ABOUT THE FIRM
AP Law Firm is a virtual, project-based law firm providing unbundled legal services by an experienced, highly-qualified lawyer to law firms and in-house legal departments in need of high-level legal counsel to assist during times of high workload.
With almost 20 years of experience as a partner at an AMLaw200 firm, law firms and in-house legal departments involved in costly, high-exposure litigation can be confident they are working with a seasoned lawyer who can assist with all aspects of litigation, including
case management, discovery, court appearances, trial preparation, trial support and general strategy.
LEGAL SERVICES
We have the knowledge and experience to meet and exceed your expectations and offer a variety of services customized to fit your specific needs. Learn more about what we offer below.
OUR LAWYERS
ANGELA T. PUENTES-LEON
Founder
Angie Puentes-Leon has extensive experience litigating individual and mass tort matters in state and federal courts in Florida and throughout the United States. She represents domestic and foreign clients in products liability litigation and complex commercial litigation. Her practice focuses on defending clients in personal injury and wrongful death actions that involve products and consumer goods related to industries that include automotive, aviation, pharmaceutical and medical device, and food. Her experience includes presenting opening statements and conducting direct and cross examinations in multiple jury trials.
Angie received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, from Florida International University. She is also an alumna of the Honors College at FIU and an alumna of Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in Miami, Florida.
She is a member of the Florida Bar and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court's Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida.
Angie is fluent in Spanish.
EXPERIENCE
Trademark Infringement & Online Marketing and Advertising
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Represented U.S. based consumer product manufacturer against a competitor in a federal action asserting common law and federal Lanham Act claims for trademark infringement, unfair competition and false advertising and for violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practice Act (FDUTPA) relating to the online marketing, internet paid advertising, search engine optimization and online reviews of the manufacturer’s product.
Intellectual Property - Patent Infringement
PUBLISHED OPINION
Logopaint v. 3D Sport Signs SI, 1:16-CV-20764-UU, 2016 WL 6988882 (S.D. Fla.
Nov. 23, 2016). Defended patent infringement lawsuit filed in U.S. federal court against a European based, international marketing and advertising company specializing in on-field advertising during sporting events. The court granted defendants’ summary judgment motion and ruled there was no evidence of patent infringement.
Products Liability - Asbestos
TRIAL EXPERIENCES
Provided legal issues and trial support in state court case in Florida on behalf of a
global chemical company in defense of asbestos personal injury action. One trial resulted in a verdict in favor of the company and the second case ultimately resolved through settlement during trial.
Products Liability - Aviation
PUBLISHED OPINION
Dorsch v. Pilatus Aircraft, Ltd., et al., No. 8:11–CV–441–T–17MAP, 2011 WL
5459716 (M.D. Fla. Nov. 10, 2011), reconsideration denied, 2012 WL 1565447 (M.D. Fla. May 2, 2012). Removed an aviation products liability suit to federal district court based on the doctrine of fraudulent joinder and defended against the plaintiffs’ attempts to remand to state court.
Class Action - Food Labeling
PUBLISHED OPINION
Fitzpatrick v. General Mills, Inc., 635 F.3d 1279 (S.D. Fla. Mar. 25, 2011).
Represented General Mills, Inc., in a class action against the manufacturer of
specifically formulated yogurt. Consumers alleged that manufacturer's claims about yogurt violated Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) and the manufacturer breached express warranty.
Premises Liability
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Represented national restaurant chain in action for negligent security involving the
shooting of a restaurant patron in the restaurant parking
Products Liability - Pool Heater
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Represented pool pump manufacturer in federal court in Florida in litigation against
component part manufacturer who designed and sold heat-exchanger that caused pool-pumps to fail and resolved through settlement shortly before trial.
Civil Rights - Excessive Use of Force
TRIAL EXPERIENCE
Green v. Dang, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Represented
plaintiff in a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action against several police officers for injuries
sustained during an arrest.
Products Liability - Medical Device
PUBLISHED OPINION
Beale v. Biomet, 492 F. Supp. 2d 1360. Summary judgment on behalf of medical
device manufacturer on the basis that the learned intermediary doctrine barred
deceptive advertising claims and over promotion exception to learned intermediary doctrine was inapplicable.
Products Liability - Automotive
TRIAL EXPERIENCE
Felipe v. Ford Motor Company, Broward County, Florida; Five-week trial representing Ford Motor Company in a rollover products liability action. Plaintiff
alleged enhanced injuries as a result of roof crush.
Civil Rights - Excessive Use of Force
TRIAL EXPERIENCE
Zocaras v. Castro, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida;
Represented plaintiff in a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action against several police officers for injuries sustained during an arrest.
Alien Tort Statute and the Torture Victim Protection Act
PUBLISHED OPINION
Reyes, et al. v. Juan Evangelista Lopez Grijalba, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (2006). Represented plaintiffs in a suit brought for compensatory and punitive damages under the Alien Tort Statute and the Torture Victim Protection Act against a colonel in the Honduran army on behalf of victims of
torture, abduction and extra-judicial killing by death squads in the early 1980s in
Honduras.
Class Action - Food Labeling
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Represented U.S. based multi-national food manufacturer in a putative class action asserting violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practice Act (FDUTPA) relating to the marketing of snack products.
Products Liability - Pharmaceutical
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Defended drug and device manufacturer in personal injury cases in multiple
jurisdictions arising out of the use of surgical gel used as an adhesion barrier during gynocological surgeries.
Breach of Contract
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Represented a group of health care providers who established a medical malpractice risk management trust fund to provide coverage against professional medical malpractice liability in all breach of contract matters filed in Miami-Dade County, Florida to collect unpaid assessments levied by the fund against its members for fund deficiencies.
CREDENTIALS
CARLTON FIELDS, P.A.: Miami, FL
(Sept. 2001-Sept. 2019)
Shareholder (2010–2019)
Associate (2001–2010)
Summer Associate (2000)
With more than 400 attorneys in 10 locations across the United States, Carlton Fields, P.A. (formerly known as Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, P.A.) is an Am Law 200 general practice law firm.
Direct and provide strategic case leadership for legal teams litigating individual and mass tort matters in state and federal courts, representing global clients in highly technical products liability, complex commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation. Conduct and defend depositions, attend court, manage client legal relationships, develop litigation strategy, identify and engage expert witnesses, prepare clients for depositions and trial, lead E-discovery and document presentation, write motions and responses, develop strategy for and attend mediation, and negotiate with opposing counsel.
Select Contributions & Results:
Attained AV Preeminent peer review rating in Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
Appointed Industry Group Leader of Food, Beverage, Dietary Supplement, and Personal Care Products Practice, driving category success and leading practice business development strategy.
Elevated firm profile and educate clients on best practices as editor of “Food for Thought.”
Served as member of firm Diversity Council and Women’s Initiative Network.
Managed and collaborated on products litigation for Ford Motor Company, General Mills, and other Fortune 500-caliber companies, mitigating client risk and serving as trusted strategic advisor.
Lead E-discovery issues and collaborated on litigation strategy for national and international companies in intellectual property cases, serving as day-to-day client liaison.
Conceptualized and instituted standard trial preparation processes streamlining information collection and discovery, and ensuring uniformity and accuracy in trial preparation.
Tried multiple cases in County and U.S. District court as second chair and trial support, including preparing and representing Ford Motor Company in products liability action and multinational corporation in asbestos actions.
Coached and mentored Associates, providing career guidance and training on case management and client relationship management. Several mentees promoted to Shareholder.
Recognized as prominent legal figure on food liability and torts matters. Invited to lecture at universities, conferences, and workshops, and published articles in leading legal publications.
Co-chaired 2015 American Bar Association Food and Supplements Workshop, and served on ABA’s Products Liability Committee and Food & Supplements Subcommittee.
Maintain portfolio of pro bono cases, providing legal support and representation to clients of limited means.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Miami, FL (August 2017-Present)
Adjunct Professor,
FIU Honors College
Florida International University (FIU) is Miami’s only public research university and offers more than 190 degree options. The FIU Honors College is open to students from every major and college at FIU who have met rigorous admission requirements and offers a curriculum taught by top faculty and practitioners from a variety of fields, including a Pre-Law track for students seeking additional preparation in the legal career.
Develop “Law School in a Nutshell,” course open to Juniors and Seniors in the Honors College on a Pre-Law track who intent to, or are exploring the possibility of, attending law school, select textbooks and reading materials, prepare syllabus and lesson plans, coordinate and schedule Judges and practicing attorneys as guest speakers, tailor traditional 1L courses to undergraduate level, develop law school-style fact patterns, draft and grade final exams, teach basic legal writing and research, correct and grade legal memorandum, assisted with the development of personal statements for law school admissions and advise on proven strategies for preparing for LSAT, applying to law school and succeeding in law school.
Select Contributions & Results:
Developed lesson plans and taught first year law school courses tailored specifically to undergraduates, including Contracts, Property, Torts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law and Constitutional Law.
Conceptualized and created a series of lessons aimed at teaching the basics of jurisprudence, including lessons on basic court structures, important legal terms and definitions.
Instituted rigorous writing and oral advocacy standards aimed at assisting students develop important skills needed for success in law school and the practice of law.
Developed the “advice from the trenches” series featuring an impressive cohort of guest speakers, such as Judges, practicing attorneys from the public and private sector, law school admissions professionals and mental health professionals.
Coached and mentored students, providing guidance on whether law school is right for them. Several students have gone on to attend law school on full academic scholarships.
RECOGNITION, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
RECOGNITION
AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Most Effective Lawyers Award, Daily Business Review (2016)
Certificate of Appreciation, The Volunteer Lawyer’s Project
Pro bono project of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (2010)
Carlton Fields Thomas A. Snow Community Service Award
Awarded to an attorney who provides exemplary service to charitable or civic organizations within their community.
Carlton Fields Pro Bono Publico Award
Recognition of tireless dedication to pro bono service and exemplary pro bono representation in Reyes v. Grijalba.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT
Professional & Community Involvement
The Florida Bar
American Bar Association (2001-2019)
Product Liability Committee
Food and Supplements Subcommittee
Co-Chair, Fifth Annual ABA Food and Supplements Workshop (2015)
Dade County Defense Bar Association
Advisory Board (2010-2019)
President (2008-2010)
Secretary (2006-2008)
Florida International University
President’s Council (f/k/a Council of 100) (2003-2017)
Mentor (2010-present)
Worlds Ahead Faculty Award Committee (2011)
SSJ Health Foundation
Secretary (2011-present)
Chairperson, By-Laws Committee (2012-present)
Chairperson, St. John Bosco Clinic Easter Food Drive (2013-present)
Chairperson, St. John Bosco Clinic Christmas Food Drive (2008-2012)
Miami Catholic Lawyer's Guild
Florida International University Alumni Association Lifetime Member
Cuban American Bar Association (2001-2017)
President, Mercy Hospital Foundation’s “Angels of Mercy” (2008-2011)
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy Alumnae Association
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
"Past and Present Ingredient Attacks,” Grocery Manufacturers Association’s Annual Legal Conference (2017).
Law and the Legal Profession (POS 3652) Guest Lecturer at Florida International University Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, Miami, FL. Spring 2016, Spring 2017 and Spring 2018.
Honors Seminar VI – Law School in A Nutshell (IDH 3035), Torts I – Introduction to Torts and Torts II and Closing Arguments, Florida International University College of Law, Honors College (Spring 2017) .
United States Law I: Methods, Sources, and Structure, on Torts, Florida International University College of Law, LL.M. Program (Fall 2016).
"Attracting, Developing, and Promoting the Next Generation of Latino Leaders," Second Annual Latino Leadership Conference (August 11, 2016).
"Demonizing Ingredients and The Creation of New Legal Challenges,” Grocery Manufacturers Association’s Annual Legal Conference (2016).
“The First Amendment, Commercial Speech and Current Challenges in the Food Space,” Sixth Annual ABA Food and Supplements Workshop (2016).
"Jumping the Gun: Giving Young Lawyers a Head Start on Success," Winning Secrets Revealed: How to Advocate Like a Veteran Trial Lawyer, Dade County Defense Bar Association Fall 2013 Seminar (2013).
Florida International University's College of Law Professionalism and Ethics Panel (2005, 2006, 2010).
PUBLICATIONS
Puentes–Leon, A. (April 2019). Food for Thought: A Review of 2018 Litigation. Carlton Fields Resource.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Dec. 2018). Food for Thought: Does Cheez-It Decision Establish a Concerning Precedent for Packaged-Food Makers? Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Oct. 2018). Food for Thought: Plaintiff’s Claim Still Has Some Muscle – Ninth Circuit Reverses Class Action Against Protein Powder Manufacturer Alleging Source of Protein Was Misrepresented. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Aug. 2018). Food for Thought: Fast-Track to Trans Fat Removal Not Required for “Fast Bites.” Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (May 2018). Food for Thought: 2017 Litigation Annual Review. Carlton Fields Resource.
Puentes–Leon, A. (May 2018). Food for Thought: Under California Law, Individual Class Members Need Not Show Reliance on Allegedly Misleading Statements at Time of Purchase. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Feb. 2018). Food for Thought: For the Second Time, California Federal Court Declines to Certify Class Action Against Baby Food Manufacturer. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Oct 2017). Food for Thought: Summary Judgment Affirmed in False ‘GMO’ Advertising Class Action Against Chipotle. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (July 2017). Food for Thought: How Sweet it Is…for Plaintiff Bringing Class Action Against Baby Food Manufacturer. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Contributor and Editor (Feb. 2017). Food for Thought: 2016 Litigation Annual Review. Carlton Fields Resource.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Dec. 2016), Food for Thought: Ninth Circuit Rejects GMO and Pesticide Bans in Three Hawaii Counties Because State and Federal Laws Preempt the Local Regulations. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Sept. 2016). Food for Thought: Summary Judgment for Tito’s Vodka Makers in Case Alleging Their Product is Not Made in an Old-Fashioned Pot Still. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Sept. 2016). Food for Thought: Ninth Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Putative Class Action Against Lip Balm Manufacturer Accused of Deceiving Customers as to Product Amount. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (June 2016). Food for Thought: Ninth Circuit Revives Proposed Class Action Against Convenient Store Regarding Nutritional Content of Private Brand Potato Chips. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (April 2016). Food for Thought: Whole Foods Wins Dismissal of PETA’s Lawsuit Over Company’s Claims About How Meat is Raised. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (March 2016). Food for Thought: Manufacturer Obtains Partial Summary Judgment in Lawsuit Alleging it Violated Consumer Protection Statutes by Labeling and Selling its House-Brand Baked Goods as “All Natural.” Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (March 2016). Food for Thought: Putative Class Action Against Yogurt Maker Revived by the Ninth Circuit with Directions to Stay the Proceedings in Light of Ongoing FDA Proceedings. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Contributor and Co-Editor (Feb. 2016). Food for Thought: 2015 Litigation Annual Review. Carlton Fields Resource.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Feb. 2016). Food for Thought: Consumer Class Action Against Juice Manufacturers Squeezes Through Summary Judgment as District Court Denies Parties’ Cross-Motions. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Dec. 2015). Food for Thought: Court Denies Food Manufacturer’s Preemption Arguments. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Co-Author (Dec. 2015). California Supreme Court Endorses More Consumer False Advertising Litigation in Organic Food Decision. Carlton Fields Client Alert.
Contributor and Co-Editor (Dec. 2015). Food for Thought: Organic Food Act Doesn’t Preempt Certain State Law Mislabeling Claims. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Nov. 2015). Food for Thought: FDA Approves Genetically Engineered Salmon. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Oct. 2015). Food for Thought: Federal Court Says Subway’s Sandwiches Must Measure Up. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Puentes–Leon, A. (Aug. 2015). Food for Thought: N.D. of California Finds Plaintiffs in Del Monte Case Didn’t Meet All Rule 23 Requirements. Carlton Fields Web Site.
Contributor and Co-Editor (Feb. 2015). Food for Thought: 2014 Litigation Annual Review. Carlton Fields Resource.
Co-Author (Jan. 2015). Food Industry Executives Should Look Out: The Government Might Come A’Knocking. Food Manufacturing Magazine.
Puentes–Leon, A. (June 2014). POM v. Coca-Cola Further Dilutes Consumer Class Action Claims for Deceptive Labeling. Carlton Fields Client Alert.
Puentes–Leon, A. (April 12, 2012). FDA Denies Petition to Ban BPA in Food and Beverage Packaging. ABA Section of Litigation Products Liability Committee Newsletter.
Puentes–Leon, A. (2009). Set Yourself Apart from the Masses and Grow Your Practice By Getting Involved in Your Community. Across the Bar (Publication of the Florida Bar Board of Governors – Young Lawyers Division), Vol. VII, No. 9.
Puentes–Leon, A. (2000). The Politics of Music and Film: The Validity of a Local Government’s Cultural Embargo on Cuba. University of Miami Inter-American Law Review, Rev. 253.
