Amanda B. Buffinton

A. Brian Albritton concentrates his practice on “white collar” criminal defense; False Claims Act and Qui Tam litigation; defending regulatory enforcement actions brought by government agencies, including unfair/deception trade practice actions brought by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general; regulatory compliance; and complex commercial litigation, including the prosecution and defense of claims relating to trade secret theft, non-competition agreements and ot...

Robert H. Gidel, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Robert H. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Robert H. Gidel, Jr. 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 Robert H. Gidel, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Diana Evans joined the firm as a member of the Litigation Practice Group after clerking for the Hon. James S. Moody Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation in both state and federal court in areas including product liability and employment law. Diana represents manufacturers in a variety of product liability actions, including cases involving medical devices and consumer products. She also routinely defends employers in ...

William M. Sharp Sr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of International Trade and Finance Law, Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. William M. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized William M. Sharp Sr. since 2005. 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 William M. Sharp Sr. is held by other l...

Alicia Schumacher is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Alicia practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Alicia Schumacher since 2022. 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 Alicia Schumacher is held by other lawyers.

Elena Paras Ketchum focuses her practice on Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, representing clients throughout Tampa and the Middle District of Florida. Her practice centers on guiding businesses and individuals through complex insolvency matters, with extensive experience representing debtors in possession in Chapter 11 proceedings. She has worked with companies across a wide range of industries, including trucking, manufacturing, construction, retail,...

Roberta Casper Watson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Roberta Casper practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Roberta Casper Watson since 1995. 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 Roberta Casper Watson is held by other lawyers.

Alejandro J. Fernandez is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Trade Secrets Law. Alejandro J. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Alejandro J. Fernandez since 2016. 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 Alejandro J. Fernandez is held by oth...

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 claims, business torts, non-compete litigation, construction disputes, and commercial foreclosure litigation. Her clients include employers, insurers, employee benefit plans, and third party p...

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 clients include local, regional, and national banks and financial institutions, manufacturers, and venture capitalists. Frequently recommended by the federal agencies and Attorneys General fro...