Becky Saka

"Helping people regain their lives after catastrophic injury or wrongful death of a family member is not work. It is a noble and rewarding challenge to right a wrong and brings with it great personal satisfaction." Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, acquired three U.S. Coast Guard licenses and worked on offshore drilling platforms for more than seven years, Keith Brais brings an uncommon degree of real world experience...

Jose A. Casal practices in the areas of business and real estate litigation, international litigation and arbitration, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. He has handled civil trials in both Florida state and federal courts, and has conducted international arbitrations in both Miami and New York. His representative matters include corporate and partnership disputes, real estate and title insurance claims, receiverships, workout transactions, international litigation, banking litigatio...

Neisen Kasdin serves as 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 projects. Respected as a leader in urban development, he serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the Miami Downtown Development Authority and was responsible for leading the creation of Miami’s Downtown Ma...

Andrea Hartley is the chair of Akerman’s Bankruptcy & 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 clients in the financial services, real estate, hospitality, restaurant, and retail sectors on business reorganizations and liquidations, assumption and rejection of leases, workouts, d...

Patrick G. DeBlasio represents employers in all aspects of employment litigation, including claims arising under: Title VII The Age Discrimination in Employment Act The Americans with Disabilities Act Other employment laws He also has significant experience defending employers in single plaintiff and collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act; conducting wage and hour audits; handling restrictive covenants; and representing employers in proceedings before the Department of Labor an...

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 great work.” He is a founding member of Akerman Bench, an innovative practice including former appellate and trial court judges providing the perspective of both sides o...

Lauren Rose is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Lauren practices law in Miami, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Lauren Rose 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 Lauren Rose is held by other lawyers.

James J. Diamond is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Real Estate. James J. practices law in Miami, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized James J. Diamond 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 James J. Diamond is held by other lawyers.

John H. Hickey is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Admiralty and Maritime Law, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. John H. practices law in Miami, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized John H. Hickey since 2019. 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 John H. Hickey is held by o...

Felipe Mejia is a partner in the firm’s Miami office. He specializes in construction and complex litigation representing design professionals, developers, general contractors, subcontractors and condominium associations. He is also experienced in cases involving bodily injury, premises liability, first party property and workers compensation. Mr. Mejia previously served as general counsel for condominium associations. Felipe received his B.A. High Honors from the University of Florida a...