Helen Atter

For more than 25 years, Patrick has represented clients in complex litigation and appellate matters in both federal and state courts. He has extensive litigation and trial experience with cases involving fiduciary litigation, estates and trust litigation, non-compete agreements, contract disputes, business valuations, business dissolution, employment disputes, business torts, intellectual property, products liability, real estate litigation, professional malpractice and other business dispute...

Rachel Chewning is a partner in the Jacksonville office. She practices in the areas of Product Liability, Catastrophic and Personal Injury, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Litigation, Consumer Law, Commercial Litigation, Liquor Liability Defense, Trucking Accident Defense, Class Action, Vehicle Negligence, Premises Liability and General Civil Litigation. Her practice focuses on providing aggressive representation to clients on both a local and national level and participating as local couns...

Pete Larsen is the chair of Akerman’s national Tax Practice Group, a team advising clients in global tax compliance and controversy matters, including complex transactions in the middle market. The practice was recognized by Law360 as a “Tax Practice Group of the Year” for its precedent-setting work in the United States. Pete works closely with financial institutions, finance companies, vehicle and equipment lessors, retailers, and telecommunication, software, and technology...

Douglas Clifton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Douglas, who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For nearly 40 years, Preston has been representing clients in a variety of complex commercial real estate matters. The breadth of his practice includes sales, acquisitions, leases, development, utilities, financing and loan restructuring. He regularly counsels healthcare clients across the region in major land acquisitions and development projects, including sites for hospitals, medical office buildings, ambulatory centers and more. Preston’s experience includes two decades of represent...

Graham Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Graham, 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 Graham is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert A. Dawkins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Robert A., who practices law in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Shaw Ashley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Shaw, 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 Shaw is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dick is managing partner of the firm, a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and chairman of the firm’s Business Department. Dick’s practice focuses principally on healthcare, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, contract negotiation, general corporate matters, financings, regulatory matters, and antitrust advice. Dick represents a wide range of corporations, limited liability companies and other entities, including start-up companies and healthcare providers, ...

Angie is a seasoned transactional lawyer whose practice focuses on complex healthcare matters and navigating mergers and acquisitions . She has advised and represented a wide variety of clients in financing transactions, healthcare regulatory matters, joint ventures, commercial contracts, clinical trials, corporate governance and more with the knowledge and insight only 25 years of experience can provide. Prior to joining Smith Hulsey & Busey, Angie was a partner at a global AmLaw 100 fir...