David J. Melvin

Tristan Sanders is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Tristan, who practices law in Winter Park, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tristan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tom McAleavey practices in the area of corporate and securities law. His practice includes mergers and acquisitions, public and private offerings of securities, corporate governance matters and securities regulation compliance. His experience includes the representation of public companies in connection with public and private offerings of debt and equity securities; SEC periodic reporting and proxy statements; and corporate acquisitions, dispositions, and reorganizations.

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...

Michael J. Bittman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Michael J., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sara Bernard has handled a wide range of transactions as counsel for developers, builders, institutional lenders, and public and private entities. She has experience in negotiating, drafting, and closing complex commercial and residential purchase/sale transactions and has handled aspects of the development (including infrastructure development and the formation of community development districts), management and operation of all types of real estate including retail shopping centers, office ...

Hugo de Beaubien is a Founding Partner of our firm. He was raised in Birmingham, Michigan, and Ormond Beach, Florida. After receiving an undergraduate degree in business from Florida State University in 1970, he was awarded his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University in 1973. At Stetson, Hugo served as Exchequer of Phi Delta Phi and as President of the senior class. Hugo has been active in the Orange County Bar Association through his service as Chairman of the Criminal Law Section and Legal ...

Edward M. Fitzgerald is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Edward M., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edward M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carolyn Haslam represents owners and developers in all facets of real estate developments, including entitlements and concurrency. Her primary focus is in land use, including office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, and residential, as well as large planned community projects. This includes counseling clients on all aspects of the land planning, zoning, and development process, from performing a due diligence analysis prior to purchase, to obtaining necessary zoning and permitting approval from...

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

Jeff Mandel is the managing partner of the firm’s Orlando office. With over 30 years of experience, he has developed a reputation for being a reliable and efficient counselor and advocate for private and public-sector employers in all aspects of employment and traditional labor law. Jeff partners with businesses to solve their employment-related issues including: employment discrimination and retaliation, civil rights, disabilities, family and medical leave, military leave, employment p...