Trial Lawyer
gabe@garaylawfirm.com
Overview
A nationally recognized trial attorney with more than five decades of experience, Robert L. Parks is a highly respected advocate in the courtroom and a leader in the legal and civic community.
He is known for careful case selection, rigorous preparation, and providing personal attention to clients facing catastrophic loss.
Experience
Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1964, Parks has represented hundreds of plaintiffs in high-stakes matters across the United States and internationally.
His work includes more than 200 general aviation crash cases, major product liability actions against large pharmaceutical companies, and service as Florida Counsel in the Antitrust Class Action against Microsoft.
His plaintiff-focused practice concentrates on offshore resort litigation, aviation, mass torts, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases, with a consistent emphasis on bringing negligence-related claims to trial in U.S. courts rather than offshore jurisdictions.
Born in Nassau, The Bahamas, Parks has spent a lifetime engaged in boating, diving, and other water activities. His deep familiarity with marine equipment, safety standards, and operational practices informs his work in water-related and offshore injury litigation.
Honors & Recognition
Distinguished Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers (2017)
FLABOTA Personal Injury (Plaintiff) Trial Attorney of the Year (2017)
Legal Legends Award, History Miami / 11th Judicial Circuit (2015)
Perry Nichols Award, Florida Justice Association (2012)
War Horse Award, Southern Trial Lawyers Association (2011)
Best Lawyers of America (1983–present)
Florida Super Lawyers (2005–present)
South Florida Legal Guide “Top Lawyer” (2003–present)
Lawdragon Top 3000
America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators
Firm recognized in U.S. News & Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”
Environmental Leadership
Litigation Chairman and Board Member, The Everglades Foundation
Former Chairman, Florida Environmental Regulation Commission
National Audubon Society Environmentalist of the Year
Founding member and long-time litigation chair, 1,000 Friends of Florida
First Chair, Miami River Commission
Publication & Speaking
Co-Author, “Military Accidents” and “Air Traffic Control Negligence” in Kreindler’s Aviation Accident Law for Matthew Bender & Company, Inc.
Has lectured nationally regarding jurisdiction, litigation, aviation law, personal injury and other issues.
Community & Pro Bono
Dean’s Advisory Board, FIU College of Law
Board of Trustees, 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society
Long-standing pro bono service, Legal Services of Greater Miami
Board of Directors and Litigation Counsel, The Everglades Foundation
Board Member, Boys and Girls Club of Miami
Former Board Member, HistoryMiami
Former Advisory Council Member, Trust for Public Land
Awards
Miami-Dade County Law Library Award (2019)
International Academy of Trial Lawyers’ Distinguished Fellow designation (2017), which has only occurred on ten occasions since the founding of the academy, the honorary association of elite trial attorneys.
Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (FLABOTA) Personal Injury (Plaintiff) Trial Attorney of the Year Award (2017), given to a candidate who has had a distinguished career and a superb reputation of high ethics and fair play.
History Miami’s 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society’s “Legal Legends Award (2015),” which recognizes members of the legal community who have made significant contributions to the law, legal system or the administration of justice for at least 25 years or more.
The Florida Justice Association’s “Perry Nichols Award (2012),” given annually to a Floridian who has fought with distinction for justice throughout his life.
The Southern Trial Lawyers Association “War Horse Award (2011),” its highest honor for extraordinary contributions to the cause of justice.
Best Lawyers of America (1983 to present)
Florida Super Lawyers (2005 to present)
South Florida Legal Guide “Top Lawyer” (2003 to present)
Lawdragon Top 3000, (2010-11)
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers® and “Best Law Firms” rankings (2008-2022)
Professional Leadership
Executive Committee Member, Board of Trustees, National Judicial College
Past Chairman, Board of Visitors, National Judicial College
Member, Dade County Bar Association, President, 1980-1981
Member, Board of Governors, The Florida Bar, 1978-1982
Member, Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission, 1974-1975
Distinguished Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers (President, 2000- 2001)
Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Fellow, International Society of Barristers
Fellow, American Trial Lawyers Association
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (Past Chair, Access to Justice Committee)
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Past Chairman, ABA Forum on Air & Space Law
Past Chairman, Aviation Law Certification Committee, The Florida Bar Association Fellow, American Board of Trial Advocates
Fellow, Roscoe Pound Foundation
Lifetime member, American Law Institute
Fellow, Florida Bar Foundation
Diplomate, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
Member, America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators
Past Member, Board of Directors, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
Past Member, Florida Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Board of Trustees
11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society
Member, American Law Institute
Member, Lawyer Pilots Bar Association
Member, International Society of Air Safety Investigators
Tort Litigation Review Commission of The Florida Bar, 1983-1988
President, Young Lawyers Section, The Florida Bar, 1972-1973
President, Young Lawyers Section, Dade County Bar Association, 1971-1972
Board of Governors, Young Lawyers Section, The Florida Bar, 1966-1971
State Committeeman, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, 1978-1980
