James "Jim" Gordon

Brian Hanafin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Brian, who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Phillip Joseph co-chairs Ball Janik LLP’s construction litigation practice, which is growing in national reach and prominence. He is a commercial litigator whose primary focus is construction and real estate litigation, including design and construction disputes, construction defect, general counsel for community associations, purchase/sale disputes, real estate disputes, commercial landlord/tenant, and collections. Mr. Joseph has received the AV® Preeminent™ Rating from Marti...

Jessica T. Travers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Jessica T., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jessica T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Amanda F. Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Amanda F., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amanda F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Travis Halstead is a partner in the firm’s Orlando office. He concentrates his practice in the areas of general and complex civil litigation with a focus in construction and financial services litigation. Travis typically represents architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and subcontractors in construction defect and contract claims. Travis also defends banking institutions in consumer debt litigation. Travis graduated the University of Florida and earned his Juris Doctor degree...

Amber N. Davis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law. Amber N., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amber N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jessica DeBono Anderson is a Partner in the Orlando, Florida office. Since 2008, Ms. Anderson has represented management in employment litigation before state and federal courts in Florida and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Florida Commission on Human Relations, Department of Labor and other administrative agencies. Ms. Anderson has experience litigating issues such as employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, whistleblower, overtime and unpaid wages, leave and ...

Jim McNeil serves as chair of Akerman’s Residential Development Practice, a highly experienced team representing national builders and developers of master planned and mixed-use residential communities throughout the real estate development process. Known for his ability to provide pragmatic, strategic, and forward-thinking planning advice, Jim represents developers, homebuilders, and private equity funds in all phases of the acquisition, entitlement, development, and sale of property. ...

Jeff Mandel is the managing partner of the firm’s Orlando office. With over 30 years of experience, he has developed a reputation for being a reliable and efficient counselor and advocate for private and public-sector employers in all aspects of employment and traditional labor law. Jeff partners with businesses to solve their employment-related issues including: employment discrimination and retaliation, civil rights, disabilities, family and medical leave, military leave, employment p...