Bill Wagner

One of the original founding partners of the firm, Bill Wagner has represented plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout his entire career dating back to 1961.

Bill Wagner was born, raised, and educated in Florida, attending undergraduate school at the University of Florida and later graduating with honors from the University Of Florida College of Law in 1960. He first practiced law in Miami at Nichols, Gaither, Beckham, Colson, Spence, and Hicks, where he became a partner. In 1967, he formed the partnership of Wagner, Cunningham, & Vaughan, now known as Wagner, Vaughan & McLaughlin, P.A..

Bill’s dedication to plaintiffs’ rights has led to a long history of active leadership in professional organizations. The Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers elected him to its 1972-1973 presidency, as well as sixteen years of board membership -- and in 1992 honored him with its highest recognition, the Perry Nichols Award. He has also served as president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, a nationwide organization of more than 70,000 plaintiffs' trial attorneys. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, considered to be the premier professional trial organization in America. He is included in every issue of The Best Lawyers in America and is listed in both Who's Who in America and Who's Who in American Law.

Bill's personal interest in flying led to his obtaining a commercial pilot's license, with multi-engine, instrument, seaplane and helicopter ratings, which has given him a rare insight into aviation equipment, operations and accidents. He is the only plaintiffs' board-certified aviation lawyer on Florida's west coast.

Bill has three adult sons. One son, Alan, practices law with him as his partner; another serves as a Lieutenant with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department, Florida; and the third is in management with Verizon Data Services in Tampa, Florida.