National Trial Lawyers recognizes Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith attorneys
The National Trial Lawyers has named Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith Managing Partner Christopher J. Smith to the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff” list and Partner Eve T.K. Volkmann to the “Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers Civil Plaintiff” list.
The Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40 distinctions are bestowed upon a select group of attorneys who exhibit superior qualifications, exemplary trial results and exceptional leadership in the realms of criminal defense and/or civil plaintiff law. The National Trial Lawyers is an invitation‐based organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in the legal profession. Comprising the top lawyers in each state, the organization provides a platform for networking, knowledge‐sharing and professional development within the legal community.
Smith, Florida Board Certified in civil trial, has been a member of The National Trial Lawyers since 2023 and made the Top 100 list for the first time in 2024. He was also named Top Lawyer 2024 for Personal Injury Litigation by Professional Research Services.
Smith joined the Fort Myers-based firm in 2007 shortly after receiving his law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. He became a partner in 2011 and a managing partner in 2018. He has AV Preeminent rating through Martindale-Hubbell, is an Eagle Member for the Florida Justice Association and is a Florida Super Lawyer. Additionally, Smith was president of the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2023.
Volkmann has been a member of The National Trial Lawyers since 2024. She joined the firm in 2019 after ranking fourth in her class at Ave Maria School of Law and was successful in securing the second-highest jury award in 2021 in Lee County for an insurance-related property claim resulting from Hurricane Irma. She became a partner in 2024 and is a member of the Calusa Inn of Court, the Lee County Bar Association and the Florida Justice Association.
About Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A., is a personal injury firm representing those injured by the wrongdoing of others in Southwest Florida since 1962. The firm’s experienced attorneys are board certified by the Florida Bar, and areas of practice include personal injury and accidents, trip, slip and fall, premises liability, wrongful death, motorcycle and truck accidents, medical malpractice, and wills and estate planning and administration. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte, attorneys can be reached by calling 239-500-HURT or visiting JusticeStartsNow.com.
