Shutts & Bowen is expanding its Business Litigation Practice Group with the addition of Bernard “Bernie” Pastor as a Partner in its Miami office.
Pastor, who is board certified in civil trial law by The Florida Bar, brings more than three decades of courtroom experience, including extensive first-chair work in both federal and state courts. His practice focuses on complex civil litigation, including civil rights, wrongful death, tort and commercial disputes. Over his career, he has tried dozens of jury trials to verdict and handled appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.
“Bernie is a highly respected trial lawyer with exceptional courtroom experience,” said Frank Rodriguez, Chair of Shutts & Bowen’s Executive Committee. “This hire represents Shutts’ commitment to our growth, community and clients. Bernie’s background, including his extensive trial skills, will surely be an asset to our clients as we continue to maintain preeminent governmental relations and litigation practices across Florida.”
Before joining the firm, Pastor spent more than 20 years with the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office, where he defended the county in federal and state court, served as Chief of Federal Litigation & Appeals and led the Tort and Malpractice Section, overseeing complex cases through trial and appeal.
“I’m excited to join Shutts & Bowen and collaborate with such a talented group of litigators,” Pastor said. “The firm’s professionalism, integrity and dedication to client service align perfectly with my practice, and I look forward to contributing my experience to help clients navigate their most challenging disputes.”
Active in the legal community, Pastor is a former President and current Board Member of the South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami law school and teaches in The Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section’s Advanced Trial Advocacy Seminar.
Pastor earned his undergraduate degree from Fordham University, a law degree from Temple University and a master’s degree from Florida International University. He is admitted to practice in Florida, New York and New Jersey, as well as before multiple federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
