Allison Hartnett joined Walton Lantaff as a law clerk in 1987 and has since remained a foundational figure within the firm, recently gaining recognition for her role as a notable Managing and Loss Prevention Partner in Florida (2025). Raised in a small town in Connecticut, Ms. Hartnett began her academic journey at the University of Connecticut, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, before moving south to obtain her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami. During law school, she gained formative litigation experience as a member of the trial team and explored the field of juvenile justice during an internship with the Florida State Attorney’s Office.
Over the years, her storied career has gained numerous accolades, including being the first female firm leader and receiving honors from the Miami-Dade County Bar Association. Ms. Hartnett is also certified by the Florida Department of Insurance to provide continuing education credits to insurance adjusters and is a respected speaker on insurance defense matters throughout the state. Her primary area of practice includes representation of employers and carriers in the areas of labor and employment, workers’ compensation and insurance defense, with sub-specialties in claims involving general and premise liability, defamation, retaliatory and wrongful discharge, sexual harassment and hourly and wage disputes.
Ms. Hartnett credits the gentle inspiration of her mother, a civic activist heavily involved in lobbying, labor union and political engagement efforts, for laying the strong foundation for her life of advocacy. That early exposure to public service, local politics, and her own personal fascination with American history blossomed into first, a legal career, and later a leadership position. At the core of Ms. Hartnett’s leadership is interpersonal strength, high achievement and authenticity. Drawing on decades of experience and a wealth of professional relationships, she unwaveringly promotes high-quality performance in the office, empowering her attorneys to handle every case with conviction, commitment, and care. Her resounding resilience and impenetrable determination further boosts her team, positioning her as an admired employer and formidable opposing counsel.
Ms. Hartnett’s tendency to lead extends into every area of her life, her influence far outstretching the office walls. She has held leadership positions in charitable organizations such as Friends of 440 (former president), Girl Scouts of Florida (troop leader), Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Association (officer) and the Miami-Dade Section of the Florida Bar’s Workers’ Compensation Section (chair).Ms. Hartnett is equally proud to be a supportive wife to Dave and a mother to Alex and Kate, and to chase her personal passions as an open-eyed traveler, sports enthusiast and humble pianist.
As your attorney, Ms. Hartnett delivers the same high standards, organization and diligence she exhibits throughout her life. With Ms. Hartnett, clients gain a partner as powerful as she is personable, as tenacious as she is tactful.
Honors & Awards
• Florida Trend’s Notable Managing Partner List, 2025
•Employer/Carrier Attorney of the Year Award, 2009
•Past President’s Award, Friends of 440, 2009
•Service to the Dade County Bar Association award, 2008
Speaking Engagements
•Changes to the FIPA Act of 2014, Florida Ins. Trust Seminar, Oct. 2014
•Update of Fla. Workers’ Compensation law, Atlanta GA Sept. 2014
•Fla. Claims Handling Training/ Seminar, California July 2015, July 2014, March 2013, October 2012
•Workers’ compensation case law update, Walton Lantaff annual seminars, past 20 years
Community Involvement
•Workers’ Compensation Miami Dade Section of the Bar, Committee Chair 2006-2009
•Workers’ Compensation Friends of 440 Board of Directors, President 2006-2009
•Tropical South Florida Girl Scouts of America, Troop leader
•Kappa Alpha Theta Miami Dade Alumnae Chapter Officer
