Stephen Kaufer entered the Walton Lantaff scene in 2001 and quickly rose to the position of Senior Partner in the firm’s Palm Beach County office. His previous experience speaks volumes of his commitment to the law, possessing a strong background in insurance defense, and previously serving as corporate counsel for a multi-state third party administrator. Mr. Kaufer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from his beloved University of Florida, where he was actively involved in the Student Senate for multiple terms. He earned his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law, where his passion for the environment led him to join the Environmental Law Society and directly contribute to the preservation of a monarch butterfly sanctuary in Monterey, California. Mr. Kaufer’s primary focus lies in workers’ compensation, with an emphasis on representing governmental entities such as the State of Florida, Palm Beach County, and several South Florida municipalities. A well-traveled man of Western European descent, Mr. Kaufer can speak English, and some Spanish, French, and Hebrew.
Mr. Kaufer’s legal journey stems from personal experience. After suffering a serious injury while working in the Everglades, he gained a first-hand understanding of the importance of workman’s compensation, His legal approach is guided by principle and a personal philosophy of integrity: “to thine own self be true.” Mr. Kaufer’s professional stature speaks for itself but is further highlighted by his wide range of appointments and accomplishments. He was appointed by former President Bill Clinton to serve two decades as a Local Board Member for the Selective Service System, has found appellate success that spurred legislative change in Florida, and is a sought-after speaker and certified instructor for insurance professionals in Florida and Arkansas. His deep legal acumen, combined with his multi-faceted curious and compassionate nature, tells the story of a well-rounded and morally guided intellectual. A conchologist, seasoned scuba diver, Life Member of the University of Florida Alumni Association, and proud member of the Sierra Club, Yedidim/Kidsfinity and Peggy Adams Rescue League, Mr. Kaufer demonstrably leads a purposeful, service-driven and environmentally conscious life. Motivated by personal connections, he is also a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum. This work reflects his broader dedication to dignity, inclusion, and meaningful advocacy. At home, Mr. Kaufer is a loving husband to his wife, Miri, and father to his girls, Gabby (24) and Alexandra (11). In his free time, he enjoys cooking, collecting, and traveling.
To work with Mr. Kaufer is to work with an exceptional mind, guided by discipline and moral clarity. Mr. Kaufer has developed a legal approach best described in his own words:
“In the field of insurance defense, it is often easy to overlook that the other side is made up of people with lives, loves and family. While I always do what is in the best interest of my clients, I also practice with the understanding that we cannot be heartless in doing so.”
Representative Experience
Capuano v. Walmart, 800 So.2d 652 (1st DCA 2001) -
The First District Court of Appeal held that the Judge of Compensation Claims lacked jurisdiction to determine the adequacy of a managed care plan approved by the Agency for Health Care Administration or the propriety of its rules under Florida Workers’ Compensation law. As a result of this decision, the Legislature has changed the relevant statutes to no longer require Carriers to provide benefits via a managed care arrangement.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue v. Wilkes. 309 So. 3d 687 (1st DCA 2020) -
The First District Court of Appeal held that the Judge of Compensation Claims misapplied the notice requirement under section 112.1815(5)(d), clarifying that it functions as a statute of repose. The Court further found that the Legislature clearly designated the qualifying event date as the triggering point for timely filing, with no indication of contrary legislative intent. As a result of this decision, the Legislature has changed the relevant statute to alter the ruling of this claim and expand what triggers the statute.
Speaking Engagements
Cancer Claim Updates, State PRIMA Conference, 2023
Managing Conflict, FWCI Conference Seminar, 2020
Managing Conflict, Florida RIMS Seminar, 2020
Regulatory Awareness, Walton Lantaff Schroeder Carson seminars, 2020
Failure to Prosecute, Walton Lantaff Schroeder Carson seminars, 2020
Fraud As A Defense, Walton Lantaff Schroeder Carson seminars, 2019
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Cases in Workers’ Compensation, North American Risk Services, 2019
Workers’ Compensation Attorney’s Fees, Walton Lantaff Schroeder Carson seminars, 2019
Managing Conflict Inherent to a Workers Compensation Claim, the Florida Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, 2019
Workers’ Compensation Challenges: Aging, Obesity, Co-Morbidities. North American Risk Services, 2018
Managing Conflict Inherent to a Workers’ Compensation Claim, Florida RIMS Educational Conference 2018
Carrier Paid Attorney’s Fees, WLSC seminars, 2018
Stump the Master, Palm Beach County RIMS, 2017
Workers’ Compensation Mediation, Argonaut Insurance, 2017
Updates and Developments in Workers’ Compensation, Employers Insurance, 2016
Restaurant and Retailer Claims, Employers Insurance, 2016
Adjuster Ethics, Tyson Foods, 2016
Fees in Light of Castellanos, Palm Beach County RIMS I-Day, 2016
Workers’ Compensation Immunity, Walton Lantaff Schroeder Carson seminars, 2015
Stump the Master, Palm Beach County RIMS, 2015
Temporary Disability Benefits, Walton Lantaff Schroeder Carson seminars, 2014
Adjuster/Carrier Ethical Claims Negotiations, Wal-Mart, 2014
Apportionment Between Carriers, State of Florida, 2014
Workers’ Compensation Immunity, South Florida PRIMA, 2014
Case Law Update, Walton Lantaff Schroeder Carson seminars, 2010-2013
Community Involvement
Sierra Club, 1989 - present
Guardian Ad Litem, 1994-1995
Selective Service Board, 1996 to present
Risk Insurance Management Society (RIMS)
South Florida Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA)
University of Florida Alumni Association, Life Member
Miami Children’s Hospital 5K Run/Walk
Walk Like MADD 5K Dash
Peggy Adams Rescue League member
Harn Museum of Art Member
Honors & Awards
Selective Service Board representative as appointed by President Clinton.
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him
or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
