Andrew B. Yaffa is the managing partner of Grossman Yaffa Cohen, where he has spent his entire 35-year legal career advocating for people whose lives have been changed by catastrophic injury, medical negligence and wrongful death. A 1991 graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, he has recovered more than $500 million for injured clients and grieving families while helping lead GYC into one of Florida’s most respected plaintiff trial firms.
Throughout his career, Yaffa has handled complex, high-stakes cases that have delivered meaningful results beyond the courtroom. His work has helped drive changes to corporate safety practices, law enforcement procedures and consumer protection legislation. In one landmark case involving a child born without arms or legs after his mother was exposed to pesticides while working in tomato fields, Yaffa’s advocacy uncovered serious workplace violations and led him to testify before a congressional subcommittee. The litigation ultimately prompted the employer to implement stronger protections for its workers.
In another consequential case, Yaffa represented the family of a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy who was killed while serving a warrant. The case resulted in changes to the agency’s warrant-serving protocols designed to better protect officers in the line of duty. He also represented the family of a two-year-old child who died after being left in a daycare van, helping generate legislative efforts to require safety alarms in daycare transportation vehicles.
A member of the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates, Yaffa has been named “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law in Miami five times by Best Lawyers in America. He has also been recognized by Chambers USA, Florida Super Lawyers, Lawdragon and Florida Trend for his leadership and accomplishments.
Beyond his trial practice, Yaffa serves on the adjunct faculty of the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and regularly speaks to healthcare professionals, attorneys and students about medical malpractice, patient safety and accountability. His leadership, landmark results and lifelong commitment to protecting consumers reflect the transformative impact of a Miami Law education.
What aspects of the curriculum or faculty had the most significant impact on your legal education and career trajectory?
The Litigation Skills Program opened my eyes to the courtroom and what it meant to be a trial lawyer. I found the opportunity to try several cases in front of the legendary Judge Morphonious to be life changing, and I had more trial experience under my belt before graduation than many lawyers have in their entire careers!
How did your education at the University of Miami School of Law prepare you for your career? Evidence and Torts taught by Professor Michael Graham and Civil Procedure 1 and 2 taught by Professor Minnette Massey, may she rest in peace, still resonate in my brain. I can still hear her sarcastically saying, “Read the Rule!” The Socratic method and fear tactics used by Professor Gaubatz, where I was called on daily and told I was presumptively failing, taught me to think on my feet and have thick skin! All played a role in shaping me to be the trial lawyer I am today.
What opportunities or connections did you gain at the law school, and how did they influence your career?
We had an incredible section and class and the relationships I developed on day one continues with me today. They are my closest friends, allies and referral sources!