Meet our Florida Legal Team at Palmer | Lopez
Dedicated attorneys committed to justice and excellence
At Palmer Lopez, our strength is in the collective expertise and dedication of our attorneys and legal team.
Our clients trust us for our commitment to justice, unparalleled expertise in medical malpractice and personal injury law, and our unwavering dedication to recover maximum compensation for their claims.
Learn more about the people that will be tirelessly advocating on your behalf.
Martin Palmer
Founding Partner and Trial Attorney
Martin Palmer is a seasoned trial lawyer focusing on representing individuals and families in personal injury and medical malpractice cases.
His illustrious legal career began at the prestigious Fowler White and Banker Lopez law firms, where he honed his skills for over a decade.
Career Highlights and Recognitions
- Mr. Palmer has devoted his entire career to personal injury litigation, earning multiple awards for his legal work.
- Recognized repeatedly in various publications as a skilled personal injury advocate.
- Named as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” by U.S. News since 2008, a distinction based on other peer nominations and reviews.
- Awarded the title of Rising Star in the 2009 and 2012 editions of Super Lawyers.
Professional Experience
- Mr. Palmer’s legal practice spans across Florida, representing families and individuals from numerous counties.
- Known for handling complex and tragic cases, he is a trusted figure in the community and among fellow lawyers.
- His portfolio includes hundreds of cases involving serious, catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
Credentials
- Mr. Palmer is known for providing individual attention to each case, a method that, combined with his over two decades of experience, has yielded exceptional results for his clients.
- He is licensed to practice in all Florida State courts in the Federal Middle District of Florida, successfully litigating and trying personal injury lawsuits across the Sunshine State.
Personal Life
- Mr. Palmer balances his professional dedication with a fulfilling family life, being married and a father to three children.
Education
- University of Kentucky, B.S., Finance; B.B.A., Accounting 1995
- University of Kentucky College of Law, J.D. magna cum laude, 1998
Membership
- Florida Bar
- Hillsborough County Bar Association, Trial Lawyers Section
- Order of the Coif, Magna Cum Laude, and member of the UK Law Review
- Multi Million Dollar Advocates forum
Joseph Lopez
Founding Partner and Trial Attorney
Joseph Lopez has devoted his entire professional career to the law firm.
His practice is deeply rooted in representing individuals and families affected by medical malpractice, automobile and premises-related injuries, wrongful death, and insurance bad faith.
Professional Experience and Achievements
- Mr. Lopez has successfully represented hundreds of clients in these areas, demonstrating his proficiency as first and second chair at trial.
- He is admitted to practice in all State Courts of Florida and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
- Mr. Lopez has been honored every year since 2019 as a “Florida Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, a distinction held by only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida, recognizing his excellence in the legal field.
Approach to Legal Practice
- His practice adopts a low-volume, high-quality strategy, focusing on cases involving catastrophic loss, injury, or death that demand an aggressive and personalized approach.
- Unlike many personal injury attorneys who rely on mass advertising, Mr. Lopez receives most of his cases through recommendations from other Florida lawyers. These referrals testify to his recognized ability to handle complex and demanding cases.
Challenging the Goliaths
- Mr. Lopez is known for taking on formidable opponents, including some of the largest hospital corporations in the country, various healthcare providers from neurosurgeons to nurses, and multi-billion dollar insurance companies.
Personal Life
- Mr. Lopez is a 4th generation Tampa native. He often spends his spare time on the water and enjoys moments with family and friends.
Education
- Jesuit High School (Tampa), 2006
- Auburn University, B.S., Finance 2010
- Stetson University College of Law, J.D., 2013
Bar admissions and certifications
- Florida Bar (2013)
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Awards
- Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019-present)
Cole Masterson
Associate Attorney
Cole Masterson, an associate attorney with Palmer Lopez, specializes in handling cases involving auto accidents, slip or trip and falls, wrongful death, and medical malpractice.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Masterson has laid down his professional roots in Florida, bringing a fresh perspective and dedicated legal insight to the firm.
Legal Journey
- Mr. Masterson’s journey in law began after relocating to Bradenton, Florida, where he attended Lakewood Ranch High School.
- He completed his undergraduate studies in 2014 at Florida State University, laying the groundwork for his legal career.
- Pursuing his passion for law, he returned to Tallahassee to attend the Florida State University College of Law. While there, he honed his legal skills and served as a staff editor for the Law Review, a testament to his academic commitment and legal prowess.
Professional Endeavors
- Joining Palmer Lopez in 2019, Mr. Masterson has since been a vital part of the team, dedicating his practice to assisting those injured due to negligence.
- His approach to law is marked by a deep commitment to justice and a determination to secure the best outcomes for his clients.
Bar Admissions
- Mr. Masterson is licensed by the Florida Bar and is authorized to practice in all Florida state courts, bringing his expertise and passion for justice to each case he handles.
Education
- Lakewood Ranch High School (Bradenton), 2010
- Florida State University, B.S., Psychology, 2014
- Florida State University College of Law, J.D., 2018
Membership
- Florida Bar
