CONTACT
One Harbour Place, Suite 300
777 South Harbour Island Boulevard
Tampa, Florida 33602
Tel: 813.280.6235
Fax: 813.549.1790
Email: gvaka@vakalaw.com
Languages:
SUMMARY
George A. Vaka / Vaka Law Group
As the founder of Florida law firm Vaka Law Group, George A. Vaka has more than 32 years of experience in appellate and litigation law. His defense of numerous Fortune 500 companies in the early years of his career helped to shape his reputation as one of FloridaÂ’s most respected and acclaimed attorneys. In addition to his appellate practice, Mr. Vaka represents personal injury clients, particularly in the areas of auto accidents, aviation accidents, aerospace law, mass torts and medical malpractice. He also has extensive experience in insurance law, having represented both insurance companies and individuals on both sides of the courtroom. Mr. Vaka is board certified in appellate practice by the Florida Bar.
In addition to the highest peer-reviewed rating of AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, Mr. Vaka has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and named a Florida Super Lawyer. He belongs to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers, a distinction reserved only for a select few attorneys in each state. He has recently been named a Fellow of the American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel, a distinction that fewer than 500 attorneys across the country hold.
It is important for Mr. Vaka to give back to the legal community. He frequently speaks on a vast variety of legal topics at continuing legal education seminars across the country, and has written numerous articles and contributed to various books on the legal topics for which he has the most notable experience.
Mr. Vaka is admitted to practice law in Florida and before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Bar & COURT ADMISSIONS
All of Florida state courts
United States District Court for Middle District of Florida
United States Circuit Court of Appeals, Eleven Circuit
United States Supreme Court
Education
| School | Major | Degree | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook College, Rutgers University (New Brunswick, New Jersey) | Arts | Bachelor | 1979 |
| University of Florida, College of Law | Law | Juris Doctor | 1983 |
Professional Affiliations
- Florida Justice Association (formerly Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers) -Â Board of Directors 2003-2006;Â Chair Appellate Section 2003-2006;Â Amicus Curiae Committee 1999-Present
- American Associations for Justice (formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America)
- American Bar Association - Litigation Section, Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Insurance Coverage, Litigation Committee
- The Florida Bar
Appellate Practice and Advocacy Section, Charter Member
– Executive Counsel 1994-1997, 1997-2000
– Chairman Legislative Committee 1997-2000
– Vice-Chairman Membership Committee 1997-1998
Trial Lawyers Section
- Hillsborough County Bar Association - Appellate Advocacy Committee, Insurance Coverage Committee
- Defense Research Institute (1991-1999) – 1998 Exceptional Performance Citation for having supported and improving the standards and education of the defense bar and for having contributed to the improvement of the administration of justice in the public interest.
President’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Insurance Company Practices
- Florida Defense Lawyers Association 1984-1999 - President’s Award for Outstanding Service 1996-1999
- International Association of Defense Counsel 1991-1999
- Association Internationale de Droit des Assurance (Int’l Association for Insurance Law)
- University of Florida College of Law -Â Law Center Association Board of Trustees 2006-Present;Â University of Florida College of Law Alumni Council Member;Â President 2004-2005
- Board Certified by Florida Bar as a specialist in Appellate Practice 1994-Present
Awards
AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Board Certified by Florida Bar as a specialist in Appellate Practice
Recognized in Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Honored in “Best Lawyers in Americaâ€
Member “Leading American Attorneysâ€
Named as a “Florida Super Lawyerâ€
Recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in Tampa Bay by Tampa Bay Metro Magazine
Recognized “Best Legal Eagle†in the state by Florida Monthly Magazine
Recognized as “Best Lawyers†by Corporate Counsel Magazine
Supervising Partner of the Appellate and Insurance Coverage Litigation Groups
