A native and longtime resident of Florida, he first practiced law with a prominent Miami firm (then the largest personal injury law firm in the southeastern U.S.) and came to Tampa to open a branch office in 1965. Two years later, he and two partners formed the law firm now known as Wagner, Vaughan & McLaughlin.
Bill has 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 16 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 has been included in every issue of the annual publication 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 has led to a commercial pilot's license -- with multi-engine, instrument, seaplane and helicopter ratings 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.
Wagner Vaughan and McLaughlin is a Tampa Florida law firm specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and wrongful death cases.
Personal Injury Claim | Nursing
Home/ALF Neglect or Abuse | Wrongful Death Claim
Medical Malpractice Causing Personal Injury | Medical
Malpractice Causing Death | Legal
Malpractice Claims | Boating and
Cruise Line Claims
Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967
Earned LL.B. from the University of Florida College of Law in 1960 (replaced by J.D. in 1968)
Received B.A. from the University of Florida in 1955
President, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1988-1989
President, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, 1972-1973
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer; The Florida Bar
Appointed by The Florida Bar to test and certify aviation attorneys
The only plaintiff's Board Certified Aviation Attorney on the west coast
Certified Civil Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
American Law Institute Council
Founder; Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
"AV" Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
International Academy of Trial Lawyers
