MIAMI — Manion Gaynor & Manning (MG+M) recently opened its Miami office with a new partner at its helm.
MG+M, a high-profile and high-risk litigation firm, has 11 offices in 50 states and more than 20 years of national trial experience. The company's specialties include commercial litigation, corporate law, mass tort litigation and product liability.
Managing Partner Rebecca Kibbe is the former head of K&L Gates’ Florida asbestos litigation practice and led the litigation at the state, federal and appeals court levels. Kibbe’s expertise, especially asbestos litigation, toxic tort and product liability, will be her focus in the new office.
“Toxic tort and asbestos litigation is a big part of MG+M’s practice,” Kibbe told the Florida Record. “I’m so excited to continue practicing in this area for such a great and dynamic firm. It was just one of those things where a great opportunity fell into my lap and it was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Kibbe worked for K&L Gates for 9.5 years and was part of its national trial team when it had a milestone appellate victory in 2016.
“I was on the trial team for one of the firm's largest clients and achieved a directed verdict in an asbestos matter on appeal," she said. "(It was based) upon a finding by the appellate court that plaintiff's expert opinion was not supported by sufficient data in the record or (grounded in) reliable principles and methods as required by Daubert.”
In September 2015, Kibbe was the recipient of the Daily Business Review Rising Stars Award, which recognizes South Florida lawyers under the age of 40 for making a difference, not just in legal work but for her involvement in the community, as well. She will also bring to the Miami office experience in premise general liability and general commercial litigation.
“One reason for the new office is that it’s based mainly on clients’ needs,” Kibbe said. “MG+M represent clients in various other states and they kept looking for Florida counsel and good Florida counsel. The other reason is that Miami and Florida just keep growing and there’s a lot of opportunity in Miami.”
Kibbe said her experience and activism will be an asset in making the Miami office successful.
“I’m different,” she said. “Everybody brings something different to their position. I want to bring in new clients and new work, integrate with the firm and work with existing clients. I just think my trial experience and the things I’ve done in the community—all those things make me who I am and will help (the office) and bring in new business.”
Part of the plan for her first 90 days is to make sure things are done the right way and focusing so they can offer great service and work and branch out, she said.
“This is such an exciting firm—its young, it’s vibrant and it’s such a great group of people,” she said. “It’s really an exciting time for the firm and for me to be able to grow with the firm and grow this office.”