Jed Kurzban, the Managing Partner at Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A., leads with a philosophy that combines integrity, passion, and a commitment to service. His approach to law is deeply personal, grounded in the belief that the best way to help others is by leading with empathy and transparency.
With over 30 years of experience in trial law, Jed has built a career focused on fighting for justice and advocating for those whose voices often go unheard. His leadership not only defines the success of his firm but also shapes the legal landscape for future generations, all while maintaining a client-centered approach that underscores the firm’s mission of “People First.”
Fighting for Justice Against Life’s Biggest Bullies
Raised in a family rooted in law, Jed’s path to a legal career was shaped by early exposure to the transformative power of advocacy. His father and uncle, both attorneys, modeled the relentless pursuit of justice, inspiring him to follow in their footsteps.
“I grew up watching the two of them fight to help people,” Jed shares. That example, combined with a deep-seated aversion to bullies, cemented his passion for the civil justice system.
For Jed, the courtroom isn’t just a battleground; it’s a platform to level the playing field for those who need it most. Over time, his focus shifted to combating what he views as the most pervasive bullies of adulthood: insurance companies.
Jed reflects on how this mission evolved: “From a young age, I hated bullies, and I realized the best way to fight bullies and help people that need help is with the civil justice system. The biggest bullies in the world as we get older are the insurance companies.”
A Legacy of Advocacy with a Global Reach
A Florida-based firm with over 40 years of experience, Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A., combines the agility of a boutique practice with a reputation for national and international legal excellence. Specializing in immigration, personal injury, and complex litigation, the firm has secured precedent-setting victories, including wins at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Founding partner, Ira Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook is a cornerstone for judges and attorneys, reflecting the firm’s expertise in areas like deportation defense, EB-5 investments and employment-based visas. Meanwhile, Jed Kurzban’s book, How Justice Is Served, offers a compelling glimpse into personal injury litigation, blending courtroom drama with strategic insights.
The firm’s award-winning attorneys excel in medical malpractice, catastrophic injury cases and civil litigation, often shaping laws that benefit future plaintiffs. Their results-driven approach, enhanced by a trusted network of local attorneys, and world-renowned experts, prioritizes justice for clients while addressing global legal challenges.
“We don’t just achieve justice — we change laws for those who follow.”
Balancing Leadership and Advocacy to Put People First
For Jed, serving as Managing Partner at Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A., has been both rewarding and unexpectedly demanding. “There are days I wish I was just a trial lawyer,” he admits, reflecting on the weight of leadership. Yet, his role is driven by purpose: running a firm aligned with the philosophy of “People First.” This approach ensures every attorney is dedicated to prioritizing the client’s well-being above all else.
Daily responsibilities involve a careful balance of communication, collaboration, and advocacy. Jed credits much of his success to his trusted team, including his wife, who serves as the firm’s bookkeeper and helps alleviate the stress of managerial tasks. “She helps to manage the office so I can excel at what I do best—helping my clients in trial who have been harmed by another,” he shares.
For Jed, balance is essential, not just in work but in life. “The key to life is all about balance. The best way to help the people I want to help is to run a firm where every attorney is conducive to our philosophy of ‘People First.’” he says, a principle he lives by as he juggles leadership duties with his commitment to serving clients.
Finding Harmony Between Leadership and Life
Balancing professional and personal life is a constant challenge for Jed as Managing Partner. “The work is never done,” he admits, highlighting the difficulty of separating responsibilities when his wife, also his bookkeeper, works alongside him. The close integration of their roles can blur boundaries, turning a work lunch into a personal one without notice.
To maintain balance, Jed prioritizes family time on weekends and fosters a supportive office environment. “I try to make time on the weekends for my family as well as integrate fun experiences into our office life. It’s very easy to blur the lines of a work lunch with a personal lunch,” he explains. These efforts aim to build camaraderie while ensuring a positive outlook among his team.
Redefining Success Through Growth and Connection
For Jed, success as Managing Partner goes beyond accolades — it’s about growth without losing focus on the firm’s mission of ‘People First.’ “I think my biggest milestone is watching our firm grow from five lawyers to 14 while maintaining our mission,” he reflects. This expansion is a testament to his leadership and commitment to client advocacy.
While his work has earned local and national recognition, Jed finds the greatest pride in his relationships with clients, attorneys and the impactful cases he’s handled. These experiences culminated in his book, How Justice Is Served, a comprehensive reflection on over 25 years as a trial lawyer. “I take great pride in the work we’ve done which led to my book being written,” he shares. “Success is watching our firm grow while staying true to ‘People First.’”
Advocating Through Change in a Shifting Legal Landscape
Jed’s career has been shaped by the challenges of navigating a legal system that increasingly limits access to justice. “The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome in my career has been the changing of the law,” he explains, noting how these shifts have eroded the rights of individuals to recover from third-party injuries while prioritizing protections for insurance companies.
To combat this, Jed has committed himself to raising awareness and empowering people. “I believe in educating and empowering Floridians. Every time someone calls our firm, our philosophy is to educate everyone we encounter” he says, emphasizing the importance of spreading knowledge about the civil justice system.
Whether addressing personal injury or immigration inquiries, the firm’s approach remains consistent: educate every individual to ensure the broader community stays informed.
Shaping the Future of Justice Through Education and Advocacy
Jed’s vision for the legal industry transcends his individual achievements. His work prioritizes both immediate client needs and the broader goal of empowering future legal professionals. “It is an endless effort to help my clients while also educating,” he notes, explaining his commitment to lecturing nationwide, publishing articles, and hosting two podcasts to share insights from his career.
Beyond education, Jed remains hands-on with client intake in the firm’s Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury department, ensuring a personal connection to each case. Through landmark victories and meaningful legal reforms, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy through his work. This dedication reflects the firm’s “People First” mission.
Jed and his team take on cases that uphold their principles, even when financial gain isn’t guaranteed. “The cases we have won, the people we have helped, and the laws we helped create will hopefully endure beyond my work life. If our mission is ‘People First,’ sometimes that means taking a case because it’s the right thing to do,” Jed emphasizes.
Setting Standards and Breaking Barriers in Legal Advocacy
Throughout his career, Jed has achieved milestones that reflect his commitment to justice and legal excellence. His recent article, Neither Goose nor Gander: Why Tort Reform Fails All, featured as a Florida Bar Journal cover piece, stands as a significant accomplishment. “It is a big accomplishment to have one of the articles I published featured so heavily for everyone in the state,” he says.
Jed’s impact spans across jurisdictions. He became barred in Hawaii years after law school, established a thriving practice, and secured record-high settlements in multiple districts. Notably, he has argued and prevailed before the Supreme Court in both Florida and South Dakota, contributing to legal precedents in auto impact law, expert testimony and medical malpractice standards.
“I take pride in having helped so many people and knowing I will continue to do so after my career is over. Helping set the law and securing justice inspires me to keep going,” Jed reflects. His achievements extend to the courtroom and beyond.
Jed’s trial expertise goes beyond personal injury and medical malpractice, as he has been involved with the Innocence Project, and his work in civil rights cases has resulted in record-breaking verdicts for race discrimination, sexual discrimination, and wrongful imprisonment. These experiences inspired his bestselling book on trial law, a culmination of decades of legal insight.
Innovations Transforming Legal Advocacy
Jed sees innovation as a catalyst for empowering attorneys and clients alike. From leveraging social media to engaging with podcasts, he emphasizes tools that broaden access to knowledge and justice. He highlights his colleague Kevin A. Gregg’s podcast, which distills complex immigration case law into accessible updates for both legal professionals and the public.
“Law podcasts allow you to reach a broader audience you might not have been able to connect with otherwise. I really appreciate using social media as a tool to expand your understanding and knowledge — not just as an attorney but as a person who cares about learning more about my rights,” he notes.
Beyond technology, Jed values organizations dedicated to advancing the legal profession. He commends initiatives like the Florida Justice Association (FJA) Leadership Academy, which trains young associates to better serve their clients, and the American Justice Association’s (AJA) subcommittees, which drive reform in overlooked areas of law. These innovations, Jed believes, ensure that the legal field continues to evolve in service of justice.
Fostering Trust Through Connection and Commitment
Jed views client relationships as the cornerstone of effective legal advocacy. For him, building trust begins with direct, personal engagement. “Nothing will ever replace speaking to your client, shaking their hand, and working a case with them from beginning to end. Our job is to tell our client’s stories, and the best way to do that is to communicate with and get to know your client,” he asserts.
This approach underscores his belief that genuine communication is essential for understanding a client’s story and providing exceptional representation. Jed emphasizes that a lawyer’s role goes beyond legal expertise — it’s about becoming a voice for the client.
By staying involved in every phase of the case and cultivating trust through consistent, transparent interactions, Jed ensures that his clients feel supported and understood throughout the process.
Leading by Example and Empowering Others
Jed’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that leading by example creates a ripple effect, where good work fosters more good. His approach to managing Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A. revolves around building trust, not only within the firm but also with clients.
“I try to maintain the attitude that I must lead by example, and if I put good out into the world, good will return,” Jed explains. This mindset extends to his philosophy of team-building, where he embraces responsibility but ensures that credit is shared. “I accept 100 percent of the blame, but share 100 percent of the credit when it comes to my team,” he adds, underscoring the importance of fostering collaboration and mutual respect.
Jed’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to balance and fun. “My most important rule in the office is to enjoy and be proud of the work you are doing,” he says, highlighting the significance of joy in the workplace. For Jed, a positive and engaging work environment is crucial for both personal and professional growth. He envisions the firm continuing to evolve, with a focus on client-centered service and cultivating a workplace where everyone thrives.
Jed’s future goals for the firm are driven by a commitment to furthering its legacy while remaining adaptable to the changing landscape of the legal profession. “First be great and the clients and money will follow,” he advises aspiring attorneys, a mantra he believes will guide both individual careers and the growth of the firm.
“First be great and the clients and money will follow.”
Conclusion
Jed’s journey as a trial lawyer and managing partner reflects a dedication to both his clients and his team. By emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and mutual respect, he has cultivated a law firm where success is measured not only in dollars, but in the positive impact made on the community and the legal profession.
His vision for the future remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, client empowerment, and continuous learning. For Jed, leadership is about more than just achieving personal goals — it’s about creating a legacy of service, mentorship, and advocacy that will endure for years to come.
