Joseph J. Slama was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and grew up in Miami, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1978, and received his law degree from the University of Houston, Bates College of Law in 1982. After graduating from law school, Joe practiced commercial international law in Houston, Texas, as well as in Munich, Germany. In 1985, he returned to South Florida and became an associate with the firm. After several years of outstanding success, he was named a partner in 1989, and in 1992 Slama was added to the firm name. Joe has extensive expertise in aviation, product liability, maritime, cruise ship, recreational vehicle and vessel claims, scuba-diving accidents, roadway design, and other complex civil litigation and damages cases. Being a licensed pilot brings a wealth of expertise to Joe's litigation of general and commercial aviation claims, both domestic and international. Board-certified as a Civil Trial Lawyer by The Florida Bar, Joe has consistently received an AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the highest rating given by that publication. This peer review rating signified that a lawyer has reached the pinnacle of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity. Joe has been selected for inclusion in the membership of Best Lawyers in America. He has been selected by his peers as one of the "Best of the Bar" by the South Florida Business Journal. Active within the legal community, Joe has served as president of the Broward County Trial Lawyers Association. He is also an active member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. He has served as a guest lecturer to the American Bar Association, the Florida Board Certification Civil Trial Review, the Federal Bar Practice and Procedures Review, and at continuing education programs of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.