Aaron J. Gorovitz

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 office space leasing. Additionally, Chris works with investors and owners in acquiring and selling small and mid-market sized businesses, having worked on over 65 auto and motorcycle dealership transac...

Joseph R. Fitos is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Joseph R. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Joseph R. Fitos since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Joseph R. Fitos is held by other lawyers.

Sara Bernard has handled a wide range of transactions as counsel for developers, builders, institutional lenders, and public and private entities. She has experience in negotiating, drafting, and closing complex commercial and residential purchase/sale transactions and has handled aspects of the development (including infrastructure development and the formation of community development districts), management and operation of all types of real estate including retail shopping centers, office ...

Laura Jo O. Thacker is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Laura Jo O. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Laura Jo O. Thacker since 2013. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Laura Jo O. Thacker is held by other lawyers.

Amber N. Davis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law. Amber N. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Amber N. Davis since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Amber N. Davis is held by other lawyers.

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 department of a Fortune 500 international conglomerate, gaining valuable experience that has informed her emphasis on litigating efficiently to minimize costs. Sara represents plaintiffs and defendan...

Christin Petroski is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Christin practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Christin Petroski since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Christin Petroski is held by other lawyers.

Hugo de Beaubien is a Founding Partner of our firm. He was raised in Birmingham, Michigan, and Ormond Beach, Florida. After receiving an undergraduate degree in business from Florida State University in 1970, he was awarded his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University in 1973. At Stetson, Hugo served as Exchequer of Phi Delta Phi and as President of the senior class. Hugo has been active in the Orange County Bar Association through his service as Chairman of the Criminal Law Section and Legal ...

Dan Mantzaris concentrates his practice in the areas of local government, land use and zoning, and general business. Since his admission to The Florida Bar in 1986, Dan has represented clients in matters related to real estate development, corporations, contracts, property rights and eminent domain, civil and commercial litigation, personal injury and casualty defense, personal injury claims, employment discrimination defense and international adoptions. Since 1997 he has served as the City A...

Louis D. Wilson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Louis D. practices law in Melbourne, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Louis D. Wilson since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Louis D. Wilson is held by other lawyers.