Jack E. Fernandez

Irene Bassel Frick serves as the managing partner of Akerman’s Tampa office. A trial lawyer with experience in state and federal court, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings, Irene has a multifaceted litigation practice encompassing contractual disputes, class action defense, fiduciary duty claims, business torts, non-compete litigation, construction disputes, and commercial foreclosure litigation. Her clients include employers, insurers, employee benefit plans, and third party p...

Leonard H. Johnson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Leonard H. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Leonard H. Johnson since 2023. 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 Leonard H. Johnson is held by other lawyers.

Tomas L. Gacio is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Tomas L. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Tomas L. Gacio since 2023. 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 Tomas L. Gacio is held by other lawyers.

Richard B. Stephens, Jr. is a partner in Holland & Knight's Lakeland office. Mr. Stephens divides his time between tax exempt financings and a diverse corporate practice. On the corporate side, Mr. Stephens has extensive experience in large corporate transactions focusing on the gas, power, cement and road based industries (including structured products, prepaid gas transactions, financings, derivatives, acquisitions, mergers, and general contract drafting). He also has significant experi...

Christine Howard is a partner in the Tampa and Atlanta offices. She also serves as a Co-Chair of the firm's Women's Initiative and Leadership Council. Christine focuses her practice on the defense of employment discrimination and harassment complaints and wage and hour and benefits litigation. She has successfully handled many dispositive motions, hearings and trials on behalf of employers. Over the last decade, she has defended numerous collective action cases filed on behalf of classes of e...

Sean Shaw is an award-winning and dedicated trial attorney and a fearless advocate for clients inside and outside of the courtroom. Sean was born and raised in Tallahassee and is a resident of the Tampa Bay community. He graduated from Princeton University in 2000 with an A.B. in Politics and graduated from the University of Florida Levin School of Law in 2003 with a J.D. In 2008, he was appointed as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. In that cap...

Michael L. Wiener is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Public Finance Law. Michael L. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Michael L. Wiener 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 Michael L. Wiener is held by other lawyers.

Bill serves on the firm’s board of directors. He is a board certified specialist in the area of business litigation. His practice focuses on business litigation and trial practice, including securities litigation and arbitration, professional malpractice litigation, director and officer litigation, employment litigation, restrictive covenant litigation and intellectual property litigation. Bill served as President of the Florida Bar for the 2016-2017 term. He is also a member of the boa...

David Doney focuses on M&A and public and private securities financings, corporate governance and compliance matters, as well as Securities Exchange Act reporting. David’s clients include established public companies and privately held companies with significant growth potential in sectors ranging from IT solutions to pharmacy benefits management and underwater exploration. He works closely with these clients on their financings, leveraging his longstanding relationships with source...

Edwin P. Gale is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Edwin P. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Edwin P. Gale since 2025. 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 Edwin P. Gale is held by other lawyers.