Colson Hicks Eidson Partner Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson Honored with Emory University School of Law’s Esteemed Distinguished Alumni Award

April 18, 2019 / 10:05 am

Eidson receives Emory Law’s top honor for his extraordinary achievement in the legal profession, dedication to the University and service to the community

From Left to Right: Dr. Margaret Eidson, Mike Eidson and James B. Hughes Jr., Interim Dean of Emory Law School.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (April 18, 2019) – Attorney Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson, president of Coral Gables-based law firm Colson Hicks Eidson, has been named Emory University School of Law’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni, the school’s highest honor. Established in 1985, the annual recognition pays tribute to law school graduates that embody the values of the school and have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in the legal profession, dedication to Emory University and in service to the community. Emory University is consistently ranked among the top 25 law schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Eidson was honored at the Emory Law Alumni Awards banquet in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, April 12.  Interim Dean James B. Hughes Jr. presented the award.

“As a proud Emory Law alumnus, I am incredibly honored by this recognition,” said Eidson. “Emory Law provided the foundation for my legal career and I am grateful for the significant lessons and values instilled in me, which I have utilized in my practice every day.”

Eidson’s selection signifies the remarkable legal career and civic and philanthropic accomplishments that he has established since graduating from Emory Law in 1971 as a Lamar Law Scholar. In 1998, he established the Kessler-Eidson Foundation at Emory Law, which offers annual scholarships to two women dedicated to trial practice or public service. Simultaneously, he co-endowed the acclaimed Emory Law School Kessler-Eidson Trial Technique Program, a two-week session that second year law students are required to attend in order to graduate. Modeled after the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, the Kessler-Eidson Trial Technique Program has become the largest in the country and is recognized as one of the finest in the nation for teaching trial advocacy. Eidson established the scholarship and program in honor of his late friend and fellow Emory Law alum, Kathy Kessler, who was tragically killed in the 1996 ValuJet Airlines crash. Eidson also dedicated a special wing in the MacMillan Law Library in honor of Kathy Kessler and the students who have received the annual scholarship.

In addition to establishing the scholarship program at Emory Law, Eidson has also awarded scholarships for the past 25 years to aspiring female trial lawyers through the American Association for Justice, the University of Miami and Florida International University.

“Women are clearly underrepresented in the practice of trial law and we want to do our part to provide opportunities to close the gap and encourage young female trial lawyers.  Proudly, today, Colson Hicks Eidson is comprised of 50 percent women who are all exceptional trial lawyers,” said Eidson.

A nationally recognized trial lawyer, Eidson concentrates his practice in the fields of products liability litigation. aviation, class action and multi-district litigation. Best known for his work on some of the largest automotive recalls in U.S. history, he has tried more than 120 cases to jury verdict during his career. He served as national lead co-counsel in the Ford-Firestone tire multidistrict litigation and was also appointed to the plaintiffs’ steering committee in the multidistrict litigation against Toyota Motor Corp. over sudden unintended acceleration. With his partners, Bill Colson and Bill Hicks, Eidson tried and won, the first case alleging that the Ford Pinto fuel system was defective. This case played an important role in improving automobile fuel systems, greatly reducing fuel-fed fires worldwide.

An accomplished author and lecturer, Eidson was a founding member of the Institute for Injury Reduction, a national organization dedicated to reducing injuries caused by defective products. He is active in numerous professional associations committed to improving safe practices and has volunteered his time on a multitude of professional and community boards, having received many awards for his service.

Eidson has been actively involved with the American Association for Justice, the world’s largest trial bar and a leading defender of justice, for more than 20 years, serving as president in 2006-2007. He has also served as president of the Dade County Trial Lawyers Association and the Miami Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and served as chairman of the AAJ Foundation.

Eidson has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the country and was elected a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American College of Trial Lawyers.

In addition to his national public service and professional activities, Eidson is committed to service in the Miami-Dade community. A longtime supporter of the performing arts in South Florida, he previously served as chairman for the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and is a founding member of the Town Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating and sustaining a vibrant urban area surrounding the Arsht Center. He served as president of the world-acclaimed Miami City Ballet for nine years, and has founded and supported many other organizations in music, theater and dance.

“Mike’s passion for the performing arts led him to invest beyond the walls of the beautiful venues he helped build in Miami and into the artists themselves,” said Lourdes Lopez, Artistic Director of the Miami City Ballet. “In this way, he has shaped the cultural fabric of Miami, creating a vibrant forum where artists can work and give their individual and creative expression to theater, dance and music…he has helped Miami catapult itself into a leadership position in the arts among America’s great cities.”

In 2017, Eidson was also recognized among the “Emory Law 100,” an honor created to represent the best of Emory Law, which includes alumni and faculty that have advanced the rule of law and made history at Emory or beyond.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

The Law Firm of Colson Hicks Eidson is a trial firm with more than 50 years of experience handling local, national and international litigation, and arbitration. Members of the firm have been involved in some of the country’s most high-profile and landmark cases resulting in impactful and precedential rulings. A mid-size firm with a diverse staff comprised of more than 50 percent women and minorities, Colson Hicks Eidson prides itself on a track record of developing future leaders within the legal profession and its civic and community involvement. Members of the firm have held notable positions serving on the boards of prominent institutions, such as the State University System of Florida and the Florida State Board of Education, and holding high-ranking offices, including President of the 60,000-member American Association for Justice; President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers; President of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers; President of the Dade County Bar Association; President of the Miami-Dade Florida Association of Women Lawyers; United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; and Chairman of the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission.

Trending Stories

June 27, 2025

Latest Updates
and Insights from Colson

Related News & Case Studies

Colson Hicks Eidson is thrilled to announce that seven of its attorneys have been named in the 2025 edition of Florida Super Lawyers. Stephanie Casey, Dean Colson, Joseph J. Kalbac Jr., Julie Braman Kane, and Curtis Miner have been named Super Lawyers. Zachary A. Lipshultz and Sabrina S. Saieh have been recognized as Rising Stars.

Super Lawyers uses a rigorous screening process including independent research, peer nominations, and evaluations to rate lawyers. Only 5 percent of lawyers in Florida are rated by Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers under 40 or with fewer than 10 years of practice are selected as Rising Stars.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

Congratulations to Colson Hicks Eidson President and Senior Partner Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson and Partner Curt Miner on being selected by the American Association for Justice to receive a prestigious award at the organization’s annual convention.

Mike will receive the Leonard M. Ring Champion of Justice Award, which honors AAJ members of outstanding integrity and character who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to civil and human rights. A past AAJ president and long-respected national trial lawyer, Mike has spent decades advancing justice and protecting the right to trial by jury. 

“I am honored to receive this recognition,” Mike said. “It’s a privilege to be part of a legal community that shares a commitment to protecting people’s rights and ensuring access to justice.”

Curt was part of the team of attorneys who will receive the Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award, which honors plaintiffs’ attorneys and their clients who bring cases that highlight the vital role of the American civil justice system. Curt will be recognized for his role as one of the court-appointed leaders in the Champlain Towers Condominium Collapse litigation, where he worked alongside a dedicated team of lawyers to help secure $1.2 billion in settlements for the families and victims. 

“It was one of the highlights of my career to work with the team of lawyers appointed by the Court, and our dedicated team at Colson Hicks Eidson, to help the many families that were impacted by this tragedy,” Curt said. 

The awards will be presented in July at the AAJ Annual Convention in San Francisco. Register here.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

Colson Hicks Eidson has been recognized as one of Florida’s top four trial law firms by Chambers and Partners in the 2025 Chambers USA Guide. We’re especially honored that five of our attorneys were individually recognized for their leadership, legal skill, and commitment to our clients.

Congratulations to Stephanie Casey, Julie Kane, Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson, Roberto Martínez, and Curt Miner.

We are grateful for the recognition and thankful to our clients and peers for continuing to place their trust in us.

The rankings are a result of the firm’s exceptional track record of securing multimillion-dollar judgments and settlements for its clients in areas that include commercial litigation, medical malpractice, products liability, class actions, multidistrict litigation, and aviation and automobile accidents.

To schedule a consultation, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at our law office. We have experience in a wide variety of cases for clients located throughout the nation and around the globe.


About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

Colson Hicks Eidson is thrilled to announce that Managing Partner, Dean Colson, has been named in the 2025 Lawdragon 100 Managing Partners Guide. Lawdragon selected attorneys based on their roles in growing, leading, and innovating their firms.

Dean is renowned as a top trial lawyer in the U.S. with 40 years of experience in complex civil litigation, personal injury, product liability, and professional malpractice. He has successfully represented large plaintiff classes and handled multimillion-dollar cases, including high-profile litigation such as the AeroPeru airplane crash and a Ponzi scheme settlement.

Dean has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through various leadership roles. He has been actively involved with the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami, supporting access to the arts. He’s also been president of the Orange Bowl Committee and chaired the Super Bowl XXIX Host Committee. He served on the Florida Commission on Ethics and chaired the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission. He previously served as President of the Dade County Bar Association and as a distinguished member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors. Most recently, the Coral Gables Community Foundation recognized Dean at its 2024 Annual Gala with the Education Award.

Click here to read the full guide.


About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

MIAMI (March 12, 2025) – Every day, the lawyers at Colson Hicks Eidson are privileged to deliver meaningful litigation results for our clients while working alongside some of the finest attorneys and people we know. We are honored that Lawdragon recognizes our dedication to our craft and are pleased to announce that all nine of our partners have been named in the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers guide.

Lawyers for this guide are selected through Lawdragon’s process of independent journalistic research and submissions. Their selection process emphasizes lawyers who have demonstrated consistent excellence and have made notable impacts in their fields.

Click here to read the full guide.

The Firm’s recognized attorneys are listed below.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

MIAMI (March 6, 2025) – This Women’s History Month, Colson Hicks Eidson congratulates partners Julie Braman Kane and Stephanie Casey who were named Florida Trend Legal Elite NOTABLE: Women Leaders in Law for their significant contributions and leadership in the legal profession.

Stephanie was recognized for her representation of injured consumers and her skills in complex litigation, including recent successes in ERISA health insurance benefits cases. Acknowledged by Chambers USA as “an excellent lawyer,” she actively contributes to the legal community as a Board member and former President of the South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, reflecting her commitment to mentorship and leadership in the profession.

Julie was recognized for her representation of plaintiffs in high-stakes personal injury and complex class action cases, leveraging over three decades of experience. Her accomplishments include serving as lead and liaison counsel in significant multidistrict and consolidated national litigation and securing notable verdicts and settlements in products liability, medical malpractice and negligence cases. A strong advocate for the underrepresented, she has spearheaded efforts to safeguard electoral access and has held leadership roles in the American Association for Justice and the Miami-Dade Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Julie’s legal knowledge is further acknowledged by Lawdragon and Chambers USA, underscoring her significant impact on the profession and her commitment to advancing justice.

We are proud to celebrate Julie and Stephanie, whose recognition reflects their outstanding achievements and the firm’s exceptional success in securing significant judgments and settlements across various areas of law.

Read more: http://digital.floridatrend.com/december-2024/page-86

To schedule a consultation, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at our law office. We have experience in a wide variety of cases for clients located throughout the nation and around the globe.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.