Brian Russell

T. HARDEE BASS III practices exclusively in the firm’s tobacco litigation unit, litigating cases against cigarette-making giants Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and Liggett. He has tried numerous complex, multi-week tobacco cases in venues across the state of Florida, and has obtained multiple seven and eight figure verdicts, including: $21 million, Escambia County (2010) $21 million, Sarasota County (2018) $20 million, Palm Beach County (2014) $13.1 million, Pi...

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...

Adam Seligman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Adam, 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 Adam is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Laurie L. Gildan's wide-ranging experience in real estate includes representing home builders in land acquisition and project development; office building owners in leasing and building operations; developers and lenders in loans and loan restructuring; analysis of default situations and entitlement reviews of residential, golf course, commercial, office and warehouse properties. She is experienced in the representation of land bankers. Laurie also has the unique distinction of being a regist...

William H. Pincus is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. William H., 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 William H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Larry Rochefort is the chair of Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group, a leading team of trial lawyers advising companies in complex litigation and arbitration across the United States and Latin America. Larry is recognized for Bet-the-Company Litigation by The Best Lawyers in America and as a “Litigation Star” by Benchmark Litigation . He represents financial institutions, developers, owners, contractors, insurers, and retailers in real estate, lending, and other disputes. He...

C. Wade Bowden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Banking and Finance. C. Wade, who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Wade is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William S. Williams is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. William S., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William S. 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...