Ed Soto retired from the partnership in 2023. He was Managing Partner of Weil’s Miami office, and served for many years as Co-Head of the Firm’s national Complex Commercial Litigation practice. He was continuously ranked by Chambers USA for more than 20 years and was most recently ranked in Band 1 in Florida for General Commercial Litigation.
A senior trial partner, Ed concentrated his practice on the trial and supervision of complex commercial civil litigation, and had substantial experience in cases involving: antitrust, business torts, class actions, contracts, employment, fraud, insurance coverage, lender liability, products liability, professional liability, and securities litigation. He also handled numerous internal investigations in these areas.
During more than 35 years of trial practice, Ed established a consistent record of successful results in major complex cases in both state and federal courts and before arbitration panels. He achieved successful outcomes for his clients at every phase of the litigation process – through case dispositive motions, trials, appeals, and settlements.
Ed received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was regularly recognized in Chambers USA as a Band 1 lawyer for Commercial Litigation in Florida, where clients have praised him as an “amazing lawyer who has the rare combination of being able to keep focused on the big picture of a case while also mastering all of the underlying details,” “great at handling large teams and is extremely passionate on behalf of his clients,” “an outstanding strategic attorney [who] is very persuasive in court and is great at managing complex cases,” and for “always thinking several steps ahead of the opponent.” They also noted his “impeccable instincts,” “unlimited capacity for absorbing details” and “creative approach to legal issues,” and described him as a “gifted advocate,” “a first-rate lawyer” and “a top, top litigator.” In addition, he was recognized by Legal 500 as one of the Leading Lawyers nationwide for Commercial Litigation, with commentators calling him an “experienced partner” and “one of the most renowned trial lawyers in Florida.” He has also been named a national “Litigation Star” and a “Local Litigation Star” in Florida by Benchmark Litigation, as well as a “Best Lawyer” for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and International Arbitration Commercial by Best Lawyers in America. In 2020, Ed was recognized by South Florida’s Daily Business Review as a “Florida Trailblazer” who has been an “agent of change” during his career as a trial lawyer. In 2017, Ed was recognized by Law360 as an MVP for Class Action. Since 2006, Ed has been recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer, most recently in the areas of Securities Litigation and Civil Defense Litigation.
He also served in leadership roles of various public service organizations. He is on the Executive Committee of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the Board of Directors of the Human Services Coalition, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Catalyst Miami. Ed also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ransom Everglades School, a member of the Board of Directors of Child Hope, Inc., and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society of Florida. In 2022, in recognition of his significant pro bono work and contributions to these and other organizations over the years, Ed was honored by Chambers USA as its Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year in the publication’s annual Diversity & Inclusion Awards.
Ed was a member of the Firm’s Inclusion Committee, Recruiting Committee, National Litigation Steering Committee, Computer Litigation Committee, National Associates Training Committee and E-Discovery Task Force.
Ed received a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1978, and a B.A. from Florida State University in 1974.