TOP40UNDER40 — MEMBER SPOTLIGHT —
JOEY McCALL McCall | Elizee , Attorneys at Law • Miami , Florida
What was the first job you had ? I used to think that my first job was working for the GAP when I was 15 years old , but now that I think about it , my first job was probably working for my grandfather . Every Saturday , my grandfather would leave a list of chores for me to do , and if I did them , occasionally I would receive some sort of compensation . In fact , he signed these lists of chores , “ C . E . O ,” which became my nickname for him . I guess this was my first indication that I was destined for the C-suite !
What ’ s your proudest moment as a trial lawyer ? The last time I was recognized for this list , I talked about a verdict I got for a current NFL football player . I was most proud of getting justice for a young man , with his whole life ahead of him , who was wrongly accused . Now , after having matured a little bit , I would say that my proudest moment as a trial lawyer is when I have been able to get my clients justice without the costly and lengthy process of a trial . Most real trial lawyers will tell you that no matter how experienced you are or the results you have gotten , most trials are as predictable as a flip of a coin . I am of the opinion that no one ’ s life should come down to such odds .
I attribute my success to …… In any success I am fortunate and blessed to have , the glory goes solely to GOD . I would also be remiss in not acknowledging the unwavering loyalty and support that I have and will continue to always have from a mother who I believe is the best in the entire world .
What is your most notable verdict or settlement ? I would say that the most notable was a resolution that I was able to facilitate , without causing my clients to endure a long drawn out and lengthy trial . I had a case where my clients operated two family-owned medical facilities that gave disadvantaged Haitians and others within the community access to quality , affordable medical treatment . After years of them working and building their business up from nothing and becoming successful , they became the target of an alleged minority shareholder who brought a lawsuit for millions of dollars of alleged damages . The lawsuit was also meant to place at least one of the medical facilities in receivership . After months of complex litigation in circuit court , pre-trial discovery and depositions , we were able to facilitate a settlement that allowed our clients to maintain full control of both medical facilities while also avoiding the millions in damages that were being sought . This is probably my most notable settlement because I felt as though our firm was able to help a hardworking family of Haitian immigrants , who truly exemplified the principles and values of the American Dream .
What is your guilty pleasure ? I don ’ t know if I would say they are a guilty pleasure , because no one should ever feel bad about something that makes them feel good , without hurting others , but I enjoy a good cigar from time to time . If you ever want to get me a gift , I ’ m partial to Rocky Patel Edge A-10 10th Anniversary Toros .
What ’ s one word that describes you ? Fearless .
What keeps you awake at night ? Either too much caffeine during the day , or the urge to finish binging a Netflix or AmazonPrime show all in one night .
What newspaper do you generally read daily ? I tend to prefer reading books over newspapers on a daily basis , but one periodical that I do keep up with and try to read when a new issue comes out is Black Enterprise Magazine .
What advice would you give a young attorney ? Never let the materialistic trappings of success make you forget the true reason why you became a lawyer in the first place . Remember , no matter how successful you become , there is always someone wiser and more experienced than you , that can help mentor you to where you want to go . Find that person , learn from them , and watch how rapidly your life evolves .
20 x The Trial Lawyer