Our Attorneys
F. David Famulari, Esq.
Partner
Board Certified in Admiralty and Maritime Law. Member of the Florida Bar since 1990.
David grew up in a small sea coast town on the North Shore of Boston and after graduating from Colby College in Maine in 1974 he began a seagoing career as a commercial fishing boat captain on Georges Banks and the offshore canyons east of New England. Over thirteen years he spent an average of 200 days a year at sea and managed two offshore lobster boats. David was a member of the Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Association from 1978 through 1987 (Board of Directors 1982-1987) and worked with the newly formed National Marine Fisheries Service in developing fisheries management policies. David also consulted with marine insurance companies and the US Coast Guard on fishing vessel safety issues and helped to create the framework for what eventually became the Fishing Vessel Safety Act of 1988. In August of 1987, David came ashore and started law school three weeks later at the University of Miami. He had the good fortune to work as a law clerk at a well-known admiralty law firm in Miami all through law school and graduated cum laude from law school in 1990. He has been a maritime law practitioner ever since.
David’s practice consists primarily of maritime insurance defense, including Jones Act claims, collisions, salvage, passenger claims, Limitation of Liability, Longshore claims, 905 (b) claims, marina liability claims, engine damage claims, cargo claims, and dock damage claims. His practice also included Florida workers’ compensation defense (1993-2004) where he gained much knowledge about the treatment of all types of personal injuries, including spine, knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries.
David Direct: (305) 968-8894
Gino J. Butto, Esq.
Partner
Board Certified in Admiralty & Maritime Law. Member of the Florida Bar since 2012. Member of the New York Bar since 2014.
Gino was born in Hollywood, Florida and grew up on the water. At the age of 15, Gino started a professional fishing team and traveled the country fishing tournaments thanks to several corporate sponsors. In 2008, Gino obtained his USCG Captain’s Licenses which he used to captain fishing vessels in Florida and the Caribbean.
In 2009, Gino started law school at the University of Miami School of Law. He graduated magna cum laude in 2012 and was a walk-on member of the Business Law Review. Since graduating, Gino has dedicated his practice to admiralty and maritime matters. His expertise includes representing marine insurers, vessel owners and seamen in: marine insurance coverage disputes; cargo claims governed by COGSA and the Carmack Amendment; repairs to vessels; warranty claims; vessel collisions and allisions; personal injuries; yacht transportation matters; vessel arrests and other in rem lawsuits.
Gino Direct: (321) 749-4582
Samuel C. Higginbottom, Esq.
Partner
Board Certified in Admiralty & Maritime Law. Member of the Florida Bar since 2010.
Sam spent many summers in Florida during his youth where he developed an appreciation for boating along the state’s waterways. These formative experiences influenced his decision to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a federal service academy. While at the Academy, he gained hands-on experience working on container ships, boom ships, and a LASH ship. After graduation, he received a USCG license and went on to build valuable experience as a marine engineer aboard research vessels, ATBs, and tugboats. He also proudly served as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Following several years working on the water, Sam pursued a legal education at The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Upon graduating and passing the bar, he began his legal career practicing Maritime and Admiralty Law at a Florida law firm. He later transitioned to a national firm to broaden his experience in additional areas of litigation.
With more than a decade of experience at large law firms in the Tampa area, Sam has handled a wide range of cases, both large and small, involving various legal issues. Today, he looks forward to providing individuals and small businesses on the waterways of Florida with the benefits of his experience.
Sam Direct: (813) 825-1267
Associate Attorney