Michael P. Silver

Michael Silver is a partner in the Tampa office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is a member of the Business Litigation Practice Group.

Michael has a broad-based litigation practice that includes business litigation and appeals in state and federal courts, as well as various other forums. He has handled contract disputes; fraud and business tort lawsuits; shareholder and partnership contests; restrictive covenant and non-competition cases; real estate litigation, including commercial foreclosures and lender liability issues; insurance and bad faith claims; and the defense of professional liability and significant personal injury and property damage matters.

He has represented clients in numerous industries, including the automotive, aviation, construction, energy, financial services, health care, insurance, real estate, and securities businesses.  An experienced litigator, he is consistently recognized by Florida Trend Legal Elite, Best Lawyers in America®, and Florida Super Lawyers.        

Michael serves on Shutts & Bowen’s Diversity Committee, Pro Bono Committee, and Pension Committee.

Michael has long been active as a leader in the Tampa Bay community. Currently, he serves on The Poynter Institute Foundation Board, supporting the philanthropic efforts of a global leader in journalism. For over a decade, he has been involved with the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, the annual premier juried outdoor art festival in the Tampa Bay area, previously serving as the Festival Co-Chair and on the Board of Directors, and currently serving on the Advisory Board.

He earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida, where he served as President of Florida Blue Key.  He was also named to the University of Florida Hall of Fame, the institution’s highest recognition given to student leaders.

He is also the host of "May I Inquire? The Michael Silver pLAWdcast," a program featuring conversations with various thought leaders about law, leadership, and life. 

Notable Experience

• Defeated defamation claims as lead counsel in federal court jury trial on behalf of globally recognized leader in the business aviation industry and one of its pilots. After nearly a week of trial in which plaintiff sought treble damages totaling approximately $8 million, jury returned a complete defense verdict after only one hour of deliberations.
• Prevailed on behalf of plaintiff automobile dealer after week-long bench trial in state court against prominent developer over failed real estate project. Responsible for substantial portions of discovery, motion practice, and trial as part of team that succeeded on claims including fraud, breach of contract, and alter ego, for a total judgment in favor of client in excess of $1 million. 
• Achieved dismissal with prejudice of purported class action that alleged billions of dollars in damages to ratepayers, prevailing on argument that administrative tribunal possessed exclusive jurisdiction over plaintiff’s claims.
• Obtained emergency temporary restraining order in federal court on multiple claims, including violations of federal statutes involving computer fraud, anticybersquatting, and electronic communications privacy. At the conclusion of the litigation, court entered permanent injunction against defendant.
• Won summary judgment in favor of plaintiff on claims against client’s former agent for return of insurance commissions.
• Prevented entry of injunction against client accused of violation of non-compete agreement after evidentiary hearing.
• Coordinated a multi-attorney team that served as Florida counsel in connection with the issuance of nearly $1.3 billion securitization bonds, in a transaction that was the first of its kind in Florida.