Samantha Abeysekera advises and litigates on behalf of management in a diverse array of industries, including financial services, market research, real estate, aviation, and technology start-ups. Both her litigation and advice-and-counseling work focuses on employment discrimination, harassment,…

David Ackerman defends law firms in professional malpractice and legal ethics actions. In addition, David litigates a variety of commercial matters, including class actions, real estate, and business disputes. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, clients value his litigation experience…

Sergio Acosta is Co-Chair of Akerman's White Collar Crime and Government Investigations Practice. A Chambers-ranked White Collar litigator and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers with over 70 jury trials to his credit, he has extensive experience defending companies and individuals in…

Kenneth Alberstadt is a senior member of the firm’s Corporate Department. Ken’s practice focuses on M&A, private equity, growth capital and early-stage financing transactions. He has extensive experience representing private equity sponsors, public and private companies and management teams in…

A noted employee benefits lawyer, author, and speaker, Beth Alcalde represents Fortune 500 companies and other public and private entities, including those in the hospitality, healthcare, and higher education sectors, throughout the United States. As a leader within the firm, Beth is a longtime…

A former deputy general counsel of the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (now DEP), Silvia Alderman is the chair of Akerman’s Water Task Force, a team of multidisciplinary legal professionals and consultants advising on the regulatory and environmental challenges facing our clients.…

With experience defending over 500 class action cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States, Marcy Levine Aldrich is chair of Akerman's Class Action Defense Litigation Practice. Noted by Chambers USA for her "strong reputation," Marcy litigates complex disputes, including…

Marissa Alguire is deputy chair of Akerman’s national Labor & Employment Practice Group. She represents employers in all aspects of employment-related business matters and litigation in state and federal courts, and in arbitration. Her practice focuses on the defense of management in class…

Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial Law, Rick Alvarez is a trial lawyer with versatility and experience in cases involving unique issues, troublesome facts, or both, such as catastrophic torts, corporate liability and risk management, complex commercial disputes, computer spying, and…

Marissa Amuial concentrates her practice on land use and development throughout South Florida. She represents clients in a variety of land use and zoning matters, including comprehensive plan amendments, zoning code changes, historic preservation approvals, special area plans (SAPs), development…

A former Assistant U.S. Attorney with a focus on public corruption and national security, Jacqueline Arango is co-chair of Akerman's White Collar Crime & Government Investigations Practice. She leads a team including former federal prosecutors, senior enforcement lawyers at the SEC, and…

Jeffrey Armstrong prepares and prosecutes patent applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), litigates patent matters in federal district courts, and represents clients in ex parte reexaminations at the USPTO and inter partes reviews at the Patent Trial and Appeals Board…

Joni Armstrong Coffey has extensive experience in a full range of local government law issues, with particular legal expertise in land use law. She focuses her practice on helping clients achieve optimal results from governmental approval processes and, where appropriate, litigation. Most recently,…

Ranked by Chambers USA, which lauds his reputation as a corporate lawyer "who serves his clients very well," William Arnhols has more than three decades of experience navigating public and private debt transactions. He has negotiated complex billion dollar transactions, and frequently acts as…

Santiago Assalini focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and securities transactions. He represents public and private companies and private equity funds in a variety of complex corporate transactions and general corporate matters. Santiago also counsels…

Jonathan Awner serves as Co-Chair of Akerman’s Corporate Practice Group. Ranked by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and The Legal 500 as a preeminent corporate lawyer, Jonathan advises clients in transactions in automotive retail, aviation, distribution, hospitality, logistics,…

Emily Ayvazian is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Labor and Employment Law and is among the youngest attorneys to have achieved this notable distinction. Emily works with local, regional, and Fortune 500 companies in navigating various workplace matters and her experience includes…

With a practice focused on the laws governing alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cannabis, and other regulated products, Ian Bacheikov assists clients across multiple sectors, including entertainment, hospitality, and retail. He serves as chair of Akerman's Alcohol Beverage Sector Team, a…

Brian Bagley brings more than 15 years of experience representing companies and individuals in complex commercial litigation matters. He has successfully tried cases in state and federal court in addition to advocating for clients during arbitration. Brian focuses his practice on commercial…

Beau Baker focuses his practice on real estate capital markets, securitizations, financial services, structured and commercial finance, creditors' rights, loan portfolio management and servicing, and financial restructuring. He represents traditional and non-traditional lenders in a variety of…

Nate Balint represents private equity funds, strategic acquirers, and entrepreneurs on the purchase and sale sides of merger, acquisition, and leveraged buyout transactions, including associated equity and debt arrangements. His experience spans several key sectors, including technology, media &…

Internationally recognized for his cross-border, Latin America, and U.S. experience, Arturo Banegas Masiá represents financial institutions, telecommunication companies, Fortune 100 companies, and buyers and sellers in corporate, finance, and restructuring transactions. He has been recognized across…

Rob Barkin's practice involves the representation of clients in all aspects of commercial real estate matters. Rob represents community, regional and national institutional lenders in construction and permanent loan transactions secured by real property as well as distressed asset loan restructuring…

Nicholas Barshel practices in the area of land use and development, representing clients in all aspects of the development approval process, including due diligence review, planning and zoning applications, submerged lands issues, dock and marina permits, historic preservation, code compliance, and…

David Bayne litigates complex, high profile commercial disputes and arbitration matters with a focus on professional liability defense, general commercial, and employment litigation. His clients include law firms, manufacturers, insurers, investors, information service providers, educational…

Cole Beaubouef is an experienced investment management lawyer who advises clients on all aspects of their businesses. He has a strong track record of structuring hedge, private equity, venture capital, multi-strategy, distressed debt, and real estate funds, as well as other investment vehicles.…

Jonathan Beckham is a seasoned corporate and technology transactions lawyer who counsels clients on sophisticated digital infrastructure (e.g. data center, telecommunications network), software, cloud computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, energy services and renewable energy,…

Bryce Benson litigates complex disputes for a broad range of clients, including Fortune 500 corporations, mid-size companies, and individuals. His experience spans a variety of sectors, including financial services, energy, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Bryce has substantial experience…

Co-Chair of Akerman’s national Construction Practice, Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Construction Law, and a LEED® Accredited Professional, Stacy Bercun Bohm represents developers, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in complex construction contract, project administration,…

Eyal Berger focuses his practice on complex business reorganizations, out-of-court debt restructuring, representation of Creditor Committees, assignments for the benefit of creditors, corporate dissolutions, Article 9 transactions, and the enforcement of creditors' rights. He also protects the…

Mark Bernet litigates complex commercial and business disputes, class action defense, bankruptcy, creditors' rights/foreclosures, and appellate matters in state and federal court. Experienced across a range of sectors, including finance, banking, real estate, aviation finance, and hospitality, his…

William ("Bill") Bernfeld focuses his practice on real estate and commercial law. He regularly assists clients in acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and financing of real estate projects in a variety of sectors throughout California including office, retail, restaurant, and industrial. Bill…

Joshua Bernstein serves as the co-chair of Akerman’s Hospitality Sector Team, a multidisciplinary group providing an extensive range of legal counsel and services to lodging and lifestyle companies. Josh's clients include hotel owners and operators, commercial property owners, lenders,…

Mark Bernstein serves as managing partner of Akerman's Chicago office. He represents business interests in complex disputes with a focus on financial services and manufacturing companies. Mark is often retained to resolve disputes that are a threat to a company’s existence or that could have a…

Ray Berti focuses his practice on employment litigation and counseling, representing companies across a wide variety of industries in all types of employment-related matters. As a litigator, Ray regularly represents employers in disputes involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment,…

A highly skilled civil, criminal, and appellate litigator, Joel Bertocchi handles appeals in state and federal courts and represents clients in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations and proceedings, providing counsel on compliance policies and related issues. He has argued cases in…

Jerrod Bevan is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group where he focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and securities transactions. Jerrod also handles general corporate representations and governance matters. Prior to attending law school,…

Brian Bianco is a registered patent lawyer and intellectual property litigator. He has represented clients in U.S. federal courts across the country in complex patent, trademark and trade dress disputes. With a degree and extensive background in electrical engineering, he has successfully…

Jarrett Bingemann represents residential homebuilders, master planned community developers, commercial property owners, and institutional investors on all aspects of the evaluation, acquisition, sale, and development of properties throughout the United States. In addition, Jarrett has experience…

David Birke serves as Co-Chair of Akerman’s Corporate Practice Group. David’s practice focuses on representing private equity funds, family offices and their portfolio companies in complex acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, restructurings, growth capital investments, and debt and equity…

With more than 20 years of experience litigating complex financial matters, Keith Blackman has successfully defended some of the nation’s largest multinational institutions in commercial disputes. Keith is a fierce advocate for his clients, and while prepared to litigate any case to trial and…

Danya Blair represents clients in a wide variety of civil litigation matters, including the defense of employment claims brought under state and federal statutes, trade secret and non-compete claims, workplace investigations, injunctive proceedings, appeals, commercial litigation, and defense of…

Ranked by Chambers USA for both taxation and tax controversy, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers in America, David Blum provides transactional, tax planning, and tax litigation counsel to local and multinational businesses throughout the United States. His practice serves a variety of sectors including…

Jessica Bober Rosenthal has a diverse practice in commercial litigation, legal ethics, and professional liability. She is skilled in managing and advocating for clients in large and complex cases. Jessica has advised on a wide variety of matters, including breach of various types of contracts,…

Rick is a litigation partner in Akerman’s Houston office, with a civil litigation practice focusing on insurance coverage matters and disputes. He routinely represents and advises insurance companies on various types of insurance coverage matters, including those involving directors and officers,…

Andrew Bolender focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions, representing both buyers and sellers in acquisitions and dispositions and lenders and borrowers in financing transactions. 

As an experienced business litigator, James Bombulie’s practice focuses on navigating real estate and commercial disputes in state and federal court as well as in arbitration. James has a wealth of experience representing public and private real estate companies, developers, financial companies,…

An experienced corporate lawyer, Lorenzo Borgogni represents public and private companies in sophisticated domestic and cross-border transactions, with a focus on U.S. inbound M&A transactions by foreign buyers. Lorenzo has structured, negotiated, and completed more than $40 billion worth of…

Gabriela Botifoll focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions and private equity investments. She represents publicly traded and privately held companies and private equity firms in a variety of complex corporate transactions and general corporate matters. She also brings in-house legal…

Michael Bowen is the chair of Akerman's State and Local Tax Practice, a national team advising multistate clients on compliance, controversy, and litigation matters in all 50 states. He serves clients in the financial, automotive, manufacturing, retail, ecommerce, pharmaceutical, healthcare, energy,…

David Brafman has 25 years of experience in patent, trademark, and other intellectual property litigation, including as lead counsel in jury trials. In patent cases, David has litigated in courts around the country involving a wide variety of technologies, including Internet-based auction systems,…

Tim Bramwell focuses his practice on public finance and health care finance, including related securities and tax matters. He represents issuers, underwriters, trustees, financial institutions and borrowers in a variety of transactions, including public bond offerings and private placement…

Joseph Brasile focuses his practice on complex commercial real estate transactions for owners, developers, institutional and private lenders, borrowers, landlords, and tenants. Joe has broad real estate financing experience with respect to permanent loans, acquisition loans, construction loans,…

A high stakes litigator and expert counselor, Richard Brosnick represents U.S. and international companies in antitrust litigation and counseling, financial services and securities litigation, and commercial contract litigation and arbitration. His clients span numerous sectors, including financial…

A veteran litigator, Brit Brown focuses his practice on representing energy and automotive clients in trials, arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and pre-trial issues. The scope of his work encompasses commercial and tort-related litigation, including supplier, dealer, personal injury, product…

Sara Brubaker's practice focuses on complex commercial, real estate, and construction litigation with an emphasis on contract and business disputes, including franchisor-franchisee disputes and intellectual property disputes. Prior to joining Akerman, Sara interned with the in-house counsel…

John Buckun focuses his practice on federal, state and local, and international tax matters. John represents closely held companies, middle market clients, private equity funds, and multinational corporations on all aspects of taxation including, the formation, operation and liquidation of…

Martin Burkett serves as co-chair of Akerman's M&A and Private Equity Practice. Martin represents public and private companies and private equity funds in a variety of corporate transactions, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions. Martin's practice includes structuring and…

Jeremy is a seasoned attorney whose 20-year practice is a hybrid of complex litigation and healthcare compliance, which he calls "litigation prevention." Jeremy represents healthcare providers in a wide range of litigation matters and disputes, including False Claims Act lawsuits and government…

Nathaniel Callahan represents major national and international financial institutions in litigation and regulatory compliance matters, including those arising under federal laws—the Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Equal Credit Opportunity…

John Campo is a veteran bankruptcy practitioner with a focus on Chapter 11 and large, complex Chapter 7 proceedings, as well as out-of-court workouts. With extensive experience in both the litigation and the corporate and transactional sides of bankruptcy matters, as well as corporate…

Andy Cao focuses his practice on commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation in state and federal courts. He advises clients on matters in trial courts, bankruptcy courts, as well as appellate matters. In his commercial litigation practice, Andy counsels a variety of clients…

Maria Carantzas represents multistate businesses in state and local tax compliance, audits and protests. Her work includes negotiating with multiple state and local departments of revenue. Maria’s clients include banks, finance companies, national retailers, multi-state companies, including…

Hunter Carpenter represents public and private companies in a variety of industries with mergers, acquisitions, and financings.  He also provides counseling on general corporate matters, including commercial contracts, credit facility and debt compliance, corporate organization and formation,…

Michael Carr focuses his practice on real estate litigation with an emphasis on real estate operations and landlord/tenant lease litigation. Michael regularly advises some of New York City’s largest landlords, developers, and managers to address their ever-changing real estate operational needs. He…

Christopher Carver supervises and conducts all aspects of federal and state civil litigation at trial and appellate levels, including case management, motions and pleadings, oral argument, depositions and written discovery, mediation, and trial. Areas of practice include arbitration, admiralty and…

Luis represents corporate debtors, lenders, secured and unsecured creditors, commercial landlords, suppliers, vendors, and purchasers of troubled companies and their assets, both in and out of bankruptcy court. He has extensive experience representing debtors in Chapter 11 and Chapter 15…

Edgard Cespedes is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He focuses his practice on first- and third-party insurance coverage, with specific attention to property and casualty claims, complex property policies disputes, and bad faith litigation. With a full range of experience, Edgard's…

Robert Chaskes is an esteemed trial lawyer with more than 35 years of experience in a wide range of complex commercial litigation, including jury and bench trials in state and federal courts across the United States. Among other matters, Mr. Chaskes has defended numerous class actions and has tried…

Michael Chavies is one of the most prolific and recognized trial lawyers in South Florida, having been lead counsel on and presided as a judge over hundreds of bench and jury trials. His 13 years on the civil bench has uniquely positioned him to try cases in nearly every courtroom, State and…

Janis Cheezem leases, buys, sells, and finances office buildings and mixed use, retail, residential, and industrial real estate for her clients, also providing counsel for property management issues and in workouts and restructurings of commercial real estate assets. She is recognized by Who's Who…

With extensive experience working with and in the high tech sector, Geoffrey Cheney devotes his practice to advising cutting edge companies on technology transactions, M&A, data security and data privacy issues and technology licensing. He has broad experience in technology transactions and…

Peter Chiabotti has a broad range of experience in traditional IP matters, including U.S. and foreign patent procurement, patent litigation, trademark portfolio management (including clearance, procurement, litigation, domain name disputes and world-wide brand protection), protection of trade…

Ginny Childs is the Orlando Office Managing Partner. She is a commercial litigator with significant experience in business torts, complex commercial foreclosures, non-compete agreements, creditors' rights, and real estate and lender liability. Clients turn to Ginny for help with their most…

Patrick Chistiansen is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. His practice focuses on working with public and private companies, financial institutions, and private equity funds in the middle market on mergers and acquisitions, financings, and other transactional matters. He has experience…

Steven Chudnow focuses his practice on commercial real estate and real estate finance. Steven advises lenders (banks, debt funds, REITS, and family offices), owners, and developers on a diverse range of complex real estate financing matters, ranging from complex mortgage, mezzanine, bridge and…

Sean Cichowski focuses his practice on resolving energy, employment, intellectual property, construction, and commercial disputes in litigation and arbitration. Sean uses his first chair and solo trial counsel experience to give his clients a complete perspective of the risks, benefits, and costs of…

Melissa Cizmorris focuses her practice on employment litigation and counseling. Melissa has litigated in state and federal courts throughout Colorado, Kansas, New York, and New Jersey and represents employers in a variety of labor and employment matters involving Title VII discrimination and…

For over thirty years, David has represented insurers and their insureds in a variety of third-party and first-party claims. In years past, he represented insureds in professional liability, general liability, commercial auto liability, and products liability cases. Gradually, his practice evolved…

Diana Clarkson focuses her practice on federal and state tax aspects of corporate transactions, including entity planning, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, tax-free spin-offs, and restructurings. Her significant tax background adds value to the counsel she gives businesses and their…

With comprehensive knowledge across all asset classes, Dana Clayton represents clients in real estate litigation in federal and state court. Her clients include Fortune 100 financial institutions, REITs, developers, retailers, and public and private real estate companies in disputes in financing,…

Trevor Coddington focuses his practice on all aspects of intellectual property law, particularly patent litigation and procurement. Trevor offers a unique combination of patent prosecution skills, litigation insight, real-life experience, and technical know-how delivered with sensible business…

Alan Cohen serves as co-office managing partner of Akerman’s New York office and previously served as the chair of Akerman's national Real Estate Finance Practice. With more than 30 years of experience, Alan has handled virtually every type of commercial real estate transaction over the course of…

Dale Alexandra Cohen focuses her practice on domestic and international franchising, distribution, and licensing law. Dale advises new emerging brands as well as widely recognized mature brands with respect to structuring and implementing their franchise, distribution, and licensing programs. Her…

Jordan Cohen advises clients on transactions involving healthcare providers and other healthcare-related platforms. Jordan routinely provides legal counsel related to federal and state privacy and data security matters, including compliance with HIPAA's Privacy, Security and Breach Notification…

Eric Coleman handles a wide variety of complex business litigation matters, including commercial disputes, breach of contract claims, business torts, personal injury, and shareholder derivative actions. Eric’s practice spans various industries and includes representation of clients in federal…

With over three decades of experience in the practice of trusts and estates law, Paul Collins helps individuals and families preserve their assets and plan for the future. His work includes trust and estate planning and administration, both in the United States and internationally. His particular…

A former Chief Judge of Florida's Third District Court of Appeal and member of the court for 22 years, Gerald Cope is the chair of Akerman's Appellate Practice. He represents clients in appellate litigation at the state and federal levels. Ranked by Chambers USA, peers say “He’s superb and doing…

Nancy Copperthwaite litigates complex disputes, including class actions and appeals, and advises employers on employment law issues. She has handled more than 300 appeals and has argued in five of Florida’s six district courts of appeal (DCA) as well as in the United States Court of Appeals for the…

Steven Cordero focuses his practice on commercial litigation in federal and state courts, mediations, and arbitrations. He defends and prosecutes on behalf of a wide range of clients, including law firms and businesses, actions pertaining to commercial, professional liability, directors and officers…

With more than 20 years of experience, Kanika Corley has developed a thriving practice in broad-based, complex commercial and intellectual property litigation with a focus on the sports, entertainment, and media industries. She has worked with and provided legal assistance for a wide array of…

Will Craven focuses his practice on complex litigation, strategy, and risk transfer matters. His clients often call on him for their toughest legal and business challenges, with Will representing insurers and insureds in high exposure defense litigation and claims management. Will’s practice also…

With more than 40 years of continuous experience, Charles Critchlow focuses his practice on export antitrust matters. Chuck counsels clients on competition law applicable to joint venture export corporations, and also advises on antitrust exemptions and a broad range of corporate-related…

Adria Crowe focuses her practice on transactional risk insurance matters. As underwriting counsel, Adria actively handles all aspects of the underwriting diligence process, including advising on pre-indication submissions, the due diligence phase, and policy negotiation. Adria advises transactional…

Spencer Crowley's practice focuses on large scale land use and environmental permitting matters, including zoning, growth management, urban development, transportation, sovereignty submerged lands, coastal regulation, marina permitting, wetlands, and water resources. He has worked with the…

Rola Daaboul is a seasoned litigator and trial attorney who focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, business torts, and personal disputes in state and federal courts. She advises clients on a wide range of matters including intellectual property, employment, real estate, construction,…

Jessica L. Dagley focuses her practice on business and commercial litigation matters. She represents public and private companies, small businesses, and individuals in business transactions and disputes, professional liability/malpractice matters, contract disputes, breach of fiduciary duty matters,…

Donald David is a litigator with experience in real estate, entertainment, estates, close corporations and partnerships, intellectual property and financing disputes. His clients include the estate of an internationally known rap artist (as well as other entertainers), the widow of the owner of one…

An accomplished litigator, Kirk Davis represents hospitals and health systems in complex regulatory compliance issues and disputes with a focus on medical malpractice and peer review hearings. Kirk has decades of experience in the peer review process and has been involved in all aspects of hearings,…

Sandy Davis advises privately-held and publicly-traded companies, high-net worth investors, and investment funds on a broad range of U.S. and international tax matters. His practice is both transactional and advisory, focusing on corporate, M&A, partnership, finance, joint venture, real estate,…

Wes Davis is a commercial litigator focusing on insurance coverage and construction disputes. His insurance coverage practice encompasses first-party and third-party insurance coverage matters throughout the United States. Wes advises insurance companies on policy coverage issues during the claim…

Julian is a trial attorney, commercial litigator, and legal counselor with more than 15 years of experience operating in the full gamut of high-stakes legal domains. With a focus on emerging technologies and other dynamic environments, Julian combines well-honed legal judgment with robust risk…

Josh DeBottis focuses his practice on project finance transactions for energy and infrastructure assets, with a particular focus on solar, wind, storage, and other clean energy assets as well as data centers. He represents lenders, investors, and sponsors in a variety of debt and tax equity…

Sarah DeFranco draws from more than 20 years of experience to provide on-call advice and counseling to employers of all sizes regarding compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, such as the FMLA, ADA, Title VII, ADEA, and FLSA. Both public and privately held companies rely on…

Damien DeLaney is a seasoned employment litigator and advisor with more than 15 years of experience helping solve employment law problems for clients large and small in a wide array of industries including retail, hospitality, food and beverage, real estate, construction, engineering, manufacturing,…

Gina DelChiaro is a partner and the firm's Director of Pro Bono Initiatives, a signature program designed to cultivate pro bono opportunities that leverage the skills and interests of Akerman lawyers to meet the legal needs of those who are least able to afford and most in need of legal…

A first chair litigator and trusted counselor to business executives, owners, entrepreneurs, and investors, Megan Costa DeLeon has achieved landmark victories, set precedent, and impacted the business landscape for her clients, including global Fortune 500 companies, private equity funds and their…

Christopher DePizzo is a seasoned transactional attorney specializing in advising private equity firms and their portfolio companies, as well as other public and private entities, on a wide array of complex transactions. His expertise encompasses platform and add-on acquisitions, leveraged buyouts,…

Diane DeWolf focuses her practice on handling complex civil and administrative appeals and is board certified by The Florida Bar in Appellate Practice. Diane has presented oral arguments in the Florida Supreme Court, Florida’s district courts of appeal, and the Federal 11th Circuit and Northern…

Akerman Remembers Our Friend and Colleague, Dean A. Dickie We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dean Dickie, a partner in the Chicago office since 2015. With a breadth of experience befitting a long career, Dean focused his practice on intellectual property, securities, and…

John Dicks has a robust and diverse practice, in litigation, land use, and bankruptcy. As a litigator, John has experience in a wide variety of cases, but focuses primarily on business litigation and legal malpractice defense. Other litigation experience includes fraudulent transfers, D&O…

Thomas Diorio represents clients in connection with the financing, acquisition, sale, leasing, and development of a full range of real estate assets including office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, warehouses, mixed-use properties and U.S. ports. He also assists clients with real estate issues…

Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law, Martin Dix focuses his practice primarily on pharmacy and drug distribution law. His clients encompass nearly all aspects of the legal drug delivery system, including pharmacies, pharmacists, and pharmacy benefit managers; drug wholesalers; drug and…

A skillful trial attorney, Amy Doehring represents clients in a wide variety of complex litigation matters in federal and state courts across the country as well as in arbitration. Her legal practice focuses on the defense of clients in several industries such as healthcare, food and beverage,…

Michael Doherty focuses his practice on the representation of Japanese industrial, trading, and service companies and their foreign affiliates, as well as other international and U.S. companies, in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, patent, technology and intellectual…

Martin Domb is a first chair trial and appellate lawyer serving businesses engaged in commercial and corporate litigation. Companies spanning many sectors retain him to handle high stakes, complex disputes, in courts and in arbitrations. His experience includes banking and finance, corporate and…

Andrew Dominguez’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation as well as cross-border disputes and international litigation and arbitration, with special emphasis on disputes that involve Latin America or parties located in this region. His background is in commercial litigation and he has…

David Doney focuses on M&A and public and private securities financings, corporate governance and compliance matters and Securities Exchange Act reporting as well as franchise- and licensing-related matters.David's clients include established public companies and privately held companies with…

Brenden Dougherty focuses his practice on insurance coverage matters on behalf of carriers. He regularly advises insurance companies on policy coverage issues, policy coverage disputes, and bad faith claims. Brenden has experience with a wide array of commercial insurance policies, including…

With a practice devoted to M&A, private equity and venture capital investments, and investment fund formation, Max Drake counsels business entities and their owners through all stages of development, from startup, to growth financing, to ultimate sale. Clients rely on Max's practical general…

Christopher Duke serves as managing partner of Akerman's Palm Beach County Offices. With a diverse practice in employment law and complex commercial litigation, Chris represents clients in federal and state courts, as well as in various arbitration forums and before federal, state, and local…

Brice Dumais focuses his practice on obtaining, enforcing, and defending patents in the United States and abroad, along with protecting his clients' technology by invalidating rival patents. Brice specializes in working with inventors to define the scope of their inventions, drafting patent…

Serving as office managing partner of Akerman's Wilmington office, Andrew Dupre guides clients in navigating the complexity of Delaware corporate law and the Delaware Court of Chancery. A corporate litigator with national and international experience representing limited partnerships, limited…

Barbara is a valued and trusted partner to the companies, financing parties, and other stakeholders she counsels. Barbara is relied upon to provide solutions to the most challenging legal and business issues by providing critical assessment to guide clients in decision making that appropriately…

Lawrence Eiben focuses his practice on a range of transactional matters for commercial real estate clients. He represents REITs, real estate funds, real estate joint ventures, and developers in connection with acquisitions, sales, developments and financing of office buildings, shopping centers,…

Formerly counsel at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Raye Curry Elliott works with financial institutions, national retailers and other companies in state and local tax controversy matters throughout the United States. Her experience includes refund actions, audit defense, administrative…

As a former general counsel for a leading real estate developer, owner, and operator and decades of market experience, Bill Ellis provides his clients with a comprehensive real estate perspective. He represents private equity funds, global financial institutions, investment banks, REITs, other…

Benjamin Escobar is a first chair trial lawyer with a background in chemical engineering. He brings a combination of technical know-how and deep sector experience to the complicated landscape of energy litigation. Ben's work encompasses upstream, midstream, downstream processes, with an emphasis on…

Eduardo Espinosa is an experienced court-appointed fiduciary frequently recommended by regulators to serve in proceedings where there is concern that alleged fraudsters will dissipate the remaining assets. A former enforcement lawyer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Eddy has…

Allison Etkin is an accomplished litigator with extensive experience handling a broad range of complex civil disputes. Her practice spans various areas, including construction, real estate, products liability, subrogation and recovery, contract and business disputes, professional liability,…

Carol Faber has extensive experience representing clients for over 30 years in a wide range of real estate transactions, including financing, leasing, and acquisition and sale transactions. Her financing experience includes representing borrowers and lenders in mortgage loans, ranging from several…

Lorie Fale provides state and local tax counsel related to transactional matters, tax planning, and refund claims. She has more than 24 years of experience as a Florida state tax controversy specialist, dealing with all aspects of Florida audits, refunds, and assessment management. Prior to…

Mario Fallone focuses his practice on venture capital, private equity, and general corporate matters, with an emphasis on representing startups, strategic investors, and venture capital funds in all aspects of venture financings, including initial and follow-on financings with preferred equity and…

Celia Falzone is an partner in Akerman's Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group. Celia represents a wide array of financial services companies in state and federal litigation including class actions and real estate title litigation. She regularly defends financial…

Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Labor and Employment Law, Cary Farris focuses his practice on defending businesses in all aspects of labor and employment matters, including discrimination and harassment class actions, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and…

John Faust advises investment companies, investment advisers, private funds, broker-dealers, and other financial services clients concerning regulatory issues. John also advises clients relating to the collateral consequences associated with proceedings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange…

Drew Felts focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions. He has extensive experience representing buyers, sellers, developers, investors, landlords, tenants and lenders in all facets of complex commercial real estate deals and financing throughout the Southeast and other parts of the…

Alejandro (Alex) Fernandez is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Intellectual Property Law, a distinction he has held for nearly 20 years. Alex’s energetic, strategic, and collaborative service to clients led to his selection as one of the “Top 100 Lawyers in Florida” and “Top 50…

Lauren Ferrante focuses her practice on state and local taxation. She represents clients at all stages of state and local controversy disputes at the audit, administrative and judicial levels. In particular, Lauren has extensive experience defending clients against qui tam (False Claims Act) claims…

A commercial real estate lawyer, Michelle Ferreira routinely works with banks, institutional investors, private investors, developers and homebuilders on construction, permanent, bridge, and mezzanine financing transactions. She has navigated a variety of transactions, including the acquisition,…

Michael Fertig serves as Akerman’s General Counsel. He focuses on protecting the firm and its clients by providing counsel on risk management, professional liability, compliance, contractual, employment disputes, and ethics issues.  As part of his broader practice, Michael protects the…

Heather Fesnak is a partner in Akerman's Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group.

Jeffrey Fickes specializes in private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate matters for businesses and investors both in the United States and internationally. With decades of experience, Jeff serves as a trusted adviser to company owners, boards, and senior executives. He has…

Troy Finnegan represents clients in transactional real estate matters, including the acquisition, development, financing, leasing, and sale of real estate. Troy’s practice is focused on all aspects of residential development, including single family, multifamily housing, and mixed-use…

Recognized by Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, and Florida Trend, Kristen Fiore is a seasoned, board certified appellate attorney, who has handled hundreds of complex commercial appeals and orally argued dozens of those cases, including appeals in all six Florida District Courts of Appeal,…

An experienced healthcare litigator and go-to trial lawyer, Noam Fischman is a trusted guide for healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, life sciences companies, and related healthcare vendors, leading clients through cases in federal and state courts, government investigations, and matters…

Andrea Fisher is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group, focusing on complex business middle market transactions and private company mergers and acquisitions. She possesses significant experience in a wide variety of sophisticated and strategic business, financial and legal transactions,…

Erica Fleetwood is a seasoned litigator and advisor whose highly diverse, multilingual team offers a strategic advantage to clients with increasingly multicultural and globalized workforces. As national and regional employment counsel for her clients, she routinely defends employment claims before…

A leading corporate and securities lawyer, Paul Foley serves as Chair of Akerman’s Investment Management Practice Group. Paul also serves as the Managing Partner of Akerman’s Winston-Salem office. He offers his clients practical, business-oriented solutions. Paul focuses his practice on corporate,…

Joel Forman defends financial services companies and professionals in securities litigation and government investigations concerning allegations of corporate and individual misconduct. His litigation experience includes federal and state court trials and appeals, arbitrations and mediations…

Angelica Fortney works with public and private companies on the design and implementation of tax-qualified and 403(b) retirement plans, health and welfare plans, cafeteria plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Her experience includes preparing plan documents, amendments, and summary…

Jed Freeland represents buyers and sellers in M&A, leveraged buyout and recapitalization transactions with a focus on representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in a wide range of industries. Jed also has broad experience in corporate restructurings, debt and equity…

A veteran lawyer with three decades of experience, Dean Freitag represents lenders and corporations in a range of financing matters. Notably, Dean has represented clients in hundreds of multimillion dollar loan transactions, of all sizes, including syndicated or participated loans involving mortgage…

Pedro Freyre is the chair of Akerman’s International Practice, a full-service team advising multinational and global corporations on a wide range of cross-border M&A, joint ventures, capital markets transactions, syndicated and secured lending, project finance, debt restructuring, trade,…

Irene Bassel Frick serves as the managing partner of Akerman's Tampa office. A trial lawyer with experience in state and federal court, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings, Irene has a multifaceted litigation practice encompassing contractual disputes, class action defense, fiduciary duty…

Rick Fucci is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group, having practiced with Akerman for 25 years. Rick represents public and private companies and the promoters of private investment funds in a variety of corporate, securities and M&A transactions. He has extensive experience in structuring…

Michael Fulks is an experienced transactional attorney with a wide-ranging corporate practice. Described as a “rising star” with “an incredible work ethic” in Chambers USA’s Corporate/M&A rankings, Michael counsels entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses of all sizes on key business…

Tom Fullerton represents financial institutions in all facets of the loan cycle from origination to refinance to workouts and bankruptcy proceedings, including complex commercial litigation. He also represents clients in financings and other commercial transactions.  In his bankruptcy practice,…

Anne Marie Garavaglia has nearly 30 years of experience in commercial real estate finance and capital markets as both an in-house attorney for Fortune 50 corporations and as a partner in Am Law 100 ranked law firms. She focuses her practice on real estate capital markets, securitizations, structured…

Alejandro García-Villalpando advises public and private companies, private equity firms, and hedge funds on domestic and international tax and corporate matters, with a focus on the tax aspects of cross-border transactions, including the structuring of inbound and outbound U.S. investments.…

Denise Gavica Perez provides cutting-edge and creative legal counsel to companies and institutions throughout the U.S. She has extensive experience managing employment-based immigration cases for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, and immigration planning and compliance programs for entities…

With over 27 years of experience, Amy Moor Gaylord focuses her practice on traditional labor matters and employment litigation for both public and private sector employers with an emphasis on National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proceedings, union organizing drives, NLRB-conducted elections,…

Evelina Gentry is an accomplished commercial and bankruptcy litigator, known for her strategic counsel and innovative solutions to complex legal challenges. She specializes in high-stakes commercial litigation, corporate disputes, bankruptcy litigation, antitrust matters, and Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR)…

An experienced business litigator with a national practice and deep local roots, Christian George serves as the current president of the Jacksonville Bar Association, the managing partner of Akerman’s Jacksonville office and on the firm's national board of directors. He devotes his practice to…

Meg George has experience with real estate and municipal law matters, including the acquisition, and sale and development of real estate, land use and zoning, licensing, permitting, subdivision, and other real estate matters. In addition to her thriving practice, Meg is a member of Akerman’s…

A versatile tax lawyer, Stefi George advises clients in tax planning, compliance, controversy, tax insurance underwriting and litigation. Stefi’s practice encompasses all areas of state and local tax controversy and planning, including income tax, gross receipts, payroll, and sales and use tax.…

Jeff Gilmore is sought after for his domestic and international experience in many segments of the construction industry on both private and public projects. He is repeatedly ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers USA, which describes him as “extremely talented and astute at strategy.”…

A multifaceted litigator, Jennifer Glasser focuses her practice on complex commercial disputes, business torts, private equity litigation, and civil theft cases. She represents local, national, and international companies in the hospitality industry, providing strategic advice on day-to-day…

Brenda Goerks' broad real estate practice focuses on local and national transactions for foreign and domestic clients in the acquisition, sale, financing, development, management, operation, and leasing of real estate including automotive dealerships, agricultural, luxury homes, privately developed…

Andrew Gold has extensive experience litigating cases in and outside of Florida. He focuses on complex commercial litigation with particular emphasis on private equity, corporate governance, post-merger & acquisition disputes, misappropriation of trade secrets, and restrictive covenants. Andrew…

Eric Goldberg advises clients on a range of consumer financial services issues. Prior to joining Akerman, Eric was Managing Counsel for Regulations at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) where he led the Agency’s payments regulatory work. At Akerman, Eric evaluates federal and state…

A Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, Michael Goldberg is co-chair of Akerman’s Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice Group. For more than three decades, Michael's practice has focused on the recovery aspects of complex bankruptcies and fraud. He has served as court-appointed receiver in…

James Goldsmith represents private companies, including private equity funds, in M&A, private equity, federal income tax, and securities. He also represents local government entities in a multitude of areas including federal and state regulatory matters. He serves clients in the technology,…

Erica Gomer assists, advises, and represents businesses ranging from closely held companies and family-owned operations, to large corporations and private equity firms, in a variety of complex commercial litigation matters, including business torts, contract disputes, corporate shareholder disputes,…

Cristina Gonzalez specializes in commercial lending transactions, with an emphasis on acquisition finance. She regularly advises leading financial institutions, private equity funds, portfolio companies, credit funds and corporate borrowers in a wide variety of debt financing transactions, including…

Eric Gordon is the chair of Akerman’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, a national team representing employers in legal compliance, dispute prevention, and employment litigation throughout the United States. An experienced litigator, he represents Fortune 500 companies operating in the…

Today’s disputes are global and require vision to understand the interaction among the different geographic, cultural, and legal systems to find solutions to complex domestic and international problems. Ilana Gorenstein has developed an expertise in dealing with the growing internationalization of…

Marc Gottlieb is a partner in Akerman's Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group with more than 25 years of experience litigating a wide range of complex commercial litigation matters in state and federal court, in bankruptcy court, and in arbitration hearings. Marc's…

Darryl Graham is a federal and state litigation practitioner, and regularly arbitrates domestic and international disputes before the American Arbitration Association (AAA), International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). His nationwide trial and…

David Grasher is a Partner in Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group and is a part of Akerman’s eDiscovery Services team. David has experience with the full lifecycle of  the discovery process, from the initial stage of data preservation and collection all the way through document…

Fortune 500 companies, privately held businesses, and not-for-profit organizations turn to Valerie Greenberg, a veteran litigator and courtroom strategist with a national reputation in high-stakes litigation, to resolve complex business disputes. Previously a reporter and editor at the Miami Herald…

A former vice president and senior legal counsel for the credit card and retail services division of HSBC, Eric Gribbin possesses deep knowledge of the financial services sector. He represents banks, finance companies, securities broker-dealers, insurance brokers, investment advisors, and other…

James Grice focuses his practice on general commercial real estate, primarily representing investors, developers, operators, and users in the data center and digital infrastructure realm. Jim has distinguished himself in the data center and renewable energy sector where he utilizes his intimate…

A former interim Medicaid Director, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Deputy General Counsel, and Chief Medicaid Counsel for the State of Florida, Steven Grigas has presided over the State of Florida's $15 billion Medicaid program with particular focus in managed care, disease management, pharmacy…

Amanda Gunter is an experienced commercial real estate attorney who focuses her practice on complex commercial real estate transactions. She represents master planned community developers and residential homebuilders in the acquisition, sale, and development of residential and commercial property.

Gary Guzzi serves as chair of Akerman’s Insurance Litigation Practice, a national team of 45 lawyers representing leading domestic and foreign carriers, self-insured corporations, municipalities, and related entities in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation. He protects the interests of…

With a background in healthcare finance and as in-house general counsel to a hospital system, Marcy Hahn-Saperstein now serves as outside general counsel to hospitals, senior living facilities, physician groups and other healthcare providers. In this capacity, she structures, drafts, negotiates, and…

Sahar Hakakian represents investors, owners, lenders, and developers in diverse real estate matters, including joint ventures, development, acquisitions and dispositions, financing, operation, and leasing of various assets. The real estate asset types covered by Sahar’s practice range from office…

Andrew Hard represents private equity firms, strategic investors, independent sponsors, venture capital firms, portfolio companies, public companies, startups and entrepreneurs in mergers and acquisitions transactions, leveraged buyouts, divestitures, joint ventures, private offerings, and…

Ryan Harding focuses his practice on the development and protection of intellectual property in the United States and abroad. Ryan represents clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and leverages a network of foreign counsel to build multinational intellectual property portfolios.Ryan’s…

Howard "Jay" Harrington is a litigation partner in Akerman's Jacksonville office, with a civil litigation practice focusing on commercial litigation and creditors' rights. He routinely represents financial institutions and other lenders, as well as all types of businesses and individuals, in all…

Catherine Bentley Harris focuses on assisting companies in formation, governance, and general corporate law as well as the selection, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property assets. She also helps companies with labor and employment issues including the negotiation of employment…

Naheem Harris focuses his practice on representing domestic and international real estate companies, institutional lenders, real estate investment trusts (REITs), funds, and other real estate investors and operators on a wide range of real estate matters, including bespoke financings (mortgage,…

Phillip Harris focuses his practice on employment litigation, defending clients in non-compete and trade secret litigation, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, whistleblower, retaliation, and wrongful termination matters. He defends clients in a variety of venues, including state and federal…

Andrea Hartley is the co-chair of Akerman’s Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice Group, a nationally recognized team serving as bankruptcy counsel or receivers in many of the largest bankruptcy filings in the United States. An experienced bankruptcy and creditors’ rights litigator, Andrea counsels…

Carolyn Haslam represents owners and developers in all facets of real estate developments, including entitlements and concurrency. Her primary focus is in land use, including office, retail, mixed-use, and residential, as well as large planned community projects. This includes counseling clients on…

Peter Haveles represents and counsels financial institutions, corporations, and individuals in litigation matters and significant corporate risks related to the financial services industry and markets and distressed assets. Clients seek Peter's advice, guidance and representation for breach of…

Christy Hawkins (CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, FIP, PLS) focuses her practice on privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and incident response. She advises clients on state, federal, and international data security and privacy issues, including compliance and risk management. She supports…

Chris Hayes represents developers, homebuilders, and investors in the acquisition, development, and sale of real property in Florida and California. He has overseen numerous complex acquisitions and dispositions. As part of his transactional practice, Chris also represents clients in retail and…

Taylor Haywood is a partner in Akerman’s Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group. Taylor represents a wide array of financial services companies in state and federal litigation including class actions and litigation involving homeowners’ association lien priority. She…

Ben Hedrick practices in the area of land use and development, representing clients in all aspects of the development approval process in municipalities and unincorporated areas in both Miami-Dade County and Broward County, including in the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, Ben has…

Jason Heep has litigated and resolved commercial disputes, complex insurance-coverage issues, and environmental-remediation matters across the country for more than 20 years. He uses his environmental-engineering background to assist with environmental-regulatory compliance and preventive measures…

Ross Heft represents clients in all facets of commercial real estate transactions, with a strong concentration in advising developers, owners, lenders, and operators of hotels, resorts, condominiums, and mixed-use real estate developments. Ross structures and negotiates complex construction…

Kevin Hein serves as co-chair of Akerman’s Franchise and Licensing Sector Team, a highly experienced group handling U.S. and international franchising, licensing, dealership and trademark counseling, registration and litigation matters for franchisors, licensors, subfranchisors, dealers, and other…

With a wealth of experience in complex commercial real estate transactions, Marc Heller focuses his practice on acquisitions and dispositions of multifamily properties and development throughout the United States and related joint ventures and debt. Marc helps clients navigate complex ownership…

Bill Heller founded and chairs Akerman’s Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group, among the largest national legal teams supporting consumer financial service providers and emerging technologies. Active in firm leadership, Bill serves as a member of Akerman’s Executive…

William "Bill" Helmstetter is a partner in Akerman’s Corporate Practice Group where he serves as lead counsel on transactions where technology, data, and privacy considerations constitute key components of the deal. Bill has significant experience negotiating complex, high-profile deals across…

Xakema Henderson focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation. She has experience litigating high-stakes matters in state and federal court and has litigated a wide range of issues, including insurance coverage and bad faith matters; data breach, privacy, and cybersecurity matters; and…

Elan Hersh is a Partner in Akerman's Litigation Practice Group and leads Akerman's eDiscovery Services team. Elan advises clients on electronic discovery (eDiscovery), information governance, litigation readiness and response, cross-border discovery issues, and data privacy. Elan leverages his…

Michael Hess is an experienced litigator who focuses his practice on complex commercial and business litigation matters. Michael combines his strong written and oral advocacy skills with an energetic, detail-oriented and creative approach to every case his clients entrust him with no matter the size…

A trial lawyer with well over a decade of experience, Dustin Hillsley acts as lead counsel in a wide variety of complex commercial litigation matters, with emphasis on private equity, commercial real estate, M&A, bet-the-company, shareholder and partnership matters (including business divorce),…

With significant experience in all facets of federal tax controversy, Erin Hines focuses her practice on IRS examinations, appeals, and litigation. Erin is proficient with regard to IRS procedures, resolution mechanisms, and litigation strategy, making her an effective advocate for her clients. Erin…

Montoya M. Ho-Sang provides full service representation to higher education institutions, including performing Title IX audits and compliance reviews regarding athletics and sexual misconduct matters, representing institutions in a wide range of civil litigation matters, and drafting policies and…

A former president of the Florida Academy of Healthcare Attorneys, Betsy Hodge concentrates her practice on compliance and regulatory issues affecting healthcare providers, payers, and employer-sponsored health plans. Betsy has significant experience with HIPAA and the HITECH Act and assists covered…

Ricardo Hollingsworth focuses his practice on the representation of private equity and venture capital firms in connection with their fund formation and portfolio company investments. In addition, he represents institutional investors, including foundations, endowments, public and private…

Irán Hopkins is a partner in Akerman LLP’s Real Estate Practice Group, where she focuses on complex transactions, structuring tax efficient ownership and operations, and regulatory compliance for clients across a range of industries, including real estate private equity, healthcare leasing,…

Alicia counsels and represents U.S. and international companies in major litigation in a wide variety of areas, including financial services, real estate, competition, business torts, securities, and intellectual property. On behalf of her clients, she both defends against claims and analyzes…

Paula Howell focuses her practice on litigation matters. Paula regularly counsels clients involved in complex commercial and construction litigation. Paula also has experience with matters involving torts, trademark infringement, and employment-related disputes. She has conducted numerous…

Art Howson is a transactional lawyer with significant expertise in renewable energy finance and development spanning a diverse range of technologies, including solar energy, battery storage, commercial EV charging, and bioenergy. Art advises clients on the financing, construction, acquisition, and…

Will Hoy focuses his practice on the representation of private equity sponsors, family offices and their portfolio companies in complex mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, rollup strategies and growth equity financing transactions, including creating and capitalizing platform…

Elizabeth Hughes is a highly skilled attorney who focuses on fiduciary litigation, with a particular concentration on disputes that arise from Florida estates, trusts, and guardianships. Elizabeth’s experience includes successfully litigating and resolving complex cases involving will and trust…

Described by Chambers USA as "incredibly knowledgeable and pragmatic," Steve Hurlbut focuses on construction and government contract litigation, with an emphasis on resolution of delay and other schedule-related claims. He assists clients on projects throughout the United States, including…

Elizabeth Izquierdo focuses her practice on legal malpractice defense. She also has experience in the areas of complex commercial litigation, securities fraud, and professional liability with a focus on accounting malpractice defense, as well as appellate practice.

Dan Jacobson advises private equity funds and mid-size public and private entities, family offices and high net worth individuals with respect to their material or non-routine business transactions including mergers and acquisitions and debt and equity financings and investments. His practice is…

Parisa Jassim is a partner in Akerman's Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group.

Benjamin Joelson litigates complex commercial disputes at both the trial and appellate levels, in state and federal courts, and in arbitrations. His practice focuses on representing real estate developers, commercial landlords and tenants, hotel owners and operators, and construction companies in a…

Robin Johnson focuses her practice on commercial litigation. She has experience litigating in state and federal courts across the country and has litigated a wide range of issues with a focus on insurance coverage and bad faith matters. Robin advises insurance companies not only on policy coverage…

Joshua Kammeraad represents residential homebuilders, master planned community developers, commercial property owners, and institutional investors on all aspects of the evaluation, acquisition, development and sale of real estate. In addition, he is experienced in commercial leasing and financing…

Neisen Kasdin serves as co-office managing partner of Akerman's Miami office. A former mayor of Miami Beach and leader in the revitalization of South Beach, he brings extensive civic experience to his work on urban revitalization and the development of complex, large-scale, multi-use…

A former regulatory lawyer at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Thomas Kearney helps lenders, financial and regulatory technology companies, banks, investors, and other financial services providers navigate issues arising under financial services laws, including TILA, HMDA, ECOA, FCRA, GLBA,…

With a passion for defending the reputations of lawyers and law firms, David Keller has devoted more than 25 years to representing lawyers in professional liability matters and counseling law firms on risk management issues. He regularly handles “bet-the-law firm” cases and is frequently engaged to…

Michael Kelly defends companies and individuals in criminal and civil enforcement actions covering a wide variety of issues. He has helped clients respond to allegations concerning securities fraud, accounting fraud, wire fraud, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, money laundering, health care fraud,…

Ben Kemble is managing partner of Akerman's San Antonio office. He is a litigator with extensive experience representing both individuals and entities in a variety of matters. His experience runs from representing major property/casualty and automobile insurance carriers in defense of extra…

Dennis A. Kerbel is chair of Akerman's Florida Land Use and Entitlements Practice. Dennis has extensive experience in the full range of local government law issues, with a particular legal concentration in land use law. He focuses his practice on helping clients achieve optimal results from…

Carolyn Kershner focuses her practice on foreign and domestic income tax planning and litigation, state and local tax planning and litigation, corporate and cross-border transactions, employee benefits and executive compensation, not-for-profit and tax-exempt organizations, and estate planning for…

Scott Kessler litigates complex commercial and intellectual property disputes at both the trial and appellate levels. He has tried and argued numerous cases in federal and state courts. His experience encompasses corporate and private equity transactions, trademarks, copyrights, real estate,…

Farid Khosravi is a member of the Tax Practice Group and focuses his practice on international tax planning and controversy. He has more than 17 years of international tax experience both in client service and in-house with a diversified, Fortune 500 manufacturing and materials sciences company. He…

Christine Kim focuses her practice on transactional risk liability insurance matters. As coverage counsel, Christine represents domestic and international insurers in representations and warranties, indemnification and warranties, contingent risk, trade credit, and political risk matters. She also…

With a diverse, national practice focusing on employment law, complex commercial litigation, and crisis management, Jeffrey Kimmel represents clients in federal and state courts, as well as in various arbitration forums and before federal, state, and local administrative bodies. His clients operate…

Donnie King is an experienced first-chair trial lawyer with a national practice focused on representing clients in complex commercial litigation and arbitration. His experience includes high stakes business disputes, class actions, business torts, securities litigation, private equity litigation,…

Focused on M&A, corporate, and general business matters, Fran Kleiner represents public and privately held companies in all aspects of their businesses, including formation, structuring, organization, financings, and day-to-day operational matters. Her broad experience covers a spectrum of…

Arlene Kline is a veteran litigator defending labor and employment matters on behalf of banking, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, media, distribution, transportation, software, law firms, and non-profit sector clients. Clients value her comprehensive practice, including advising on…

A preeminent corporate lawyer who has negotiated an extensive number of deals, Teddy Klinghoffer devotes his practice to mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, as well as corporate compliance and governance issues. He advises buyers, sellers, and investors in structuring, negotiating,…

Kathy represents broker-dealers in arbitration, state and federal court litigation, and regulatory and self-regulatory organization investigations and enforcement actions. She counsels national and regional securities brokerage firms, clearing firms, and officers, employees, and independent…

Amanda Klopp focuses her practice on bankruptcy and commercial litigation, insolvency and restructuring, banking and financial services litigation, and judgment enforcement. Amanda represents lenders, creditors, debtors, trustees, and assignees in state and federal court litigation, proceedings…

Melissa Koch is a business and technology lawyer with more than 25 years of experience advising tech and tech-enabled companies across industries. As a former in-house counsel, she brings exceptional depth and breadth of strategic legal expertise. In her transactional practice, Melissa structures,…

Karyn Koiffman represents private equity funds, family offices, private companies and public corporations in a wide variety of complex domestic and cross-border transactions. Karyn’s practice focuses primarily on acquisitions and divestitures, including leveraged buyout transactions, follow-on…

Lisa Kolieb focuses her practice on land use and real estate development matters, guiding clients through the land use entitlement process from initial site diligence to ultimate project approval, construction and operation, and advising clients on the government and regulatory aspects of real…

Ronald Kornreich is a partner in Akerman’s Real Estate Practice Group and a member of Akerman’s Chambers USA - nationally recognized Hospitality Sector Team. He is a highly versatile transactional lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience representing clients in a wide range of commercial…

Sergey Kotelnikov's practice encompasses a wide range of complex commercial transactions with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, and recapitalizations. He regularly represents private equity firms and their portfolio companies in both buy and sell side…

Monica Kovecses represents businesses, individuals, and municipalities in various contract and tort disputes in both state and federal court. She also has experience representing attorneys and other professionals in malpractice and related disputes, including successfully defending a prominent law…

Jennifer Kramer is a partner in the Real Estate Practice Group and a member of the firm's Hospitality Sector Team. Jennifer works with clients in all facets of commercial real estate transactions, with a strong concentration in the representation of clients in the hospitality sector, including…

Sarah Kroll-Rosenbaum is a trusted strategic advisor to her clients, with whom she partners to navigate challenges and opportunities alike. Sarah is a national expert in the staffing industry and leads Akerman’s Staffing Law Sector team, which assists staffing firms across sectors in avoiding and…

Ryan Krone defends businesses in all aspects of labor and employment matters, including wrongful terminations, breach of contract matters, discrimination and harassment claims, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cases, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) cases, wage and hour cases, as well…

Gregory Kubly is a commercial litigator with experience in all aspects of litigation, trial, and appellate work. His practice focuses upon real estate, construction, and commercial litigation. He has assisted a broad range of commercial clients involving application of complex state and federal…

Erika Labelle represents public and private businesses in transactional tax, REIT, and controversy matters. She focuses her practice on corporate and partnership tax planning and structuring, including taxable and tax-free corporate mergers, stock and asset acquisitions, reorganizations,…

Scott Lachman is a partner in Akerman's Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group. Scott represents a wide array of financial services companies in state and federal litigation including class actions and litigation involving homeowners' association lien priority. He…

Sara Langan focuses her practice on tax equity financed transactions, including securing tax benefits from federal and state low-income housing, historic rehabilitation, and renewable energy tax credits. She has several years of experience representing investors, syndicators, and developers in…

With an established record of creative and effective advocacy, Cindy Laquidara navigates complex litigation matters, from administrative hearings to federal and state trials and appeals. Cindy has 70 published opinions in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Her practice serves municipal…

Pete Larsen is the co-chair of Akerman’s national Tax Practice Group, a team advising clients in global tax compliance and controversy matters, including complex transactions in the middle market. The practice was recognized by Law360 as a “Tax Practice Group of the Year” for its precedent-setting…

Michael Larson advises clients on a range of complex environmental law issues arising in litigation, regulatory, and transactional matters. In addition to handling environmental disputes, he routinely assists clients with the cleanup, reuse, repurposing, and redevelopment of Brownfields and other…

With more than two decades of experience in zoning and land use matters, Chris Leach represents property owners, developers, and business owners in obtaining approvals of planned developments, zoning changes, special uses, variations, subdivisions, vacations, and dedications. Chris also works with…

A commercial real estate and transactional attorney with experience spanning a variety of areas, Robert Leapley represents investors, borrowers, developers, financial institutions, and landowners in loan workouts and restructurings, joint venture agreements, historic tax credit transactions, EB-5…

A recognized authority on workforce matters with more than 25 years of experience, Debra Leder provides employers with human resources consultation, corporate due diligence assistance, review and drafting of employment-related agreements and contracts, employee handbooks and policies. Serving a…

Alexandra Ledyard focuses her practice on civil litigation in state and federal district courts representing both plaintiffs and defendants across a wide variety of areas, including commercial litigation, employment defense, trade secret misappropriation, and construction and real estate…

Amanda K. Leech focuses her practice on general corporate counseling of both privately held and public companies. She counsels boards of directors on corporate governance and compliance and has extensive experience representing special committees of boards with independent reviews and…

With a focus on land use, environmental law and litigation, Rick Leland has more than 45 years’ experience representing real estate developers, universities, non-profit organizations, and industrial companies on the environmental aspects of real estate transactions, development, and land use. Rick’s…

A veteran litigator with experience managing commercial disputes in the Delaware Court of Chancery and intellectual property disputes throughout the United States, including the International Trade Commission, clients rely on Brian Lemon for his versatility and perspective. Well-versed in Delaware…

Chris Lepore focuses his practice on employment litigation and counseling. He partners with employers nationwide of all sizes and types as a strategic advisor on a wide range of day-to-day workplace issues, including hirings, terminations, reductions in force, performance management, leave…

Anne Levin-Nussbaum, a federal income tax lawyer for more than 25 years, focuses her practice on transactions involving the development, financing, sales and acquisitions of renewable energy projects.  She advises her clients on energy tax credits, depreciation and other tax incentives for…

Warren Lee Lewis serves as co-chair of Akerman's Franchise and Licensing Sector Team, a highly experienced group handling U.S. and international franchising, licensing, dealership and trademark counseling, registration and litigation matters for franchisors, licensors, subfranchisors, dealers and…

Mark Lichtenstein focuses his practice on a broad range of corporate and bankruptcy matters, including restructuring of private equity portfolio companies, bankruptcy litigation, and the acquisition of assets in bankruptcy cases, as well as workouts, creditors’ rights litigation,…

Jason S. Lichtstein serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Atlanta office. Jason focuses his practice on the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields and other contaminated sites in the Southeast U.S. His practice includes a broad range of environmental transactional, environmental regulatory…

With more than 30 years of experience, Marc Lieberstein focuses his practice on intellectual property licensing and franchising, including the drafting, negotiation, and enforcement of license and franchise documents and agreements, as well as the implementation of branding and commercialization…

Greg Limoncelli represents financial institutions and borrowers in commercial lending, trade finance, receivables purchase, and workout matters. His experience includes single lender, unitranche and syndicated facilities for cash flow, secured, asset-based, acquisition, highly leveraged, factoring,…

Jennifer Lindy focuses her practice on cross-border and international tax issues in disputes with the IRS during all phases of the tax controversy and litigation process for individual, partnership/pass-through, and multinational corporate taxpayers. She has over 18 years of diverse experience in…

Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Labor and Employment Law, John Linker focuses his practice on defending businesses of all sizes in matters involving wrongful terminations, union organizing, breach of contract matters, unfair labor practice charges, discrimination…

Sarah Lis has extensive employment litigation experience and routinely defends employers across the country in connection with collective and class actions arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and related state wage and hour laws. She also regularly advises companies on compliance with…

Julia Lissner is a litigator, trial attorney, and appellate lawyer who loves partnering with clients to navigate and tackle complex business problems through litigation. Julia represents public and private companies and individuals in a wide range of business disputes in state and federal courts…

John Loar focuses his practice on healthcare regulatory and litigation matters, commercial litigation, tort litigation, real estate litigation, and administrative litigation. John represents a diverse set of clients, from business leaders to healthcare professionals, in regulatory matters such as…

Robert Loewy focuses his practice on U.S. and international tax planning. He advises both domestic and foreign clients with regard to tax efficient transactions. Rob's practice is both transactional and advisory, focusing on the taxation of financial instruments and products, hedge funds, and…

Bringing extensive litigation experience in both state and federal courts, Jorge López serves as Akerman's Assistant General Counsel. Jorge focuses on protecting the firm and its clients with risk management, professional liability, compliance, contractual, employment disputes, and ethics issues.…

With more than 28 years of experience in infrastructure and energy transactions, Eddie Lowry is a trusted authority for clients in this dynamic and rapidly evolving sector. He advises developers, operators, and investors on the full economic cycle of data centers and data energy projects, including…

Kristofer Machado is a real estate development lawyer. He represents clients in all aspects of land development, with a focus on complex land use and regulatory matters. Builders, investors, lenders, and property owners turn to Kristofer for guidance with their most challenging and often high…

James Macpherson focuses his practice on corporate matters. He represents domestic and international clients in connection with mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and other complex business transactions. James also provides securities compliance, corporate governance, and…

Erin Maddocks focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, fiduciary dispute resolution, and litigation involving contested trusts and estates. She has litigated in state and federal courts and has experience litigating a wide range of complex commercial matters, including breach of…

Thomas Maira advises real estate private equity funds, investors, buyers, developers, borrowers, sellers, and lenders in connection with joint venture and preferred equity investments, acquisitions, development, mortgage and mezzanine loans, workouts and dispositions in connection with various asset…

Spencer Malley focuses his practice on advising national healthcare organizations to grow and manage their real estate portfolios. Spencer understands how healthcare laws impact real estate transactions and assists clients in developing processes to proactively mitigate risk and produce outcomes…

Tammy represents businesses and individuals primarily in the U.S. gaming and hospitality sectors, as well international entities sued in the United States. She routinely advises resort, hotel, casino, and pari-mutuel owners and operators, local and foreign, on regulatory and other operational…

With broad litigation experience in business and real estate disputes, Josh Mandell is a versatile and skilled litigator, trial lawyer, trusted counselor, and problem solver. Josh devotes his practice to all aspects of business litigation, including breach of contract matters, fraud claims, and…

Tom Mandler represents employers on a nationwide basis in the full spectrum of issues dealing with their employees, whether or not they are employed at-will, pursuant to an employment agreement, or represented by a union. A substantial portion of his practice is devoted to advising employers on how…

Caroline Mankey is a seasoned trial lawyer representing diverse clients in the entertainment, arts, fashion, retail, and technology sectors, including motion picture studios and production companies, major media companies, film libraries, actors, comedians, television personalities, musicians,…

Jason Margolin represents businesses and individuals in resolving controversies through court proceedings, trials, alternative dispute resolutions, and administrative proceedings. As a business litigator, Jason has experience successfully advocating for his clients in a wide variety of cases…

Gabe Marinaro focuses his practice on all aspects of employee benefits and executive compensation. He regularly counsels publicly traded and privately held companies, tax-exempt organizations, and governmental entities on a variety of employee benefits and executive compensation matters. Gabe…

D. Brett Marks represents troubled companies, secured and unsecured creditors, asset purchasers, private equity groups, trustees, and creditors' committees in Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases, out-of-court workouts, and litigation matters. Brett also has significant experience representing and…

Serving as Office Managing Partner of Akerman's Houston office, Scott Marrs is a formidable trial lawyer litigating high profile matters in state and federal courts as well as arbitrations in the United States, South America, the Middle East, and Europe. Scott focuses on legal issues in virtually…

LaKeisha Marsh serves as the chair of Akerman’s Government Strategies Practice Group. She leads a team of professionals providing strategic counsel on policy and regulatory issues in the United States. With a comprehensive legal background serving the higher education sector, including as an NCAA…

An accomplished first chair trial lawyer and trusted counselor, Michael Marsh has extensive experience representing Fortune companies and private equity firms in high stakes business disputes and providing strategic input and guidance on business issues. With a wide-ranging litigation practice in…

Nora Martins concentrates her practice on New York City zoning and land use, particularly applications for discretionary approvals from the City Planning Commission (such as zoning map amendments, City map changes, zoning text amendments, and special permits) and the Board of Standards and Appeals…

Ildefonso 'Dito' Mas is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. Dito has experience litigating a variety of cases, including class actions, commercial disputes, intellectual property disputes, employment discrimination cases, police misconduct cases, and other disputes arising under federal law.

Gus Maxwell, chair of Akerman’s cutting edge Cuba practice, helps Fortune 500 and other U.S. companies develop viable business interests on the island. A Cuban-American, clients appreciate his first-hand knowledge and understanding of Cuba’s culture, government, and business climate. Ranked by both…

A business litigator, Jeff has litigated hundreds of disputes, including complex collective and class actions throughout the country. Jeff represents clients in real estate, software, complex scientific and technical contract matters, as well as in select employment litigation. He serves as lead…

John McCaffrey focuses his practice on the tax aspects of energy project financings. John represents investors in connection with their investments in renewable energy assets, including solar, wind, and storage projects, across a wide variety of structures, including sale-leaseback and partnership…

Christopher McCranie focuses his practice on all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. Christopher represents community, regional, and national institutional lenders in permanent and development loan transactions secured by real and personal property, as well as distressed asset loan…

Kristen McDanald focuses her practice on insurance coverage from providing practical advice regarding managing extra-contractual risk exposure to representing carriers in active litigation. Kristen has first and second chair trial experience, in a variety of civil litigation matters, and also has…

Mark McElree focuses his practice on real estate transactions, finance, and oil and gas matters. His clients include real estate developers, owners and investors, national and multi-national corporations and money center banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. Mark also…

For nearly four decades, Rory McEvoy has practiced exclusively in the field of labor and employment law, including litigation in federal and state courts and before federal, state and local anti-discrimination agencies. Rory represents many of New York’s large hospitals and healthcare systems,…

Esther McKean focuses her practice on business bankruptcy, creditor's rights, and commercial litigation. She helps creditors and trustees in bankruptcy proceedings recover assets, obtain relief from the automatic stay, and negotiate plan provisions. Esther also represents debtors in bankruptcy…

Michael McKinley focuses his practice on project development and real estate, with an emphasis on data centers. Michael has experience representing landlords and tenants in a variety of short and long term build to suit leases, co-location leases, master services agreements and service level…

Jim McNeil serves as chair of Akerman's Residential Development Practice, a highly experienced team representing national builders and developers of master planned and mixed-use residential communities throughout the real estate development process.  Jim represents developers, homebuilders, and…

Rachel McRoskey represents clients in a wide range of local and national real estate transactions, including the representation of lenders and borrowers in complex financing transactions, including workouts and restructurings; investors, sponsors, owners, and operators in connection with the…

Andy Mendoza represents clients in the areas of joint ventures, private investment funds, mergers and acquisitions, securities, and corporate governance.  Andy focuses his practice on representing clients in real estate joint venture transactions, private placements and real estate private…

Scott Meyers serves as Akerman’s Chairman and CEO, leading the strategic direction and growth of the firm. Working within the firm’s collaborative, inclusive, and high-trust culture, Scott drives initiatives that empower Akerman’s lawyers and professionals to deliver effective, creative, and sound…

Bruce Meyerson focuses his practice on real estate transactions, including commercial real estate, development, acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, permanent loans, construction loans, mezzanine loans, private equity investments, workouts, and securitized lending. He represents real…

Daniel represents clients in the areas of construction contract drafting and negotiation, construction litigation, and government contract litigation. He has considerable experience representing clients in complex private and public construction and development disputes. Daniel’s construction…

Ashley Miller is a partner in Akerman's Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group. Ashley represents a wide array of financial services companies in state and federal litigation including class actions. She regularly defends financial services providers against…

Cathy Miller focuses her practice on business and employment litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in federal and state courts and arbitrations. Her experience includes representing clients in employment, Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)…

Sam Miller focuses his practice in investigating and prosecuting fraudulent conduct on behalf of his clients. With a wide range of experience, he is able to work efficiently and creatively to solve his client’s problems. From representing receivers and Bankruptcy trustees in cases arising from Ponzi…

Scott Miller is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group, where he represents corporate and individual clients in state and federal courts in matters related to complex civil litigation and white collar matters. Scott represents corporations in internal investigations regarding employee…

Richard C. Milstein concentrates his practice on complex, not so complex, and high conflict trust, probate, estate, and guardianship litigation and administration. With Richard’s over four decades of experience in these areas, he ably assists clients and members of families, whether related or not,…

Adam Mocciolo is a multi-disciplinary business lawyer providing counseling to clients across the United States and outside it in three principal areas: Employment Law Immigration Commercial Disputes Among Adam’s areas of particular experience in the employment arena are complex, reputationally…

Joel Mohrman is a trial attorney with more than 35 years of experience handling high stakes business litigation for public companies and privately held businesses. His practice includes healthcare matters, class actions, and intellectual property litigation. Joel is recognized by Super Lawyers, Best…

Alexandra Mora is a litigator whose practice focuses on all aspects of commercial and real estate litigation in state and federal court. Alexandra’s practice has an emphasis on business disputes, business torts, real estate litigation, commercial foreclosures, corporate litigation, class action…

Esther Moreno is a partner and co-chair of Akerman’s Capital Markets Practice. With broad-ranging experience advising public and private companies, including special purpose acquisition companies (SPACS) and real estate investment trusts (REITS), Esther focuses her practice on complex and innovative…

A go-to resource for complex insurance matters, Antonio Morin represents primary and excess insurance carriers in the defense of breach of contract, statutory and common law bad faith matters, as well as the prosecution and defense of declaratory judgment actions. In addition to matters in…

Anthony Morris focuses his practice on business litigation, in addition to professional ethics and entertainment. He represents some of the world's largest companies, with an emphasis on multi-national insurance companies, in complex litigation matters including class actions. Anthony litigates…

Kourtney Mulcahy focuses her practice on IP counseling and managing domestic and international trademark portfolios. She regularly implements cost-effective trademark clearance, procurement, and protection strategies for her clients. Kourtney has experience in all areas of trademark law, including:…

Recognized among the top intellectual property litigators in New York by Best Lawyers and the World Trademark Review 1000, Georges Nahitchevansky focuses his practice on litigation and counseling of trademark, copyright, and Internet matters across an array of industries in the United States…

As a court-appointed receiver and counsel to receivers and trustees, Michael Napoli works to maximize the value of insolvent entities in order to make a fair and equitable distribution to creditors. His experience covers a variety of industries with an emphasis on life settlements. Outside of the…

A commercial and business litigator, Kimberly Lopez Narbona appears on behalf of clients in courts across the state of Florida and in U.S. district courts across the nation. She prosecutes and defends claims for trademark infringement, deceptive business practices, fraud, antitrust, tort, and…

John Neary is Co-chair of Akerman’s Construction practice. He represents owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in civil litigation matters, focusing on, among other things, critical infrastructure projects, renewable and conventional power generation facilities,…

Robyn Neely focuses her practice on environmental site contamination issues related to real estate and corporate sales and acquisitions, and leases, including pre-acquisition, pre-leasing and pre-foreclosure due diligence analysis. Her practice also includes managing the investigation and…

Allison Nelson focuses her national practice on representing healthcare systems in complex real estate transactions and mergers and acquisitions. In the healthcare sector, Allison negotiates compliant sales and acquisitions, joint venture developments, and leases, ground leases, and subleases. She…

Dale Noll represents trustees, personal representatives, guardians, and beneficiaries in a wide variety of fiduciary issues, and assists them in their roles as fiduciaries in administering estates, guardianships, and trusts. A particular focus of his practice is the representation of corporate or…

International Trade and Customs Felicia Leborgne Nowels is Board Certified in International law, and focuses her practice on international trade and customs law. Felicia assists domestic and foreign companies with cross-border movement of goods and services. Whether drafting international…

Brian Nugent represents employers throughout the United States in labor and employment matters, as well as corporate formation, contracts, unemployment taxation, and Mergers & Acquisitions. His focus includes advising human capital and human resources outsourcing companies such as professional…

Kinan Obeidin focuses his practice on real estate finance, real estate capital markets, structured finance, and financial services. He represents banks, life insurance companies, REITs, debt funds, and other traditional and non-traditional lenders in the origination of commercial mortgage loans and…

Scot Patrick O’Brien serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Washington, D.C. office. Scot represents public and private companies, including private equity and real-estate-based funds, in corporate, capital markets, financing, and M&A transactions.  Working with public companies, Scot…

A trial lawyer with 30 years of experience, Jason Oletsky concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation, with particular emphasis on private equity, M&A, bet-the-company, and shareholder litigation. Among Jason's high-profile client base are some of the largest private equity firms…

Michelle Oms' practice involves the representation of many clients in the hospitality industry, including publicly and privately held owners, operators, and developers of hotels, resorts, and mixed-use community developments throughout the United States and abroad. She handles many types of matters…

David Otero’s national practice focuses on bankruptcy and tax litigation and counseling. A partner in both the Tax and Bankruptcy & Reorganization Practice Groups, his clients include Citigroup, Capital One, Nissan, Santander Bank, Sears, Synchrony Financial, U.S. Bank, Venus Fashion, and…

Kelly Otis focuses her practice on commercial real estate transactions. Kelly regularly represents purchasers, sellers, and developers with the acquisition, development, financing, sale and lease of commercial real estate, including the drafting and negotiation of contracts, leases and loan…

An antitrust regulatory practitioner, Austin Ownbey counsels clients on a wide range of competition and antitrust issues, including the review of mergers and other enforcement matters before competition agencies in the United States and around the world. Austin has worked with clients across a broad…

For more than four decades, clients have turned to Lansing Palmer to protect their interests and rights in high-profile trusts and estates disputes as well as commercial and business litigation matters. Over his career, he has appeared in state and federal courts in multiple jurisdictions, including…

Palash I. Pandya serves as the Co-Deputy Chair of the Corporate Practice Group. With more than 20 years of experience, Palash advises private equity funds and public and private companies, in mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, joint ventures, tender offers, spin…

A versatile commercial litigator, Noelle Pankey litigates complex real estate, lending, and business disputes in state and federal courts throughout Florida. She has significant experience representing financial institutions, private lenders, developers, and owners in all types of real estate…

Highly regarded for his skillful resolution of bankruptcy and insolvency matters, David Parham represents corporate and partnership debtors, creditor committees, equity holders, secured and unsecured creditors, lessors, and trustees in bankruptcy proceedings, litigation, and workouts. His…

Mark Passler advises senior managers, brand managers, in-house counsel, technology transfer professionals, and inventors on intellectual property and entertainment law matters. He routinely assists clients in procuring, licensing, and enforcing patent, trademark, and copyright rights. Mark also…

Emily Patajo focuses her practice on employment litigation matters in state and federal courts and in binding arbitration. Emily represents employers in various industries, including grocery, retail, technology, and healthcare, among others. She is routinely involved in the risk assessment and…

A former branch chief in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement and a former assistant independent counsel, Douglas Paul represents individuals and companies in government investigations and enforcement actions covering a variety of areas. He has assisted clients in responding to allegations of…

Lorayne Perez represents clients in commercial litigation and appellate matters, including in the areas of business torts, breach of contract, real estate litigation, trust and estates, labor and employment, professional malpractice, and arbitration agreements.

Para descargar la biografía en español haga click aqui. Luis A. Perez is the chair of Akerman’s Latin America and the Caribbean Practice, an internationally recognized team providing legal counsel across multiple disciplines. He focuses his practice on dispute resolution and handles commercial…

Jeff Pertnoy is a versatile litigator, trial lawyer, trusted counselor, and problem solver. Jeff represents clients in high stakes business disputes and class actions. He has a wide-ranging practice spanning multiple sectors, including telecommunications, consumer goods and services, banking,…

Thu Pham is an partner in the Real Estate Practice Group. She has experience representing clients, both in the public and private sectors, in land use related matters such as comprehensive plan amendments, rezoning, code violations, right-of-way vacations, special assessments, impact fees, and…

Jasmine Pitt is based in the firm's Winston-Salem, North Carolina office where her practice focuses on commercial litigation in state and federal courts. She has experience analyzing and navigating business disputes, general liability, insurance defense, and contract disputes. Her clients include…

With a background in healthcare and medical technology, Bruce Platt helps insurers, continuing care retirement communities, providers, and related companies navigate federal and state regulations and administrative law. Clients rely on Bruce for guidance on complex regulations, such as the Florida…

Kevin Platt focuses on a broad range of federal and state income tax planning matters, including tax issues related to M&A, joint ventures, dispositions, financings, reorganizations, restructurings, partnership transactions, and private equity transactions. Kevin routinely drafts and…

With over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate and financing transactions, Tracy Plott has significant experience in asset-based financing, restructuring of debt obligations, bond financing, joint ventures, syndications of loans, and limited partnerships. Her lending practice encompasses…

Donald Pocock focuses his practice on  business litigation, construction law, creditor’s rights and insolvency litigation, and financial services litigation. Don represents clients in all phases of litigation including pleadings, discovery, document production, depositions, mediations, motions,…

Marci Poliakoff's practice focuses on providing general corporate tax and transaction structuring advice with respect to cross-border and domestic deals involving public and private companies. Her work includes drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements in connection with taxable and tax-free…

Steve Polivy serves as chair of Akerman's Economic Development and Incentives Practice. He represents developers, not-for-profit corporations, institutional investors, Fortune 500 companies, family-owned businesses, and other real estate end-users in securing crucial government incentives and tax…

Having successfully represented prominent developers and home builders, Robert Poppell maintains a vibrant real estate development and transactional practice. He represents developers of large scale, mixed-use planned developments, as well as residential home builders, in connection with…

Jim Porter is board certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in City, County, and Local Government Law. He concentrates his practice on land use and zoning, as well as government relations, and also has experience with the wireless communications industry, including cellular tower zoning issues.…

George Powell serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Naples office. George protects real property rights and focuses his practice on real property taxation, eminent domain/property condemnation, land use and entitlements, and real estate transactions. His clients include financial institutions,…

Heather Preston focuses her practice on transactional and business tax matters. She has significant experience in tax matters associated with mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, restructurings, investment fund formation, qualified opportunity funds, cross-border transactions, partnerships and…