Bridget Smitha

Marc W. Dunbar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Gaming Law. Marc W., who practices law in Tallahassee, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marc W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Karen D. Walker serves as executive partner of the Tallahassee office and practices in the firm’s Public Policy & Regulation Group. Ms. Walker’s practice encompasses all aspects of Florida administrative law, and she has a broad range of experience in Florida state and local government procurement matters and public utility law. Ms. Walker also regularly counsels clients on Florida ethics and election law issues. She practices before the Florida Division of Administrative Hear...

With over 20 years of litigation and trial experience, Phillip Howell provides clients with early, accurate case assessments, always focused on trial outcomes and mediation strategy. He practices in commercial and insurance litigation with an emphasis on first-party insurance, maritime, construction defect, and professional negligence defense. A licensed Florida CPA, Phillip uses his accounting background to quickly analyze expert findings and financial issues. He also handles complex transac...

CAMERON KENNEDY is a shareholder with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to representing clients in cases across the State of Florida and throughout the Southeastern United States. As a trial attorney with an unparalleled work ethic and attention to detail, Mr. Kennedy has recovered more than $100 million on behalf of his clients, including many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in cases involving dangerous and defect...

Michael J. Cherniga is Co-Chair of the firm's Health & FDA Business Practice. On a regional and national basis, Mike's practice involves representation of a diverse client base consisting of health care organizations (and clients which support the business of health care), both for-profit and not-for-profit. He also has substantial experience serving health care professionals and allied health care personnel who serve or support those organizations. The types of clients involved in the bu...

Bruce Wiener serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Tallahassee office. Board Certified by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education in Real Estate Law, he focuses his practice on transactional real estate law, commercial lending, and land use. He represents buyers and sellers in the purchase and sale of commercial, office, multifamily, student housing, acreage, and timberland property. His lender representation includes: preparing loan documents for commercial mortga...

Sonya Penley represents clients in the health care sector with respect to corporate, regulatory, administrative and governmental issues. Her diverse clients include long-term care providers, physician group practices, assisted living facilities, hospitals, hospices, home health agencies, DME suppliers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). She has particular experience with health facility acquisitions, mergers and other cha...

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

Seann Frazier knows the way through the morass of state regulation in Florida. Over the course of this 25-year career he has guided clients through all manner of regulatory and litigation matters involving Florida state government. His creativity and encyclopedic knowledge of Florida administrative law positions his clients exceedingly well in their dealings with the state. A past Chair of the Florida Bar's Administrative Law Section, Seann has focused his practice and professional activities...

M. Hope Keating handles appeals for clients in both state and federal courts. Her areas of representation include all aspects of civil and administrative law. She also provides litigation support during all stages of litigation in all facets of law. Hope regularly advises a myriad of health care facilities and providers on a wide array of complex and practical regulatory matters such as licensure, medical records, end-of-life issues, patient discharge, contracts, and Medicare and Medicaid cer...