Gerardo Ortega

Judith M. Mercier is a partner in the firm's Orlando office and concentrates in complex business and commercial litigation in trial and appellate courts. She represents companies in a wide range of industries, including technology, sports, financial services, hospitality and news and entertainment. Her practice focuses on contract disputes, business torts, intellectual property, media law and defending consumer claims. Ms. Mercier has defended consumer claims such as breach of fiduciary duty,...

Chris Hayes represents developers, homebuilders, and investors in the acquisition, development, and sale of real property in Florida and California. He has overseen numerous complex acquisitions and dispositions. As part of his transactional practice, Chris also represents clients in retail and office space leasing. Additionally, Chris works with investors and owners in acquiring and selling small and mid-market sized businesses, having worked on over 65 auto and motorcycle dealership transac...

L. Reed Bloodworth is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. L. Reed practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized L. Reed Bloodworth since 2019. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which L. Reed Bloodworth is held by other lawyers.

Ksenia Maiorova is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Ksenia practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Ksenia Maiorova since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ksenia Maiorova is held by other lawyers.

Brian A. McDowell practices in the areas of bankruptcy, insolvency litigation and receiverships. In bankruptcy, Mr. McDowell has primarily focused on representing debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, tenants, landlords, asset purchasers, defendants in adversary proceedings and trustees. These matters have arisen in both voluntary and involuntary Chapter 11 cases. Mr. McDowell has conducted two jury trials in the United States Bankruptcy Court. In addition to Mr. McDowell's debtor and cre...

Michael K. Bailey is a trial attorney with Paul Trial Group in Winter Park, Florida, representing individuals and families in personal injury litigation and wrongful death matters. His practice has focused for more than four decades on cases involving automobile negligence, medical malpractice , products liability, premises liability, and insurance disputes. Mr. Bailey earned his A.B. degree from the College of William and Mary in Virginia in 1978 and received his J.D. from Stetson University...

Julie P. Kendig-Schrader represents both the public and private sector in land use and environmental matters and administrative litigation. She works with clients to create public/private partnerships for infrastructure needs, particularly those related to transportation. With sustainability concerns and initiatives cutting across virtually all sectors of business today, Julie strives to keep her clients ahead of the curve to maximize opportunities and minimize unnecessary costs and risks. Pr...

Shane T. Herbert is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Shane T. practices law in Windermere, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Shane T. Herbert since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Shane T. Herbert is held by other lawyers.

Kimberly A. Mello is a member of the firm's National Appellate Practice. She has briefed and argued dozens of appeals in state and federal court, including the Florida Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and Florida's District Courts of Appeal. In addition to focusing on appellate matters, Ms. Mello has extensive experience briefing complex legal issues at the trial court level during both the pre-trial and post-trial phases. She regularly consults with trial la...

Amanda Gunter is an experienced commercial real estate attorney who focuses her practice on complex commercial real estate transactions. She represents master planned community developers and residential homebuilders in the acquisition, sale, and development of residential and commercial property.