Caitlin Emling

Raymond A. Traendly , a Florida native, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Political Science concentrating in Pre-Law studies. Mr. Traendly earned the “Dean’s List” throughout his three years at UCF. While at UCF, Mr. Traendly remained involved with his community. Mr. Traendly interned with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association and organized community outreach events including expungement events. Mr. Traendly returned home to...

Shane T. Herbert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Shane T., who practices law in Windermere, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shane T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Born in Vero Beach, Florida, Todd W. Fennell is the managing partner of our firm and a valued member of the Estate Planning & Tax Group. He focuses his practice on sophisticated estate and tax planning strategies for high net worth individuals and families. He is “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system, the highest such rating available to any individual lawyer. Mr. Fennell’s areas of practice include tax planning strategies for high net worth ...

Bill Spivey concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts. Bill represents clients in cases involving real estate ownership and development, corporate and partnership governance, creditor's rights, business torts, contracts, intellectual property, and employment law, among other subject matters.

David Paul is one of the only plaintiff’s lawyers in Central Florida to be certified by the Florida Bar, the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (medical malpractice) and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a Past President of the American Board of Trial Advocates (Central Florida Chapter) and a Past President of the Central Florida Trial Lawyers Association. Dave has successfully fought the largest companies in the country and has litigated cases throughout the s...

Christina Bredahl Gierke is a partner in the firm’s Orlando office. Mrs. Gierke focuses her practice in the areas of complex commercial and civil litigation, with an emphasis in construction litigation, community association law, and professional malpractice law, including representing attorneys, insurance agents/broker, design professionals, and real estate brokers. Additionally, Mrs. Gierke is a member of the firm’s Architects and Engineers, Construction, Real Estate and Title I...

Sara Brubaker’s practice focuses on complex commercial, real estate, and construction litigation with an emphasis on contract and business disputes, including franchisor-franchisee disputes and intellectual property disputes. Prior to joining Akerman, Sara interned with the in-house counsel department of a Fortune 500 international conglomerate, gaining valuable experience that has informed her emphasis on litigating efficiently to minimize costs. Sara represents plaintiffs and defendan...

Gary Whitlock represents major financial institutions in a broad range of transactions. He routinely represents lenders making commercial and real estate loans, and has assisted his clients with loan restructurings and workouts. Gary also has significant experience working on loans to companies in the automotive sector, as well as representing clients with the acquisition of quarries. The typical transaction size is between $5 million and $25 million.

Joshua Bachman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Joshua, who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joshua is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benton Wood is a partner in the firm's Orlando office. He represents private and public sector employers in all aspects of employment and labor law. Benton specializes in employment law litigation and has litigated a multitude of employment-related claims on behalf of management, including: sex discrimination, race discrimination, age discrimination, national origin discrimination, disability discrimination, unlawful retaliation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations, Fair Labor Stan...