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Jack Goldberger
One of Florida's Most Accomplished Criminal Defense Attorneys. Nearly Five Decades of Experience. Board Certified. Nationally Recognized.

Jack Goldberger is one of Florida's most accomplished and nationally recognized criminal defense attorneys, with nearly five decades of courtroom experience spanning state courts, federal courts, and the United States Supreme Court. Since entering private practice in 1981, Mr. Goldberger has built a reputation as a fearless and sophisticated advocate for clients facing the most serious and complex criminal matters in the country.
Mr. Goldberger began his legal career in the Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, where he developed the foundational commitment to vigorous defense representation that has defined his career. He is Florida Bar Board Certified in Criminal Law — a distinction held by fewer than two percent of Florida attorneys — and has maintained an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer review rating available, throughout his career.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Goldberger has represented clients in some of the most high-profile criminal matters in the United States. His representations have included prominent figures in business, sports, and public life, and he has been retained in cases that have drawn national and international media attention. His ability to navigate complex, high-stakes litigation — from pretrial investigations through jury trials and appeals — has made him one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in South Florida.
Mr. Goldberger's federal court credentials are extensive. He is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.
Beyond his individual representations, Mr. Goldberger has dedicated significant time and energy to reforming the criminal justice system in Palm Beach County. He served on the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission for more than a decade and was instrumental in founding both the Palm Beach County Drug Court and the Palm Beach County Community Court — two programs that have since been recognized nationwide as models for alternative treatment-based approaches to criminal justice. He also currently serves as a Palm Beach County Traffic Magistrate.
Mr. Goldberger has been recognized consistently by the legal community's most respected rating organizations. He has been named to Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and was recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Criminal Defense by Best Lawyers in 2021 and as South Florida Lawyer of the Year by the Wall Street Journal in both 2017 and 2020. He is a frequent speaker at criminal law conferences and continuing legal education programs throughout Florida.
Mr. Goldberger brings an unparalleled depth of experience to South Florida Justice's clients. His involvement in a case means access to nearly five decades of hard-won courtroom knowledge, a deep understanding of how prosecutors and judges approach the most serious charges, and a steadfast commitment to achieving the best possible outcome regardless of the complexity of the matter.
- Memberships
- Florida State Bar
- New Jersey State Bar
- United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
- United States District Court, Southern District Trial Bar
- United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
- United States Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Education
- Honors and Awards
Florida Bar Board Certification in Criminal Law
AV Rated (highest available rating) Martindale Hubbell
Best Lawyers - Lawyer of the Year in Criminal Defense 2021
Wall Street Journal - Lawyer of the Year South Florida 2017, 2020
Florida Super Lawyers
Best Lawyers in America
National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Numerous Conference and CLE Lectures on Criminal Law
- New Articles
Articles by
This section features current articles on various legal topics, as well as practical advice from experts.

Driving Without a License in Florida Just Got More Serious — And for Some, the Stakes Couldn't Be Higher
A Routine Traffic Stop. A Mandatory Jail Sentence. The Consequences Have Never Been Greater.

Charges Dropped: Boca Raton Mother Cleared After False Allegations in Child Sex Case
A Boca Raton mother faced a mandatory life sentence for crimes she didn't commit. Here's how the charges were dropped.

Stand Your Ground Victory: Murder Charges Dismissed for 16-Year-Old Client
When a 16-year-old was charged with first-degree murder in Palm Beach County, the evidence told a different story. See how South Florida Justice used Stand Your Ground to get all charges dismissed.

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