Michael D. Leader

Michael D. Leader is a founding partner at Leader Leader & Zucker, PLLC, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he provides experienced legal counsel to individuals and families navigating a wide range of complicated legal matters. His practice encompasses probate, estate planning, wills, trusts and guardianship litigation, as well as insurance claims and personal injury cases. Through a client-centered approach, he works to deliver practical solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances while protecting their rights and long-term interests.

Mr. Leader has built his practice on a strong foundation of legal knowledge and courtroom experience. He advises clients on estate and probate matters, helping them plan for the future while ensuring the orderly administration of assets. Furthermore, he represents individuals in guardianship disputes and litigation, offering steady guidance during what are often sensitive and emotionally challenging situations. His work in insurance claims and personal injury further reflects his commitment to advocating for those seeking fair outcomes in difficult circumstances.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Mr. Leader earned his bachelor’s degree in 1997. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law in 2000. That same year, he was admitted to practice in the state of Florida, as well as before the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida and various U.S. federal courts.

Demonstrating his dedication to alternative dispute resolution, Mr. Leader became a Florida Supreme Court-certified circuit civil mediator in 2023 and also earned qualification as an arbitrator that same year. These credentials allow him to assist clients in resolving disputes efficiently outside of the courtroom when appropriate. 

Mr. Leader is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American Bar Association; the Broward County Bar Association, where he has served on the Board of Directors; and several national legal advocacy groups. His stellar performance has been recognized with the Joseph F. Carter Professionalism Award from the Broward County Bar Association in 2014.

Among his accolades, Mr. Leader holds an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell, signifying the highest level of professional distinction. Additionally, his contributions to the community were honored in 2008 when the Broward County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April 13 as “Michael D. Leader Day.”

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.