Our Attorneys & Alumni

Walton Lantaff Schroeder & Carson, LLP maintains its reputation of reliability, rigor and leadership through the efforts of its storied team, both past and present. From distinguished partners to esteemed members of the judiciary, and former Bar presidents, our alumni exemplify our values and standards, as well as offer insight into the enduring success of our firm. Continue reading to learn more. 

 

Name Partners

 

Miller Walton, a founding partner of the firm, is best characterized through his embodiment of the perfect southern gentleman. Born to a respected Georgia family with roots tracing back to the Continental Congress and an ancestry tied to the founding of Walton County in North Florida, his affinity for law, leadership and philanthropy comes as no surprise. Mr. Walton is humorously self-professed, “the most poorly educated attorney with whom you will ever come in contact,” referencing his unconventional academic journey. He tested early out of high school, notably skipped out on an undergraduate degree, accelerated through law school and took advantage of the Florida Bar’s exemption rule during his time. Despite his unorthodox academic background, Mr. Walton’s unrelenting dedication and goodness were instrumental in the firm’s growth from its founding in 1934, until his passing in 1987. A committed attorney, Mr. Walton worked six-day weeks until two months before his death, accumulating an impressive 60 years of practice under the Florida Bar. A devoted philanthropist, Mr. Walton played a pivotal role in the founding of Baptist Hospital, serving as Chairman for 22 years and faithfully attending every Board meeting – even when he was a patient. He also served key roles as the Chair and a Conflict Committee member of Rollins College’s Board, a Lifetime member of Kiwanis Club, and as Deacon at Central Baptist Church. His peers remember him as a hard-working, benevolent leader and a brilliant attorney.

Lawrence Casey joined Miller Walton in opening the doors of Walton Lantaff after their fateful meeting in the late 1920s, following Walton’s relocation to Fort Lauderdale. In those days, the firm, located in the historical Congress Building, was called “Casey & Walton,” reflecting their early two-man and a secretary team. Tragically, Casey passed away early in their partnership (1938), paving the way for his son, Robert, to join the firm three years later. Robert “Bob” Casey is recognized for his unique experience of having been enrolled in the FBI, Navy and Army within a three week period, thanks to his early service in the FBI, his Navy enlistment during WWII and his Army training at Camp Blanding before its dissolution.

William “Bill” Lantaff is remembered most for his impressive political career, which spanned judicial, electoral and military service. After earning dual degrees from the University of Florida and joining Walton Lantaff in 1937, Mr. Lantaff served as an assistant to the Miami Beach City Judge from 1939-40. During WWII, he was inducted into the Florida National Guard as a First Lieutenant, where he served as executive officer for the Military Intelligence Division of the War Department General Staff. Following the war, Mr. Lantaff requested a leave of absence to run for the Florida legislative in 1947, determined to unseat the incumbent after 12 years in office. After serving two terms in the Florida House, Mr. Lantaff set his sights on Washington, representing Florida’s 4th District in Congress and sharing an office wall with then-Congressman Jack Kennedy. His political dealings extended into a two-time delegate role for the Democratic National Convention in 1956 and 1960. Upon his return to the firm, Mr. Lantaff brought with him progressive and transformative measures, making Walton Lantaff the first Florida firm to adopt hourly billing. In addition to his administrative expertise, Mr. Lantaff managed key accounts for the City of Hialeah, Hialeah Racetrack and a multitude of aviation-related clients. He is also credited as a founding member of The Miami Foundation (formerly the Dade Community Foundation), an organization that streamlined philanthropic efforts to uplift the Miami Community and has raised and invested over $220 million since its inception.

Laurence “Larry” Schroeder epitomized excellence from the outset, catalyzing his reputation for distinction during his early days at Yale Law School. After earning his degree, Mr. Schroeder relocated to Miami in 1931 to sit for the Florida Bar, later assuming the role of Director of Rent Control in Key West during WWII, where he safeguarded affordable housing for servicemen stationed there. In 1945, as the firm’s roster of available attorneys thinned due to wartime enlistments, Mr. Schroeder entered the Walton Lantaff family. During his tenure, he set a firm record by collecting $100 per hour for more than 1,600 billable hours in a single year. His leadership also extended beyond the firm, serving as the Director of the Dade County Bar Association from 1940-45 and again from 1968-71. Admired for both his professional influence and close relationships with personnel, Mr. Schroeder remained active in his work until the age of 79, nearly a decade after his official retirement. In reflecting on Walton Lantaff’s history, he delivered an observation that would shift Walton Lantaff’s approach irrevocably: “the real difference in [the law since] 1955 is the necessity to operate a law firm as an efficient business, rather than a profession.”

Mrs. Schroeder, a fiery figure in her own right, rivaled him in public prominence and philanthropic influence. Named Dade County’s Outstanding Woman in 1959, the red-headed civic activist is remembered most for her education reform efforts, which she fiercely advocated for at state legislative sessions for over a decade. A founder of the Hope Chest Fund and passionate supporter of children with disabilities, Mrs. Schroeder dedicated her time to Lighthouse for the Blind, the Roosevelt School for Cerebral Palsy and Miami Children’s Hospital. A talented artist, she painted the portraits of the firm’s name partners, which still grace our entry hall today.

Samuel “Kit” Carson, the last of our name partners, was celebrated for his versatility, charisma and adventurous spirit. An avid fisherman, hunter and trapper, Mr. Carson gained his nickname for his likeness to American frontiersman and adventurer, Kit Carson. Mr. Carson completed both his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Florida, playing as a scratch golfer and contributing several written opinions for the Florida Supreme Court as a law clerk. His professional path led him to serve as a yeoman for a Navy admiral during WWII, followed by a role as house counsel in an investment bank in St. Petersburg. In 1941, after leaving a lasting impression on the Walton Lantaff team, he joined the firm and quickly made his mark. During his time as an attorney, Mr. Carson was widely regarded as one of Miami’s premier insurance defense attorneys, finding great success in his ability to assess jury panels and tailor his strategies with precision. Perhaps he owes this skill to his background in major felony and murder trials, which earned him membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers. Outside the office, Mr. Carson was very active in his church where he served as a Deacon, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Through it all, Mr. Carson’s flair for the outdoors was ever-present, often reflected in his casual, sporty attire and his beloved RV styled Ford Ecoline.

 

Notable Alumni

 

The Honorable C. Clyde Atkins was a cornerstone of Walton Lantaff in its formative years, serving as partner from his entrance in 1941 until his judicial appointment in 1966. One of the firm’s most esteemed alumni, Judge Atkins was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson and confirmed by the Senate to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in the late 1960s. He went on to serve as a Chief Judge from 1977 to 1982, during which U.S. Supreme Court Justice Burger appointed him Chairman of the Judicial Conference Committee on Operation of the Jury System. Elevated to senior status in 1982, Judge Atkins continued his service until his passing in 1999. His career is marked by honors from senators, fellow judges and even Pope Paul VI, who in 1965 named him a Knight of St. Gregory – the highest honor granted to a layperson – after he successfully resolved a property dispute between two factions of a recently divided diocese. 

Before his judicial tenure, Judge Atkins’ name proudly graced our letterhead. As a Walton Lantaff partner and attorney, he significantly expanded our insurance defense client base, served as President of the Dade County Bar Association (1953-4) and the Florida Bar (1960), and was a fiercely sought after advocate. His legacy has been enshrined through 2007 legislature in which the U.S. House of Representatives named the U.S. Courthouse on North Miami Avenue the C. Clyde Atkins United States Courthouse. 

Edward Atkins, the Judge’s younger brother, followed closely in his footsteps, carrying on the Atkins’ family legacy of hard work, leadership and professional prestige. Like his brother, Mr. Atkins carried the distinguished honor of serving as the President of the Dade County Bar and the Florida Bar, the latter lasting from 1965-6. Mr. Atkins began his career at Walton Lantaff immediately after earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, stepping away briefly to complete officer training at Fort Benning in Georgia and to serve after being drafted in WWII. The younger Mr. Atkins is remembered for his unyielding work ethic and his natural capacity for leadership. 

Brigadier General Carey Randall, referred to widely as “The General,” stands as one of our more decorated alumni, finding honors in both his courtroom achievements and storied military career. His service began as a Military Assistant to four successive Secretaries of Defense, followed by command of a Marine Detachment aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower personally promoted him to the rank of Brigadier General, after realizing his administration’s heavy reliance on the advice of a lower-ranked serviceman. His military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and both the Bronze and Gold Star Medals, and his combat record includes participation in some of history’s most pivotal battles – the Battle of Midway, the Battle of Iwo Jima and Pearl Harbor. 

After retiring from the armed forces The General earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, where he served as the Editor of the Law Review. Within a year of joining Walton Lantaff, he was named partner, later retaining the role of Managing Partner for over a decade. He led the firm with the same command that defined his naval leadership, fostering an environment of rigor, respect and reputation. Beyond his professional achievements, The General was known for his culinary skill and his affection for poodles. 

 

Pillars of the Legal Profession

 

Presidents of Bar Associations serve as the voice and conscience of the greater legal profession. Their role demands high ethical standards, careful representation of member interests, strategic management of the association’s operations and the vision to advance policies that will strengthen the administration of justice. Elected leaders are chosen for their exceptional advocacy skills, persuasive communication and their capacity to balance long-term objectives with the immediate needs of their professional community. Walton Lantaff has proudly furnished many Presidents of the Bar, including: 

• Honorable C. Clyde Atkins (FL Bar, Dade County)
• Edward Atkins (FL Bar, Dade County)
• Jay White (FL Bar)
• Greg Coleman (FL Bar, Palm Beach County)
• Richard Cole (Dade County)
• Melissa Jordon (VP, Dade County)
• Jay White (Palm Beach County)
• Amy Smith (Young Lawyers – Palm Beach County)
• Deborah Fitzgerald (Broward County)
• Sara Sandler (Young Lawyers – Broward County)

Members of the judiciary occupy one of the most respected positions within the legal profession, serving as guardians of justice, guided by impartiality and integrity. Their rulings shape precedent, uphold constitutional protections and transform the legal practice. Their reputation rests on their intellectual rigor, mastery of legal principles and unshakeable commitment to upholding the rule of law. Walton Lantaff is proud to carry the unique distinction of an alumni base featuring many members of the judiciary, including:

• Joseph P. Metzger
• David Crow
• Amy Smith
• Diana Lewis
• Gill Freeman
• George Orr
• Mark Massey
• Larry King Jr.
• David Stone

Partners in law firms represent the highest tier of private legal practice, granted both the responsibility and privilege of molding the firm’s direction and reputation. Outside of their own practice, they wear the many hats of business leaders, mentors, legal strategists and organizational stewards. Partnership indicates a record of legal expertise, ethical conduct and a steadfast commitment to the advancement of the firm. We would like to recognize those who retired as a senior partner at Walton Lantaff, including:

• Bernard “Bernie” Probst 
• David Tharp 
• Chip Mirman 
• Mike Jenks 
• Bob Strunin 
• Jonathan Davis 
• Wayne Gill 
• Deborah Fitzgerald 
• Beth Leahy