The Seventh Amendment:

Why the Right to Trial by Jury Still Matters  



The freedoms we celebrate each Independence Day are not merely historical ideals, they continue to shape the lives of ordinary people seeking jusitce today.

As our nation marks its 250^th Anniversary, it is fitting to reflect on one of our Constitution’s most important protections, the Seventh Amendment’s guarantee of the right to trial by jury in civil cases.

While many Americans readily recognize freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly, fewer appreciate the vital role the civil jury plays in preserving justice.

The Seventh Amendment reflects a simple but enduring principle: justice belongs to the people. It ensures that disputes are decided not solely by government officials, corporations, insurance companies, or powerful interests, but by ordinary citizens applying their collective judgment, common sense, and life experience.

For more than 45 years, we have had the privilege of representing individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed by traumatic brain injury, other catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. Every day we see why these constitutional protections matter.

The right to trial by jury gives ordinary people the opportunity to seek accountability when preventable negligence changes their lives forever.

Regardless of wealth, status, or influence, every person deserves the opportunity to present their case before a jury of fellow citizens.

Like many constitutional freedoms, the right to trial by jury cannot be taken for granted. Preserving meaningful access to the courts helps ensure that every individual has the opportunity to seek justice when they have been wrongfully harmed.



As we commemorate our nation’s 250^th Anniversary, we are reminded that the enduring strength of our democracy depends upon preserving the constitutional rights that protect us all. We remain grateful for those freedoms and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of the individuals and families we are privileged to serve. 



Michael V. Kaplen Presents at the Florida Association of Justice Workhorse Seminar



Michael V. Kaplen recently served as a guest lecturer at the annual Florida Justice Association Workhorse Seminar, one of the nation’s premier educational programs for experienced trial lawyers.

His presentation, “Survey of Recent Developments in Traumatic Brain Injury Law and Medicine,” examined emerging medical research, advances in brain injury diagnosis, recent epidemiological findings, public perceptions of brain injury, and significant judicial decisions affecting the trial of brain injury cases throughout the country.

In addition to representing brain injury survivors and their families, Michael serves as a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School, where, for the past 13 years, he has taught the nation’s only accredited law school course devoted exclusively to brain injury law.

Education has always been an important part of our firm’s mission. Through his teaching, scholarship, and advocacy Michael continues to advance the understanding of traumatic brain injury among attorneys, judges, healthcare professionals, students, and the public. We are proud of his continued efforts to educate, inspire, and advocate while helping ensure that individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed receive the justice, accountability, and recognition they deserve.

We Are Honored to Again

Be Recognized as Super Lawyers

We are honored that both our partners, Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen, have again been selected to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list.

Selected through a rigorous process based on peer recognition and professional achievement, this recognition reflects our longstanding commitment to representing individuals and families affected by traumatic brain injury, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.

Shana De Caro has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2014 through 2026, and Michael V. Kaplen has been selected from 2006 through 2026.



We are deeply grateful to our clients, colleagues, healthcare professionals, and peers for the confidence they have placed in us throughout the years. It is a privilege to continue serving those whose trust and support have made this recognition possible.

Thank you for your trust. We hope you never experience a serious injury caused by negligence or malpractice, but there is always a need for competent legal assistance. Many people do not know who to ask.

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Thank you for your time. We value our ability to help those who have been injured.