C. Rufus Pennington III

Peter P. Hargitai is a trial lawyer, focusing on real estate and complex commercial litigation. Mr. Hargitai has extensive trial experience in both traditional and alternative dispute resolution tribunals, and has handled complex matters involving real estate disputes, business torts, restrictive covenants, trade secrets and anti-competitive practices. Mr. Hargitai also has developed a banking operations practice and currently represents many national and regional banks. Prior to entering pri...

Reed has been practicing law in the state of Florida for over 30 years. Taylor Day is honored to have his knowledge and experience in law as not only a valuable member of our team, but also by serving as a shareholder of the firm. Reed is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education, which deems him an expert in construction law and litigation matters, but that isn’t the only reason clients request to work with him. Reed prides himse...

Missy Turra has practiced in the area of commercial real estate law for more than 15 years. Ms. Turra represents clients in all phases of real estate development, including due diligence, land acquisition and disposition, procuring entitlements, financing, construction, project operations, leasing and restructuring. Ms. Turra's broad experience includes resort and other mixed-use, master-planned communities and condominium developments, office and industrial properties, residential subdivisio...

Since 1980, Elizabeth “Betsy” White has established an excellent and widespread reputation as a top lawyer in the fields of criminal defense, civil rights, and appeals. Her experience includes extensive litigation on behalf of criminal defendants as well as litigation to protect the constitutional and civil rights of individuals and groups, including women, minorities and prisoners. She has litigated at all levels of the judicial system, including the United States Supreme Court. ...

Jeffrey M. McFarland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Jeffrey M., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer Baker is a shareholder in Carr Allison’s Jacksonville (FL) office. Her practice focuses on defending matters involving commercial motor vehicle liability and governmental liability, as well as Medicare Secondary Payer issues. Jennifer is admitted to practice in Alabama and Florida and before the US District Court for the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida. Jennifer graduated from the University of Georgia, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She earned h...

Sarah Baggett is on speed dial for clients facing complex legal issues in bad faith, cybersecurity, liability, and regulatory and compliance. She has litigated and tried cases across Florida, beginning her career in liability defense, including her first trials. Sarah now focuses on developing and overseeing strategies for both litigation and compliance, with a specialty in platform-based businesses. Many of her clients—individuals and businesses—are long-term relationships built ...

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

Pete Larsen is the chair of Akerman’s national Tax Practice Group, a team advising clients in global tax compliance and controversy matters, including complex transactions in the middle market. The practice was recognized by Law360 as a “Tax Practice Group of the Year” for its precedent-setting work in the United States. Pete works closely with financial institutions, finance companies, vehicle and equipment lessors, retailers, and telecommunication, software, and technology...

Melissa A. Dearing is a Partner in the firm’s Immigration Practice Group, where she assists employers in seeking non-immigrant and immigrant status. Melissa has extensive experience with H-1Bs and the PERM-based green card process, particularly with respect to information technology professionals, engineers and pharmacists, among other professionals. She also represents foreign nationals regarding family immigration matters and assists employers with I-9 and other immigration compliance...