James J. Hoctor

Paula Howell focuses her practice on litigation matters. Paula regularly counsels clients involved in complex commercial and construction litigation. Paula also has experience with matters involving torts, trademark infringement, and employment-related disputes. She has conducted numerous administrative hearings and trials, including several jury trials, resulting in favorable outcomes for her clients. Paula regularly engages in pro bono litigation, taking on matters including cross-national ...

William M. Chanfrau, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. William M. practices law in Daytona Beach, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized William M. Chanfrau, Jr. 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 William M. Chanfrau, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Suzanne Gilbert practices in the areas of financial and real estate litigation, business litigation and creditors' rights. Ms. Gilbert has experience representing clients in complex commercial disputes in federal, state and bankruptcy courts. Ms. Gilbert has substantial experience representing financial institutions and other lenders in a variety of matters, including complex commercial foreclosures, loan workouts, defense of lender liability claims, and in fraudulent transfer and preferentia...

Michael J. Sullivan is Co-Chair of the firm’s Hospitality Group. Mike has wide-ranging experience in the acquisition, development, finance and disposition of hotels, resorts, branded residences and condo-hotels, and health care-related properties; management, franchise and operating agreements for hotels; publicly financed hotel management agreements; seniors housing management and third-party lease agreements; construction and permanent financings (balance sheet and CMBS); and the purc...

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 ...

Alan C. Sheppard, Jr. has wide-ranging experience in commercial real estate finance and development, with a particular emphasis on mortgage and construction financing, lease financing, mezzanine lending as well as asset-based finance and working capital loan transactions. His structured finance experience includes sale/leasebacks, synthetic leases, conduit lending, syndicated loans, Rule 144(a) exempt offerings and securitizations. Alan's practice has included both lender and borrower represe...

Dan Mantzaris concentrates his practice in the areas of local government, land use and zoning, and general business. Since his admission to The Florida Bar in 1986, Dan has represented clients in matters related to real estate development, corporations, contracts, property rights and eminent domain, civil and commercial litigation, personal injury and casualty defense, personal injury claims, employment discrimination defense and international adoptions. Since 1997 he has served as the City A...

Katelyn Mae Ferry is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law. Katelyn Mae practices law in Longwood, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Katelyn Mae Ferry since 2024. 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 Katelyn Mae Ferry is held by other lawyers.

Dan O’Malley was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. While earning his Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was admitted to Beta Gamma Sigma, a national business school honor society. He received his Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Virginia.

Laura Jo O. Thacker is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Laura Jo O. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Laura Jo O. Thacker since 2013. 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 Laura Jo O. Thacker is held by other lawyers.