Theodore “Ted” L. Shinkle is a Partner at WhiteBird, PLLC, and an experienced trial attorney focusing his practice on maritime law, personal injury, and employment discrimination defense. He is board-certified by the Florida Bar in Admiralty and Maritime Law, signifying his expertise and proficiency in his legal practice.

During his career, Ted has represented ship owners, cruise lines, dredging companies, yacht owners, small boat owners, marine insurance companies, and lending institutions in a wide variety of maritime litigation cases. He regularly represents employers in employment discrimination and retaliation cases, including claims brought under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, and other state and federal employment laws. Ted has over 37 years of experience in federal and state courts and has tried dozens of jury cases.

Ted’s impressive career is punctuated by prestigious accolades, including an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, a testament to his peer-acknowledged high ethical standards and professional excellence. He has been named a SuperLawyer for several years.

Ted enjoys reading, hiking, photography, and watching wildlife in his free time. He is originally from the Midwest but has lived in Florida since 1983. Ted speaks conversational Spanish.

  • Board Certified in Admiralty and Maritime Law by The Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education, 2002-Present

  • AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Super Lawyer, 2006-2010

  • Barracuda, LLC v. GEICO Marine Insurance Company, 464 F.Supp.3d 1264, 2020 WL 3603495 (M.D. Fla. 2020).
  • Orange County, Florida v. McLean, 308 So.3d 1058 (Fla. 5th DCA 2020).
  • GEICO Marine Insurance Company v. Shackleford, 945 F.3d 1135 (11th
  • Cir. 2019).
  • GEICO Marine Insurance Company v. Baron, 426 F.Supp.3d 1263 (M.D.
  • Fla. 2019).
  • Salty Dawg Expedition, Inc. v. Borland, 301 F. Supp. 3d1189 (M.D. Fla. 2017).
  • Branch Banking & Trust Co. of Virginia v. M/Y Beowulf, 883 F.Supp.2d 1199 (S.D. Fla. 2012).
  • Matabang v. Carnival Corp., 630 F.Supp.2d 1361 (S.D. Fla. 2009).
  • Sterling Casino Lines, L.P. v. Plowman-Render, 902 So.2d 938 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005).
  • American Dredging Co. v. Lambert, 81 F.3d 127 (11th Cir. 1996).
  • Nadeau v. Costley, 634 So.2d 649 (Fla. 4th DCA 1994).