Carl E. Westman

Danielle M. Balczon is a partner in the firm’s Ft. Myers office. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology. She subsequently obtained her Juris Doctor Degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. While in law school, Balczon studied abroad at Cambridge University and served as an intern in Alabama State University’s Athletic Department. Prior to joining Cole, ...

David J. Ledermann advises publicly traded companies, closely held businesses and nonprofit employers on complex employee benefits and executive compensation matters under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. His practice encompasses tax-qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, group health plans and employer-sponsored welfare benefit programs. David counsels employers on the design, implementation, operation and termination of retirement plans, including 4...

John D. Gast has decades of experience working with families as they plan their estates. John has lived in Southwest Florida for over 30 years and concentrates his practice on estate planning, charitable gift planning, life insurance, domicile planning, probate litigation, trust and estate settlement and taxation. John knows each family is different and works with them to craft a custom plan that fits their individual needs.

J. Matthew Belcastro is Florida Bar Board Certified in Construction Law and chairs Henderson Franklin’s Tort and Insurance Litigation Department. He represents clients in construction disputes, contract and business litigation, real estate matters and appeals, drawing on extensive experience handling complex disputes in Florida state and federal courts. Matthew is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the Eleven...

Marshall P. Bender is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Marshall P. practices law in Fort Myers, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Marshall P. Bender since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Marshall P. Bender is held by other lawyers.

Estate Planning and Estate Trust Administration Jeffrey M. Folkman is experienced in all phases of estate and charitable planning for individuals and families, including those where family-owned businesses are involved. Plans range from the modest in size to the very large and sophisticated. He works extensively with corporate trustees, financial planners, insurance agents, accountants and consultants. Jeffrey is also experienced in the administration of trusts and estates. Corporate and Entr...

Frank J. Aloia, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Real Estate and Real Estate Law. Frank J. practices law in Fort Myers, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Frank J. Aloia, Jr. since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Frank J...

Kenneth A. Jones has more than 40 years of experience practicing eminent domain, condemnation and property rights law. Ken has handled hundreds of eminent domain cases on behalf of individual and business property owners throughout Florida. He has defended his clients’ rights against government entities including the State of Florida Department of Transportation, South Florida Water Management district, Florida Gas, and various counties, municipalities and utility companies. His represe...

Scott Atwood chairs Henderson Franklin’s Labor and Employment Law Group and has practiced for three decades, representing employers, entrepreneurs and public entities in Florida, Georgia and throughout the United States. His practice encompasses employment litigation and counseling involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour matters, FMLA leave, restrictive covenants, trade secrets and employment agreements. A Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator, ...

Russell Knight is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Russell, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, and Naples, Florida has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Russell is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Russell Knight has practiced family law exclusively for more than 19 years. He is the founder of The...