Sidney Needelman , Esq.

Partner, Chair of the Insurance Defense Department

Sidney.Needelman@ZumpanoCastro.com
305.503.2990

Sidney Needelman joined the firm in 2015, bringing both his enthusiasm and years of experience to the firm’s Insurance Litigation Division. Sidney has a proven track record of counseling clients and litigating matters for national and local Insurance carriers throughout the state of Florida, with particular emphasis on matters involving first party claims.

Sidney has successfully defended admitted carriers and insureds, as well as surplus insurance providers, and semi-governmental entities providing coverage. He has a history of working with his clients - including uncovering fraud when present – and is committed to achieving fair and efficient resolutions on heavily disputed matters. Sidney’s attention to detail and focus on client concerns is unwavering.

Sidney has also worked with special investigation units, has been retained for special projects including analysis of potential new wording for policy provisions, and has provided coverage opinions to clients. His experience extends from pre-litigation to the courtroom. Prior to joining Zumpano Castro, Sidney was an associate at the international firm of Hinshaw and Culbertson LLP, and has worked in smaller Florida-based firms as well, for a broad background of experience in serving insurance litigation clients.

During law school, Sidney was a legal intern in the Economic Crime Unit of the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office and as a H.O.P.E. (Helping Others through Pro-Bono Efforts) Fellow. To gain experience and give back to the community, Sidney spent time during law school as a legal intern with the Dade County Bar Association and 11th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Project, “Put Something Back” in 2005. Prior to his legal career, Sidney worked in marketing and sales for a number of organizations.

During his undergraduate studies, Sidney was a member of the Dean’s List. He was a National Collegiate Scholar and a member of Phi Eta Sigma honor society. He was also the assistant music director at the University’s radio station.

Education

B.S., cum laude, George Washington University, Economics, 2004
J.D., University of Miami, 2007

Admitted to Practice

Florida: all State trial and appellate courts
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida