Unparalleled Experience In Admiralty And Maritime Injury Law

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Jacob J. Munch

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Biography

At Munch and Munch, P.A., our practice is led by attorney Jacob J. Munch, a Florida Bar board certified specialist in admiralty and maritime law and in civil trial law, who has been widely recognized by his peers for his advocacy on behalf of accident victims and their families. Jacob is a native of Long Island, New York, and the son of two teachers. Jacob grew up fishing and boating with his family, and became highly familiar with boating and navigational rules at a young age.

Jake attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, where he earned his bachelor's degree in marine engineering and nautical science, and graduated with honors. Upon graduating from Kings Point, Jake worked at sea for a living as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed 3rd mate and 3rd assistant engineer. After working at sea as a licensed seaman, Jake attended Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana. With his passion for all things maritime related, Jake knew Tulane's extensive list of courses involving maritime law would help develop his unique expertise.

It was not long after Jake began his time at Tulane when he met Kim, who would later become his wife and founding partner of Munch and Munch, P.A. But before beginning their own firm, Jake worked at Fowler, White, Boggs, Villareal and Banker, P.A. and also at Wagner, Cunningham, Vaughan and McLaughlin, P.A. A frequent lecturer and speaker on admiralty law, Jake has spoken at Maritime Law Seminars as well as other legal seminars.

Jake and Kim have been blessed with four children: Jay - also a USMMA Kings Point grad. who is working as a marine engineer in Washington D.C., Casey - an attorney at Munch and Munch. Will - a mechanical engineer working for James Hardee in Fontana, California, and Josh - a dentist working at Temple University Dental School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jake is also the proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Casey's daughters, Quinn and Palmer, and Jay's sons, Jacob John III and Noah.

Education

  • Tulane Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana
    • J.D. - 1983
    • Honors: cum laude
  • United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY
    • B.S. - 1979
    • Honors: With Honors

Bar Admissions

  • Florida, 1983
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Practice Areas:

  • Admiralty and Maritime Law
  • Mediation
  • Personal Injury
  • Wrongful Death
  • Insurance Claims

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Certified Florida Mediator
  • U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Mate and Engineer
  • Former Maritime Officer
  • Vice Chairperson; FL Bar Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee 1986-87
  • Port Director, Tampa, FL; Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute 2013-14

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Hillsborough County and American Bar Association
  • Florida Bar admiralty and Maritime Law Committee
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States
  • Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute
  • Florida Justice Association
  • American Association for Justice