Ben J. Whitman

Tracy T. Segal is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Tracy T., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tracy T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Born and raised in a small town in Northeast Ohio, Pete learned from an early age that hard work pays off. Never the most intelligent student or the most gifted athlete, he excelled at both because he worked harder than everyone else. His beautiful and talented Wife is a fellow trial lawyer. Together, they have 3 children and 2 Beagles. Pete attended the University of Dayton where he received his Bachelors degree in Marketing. He later moved to Florida shortly after graduation and worked a co...

THEODORE (TED) BABBITT is a former managing partner at Babbitt & Johnson, P.A. who for the past five decades has represented individuals in personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial cases. In 1970, he obtained the first verdict in Palm Beach County for a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case; in 1975, he obtained the first jury verdict in Palm Beach County in excess of one million dollars. When Mr. Babbitt was 17 years old he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and still managed to be sw...

Peter A. Chiabotti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law. Peter A., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

ADAM HECHT , a veteran of more than 75 felony and misdemeanor jury trials as an Assistant State Attorney, now works with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. handling medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death and products liability cases. Mr. Hecht is licensed to practice law in all jurisdictions in the State of Florida and has been admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He has served on the Young Lawyers Board of Directors ...

Andrew R. Comiter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Andrew R., who practices law in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A veteran practitioner with experience in high profile matters, Joanne Gelfand’s practice is typically focused on bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. She represents creditors, debtors, trustees and receivers in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring. In addition, she often oversees the purchase and sale of ongoing businesses in restructuring scenarios representing both buyers and sellers. Joanne is also a recognized expert in condominium association insolvencies from both the d...

Lisa Z. Hauser is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Lisa Z., who practices law in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lisa Z. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark F. Bideau is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - First Amendment, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Litigation - Real Estate, Litigation - Securities and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Mark F., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since...

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 administrative bodies. His clients operate across multiple sectors, including hospitality, travel/recreation, healthcare, retail, financial services, and alternative energy. Chris routinely represen...