James F. Johnston

Gary Whitlock represents major financial institutions in a broad range of transactions. He routinely represents lenders making commercial and real estate loans, and has assisted his clients with loan restructurings and workouts. Gary also has significant experience working on loans to companies in the automotive sector, as well as representing clients with the acquisition of quarries. The typical transaction size is between $5 million and $25 million.

Carolyn Haslam represents owners and developers in all facets of real estate developments, including entitlements and concurrency. Her primary focus is in land use, including office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, and residential, as well as large planned community projects. This includes counseling clients on all aspects of the land planning, zoning, and development process, from performing a due diligence analysis prior to purchase, to obtaining necessary zoning and permitting approval from...

Brooke W. Odom is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Brooke W. practices law in Vero Beach, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Brooke W. Odom 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 Brooke W. Odom is held by other lawyers.

Kristin J. Coffey is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Kristin J. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Kristin J. Coffey since 2022. 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 Kristin J. Coffey is held by other lawyers.

Managing Shareholder Brian Gilchrist is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in the area of Intellectual Property Law. Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar for competency, experience professionalism and ethics in an area of law. He has substantial experience in all phases of intellectual property litigation, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, deceptive trade practices and restrictive covenants. Mr. Gilchrist has been attorney of record in ov...

David E. Cannella is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. David E. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized David E. Cannella since 2010. 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 David E. Cannella is held by ot...

Michele D. Morales is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Michele D. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Michele D. Morales since 2027. 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 Michele D. Morales is held by other lawyers.

David F. Leon is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. David F. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized David F. Leon 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 David F. Leon is held by other lawyers.

Troy B. Hafner is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Tax Law. Troy B. practices law in Vero Beach, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Troy B. Hafner since 2027. 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 Troy B. Hafner is held by other lawyers.

Hugo de Beaubien is a Founding Partner of our firm. He was raised in Birmingham, Michigan, and Ormond Beach, Florida. After receiving an undergraduate degree in business from Florida State University in 1970, he was awarded his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University in 1973. At Stetson, Hugo served as Exchequer of Phi Delta Phi and as President of the senior class. Hugo has been active in the Orange County Bar Association through his service as Chairman of the Criminal Law Section and Legal ...