Ben Upton

Lynn Fontaine Newsome is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Lynn Fontaine, who practices law in Newark, New Jersey, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lynn Fontaine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian J. Gavsie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Brian J., who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Cesaroni is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. John, who practices law in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ross Evans primarily focuses his practice in trust and estate litigation, guardianship, and business disputes. Ross provides comprehensive counsel in trust and estate administration, including probate, representing heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, trustees, and executors in both contested and uncontested trust and estate proceedings. His expertise extends to will and trust contests, and he has a proven track record of successfully litigating breach of fiduciary duty claims against trustees, i...

Luke Blocher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Luke, who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Luke is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen P. Warren is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Securities. Stephen P., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With a focus on land use, environmental law and litigation, Rick Leland represents real estate developers, universities, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and industrial companies on the environmental aspects of real estate transactions, development, and land use. Rick’s work has been central in gaining approvals for – or defending lawsuits against – multiple billion dollar developments. He works with clients nationwide on a range of matters, including environmental impac...

Shannon M. Lukei is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Shannon M., who practices law in Newport Beach, California, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shannon M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William (Bill) J. Butler focuses his practice on estate planning and probate administration matters. Bill counsels family groups and individuals on all aspects of wealth transfer planning, with an emphasis on formulating estate plans that maximize and protect wealth while minimizing transfer taxes. Bill is the global head of McDermott’s Private Client Group and is a member of the Firm’s Management Committee. Bill represents many large, multigenerational family groups, and also adv...

Ms. Talley is Co-Chair of the firm's Real Estate Practice Group. Her practice includes all aspects of real estate development, financing, leasing, purchase and sales. Ms. Talley has been involved in many of the major commercial real estate developments in Louisiana. She joined Stone Pigman in 1981.