Grossman Yaffa Cohen Marks 38 Years of Growth and Leadership

For 38 years, Grossman Yaffa Cohen has represented individuals and families facing serious injury, loss, and injustice.

Stuart Grossman co-founded the firm in 1988 and helped guide its growth from a South Florida practice into a firm with a national presence, handling complex, high-stakes matters involving medical, legal, and accounting malpractice, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, products liability, class actions, and other significant litigation.

Since opening its doors, the firm has recovered billions for injured clients. Its work has also contributed to changes in legislation, public policy, healthcare standards, and safety practices.

Stuart is actively involved in the firm’s leadership, client matters, and strategic direction. At the same time, he has long understood that the continued strength of the firm depends on developing talented attorneys and giving the next generation of leaders the opportunity to grow. That balance of experience, mentorship, and forward-looking leadership has helped position GYC for its next chapter.

Building the Firm’s Leadership

Andrew B. Yaffa’s history with the firm began while he was still attending the University of Miami School of Law. He first joined the firm as a summer law clerk and, after earning his law degree in 1991, began his legal career with the firm. He has spent his entire legal career at GYC, progressing from summer law clerk to trial lawyer, partner, and now Managing Partner.

During his 35 years of practice, Andy has recovered more than $500 million for clients and helped shape the firm’s approach to complex litigation, attorney development, client service, and community involvement. His progression reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to developing its attorneys and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Andy now also works alongside his son, trial lawyer Ryan Yaffa, who joined the firm in 2020 after clerking with GYC during law school. Ryan represents individuals and families in complex, high-stakes civil matters and has contributed to some of the firm’s most significant litigation. Their work together reflects both the firm’s family legacy and its continued investment in developing the next generation of trial lawyers.

Gary M. Cohen joined the firm in 1995, seven years after its founding. His arrival marked an important stage in the firm’s development and expansion.

For Gary, it was the right time to join a growing trial practice that shared his commitment to clients and the pursuit of justice. He brought particular strength in medical malpractice litigation and has played an integral role in building and expanding that area of the firm’s practice. Over the years, his leadership, legal experience, and commitment to clients have helped shape the firm GYC is today.

In 2025, Eric T. Halsey, Alex Arteaga-Gomez, and William P. Mulligan were named equity partners. Their elevation reflected their contributions to the firm, commitment to clients, and ability to handle complex and consequential matters. It also represented an important investment in the depth and long-term strength of the firm’s leadership.

Today, GYC is led by Co-Founder and President Stuart Grossman, Co-Founder and Vice President Gary M. Cohen, and Co-Founder and Managing Partner Andrew B. Yaffa. The firm’s leadership also includes equity partners Eric T. Halsey, Alex Arteaga-Gomez, and William P. Mulligan, and partners Jonathan M. Pavsner and Jeffrey R. Davis.

“When I helped found the firm in 1988, our goal was to build a practice defined by preparation, integrity, and a genuine responsibility to our clients,” Stuart said. “Those principles continue to guide the firm today. I am proud to be involved in its work and equally proud to see attorneys like Andy, who began here as a summer law clerk, grow into strong leaders who understand our values and share our vision for the future.”

Expanding the Firm’s Trial Strength

The firm’s recent growth reflects its continued investment in both experienced trial lawyers and emerging legal talent.

In February 2026, Abigail Wettstein joined the firm as an associate trial lawyer. A cum laude graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, she represents clients in matters involving personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, and complex litigation.

Jonathan M. Pavsner joined the firm as a partner in March 2026, bringing more than 30 years of experience handling medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and other significant matters.

Jeffrey R. Davis joined as a partner in July 2026. A Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with nearly four decades of experience, he further strengthened the firm’s ability to handle complex cases through trial.

“These additions represent the direction of the firm,” Andy said. “We are bringing together accomplished trial lawyers, developing the next generation of attorneys, and building a team that can continue taking on the most complex cases. Our growth is intentional, and our responsibility to our clients remains at the center of every decision.”

A New Name for the Firm’s Next Chapter

The firm began its leadership transition in 2024 following Neal Roth’s retirement. When the Grossman Yaffa Cohen name became official in 2026, Stuart Grossman, Gary M. Cohen, and Andrew B. Yaffa became Co-Founders of GYC in its current form.

The new name recognizes the firm’s history while reflecting its current leadership. Stuart serves as Co-Founder and President, Gary as Co-Founder and Vice President, and Andy as Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Together, they are guiding GYC’s continued focus on trial excellence, client service, community impact, and the development of its attorneys and staff.

“The firm has evolved considerably since I joined in 1995,” Gary said. “We have added talented lawyers, expanded our capabilities, and developed strong leaders throughout the firm. The GYC name reflects where we are today and the team that will guide the firm into the future.”

As Grossman Yaffa Cohen celebrates its 38th anniversary, the firm is recognizing the people and work that built its reputation while continuing to invest in the attorneys, leadership, and resources that will define its next chapter.