviation accident cases
• Recipient of Best Lawyers in America (Florida)
• Featured in Attorney at Law Magazine
• Lawdragon 500 2023, The Plaintiff Issue, an elite distinction, and featured in the Lawdragon Lawyer Limelight series in 2022

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Garcia is a proven leader in the legal community. He has served as:

• Chairperson and Member of the 15th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, which vets and recommends candidates to fill vacant circuit and county court positions
• President and member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, championing access to justice for the most vulnerable members of our community; now on the Board of Trustees
• President and Advisor of the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association, working to advance Hispanic representation in the legal profession
• President of the Palm Beach County chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious national organization committed to preserving the civil jury trial system, professionalism, and the rule of law

His commitment to service extends beyond the legal field. Mr. Garcia has served on the board of governors and as general counsel of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the board of directors of the Forum Club. He has also served as an officer and director of Jack the Bike Man, a bicycle charity devoted to supporting migrant workers and at-risk children. He supports Latinos in Action, which offers a service and leadership curriculum to middle and high school students. He was on the faculty of the inaugural Florida Bar Leadership Academy.

Born in Argentina and raised in New York and Florida, Mr. Garcia’s relentless work ethic and passion for justice were inspired by his immigrant parents, who instilled in him the values of education, hard work, and perseverance. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law, where he was articles editor of The Law Review.

Above all, Mr. Garcia is a devoted husband and father, valuing family as the foundation of his life and career.