Horan Wallace & Higgins, LLP

Firm founder, David Paul Horan, adventures into high profile federal litigation began in 1975 with his representation's of the world's most famous treasure hunter, Melvin A. Fisher. Mel Fisher's company, Treasure Salvors, Incorporated, found and salvaged the 1622 Spanish Galleons, "Nuestsra Senora de Atocha," and "Santa Margarita," which sank in the waters off the Florida Keys. After seven years of litigation, including claims of ownership by the federal and state governments (modern-day pirates), the case was decided after oral arguments in the United States Supreme Court with the title being awarded to Treasure Salvors. David Paul has litigated salvage actions on the "Titanic," "U.S.S. Central America," "El Cazador," and other historic vessels and aircraft.

Before moving to Key West and joining the firm. R. Bruce Wallace was a partner in a prestigious Miami law firm. He came to Key West in 1993 with a strong background in commercial and business litigation, product liability defense and construction litigation. He continues to represent national and international corporations, along with local concerns, in business matters, construction disputes and product liability defense.

The law firm's highest profile cases are against the federal and state governments concerning private property rights, administrative/governmental litigation, business and construction litigation, commercial fishing and, of course, admiralty and maritime law.