Kelley | Uustal Appoints Manny Serra as Managing Partner to Lead Technological Innovation in Trial Law

Kelley | Uustal, recognized as one of the nation's premier plaintiff trial firms, has appointed Manny Serra as Managing Partner. Founder John Uustal explained that Serra's role is to ensure the firm's track record of securing precedent-setting verdicts and life-changing outcomes continues to be matched by technology, infrastructure, and modern leadership at the pinnacle of trial law. Serra brings extensive litigation experience, having handled more than 1,500 cases and conducted over 30 jury trials throughout his career.

Serra's legal philosophy was shaped by his early career at the Broward County Public Defender's Office, where he became known for policing the police and earned the nickname Motion Manny from judges. His perspective further evolved when working in first-party property litigation, where he witnessed how large insurers systematically underpaid claims and treated people as case files rather than human beings. This experience solidified his conviction that people in the legal system deserve no stone left unturned in the quest for justice, with no shortcuts acceptable.

This commitment drives Serra's focus on delivering personalized, client-centered justice through technology. He actively teaches other attorneys how to use artificial intelligence in practice management and law firm operations. Serra emphasizes that technology is not about removing people from the picture but about centering the person, believing that the best way to humanize the practice of law is to systematize it for the client's best interest. His approach represents a significant shift in how plaintiff firms can leverage technology while maintaining their human-centered mission.

At Kelley | Uustal, Serra sees his role as ensuring the team remains entirely focused on achieving extraordinary results for clients nationwide while he oversees the systems and innovation that sustain the firm's success. He describes the firm as a place where the highest level of trial advocacy meets an uncompromising commitment to justice. Prior to joining Kelley | Uustal, Serra served as managing partner of a trial firm based in Fort Lauderdale and earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where he participated in Law Review and Moot Court Society. His professional recognition includes honors from the National Trial Lawyers Association in Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40, Florida Super Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. For more information about the firm's work, visit https://kelleyuustal.com.