Profile
“Being true to who we are is key; we are purely a referral-based business. There is zero marketing or advertising”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
The foundation of Fred Karlinsky’s long-standing success as one of the most recognizable advocates for the insurance industry is simple: an unwavering work ethic.
“I am committed to giving my best effort in everything I do,” says Karlinsky, chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Global Insurance Regulatory and Transactions Practice Group and a shareholder in the firm’s Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee, and Washington, DC offices. “I believe that consistently putting in hard work is fundamental to achieving results and advancing in any career. The harder you work, the luckier you will get.”
Karlinsky’s inspiring career as a legal advocate for the insurance industry began after he graduated from law school, when the IBA Hot 100 recipient demonstrated his capabilities after Hurricane Andrew devastated Florida in 1992. As a leading advocate for the insurance industry, Karlinsky also played a key role in shaping the tort reforms adopted in Florida in 2022 and 2023. When Florida’s insurance market was near breakdown after Hurricane Ian, Karlinsky worked overtime during the state’s legislative session to help create a regulatory framework that could help insurers navigate the inherent risks of operating in the Sunshine State.
Karlinsky helped transform the regulatory landscape, advising start-ups as well as other new entrants into the marketplace. “I’m especially proud of the work we’ve done in recent years to help stabilize and shape the future of Florida’s property insurance market,” he says.
Since 2020, numerous challenges have been thrown at the insurance industry, including the global pandemic, natural disasters, and inflation. Karlinsky notes that the industry he champions has remained resilient and relevant in a time of widespread change.
“The challenges of the last five years had some commentators questioning the continued role of traditional insurance in the modern economy,” he explains. “But the reality shows differently. The continued global investment in insurance vehicles and increased premium growth across lines underscores the industry’s continued role in the global economy.”
To ensure that he is never caught off-guard by the immense speed in which the industry operates, Karlinsky stays well educated on the most pressing issues faced by insurance firms.
“I do my best to meet those needs by remaining flexible and constantly learning. You have to be on top of your game all the time,” he explains.
Karlinsky also lives by the words of legendary boxer Mike Tyson, who famously said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” These words remind him of the need to remain highly adaptable and prepared for any situation that may occur.
“It’s about the importance of resilience and need to be prepared, even when life throws unexpected punches your way. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
In addition to his role with Greenberg Traurig, Karlinsky has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at Florida State University College of Law since 2008 and chairs the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission, where nearly all the sitting Justices of the Florida Supreme Court have been appointed during his tenure. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Global Indemnity Group.
401 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 2000, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954 768 8278
karlinskyf@gtlaw.com
linkedin.com/in/fred-karlinsky-7205227
gtlaw.com/en/professionals/k/karlinsky-fred-e
Fred Karlinsky
Shareholder and Chair, Global Insurance Regulatory and Transactions Practice Group
Greenberg Traurig PA
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“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
1995–1999
1999–2014
2008–Present
2014–Present
2023–Present
Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Executive Director at Florida Residential Property & Casualty Joint Underwriting Association, which merged with the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association in 2002 to create Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
1995–1999
Shareholder at Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky, & Abate PA
1999–2014
Adjunct Professor of Law at Florida State University College of Law
2008–Present
Shareholder and Global Chair, Insurance Regulatory & Transactions Practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP
2014–Present
Board Member of the Global Indemnity Group, a publicly traded specialty insurance holding company
2023–Present
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day,” he says.
While at the helm of a rapidly growing business and a family that includes two young children at home, Rakowski has learned to manage what he calls a “never-ending list of commitments” that consists of a new team member each month, a new interstate office and two to three new referral partners monthly.
“Our business is a human business, so investing genuine time in every person can be draining on a personal level. Balancing it all is a challenge,” he says. “Simply put, do what you say you will do, and act at all times with honesty and integrity, being respectful and empathetic. The financial outcomes are a byproduct of the human interactions we have.”
Attracting, retaining and delivering exceptional client outcomes and service starts with a sincere interest in their journey and remaining relevant to them as their lives and needs evolve, notes Rakowski. He points out that he and his team put in most of the work upfront in building meaningful relationships, which is a testament to its 99% client retention rate.
He says, “We are clear in the types of clients we work best with and our value proposition. We also look for a cultural alignment with all of our referral partners, and we are acutely aware of our strengths and how different we are from our industry peers.”
Rakowski recently opened a Queensland business and plans a foot in every other capital city. He strives to establish the brokerage as a national business with on-the-ground representation in every state by the end of 2025.