Michael J. Corso

Overview

Michael J. Corso is a highly regarded Florida Bar Board Certified attorney with certifications in Civil Trial Law (since 1983) and Business Litigation (since 1988). He also holds Board Certification in Civil Trial Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy (since 1985). These longstanding certifications demonstrate his deep commitment to excellence and leadership in the legal field.

Michael concentrates his practice in tort and insurance litigation, with a particular focus on defending non-medical professionals such as lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers, and surveyors. His litigation practice also includes copyright and trademark infringement, product liability, and a variety of tort defense cases.

Beyond his legal practice, Michael is a recognized thought leader in the legal community. He shares his knowledge through speaking engagements and legal publications, offering valuable perspectives on evolving legal issues. He has authored notable articles such as “An Architect’s Guide to Using Drones” (AIA Trust) and “Florida Drone Laws: Overview” (Thomson Reuters Practical Law™). He frequently presents across the U.S. to diverse audiences, including professional associations, bar associations, attorneys, accountants, architects, and engineers.

Michael’s achievements have earned him numerous prestigious awards. In 2022, he was named “Professional Engineer of the Year” by the Florida Engineering Society, Calusa Chapter, and received the 2022 Justice Harry Lee Anstead Award as the Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer of the Year. His contributions to the aerospace field were recognized by Purdue University’s Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award (2011), and he received the Defense Research Institute’s Exceptional Performance Citation (2007-2008). Additionally, the Florida Defense Lawyers Association awarded him the President’s Award (2005) and the Chubby Damsel Lifetime Achievement Award (2024).

Michael has consistently been recognized for his outstanding work in professional malpractice defense, having been listed by Florida Super Lawyers® since 2007. He was also named to the “Top 100 Lawyers in Florida” from 2019 to 2022. Naples Illustrated recognized him as a Top Lawyer from 2018 to 2024, and he has been featured in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite® (2009-2012, 2016-2017, 2022) and Best Lawyers in America® (2012-2025).

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University and served as an officer in the United States Air Force, where he worked as a pilot and aerospace engineer. He earned his Juris Doctor from Villanova University before relocating to Florida in 1974. During his Air Force service, he contributed to the USAF JAG program as a special prosecutor, achieving the rank of Captain. Michael and his wife, Sandra, have made Fort Myers their home since 1978, raising their four daughters there.

Professional and Civic Affiliations

Michael is deeply involved in various professional associations, reflecting his commitment to the legal community. His leadership extends to serving as the president of the Lee County Bar Association in 1985. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Collier County Bar Association, American Bar Association (where he is a member of the Tort and Insurance Law Practice Committee), Federal Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, and the Florida Defense Lawyers Association, where he served as president from 2007 to 2008. In addition, Michael participates in the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, is an allied member of the American Institute of Architects, and an associate member of the Florida Engineering Society.

Michael’s commitment to community service is also evident through his membership in The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution since 1973, participation in the Boosters Club of the City of Palms Annual High School Basketball Tournament, and his role on the Purdue University AAE Department Industrial Advisory Council since 2003. Michael also belongs to the American Legion, Florida Post 400.