Christopher K. Smith

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

Founding Member Alan Kluger is a powerhouse trial attorney who advocates for his clients at all stages of the litigation process. Alan is a veteran courtroom lawyer who represents some of the nation’s largest businesses and most prominent individuals in their most challenging and complex cases. Many of his clients come to him after first facing him as an adversary and determining that Alan’s tough, no-nonsense litigation tactics, and creative, out-of-the-box thinking is what they ...

Richard Bezold immerses himself in the details of a deal, helping clients’ maximize their investments and advance their business objectives. Chambers USA notes that he is sought after for his “considerable experience advising on real estate acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, financing and litigation, among other matters.” He has represented The Rockefeller Group, North American Properties, Crocker Partners, Wells Fargo, and other clients in complex commercial rea...

Paul William Jezierny is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Paul William, 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 Paul William is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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, ...

Linda A. Wells is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Linda A., who practices law in Key Biscayne, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Linda A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan D. Bailine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Ryan D., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ryan D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark D. Rich is a partner in the Tax Practice Group, where he focuses primarily on international tax planning, pre-immigration tax planning, and US and international trust and estate planning. Mark advises numerous high-net-worth US and foreign families on a broad range of legal issues, including succession, wealth-transfer, and estate planning and administration. He works closely with clients to help them understand and identify their unique needs and tax positions, and his counsel is focuse...

Brian Barakat is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Litigation - Real Estate. Brian, who practices law in Coral Gables, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott Perwin represents clients in antitrust matters, other commercial disputes, and bet-the-company litigation at trial and on appeal. With decades of experience, Scott has achieved successful results based on his clients’ litigation objectives and business goals. Renowned in antitrust, Scott has been named Best Lawyers in America’ s “Lawyer of the Year” for Miami six times in either Antitrust Litigation or Antitrust Law. Scott’s work primarily focuses on the pl...