Overview

Rachel Furst: Leading Litigation and Class Action Attorney

Rachel received her A.B. degree magna cum laude from Princeton University. She then received her J.D. from the University of Florida, where she served as an editor of the Florida Law Review. She graduated magna cum laude with admission to the Order of the Coif.

Before joining Maderal Byrne & Furst PLLC, Rachel clerked for the Honorable Ursula Ungaro, United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. She also practiced for five years in the commercial litigation department of the international law firm, White & Case. While there, she defended corporations against complex claims, including consumer class actions and professional malpractice.

Rachel litigates class actions and individual claims across several key areas:

She represents plaintiffs in state and federal courts and handles complex appeals.

Leadership in Multi-District Litigation

Rachel has taken a leading role in high-profile class actions and multi-district litigation. She currently serves, or has served, in the following roles:

Professional Appointments

Rachel is a respected member of the local and Florida bar. She serves on the executive board of the Federal Bar Association. Furthermore, the president of the Florida Bar appointed her to consecutive terms on the federal court practice committee. The Chief Judge in the Southern District of Florida has also appointed Rachel to serve on numerous Magistrate Judge Selection and Retention Committees for the Miami Division.

Rachel is a Florida native and lives in Miami with her husband, Joseph, and their two daughters, Jane and Rose.

Lead Counsel in Surfside Building Collapse Case

Rachel Furst was Co-Chair Lead Counsel of the class action lawsuit arising from the June 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condo in Surfside, Florida. This catastrophic event killed 98 people and destroyed 136 homes. Rachel worked relentlessly to achieve a record-setting $1.2 billion settlement for these victims and their families.

The Court selected Rachel to lead a committee of 17 talented lawyers. In this role, she directed all aspects of the case. Her efforts were recognized by the Court in a docketed Order at the conclusion of the case.

Regarding Rachel’s work, the Honorable Michael Hanzman wrote:

 “Ms. Furst was immersed in all aspects of this case, including investigating claims, strategizing, managing the team of attorneys that had been assembled, drafting pleadings, and, in particular the Amended Class Action Complaint, negotiating settlements, drafting motions for preliminary and final approval, and handling matters before the Court.” 

“As expected, the quality of her work was outstanding. Despite the intense pressure that even the most seasoned lawyer would experience in a case such as this, Ms. Furst did anything and everything necessary to protect the interests of her clients, never wavering or faltering. She served with distinction and has earned the admiration and respect of this Court, her colleagues and those she represented in a time of extreme need.”

Rachel’s individual clients in the Champlain Towers matter included those who lost children, spouses, and parents. She represented each of them zealously and with deep compassion.

 

Chambers USA 2025 Top Ranked attorney badge – Rachel Furst

Bar Admissions

  • State of Florida
  • United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Florida
  • United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

Education

  • Princeton University, magna cum laude (A.B.)
  • University of Florida College of Law, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif (J.D.)
  • Symposium Editor, Florida Law Review

Federal Clerkship

Hon. Ursula Ungaro, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

Awards and Honors

Community Involvement

biography