Gary A. Costales, P.A. 
If you have an employment issue, it is important to hire a specialist rather than an attorney who dabbles in the area. I am board certified in Labor and Employment law. Of the more than 100,000 lawyers licensed in the State of Florida, less than 200, (>.002%) are board certified by the Florida Bar in Labor and Employment law.
From my perspective, the practice of law is about helping people achieve their goals. I enjoy helping people. There are a few keys to success.
Communication and accessibility are crucial to success. I try to be accessible at all times. I’ve answered client calls during holidays, in the wee hours of the morning, and while on vacation.
Communication allows for a free flow of information to and from the client. At times a fact or argument may be overlooked until later in litigation. A free flow of information helps avoid that scenario.
Litigation is stressful. As an attorney I enjoy going to trial and vigorously fighting for my client, but clients often feel stress more than anything else. My office strives to avoid such stress.
Years of litigation and life experience have helped me become an effective lawyer. I am a native New Yorker who moved to Miami Beach at the start of high school. By the time I filled out my Florida bar application at the age of 24 I realized that I had more than twenty different jobs in the past. I had been a happy hour DJ, held various sales positions, had a small business for a brief time, worked for big companies on occasion (e.g. UPS loader and sorter for three years) and was even a successful advertising copywriter. I worked many construction jobs during the summer in South Florida and appreciate the value and dignity of hard work.
I graduated from the Cumberland School of Law, established in 1847, law school to two Supreme Court justices, past Presidents of the Florida Bar and various other state and federal judges and legislators.
My desire to handle civil rights cases led me to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) based in Memphis, Tennessee, where I was an Administrative Judge and later an EEOC Trial Attorney. I litigated or adjudicated cases throughout the United States during my time at the EEOC. I returned to Miami and was an associate at a law firm that represents exclusively management for three years before opening my own practice in 2000.
I represent both deserving plaintiffs and management in my practice. I have won jury trials throughout the State. Being an advocate for both sides hones one’s skills and avoids the “tunnel vision” that can be fatal at trial. My litigation experience and solid client relationships have led me to other areas of the law. For instance, I have successfully handled bid protests and other matters pertaining to procurement.
I have handled a variety of commercial and noncompete matters and have filed several qui tam actions. These have all come about as the result of client relations.
I am the Chair and co-Chair (respectively) of the Historical Preservation and Community Relations boards for the City of South Miami. I try to find the time to do charitable work and enjoy boating with my family in the Florida Keys, among other interests.
You can learn more about my work experience and education by clicking the link below:
Call For A Free Telephone Consultation
Call (786) 446-7288 for a free telephone consultation with our office or use our contact form to tell us more about your situation. Based in Miami and Boca Raton, we handle employment cases and mediations throughout South Florida.
