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.”
Honors & Awards
•Selective Service Board representative as appointed by President Clinton.
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
