Carlos A. Garcia

Carlos Garcia Biography Carlos Charlie Garcia is a Shareholder in Wicker Smiths Fort Lauderdale office, where he focuses on complex civil litigation, class action defense, employment law, and commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on federal court practice. Charlie began his career as a public school teacher, spending several years teaching English and Writing in Miami-Dade County and Japan before pursuing a legal career. After being admitted to the bar, he served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Cecilia M. Altonaga in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. These experiences provided Charlie with a profound understanding of effective writing, rhetorical analysis, and federal court procedures, paving the way for his career in federal practice. Charlie manages complex cases for some of the firms largest clients and is frequently consulted by his partners on federal matters throughout the firm. He has represented major airlines, fixed base operators, national pharmaceutical brands, retail chains, state prison contractors, and other corporate clients in various matters, including mass tort and class action claims, contractual and transactional issues, commercial litigation, and disputes involving employment, discrimination, public accommodation, and civil rights. Several of Charlies cases have had national significance. He secured a Motion to Dismiss for a major retail pharmacy chain in a COVID-era case that became a precedent for similar claims nationwide during the pandemic. He also played a key role in obtaining an opinion for a major international airline that led to procedural changes for air travel to the Bahamas, which remain in effect today. Clients value Charlies thoughtful and articulate analysis, as well as his patient explanations of complex issues. His extensive knowledge benefits his clients, and his quiet confidence and collegiality make him adept at navigating contentious matters to successful resolutions. Charlie is an active member of the Florida Bar and the Federal Bar Association and has served on the Southern District of Floridas Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Court-Annexed Mediation since August 2020. A devoted husband, father, and dog dad, Charlie enjoys cheering on the Miami Hurricanes and exploring the South Florida food and wine scene with his wife. Professional & Civic Affiliations The Florida Bar Federal Bar Association Cuban American Bar Association Southern District of Floridas Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Court-Annexed Mediation