J. Michael Lindell

Frank E. Morreale is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Insurance. Frank E., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Frank E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Chris is Board Certified by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education in construction law, a distinction that is unique to less than 400 attorneys in the state. During his career, he has worked with general contractors, sureties, subcontractors and specialty trade contractors, product manufacturers, architects, and engineers in matters ranging from defective construction or design, delays, contract disputes, lien and payment disputes, and construction-site personal injury. C...

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...

Lindsey R. Trowell represents insurance and financial services companies in complex litigation. He has tried numerous cases, both jury and bench trials and has litigated complex class actions across the country. Lindsey helps his clients litigate statutory issues, attacks on their business practices and contractual language with their respective customers. His clients often utilize his skills to litigate and manage volume litigation related to claims handling practices, with a focus on detect...

Robert Schrader is a shareholder in the firm and has over 25 years of state and federal litigation experience. He concentrates his practice in the areas of general litigation and trial advocacy. He serves a diverse client base and maintains an active caseload throughout Florida in matters involving premises liability, general liability, automobile personal injury defense, trucking liability, negligent security, wrongful death, and products liability. Mr. Schrader has tried numerous jury and n...

Chris is a shareholder in the firm’s Business Department. He counsels individuals and families regarding estates, trusts and tax issues involving the accumulation and preservation of wealth. As both an attorney and Certified Public Accountant, he has developed in-depth experience in the administration of complicated estates and trusts, including litigating disputes involving trustees, personal representatives and other individuals acting as fiduciaries. Chris also has extensive experien...

Steve is chairman of the firm and head of its Litigation Department. Steve is a trial lawyer, with his practice centered on complex commercial litigation and insolvency matters. Steve has a successful record in extended jury trials in major business disputes. Steve represents plaintiffs and defendants in contract, business torts and corporate governance disputes. His insolvency experience includes lead representation of debtors and creditors in chapter 11 reorganizations of publicly held comp...

Melissa A. Dearing is a partner with Rivkin Radler LLP, based in Jacksonville, Florida, and a member of the firm’s Immigration Practice Group. She advises employers on navigating nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processes in support of their workforce needs, with a focus on compliance and strategic planning. Her practice includes representing employers in Employment Law – Management matters related to workforce mobility, as well as Litigation – Labor and Employment issues tha...

Since 1980, Elizabeth “Betsy” White has established an excellent and widespread reputation as a top lawyer in the fields of criminal defense, civil rights, and appeals. Her experience includes extensive litigation on behalf of criminal defendants as well as litigation to protect the constitutional and civil rights of individuals and groups, including women, minorities and prisoners. She has litigated at all levels of the judicial system, including the United States Supreme Court. ...