Attorney at Law Magazine Palm Beach Publisher sat down with Michael J. Fischetti to discuss mentors and how law school helped shape his career path.
AALM: When did you first know you wanted to become an attorney?
FISCHETTI: I first knew that I wanted to become an attorney when at a young age I saw how one of my father’s friends, who was an attorney, assisted his clients with many different legal situations. I was able to observe the impact that he had on people’s lives and how he helped them at their most difficult times. With that experience, I knew that the field of law would be the best way for me to pursue a successful career and at the same time help people.
AALM: Who is your current mentor? What is the best lesson they’ve taught you so far?
FISCHETTI: My current mentor is a former boss and current colleague in my field of law. When I worked for him he showed me the preparation and dedication to hard work that you need to succeed in the profession of law. I successfully have argued thousands of motions and have tried to verdict over 60 jury trials with that eye to detail and undying dedication to my clients causes.
AALM: Who are some of your legal heroes? Why?
FISCHETTI: Ralph Nader because he took an issue of great public importance, the safety of automobiles, and against overwhelming odds used the resources and avenues that the law provided him to benefit others.
AALM: How is the practice of law different than your expectations in law school?
FISCHETTI: In my current practice, my many roles include human resources manager, accounts receivable supervisor, marketing director, and counselor to my clients as well as any other situation that is thrown at me on a daily basis. In law school, I envisioned that my role as an attorney would be with the sole focus on understanding the problems presented to me by my clients and preparing and arguing within the confines of law. I love the challenges that being a sole practitioner provide me while still allowing me to provide the best possible representation to my clients.
AALM: What drew you to your current firm?
FISCHETTI: Once I graduated law school, I had always envisioned opening up my own practice. First, I worked for the Broward County Public Defender’s Office. Once I branched out into civil litigation I was fortunate enough to work for two very successful law firms becoming a partner at my last law firm. However, that drive to branch out on my own never disappeared. I took that drive and made it a reality and now I am the lead attorney for Michael J. Fischetti PA. In my office, the culture is one that “we don’t walk, we run.” My office currently represents over 200 medical providers in the area of personal injury protection litigation. On the flip side, I also deal with individuals in the area of consumer protection and also estate planning.
AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies? Sports?
FISCHETTI: My proudest achievement outside of work is my role as a husband and father. When I am not spending time with my family I enjoy working out, reading, and enjoying the outdoors whether it is going to the beach or camping. The charity that I strongly support and am involved in is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation which had a personal tie to my family because my nephew is currently effect by the disease.
AALM: What is the focus of your practice?
FISCHETTI: The focus of my practice is currently in the area of personal injury, with a specific focus on personal injury protection litigation. I represent doctors and medical clinics throughout the state of Florida assisting them in recovering monies owed to them by insurance companies. I have the pleasure of working with many talented chiropractors and medical doctors. On a daily basis, I litigate intensely against insurance companies. However, I also represent many individuals with their estate planning and consumer protection issues.
