Brian Schmelkin

Valerie L. Hooker is a principal in the Miami, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling. Valerie advises and represents employers in a broad range of employment law matters, including those involving discrimination and harassment, wage and hour, wrongful termination, whistleblower and retaliation claims. She also advises managers and supervisors on preventive litigation practices, ...

Gary M. Stein is Co-Managing Partner of Peckar & Abramson PC ’s Miami, Florida office and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. He also serves as general counsel to the South Florida Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (South Florida AGC). Gary is certified by The Florida Bar in Construction Law and represents general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, owners, developers, and other construction industry participants. His practice focus...

Susan Eisenberg has more than 25 years of experience exclusively representing management in labor and employment matters. She is a recognized trial attorney having tried employment cases on behalf of employers in both state and federal courts. Susan also provides day-to-day advice to her clients regarding employment issues, including audits to insure compliance with wage and hour laws. She is nationally known for her work in wage and hour matters. Susan provides entertaining and informative t...

Sherril M. Colombo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Sherril M., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sherril M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen focuses on complex litigation and appeals. He has tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts and has argued more than 50 appeals. His practice spans class actions, personal injury, aviation accidents, complex commercial disputes, defamation, professional malpractice, and whistleblower claims. His abilities have been recognized in numerous publications. Benchmark Appellate observed that Stephen “possesses the rare skill set allowing him to excel at both trial and appellat...

Before joining the firm in 2013, Joel H. Brown was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chief Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida in 2009. Joel was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1971 and had been practicing personal injury law as a civil trial lawyer prior to his appointment by former Governor Bob Martinez to the County Court in 1990. Following his appointment, Joel served as Associate Administrative Judge of the County Court, Criminal Traffic Division, and then served as Adminis...

Daniel Andres Silva is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Daniel Andres, who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel Andres is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benjamin M. Esco is a partner in the firm’s Miami/Key West office. He has practiced as an Insurance Defense Trial Lawyer for thirty-six years. His emphasis is in Trucking Accident Defense, Negligent Security, Premises Liability Defense, for Commercial, Residential, and Hospitality Industry clients, including hotels, restaurants, and liquor establishments. He also practices in the defense of Nursing Homes, Auto Negligence, Condominiums and Homeowners’ Associations, Construction Def...

Benjamin G. Greenberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Benjamin G., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...