Efrain Zapata

Cheryl F. Smith earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science at Lehigh University and her J.D. from New York Law School, where she earned the public service certificate and was on the Dean’s List. Prior to joining RWO, Cheryl worked in boutique law firms in New York City. Cheryl practices in the area of domestic relations. She understands that going through a divorce is difficult and approaches every case with the client’s best interest as her main focus. Her wor...

Clint Vanderver is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Clint, who practices law in Ridgeland, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Clint is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As an experienced litigator, Michelle counsels corporate and individual clients regarding risk management and pre-suit strategy, in addition to providing representation at all phases of litigation in state and federal court, from commencement through appeal. Michelle represents clients in consumer and commercial arbitration proceedings. Michelle’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, primarily in the areas of product and premises liability, insurance claims and coverage matters...

Patrick C. Emans is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Patrick C., 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 Patrick C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Ulrich's experience is in U.S. income taxation of corporations and individuals, including structuring and income tax planning for taxable acquisitions and tax-free reorganizations, incorporations, and the formation of other business entities. As such, Peter works often with tax-free reorganizations, Section 351 transactions, Section 338(h)(10) transactions, the consolidated return regulations, and related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Peter is frequently involved in structuring...

Thomas P. O'Brien is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Litigation - Securities. Thomas P., who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mary Katherine Stukes is head of the firm’s Environmental practice. She advises clients on environmental issues involved in all types of business transactions, as well as regulatory compliance issues and environmental litigation. Ranked in Chambers Partners USA since 2017, clients describe her as a “zealous but practical advocate.” Mary Katherine helps manufacturers, real estate developers, lenders, local governments, and other clients find creative solutions in real estate,...

Patricia F. Meadows has over 40 years of experience in commercial real estate acquisitions and developments, including the Sundance Square project in downtown Fort Worth. She is a partner and former co-chair of the firm's Real Estate practice group and has handled the purchase, development, and sale of major office buildings, mixed-use projects, retail centers, multi-family projects, public venues, and hotels. She has a special focus on office and retail commercial leasing and public/private ...

Serving as of-counsel, Joseph W. Gaynor, joined the firm Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP in January 2008. Joseph W. Gaynor, P.A. (1995 – present), was the successor to Jacobs, Robbins and Gaynor, P.A. and its successors by merger (1971-1995) specializing in real estate; acquisition, financing and conversion of manufactured home communities and apartments; development of shopping centers, office buildings, apartment complexes, condominiums and planned unit developments, inc...

A strategic problem solver, Rob Kaufmann is known for bringing the right players to the table to complete real estate deals. For decades, his clients have relied on his unparalleled knowledge of both the legal and business sides of the real estate market. His national perspective and ability to steer clients—from national private equity companies and REITs to family-owned companies—through volatile markets make Rob the go-to lawyer for acquisition, development, financing, leasing ...