James M. Riley

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...

Lori K. Mans is a principal in the Jacksonville, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She has devoted her entire career to working with employers on labor and employment law issues. Lori represents management in state and federal court employment litigation, and also represents employers in traditional labor law matters, including collective bargaining negotiations and grievance arbitrations. Lori works closely with employers of all shapes and sizes, and in various industries, providing gene...

Shaw Ashley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law. Shaw practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Shaw Ashley 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 Shaw Ashley is held by other lawyers.

Tom Ingram works with landowners, developers, and governments to allow for the development and sale of real estate in Jacksonville, St. Johns County (St. Augustine), Clay County, and surrounding areas in northeast Florida. Such efforts have included the development and redevelopment of sites into retail power centers, single family and multifamily developments, Developments of Regional Impact, and industrial centers. Tom’s efforts routinely involve negotiation of project-specific agreem...

For nearly 40 years, Preston has been representing clients in a variety of complex commercial real estate matters. The breadth of his practice includes sales, acquisitions, leases, development, utilities, financing and loan restructuring. He regularly counsels healthcare clients across the region in major land acquisitions and development projects, including sites for hospitals, medical office buildings, ambulatory centers and more. Preston’s experience includes two decades of represent...

Ivan A. Colao practices in the area of corporate and securities laws, as well as in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments and loan transactions. Mr. Colao has represented public and private companies, businesses and individuals in various types of financings and commercial transactions. His experience includes securities offerings, corporate acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, reorganizations, syndication and finance, asset acquisitions and dispositions, venture capital inves...

Out of well over 1000 civil trial attorneys in North Florida, Michael Fox Orr was recognized by Attorney-at-Law Magazine as one of the “top 8 civil litigators.” Michael tries civil jury and bench trials primarily in the area of complex commercial and civil litigation with significant damages at issue. Most of his cases involving situations where the company could be bankrupted or an individual stands to lose their net worth. His experience and success as a civil trial lawyer has l...

A commercial real estate and transactional attorney with experience spanning a variety of areas, Robert Leapley represents investors, borrowers, developers, financial institutions, and landowners in loan workouts and restructurings, joint venture agreements, historic tax credit transactions, EB-5 related development and redevelopment projects, land use and entitlements, corporate law, and federal, state, and local taxation. Additionally, Robert represents clients in the acquisition, construct...

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...

Michael M. Gropper is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Michael M. practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Michael M. Gropper 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 Michael M. Gropper is held by other lawyers.