Long-time attorney Larry Kuvin dies at 80

April 17--In the courtroom, Lawrence "Larry" Philip Kuvin skillfully led the jury on an emotional journey -- complete with tears, laughter and heartache.

"Having served as an attorney for both sides, he knew how to speak to a jury and successfully defend his clients," said Kuvin's son Lowell Kuvin, also an attorney. "He was good at what he did."

Larry Kuvin, an attorney in Miami-Dade and Broward for more than 50 years, died Sunday at home in Fort Lauderdale at age 80. He had specialized in municipal liability defense, medical malpractice and personal injury cases.

Born in Newark, N.J., Kuvin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania'sWharton School of Finance in 1955.

He was soon convinced by his uncle Herbert Kuvin, a law professor at the time, to move to Miami and enroll in the University of Miami Law School. While in school, he served in the Army reserves as a cook.

After graduating in 1958, Larry Kuvin began his career at Carey, Dwyer, Austin, Cole & Selwood, where he stayed for 13 years. He then started his own firm with two attorney friends, Jack Klingensmith and R. Fred Lewis, now a Florida Supreme Court justice, in 1971. He also co-founded and served as trial counsel to Vanguard Fire & Casualty Insurance Company.

Over the years, Kuvin mentored dozens of lawyers, always willing to give advice, his son said.

"Even if the lawyer was on the other side, they still respected him," said Lowell Kuvin.

After he retired from his own practice about eight years ago, Larry Kuvin stayed busy. He became a certified mediator and was the chairman of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, an organization that oversees the admission of all new lawyers in the state.

"He was a very bright legal mind," said former Homestead city manager Alex Muxo, who met Kuvin 35 years ago.

"He became one of my best friends," Muxo said.

When he wasn't working, Kuvin loved the ocean. He was an avid sailor and raced sailboats, including open ocean races to Bermuda. He discovered his love for hiking and hunting in Colorado and Wyoming.

In addition to his son Lowell, Kuvin is survived by his partner Kristina, daughter Beth K. Jones, and sons Spencer, Grant and Kyle.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Davie Rd. in Fort Lauderdale. For information, call 954-792-9360.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the American Lung Association.

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