Edward C. Akel

Clay B. Tousey, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Clay B., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Clay B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brittany Ford is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Brittany, who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brittany is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William E. Kuntz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. William E., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kathryn M. Oughton is a shareholder and Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Property Damage Claims practice area. Kathryn’s practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on the defense of cases involving first party property claims. Other practice areas include automobile liability, premises liability, wrongful death, and bad faith and coverage issues. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Oughton worked for a state-wide defense firm where she served as head of the civil litigati...

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

Richard W. Hawthorne is a partner at DMHD, where he focuses on real estate and banking law. He represents buyers and sellers in commercial and residential real estate transactions, landlords and tenants in commercial leasing and developers of multifamily housing and retail buildings. He also has significant experience representing buyers and sellers of debt obligations.Mr. Hawthorne previously worked for Arthur Anderson & Co. (Jacksonville, Florida) as a tax accountant, Foley & Lardne...

Lloyd Johnson Sarber III is a shareholder with Carr Allison in the Jacksonville, FL office. Johnny’s practice focuses on civil trial defense in the area of commercial motor vehicle transportation law (including tractor trailer, passenger bus and other large vehicle accidents). He also represents clients in matters involving premises liability, municipal liability, bad faith and products liability. Johnny is admitted to practice before all state courts in Florida, the United States Distr...

John Leonard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. John, who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason E. Havens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Nonprofit / Charities Law and Trusts and Estates. Jason E., 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 Jason E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matt McAfee is a founding partner at DMHD. He focuses his practice in the area of real estate and banking law. He represents buyers and sellers in commercial real estate law, acquisitions and dispositions, commercial development, and commercial leasing. He has extensive experience in real estate project finance, including securitized debt and mezzanine financing. Mr. McAfee also represents clients in real estate-backed lending and the workout of distressed credits.