Clifford A. Wolff
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Clifford A. Wolff is a litigation attorney based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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[edit] Biographical and Historical Background
Clifford A. Wolff was born in New York City, New York on April 7, 1970. Mr. Wolff is the son of Judy Dale Wolff and Malcolm Wolff. Malcolm Wolff was a Vice President for CBS in New York City, New York from 1980 to 1987. After working in the corporate environment, Malcolm Wolff pursued the artistic path attending the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. Malcolm Wolff is now an acclaimed sculptor maintaining residences in Palm Coast, Florida, Florence, Italy and Cap D'Antibes in the South of France. The sculptures of Malcolm Wolff are on display in galleries located in Asheville, North Carolina, Denver, Colorado, St. Augustine, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Florence, Italy.
Clifford Alan Wolff was the namesake of his great-aunt, Claire Alice Wolff. Claire Wolff hosted a talk radio show in New York City, New York from 1942 to 1946. Her radio show was recorded and broadcast from the 86th Floor of the Empire State Building in the CBS Studios located in New York City, New York. In 1946, Claire Wolff conceived the idea of the first interfaith postage stamp. The postage stamp was known as The Four Chaplains. It commemorated the sacrifice of four clergymen in the United States Navy who gave up their life preservers to other service men aboard the U.S.S. Dorchester. The four clergy died so that other servicemen could live. The United States Post Office approved the postage stamp in 1948 for general sale and circulation. It was the first postage stamp ever issued by the United States Post Office commemorating a Jewish individual, Rabbi Alexander Goode.[1] From this recognition, there now exists a stained glass window in the chapel of The Pentagon.
[edit] Educational Background
Mr. Wolff attended Nova Elementary and Middle School in Davie, Florida. Mr. Wolff went on to attend Coral Springs High School in Coral Springs, Florida. While a high school student, Mr. Wolff was a member of the National Honor Society, Debate Team and Math Team. Mr. Wolff graduated in the top of his high school class in 1988. Mr. Wolff then attended the University of Florida, in Gainesville, Florida, where he majored in English Literature and Mathematics at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. While matriculating at the University of Florida, Mr. Wolff was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, he was routinely appointed to the Dean's List for academic excellence, he was active in campus politics, and he graduated in 1992 as one of the few University of Florida Presidential Scholars. This award was presented to students graduating with excellent academic credentials and esteemed community service. Mr. Wolff then attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Mr. Wolff was immediately recognized for his advocacy skills. He was the only first year law student in his class chosen for both the University of Florida Trial Team and the Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board. Mr. Wolff earned the award of Champion Advocate at the 1995 Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Wolff also competed in appellate argument competitions in Chicago, Illinois, New York City, New York and St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Wolff graduated the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1995. He was one of just two law students who received upon graduation election into the international advocacy honorary known as The Order of Barristers, signifying excellence in litigation skills.
[edit] Work History
Mr. Wolff was immediately admitted to The Florida Bar and went to work for Josephs, Jack and Gaebe, a litigation boutique in Miami, Florida. Mr. Wolff had the privilege of representing U-Haul International and its affiliates. Mr. Wolff was also involved in multi-million dollar commercial litigation throughout Florida. Mr. Wolff was then courted by the law firm of Gordon, Hargrove and James in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. Wolff accepted the position and started representing AT&T, BellSouth, Yahoo!, U-Haul, Carrier Corporation, Schindler Group, Otis Elevator Corporation, UTC Companies and W.R. Grace and Company. Among the most successful litigation matters for Mr. Wolff was his lawsuit filed on behalf of W.R. Grace and Company against American International Group (AIG) seeking reimbursement of hundreds of millions of dollars paid by W.R. Grace and Company to resolve mass tort asbestos claims. AIG eventually capitulated under pressure following the depositions of various claims adjusters. AIG structured a settlement in which W.R. Grace and Company was paid for a multitude of past claims, and guaranteed payment for future claims. This settlement was considered by many to be the real life epilogue to the John Grisham novel, "A Civil Action."
[edit] Other Published Works
In addition to his work with some preeminent clients, Mr. Wolff was involved in a matter for Boca Burger, a division of Kraft Foods. Mr. Wolff, along with other members of his law firm, were successful at the trial court lever. However, the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal disagreed with Mr. Wolff, and sanctioned his law firm pursuant to Florida Statute 57.105.[2]. The issue was appealed and reached the Florida Supreme Court. The Florida Supreme Court agreed with Mr. Wolff and his law firm. [3]. The Florida Supreme Court held that the appellate court incorrectly adjudicated the matter, reversed the decision of the appellate court, reversed sanctions, determined that the issue of preemption pursuant to the Florida Food Safety Act was a valid defense to be presented at the initial stages of litigation. These decisions have been cited over thirty five (35) times by Florida courts since 2005.
Mr. Wolff decided to open his own law firm in 2003. Mr. Wolff has since been the managing partner of The Wolff Law Firm[4] located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Among other matters, Mr. Wolff successfully defended claims of usury.[5] Mr. Wolff has countless awards and innumerable public service activities. Mr. Wolff is admitted to practice law in Florida, New York and Washington, D.C. Mr. Wolff is considered an AV-Rated attorney by the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review System. Mr. Wolff effectively represents Fortune 100 companies, Florida 500 Companies, and some of the wealthiest businesspersons in South Florida.
Mr. Wolff is listed is Who's Who of American Law, Who's Who of Emerging Leaders, has been seen in publications such as The Miami Herald, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, South Florida Business Journal and Miami Daily Review.
