Profile photo of Hon. Ursula Ungaro (Ret.)

Hon. Ursula Ungaro (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Neutral Evaluator Special Master
Miami, FL, United States

About

Judge Ungaro served for nearly thirty years as a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida after being appointed in 1992. Before her federal tenure, she spent five years as a judge on the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Her extensive judicial career involved presiding over thousands of cases across diverse legal sectors, including high-stakes commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, and complex class actions. Since entering private practice, she has applied this deep bench experience to private dispute resolution, handling matters ranging from international maritime conflicts to sophisticated financial and securities litigation.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Corporate & Finance Employment & Labor Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Insurance Intellectual Property International & Cross-Border Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property Transportation & Maritime

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS
Judge
2021
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Judge
1992–2021
11th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Partner
1987–1992
Blackwell Walker Fascell & Hoehl
Associate/Partner
1985–1987
Finley Kumble Wagner Heine Underberg Manley & Casey
Associate
1980–1985
Frates Floyd Pearson Stewart Richman & Greer
1975–1980

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent lecturer on federal civil procedure and evidence for the Florida Bar
  • Contributor to various legal seminars regarding complex litigation management
  • Former member of the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Council
  • Past Chair of the Southern District of Florida’s Local Rules Committee

Positioning Takeaways

A veteran federal jurist with nearly three decades of experience on the U.S. District Court bench, specializing in high-value commercial and international disputes.

License & Certifications

  • Florida Bar Admission (1975)

Education

J.D.
University of Florida Levin College of Law
1975
B.A.
University of Miami
1973

Distinction

One of the longest-serving federal judges in the Southern District of Florida with a reputation for handling exceptionally complex multi-district litigation.

Reputation

She is widely regarded by legal professionals for her decisive nature, thorough understanding of federal law, and her ability to manage highly contentious and legally intricate proceedings with efficiency.