How one of Florida’s most respected trial attorneys built a career on preparation, perseverance, and courtroom excellence.
Published: July 2026
Reading Time: 9 Minutes
TL;DR
For more than 50 years, Phillip J. Sheehe has represented businesses, insurers, professionals, and individuals in complex litigation throughout Florida and beyond. From his early days litigating labor disputes for U.S. Steel to becoming an AV Preeminent® trial attorney, arbitrator, published legal scholar, and nationally recognized practitioner in equine law, his career demonstrates that exceptional trial lawyers are built through preparation, experience, and an unwavering commitment to their clients.
Key Takeaways
- Phillip J. Sheehe has practiced law since 1974 and has tried more than 100 cases to verdict.
- His litigation experience spans commercial disputes, insurance defense, personal injury, property damage, product liability, trademark litigation, and equine law.
- He founded Sheehe & Associates, P.A., a boutique litigation firm serving clients throughout Florida and the southeastern United States.
- Beyond litigation, he serves as a Florida Qualified Arbitrator, helping parties resolve disputes efficiently through alternative dispute resolution.
- His philosophy remains simple: preparation is the foundation of successful advocacy.
Who This Article Is For
- Business owners
- Corporate executives
- Insurance professionals
- Property owners
- Attorneys
- Horse owners and equine businesses
- Anyone seeking experienced litigation counsel
Primary Question
Who is Phillip J. Sheehe, and what has made him one of Florida’s most respected trial attorneys?
Direct Answer
Phillip J. Sheehe is the founder of Sheehe & Associates, P.A., a Miami-based litigation firm. Practicing law since 1974, he has spent more than five decades representing clients in complex commercial, insurance, personal injury, and equine litigation. His reputation is built on meticulous preparation, extensive courtroom experience, and a commitment to achieving practical results for his clients.
A Competitive Spirit from the Beginning
Long before he argued cases in courtrooms across the country, Phillip J. Sheehe learned the value of discipline in the swimming pool.
Raised in Marion, Ohio, he earned a scholarship to the University of Florida, where he became a four-year letterman and captain of the Gators swimming team. The demands of collegiate athletics taught lessons that would later define his legal career: consistency, preparation, and resilience.
Those same qualities carried him to the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he distinguished himself academically as a member of the prestigious Order of the Coif and an editor of the Tennessee Law Review. His early legal scholarship addressed subjects ranging from workers’ compensation and evidence to labor relations and commercial litigation—topics that would later become central to his professional practice.
Learning the Practice of Litigation
Sheehe began practicing law in 1974 as in-house counsel for U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh.
It was an era when many major corporations handled significant litigation internally. Labor disputes often required emergency injunctions, federal court appearances, and rapid strategic decisions.
Those early experiences provided a practical education few young attorneys receive.
Rather than observing trials from the sidelines, Sheehe found himself preparing witnesses, arguing emergency motions, and handling complex litigation involving labor unions, workers’ compensation, and commercial disputes.
The experience laid the foundation for what would become a lifetime devoted to trial advocacy.
Building Sheehe & Associates
After years in private practice, Sheehe founded Sheehe & Associates, P.A., creating a boutique law firm focused on sophisticated civil litigation and corporate counseling.
Today, the firm represents clients throughout Florida in matters involving:
- Commercial litigation
- Business disputes
- Contract litigation
- Insurance defense
- Property damage
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Trademark litigation
- Subrogation
- Mediation and arbitration
Rather than functioning as a high-volume practice, the firm emphasizes careful case preparation and strategic representation tailored to each client’s objectives.
Featured Insight
“Successful litigation rarely begins in the courtroom. It begins with preparation, investigation, and understanding every fact before the first witness is sworn.”
More Than a Trial Lawyer
Over the course of his career, Phillip Sheehe has tried more than one hundred cases to verdict.
Among those were lengthy and highly complex proceedings, including a six-month jury trial in Miami-Dade County and a three-month federal trial in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
His experience extends well beyond courtroom advocacy.
As a Florida Qualified Arbitrator, he now assists parties in resolving disputes involving commercial litigation, personal injury, product liability, and insurance claims through alternative dispute resolution. Having spent decades trying cases before judges and juries, he brings a practical understanding of litigation risk that helps parties make informed decisions during arbitration and mediation.
A Nationally Recognized Equine Law Practice
One of the most unique aspects of Sheehe’s career is his nationally recognized work in equine law.
During a recent presentation, he shared how his family’s ownership of a horse farm in Ocala introduced him to the legal complexities surrounding the equine industry.
Today, his practice includes matters involving:
- Breeding agreements
- Stallion ownership
- Boarding contracts
- Transportation liability
- Veterinary malpractice
- Horse sales
- Insurance disputes
- Multi-owner breeding syndicates
The presentation highlighted that these cases often involve sophisticated contracts, interstate commerce, international jurisdiction, and valuable bloodlines worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
His firsthand experience within the equestrian community has given him a practical perspective that few litigators possess.
Experience That Extends Beyond the Courtroom
Sheehe’s professional achievements have earned widespread recognition within the legal community.
His honors include:
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
- Recognition as a Preeminent Lawyer
- Features in Orlando Style Magazine
- Recognition by Top Legal Leaders™
- Features in the Daily Business Review
He has also authored numerous scholarly publications addressing labor law, evidence, corporate litigation, workers’ compensation, and commercial trial practice.
These contributions reflect not only courtroom success but also a longstanding commitment to advancing the legal profession.
Pull Quote
“The strongest cases are built long before the trial begins.”
Did You Know?
Many of the most successful trial attorneys spend significantly more time preparing a case than presenting it in court. Thorough investigation, expert consultation, and strategic planning often determine the outcome long before a jury hears opening statements.
What You Need to Know
Phillip J. Sheehe has built a distinguished legal career by combining decades of courtroom experience with meticulous preparation and practical business judgment. Whether representing corporations, insurers, business owners, or clients in specialized equine disputes, his focus remains the same: delivering strategic legal representation grounded in experience and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cases does Phillip Sheehe handle?
His practice includes commercial litigation, business disputes, insurance defense, premises liability, product liability, trademark litigation, mediation, arbitration, and equine law.
Is Phillip Sheehe an arbitrator?
Yes. He serves as a Florida Qualified Arbitrator and assists parties in resolving a broad range of civil disputes through alternative dispute resolution.
Does Sheehe & Associates represent businesses?
Yes. The firm represents corporations, insurers, professionals, and business owners throughout Florida in complex litigation and corporate counseling matters.
What makes Sheehe’s equine law practice unique?
His experience owning and operating a horse farm, combined with decades of litigation experience, provides practical insight into breeding agreements, veterinary malpractice, ownership disputes, transportation liability, and other specialized equine legal issues.
Famous Quote
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” — Bobby Unser
Few quotes better capture Phillip Sheehe’s legal philosophy. Throughout his career, preparation has remained the constant factor behind successful litigation outcomes.
After more than five decades practicing law, Phillip J. Sheehe continues to demonstrate that exceptional trial lawyers are defined not simply by courtroom victories but by the preparation, integrity, and strategic thinking that make those victories possible. His career reflects a deep commitment to client advocacy, legal scholarship, and professional excellence—qualities that continue to shape Sheehe & Associates, P.A., and the clients it serves.
Contact Sheehe & Associates, P.A.
Phillip J. Sheehe, Esq.
Founder & Trial Attorney
Sheehe & Associates, P.A.
9830 SW 77th Avenue, Suite 215
Miami, Florida 33156
Editorial Disclosure
Wilson Alvarez attended and documented Phillip J. Sheehe’s presentation. This article was prepared from the author’s notes, publicly available biographical information, and firm-provided background materials. Speaker remarks have been condensed and organized for clarity while preserving their intended meaning. Any opinions or legal perspectives expressed are those of Phillip J. Sheehe and do not necessarily reflect the views of MiamiBusiness.com.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every legal matter is unique. Readers should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
