Akerman lawyers were recognized among the Daily Business Review’s 2018 Most Effective Lawyers. Appellate Practice Co-Chair Gerald Cope and Partner Lawrence Silverman were honored in the Complex/Business Litigation category for their work representing Electronic Transaction Consultants Corp. against Miami-Dade Expressway Authority regarding the county’s toll-by-plate program. This is the second favorable order obtained and the case is now on appeal.

A former Chief Judge of Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal and member of the court for 22 years, Cope represents clients in appellate litigation at the state and federal levels. He is a founding member of Akerman Bench, an innovative practice including former appellate and trial court judges providing the perspective of both sides of the bench. Cope conducts practice oral arguments for attorneys appearing in state and federal appellate courts, serves as a consultant on appeals, and provides support to trial counsel, and serves as an arbitrator in cases administered by AAA and its international division, ICDR, where he has been appointed in commercial and maritime matters.

Noted for his sound judgment and wealth of experience in antitrust and commercial litigation matters, Silverman has tried some of the largest cases in Florida. He has extensive experience in antitrust counseling, with an emphasis on distribution law issues such as MAP, resale and unilateral pricing policies, internet sales restrictions, and dealer agreements. He also advises clients on governmental premerger filings and handles federal and state antitrust investigations. He is continually recognized by leading industry publications for his highly effective antitrust and litigation capabilities.