Our Attorneys

F. David Famulari, Esq.

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.

Gino J. Butto, Esq.

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.

Samuel C. Higginbottom, Esq.

SAMUEL C HIGGINBOTTOM

While growing up, I had the pleasure of spending many summers in Florida where I developed an appreciation for boating Florida's waterways.  These positive experiences influenced my decision to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a federal service academy.  While at the Academy, I had the opportunity to work on container ships, boom ships, and a LASH ship. Upon graduating and receiving a USCG license, I gained valuable experience working as a marine engineer aboard research vessels, ATBs and tugboats.  I also had the privilege to serve as an officer in the US Navy Reserve.

After a few years working on the water, I pursued a legal education from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.  Upon graduating and passing the bar, I started practicing Maritime and Admiralty Law at a Florida law firm.  After a few years, I transitioned my practice to a national firm to gain experience in additional areas of litigation.

With over a decade of experience working at large law firms in the Tampa area, I have handled large and small cases involving a variety of legal issues.  I look forward to providing individuals and small businesses, which appreciate and depend on the waterways of Tampa Bay, and Florida, the benefits of my experience.