Eugene K. Pettis

Stephanie J. Toothaker, Esq. / Chairwoman & Chief Strategist TOOTHAKER.org Stephanie is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated attorney, and so much more. Regularly recognized as a SuperLawyer and by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, she guides clients with her sophisticated approach to governmental relations and procurement. Representing private equity firms, innovative companies, and entrepreneurial individuals seeking complex land development entitlements, her specific expertise on these matte...

Elissa Weiss concentrates her practice on all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including industrial, office, and retail leasing and development, as well as the acquisition and disposition of office buildings in various states such as Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia.

Sarah Baggett is on speed dial for clients facing complex legal issues in bad faith, cybersecurity, liability, and regulatory and compliance. She has litigated and tried cases across Florida, beginning her career in liability defense, including her first trials. Sarah now focuses on developing and overseeing strategies for both litigation and compliance, with a specialty in platform-based businesses. Many of her clients—individuals and businesses—are long-term relationships built ...

With over 20 years of litigation and trial experience, Phillip Howell provides clients with early, accurate case assessments, always focused on trial outcomes and mediation strategy. He practices in commercial and insurance litigation with an emphasis on first-party insurance, maritime, construction defect, and professional negligence defense. A licensed Florida CPA, Phillip uses his accounting background to quickly analyze expert findings and financial issues. He also handles complex transac...

S. Elysha Luken is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. S. Elysha, who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which S. Elysha is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jared S. Baumwell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Jared S., who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jared S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

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

Leslie Tomczak serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Fort Lauderdale office. She is a construction attorney, Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Construction Law, whose practice focuses primarily on the representation of lenders, developers, owners, landlords, contractors, subcontractors, architects and other design professionals, in a wide range of complex construction contract, project administration, lien, and construction litigation matters. Leslie is also a LEED® Accredited...

Lawrence J. Miller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Lawrence J., who practices law in Boca Raton, Florida, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lawrence J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.