Alan Wachs, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Photo

Alan S. Wachs

Partner
Head of the Jacksonville Litigation Practice

About Alan

Alan S. Wachs serves clients facing complex commercial litigation challenges, focusing on disputes involving contracts, trade secrets, real property, intellectual property, and insurance coverage. He distinguishes himself through a deep understanding of intricate legal issues and a commitment to practical, efficient solutions that align with clients' business objectives. Alan's leadership as Jacksonville Litigation Section Head and his extensive experience as both an advocate and neutral in arbitration and mediation further enhance his ability to deliver value in high-stakes matters.

For over 25 years, Alan has maintained the highest AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has been repeatedly recognized by Florida Trend as part of Florida's "Legal Elite" in commercial litigation and has appeared on Florida Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America lists. Notably, Best Lawyers named him "Lawyer of the Year" in Insurance Litigation in Jacksonville in 2022 and 2026.

Alan's leadership extends beyond litigation; he previously served as Chair of The Florida Bar Grievance Committee "B" and as a member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners (for whom he remains an Emeritus Board Member). He is a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit court civil mediator and an approved arbitrator on FINRA's panel. He is also a member of the Fifth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission.

Committed to community service, Alan was a founding board member and board secretary of Feeding Northeast Florida. He remains an Emeritus Board Member of Feeding Northeast Florida. He served as Vice Chair of JaxMetro Credit Union's board. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Cummer Museum and is a District Board of Trustee member for Florida State College at Jacksonville. Alan frequently lectures on legal topics and has authored key chapters and articles on commercial litigation and arbitration. He previously taught Insurance Law as an adjunct professor at the Florida Coastal School of Law.

Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation; Insurance Law; Litigation – Insurance; Litigation – Intellectual Property, Jacksonville (2017-2026)

Best Lawyers®, Jacksonville "Lawyer of the Year" Litigation – Insurance (2022, 2026)

AV rating – Martindale-Hubbell

Florida Super Lawyers®, Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage (2007-2018, 2022)

“Florida Legal Elite” in Commercial Litigation, Florida Trend

Credentials

Education

J.D., Florida State University College of Law, Associate Editor, Articles Editor, and Chair of the Business Committee of the Florida State University Law Review

B.A., University of North Florida, magna cum laude

Admissions

  • Florida
  • U.S Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court, Federal Claims
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas

Organizational Involvement

Professional

The Florida Bar

Chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee “B” of the Fourth Judicial Circuit (January 2020 – January 2023)

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners, Emeritus member (2011 – Present); active member (2008 – 2011)

Jacksonville Bar Association

Federalist Society

Fifth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission

Florida State College at Jacksonville District Board of Trustees

Community

Cummer Museum, Board of Trustees

Emeritus Member, Feeding Northeast Florida, Board of Directors

SGR News & Perspectives

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