Javier F. Aviñó

Jim Tolpin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Real Estate. Jim, who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jim is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Marilyn J. Holifield practices in the general litigation area, with a specific emphasis on representing corporate clients. Her practice includes employment, business litigation, corporate governance, trade secrets, covenants-not-to-compete, class action and intellectual property litigation. Ms. Holifield has represented corporate clients as lead counsel in jury and nonjury trials, arbitrations and administrative proceedings. Ms. Holifield practices employment law and was named by Black Enterp...

Christopher N. Bellows is an appellate attorney who has handled complex civil appeals in the Supreme Court of Florida, all Florida District Courts of Appeal and the federal appellate courts. Mr. Bellows also has significant experience in complex commercial litigation, including areas of contract law, Uniform Commercial Code, business torts, foreclosures, receiverships, replevins, construction disputes, landlord-tenant litigation, product liability, personal injury, first amendment, employment...

Douglas Patton represents plaintiffs in high-stakes federal and state court antitrust cases and complex commercial litigation. He brings over 35 years of experience and skill to the table. With a firm understanding of his client’s goals and capitalizing on the predictability of his adversaries, Doug strategically advances his client’s cause resolutely. Most of Doug’s cases involve federal multidistrict litigation in venues throughout the country. Doug has represented aggriev...

Neisen Kasdin serves as managing partner of Akerman's Miami office. A former mayor of Miami Beach and leader in the revitalization of South Beach, he brings extensive civic experience to his work on urban revitalization and the development of complex, large-scale, multi-use projects. Respected as a leader in urban development, he serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the Miami Downtown Development Authority and was responsible for leading the creation of Miami’s Downtown Ma...

Kelly-Ann Gibbs Cartwright practices in the area of general civil and commercial litigation, with an emphasis on employment discrimination, civil rights, business torts and labor law. Ms. Cartwright also has experience in the litigation of cases involving trade secrets, defamation, fraud, civil theft, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and unfair competition. Her employment and labor practice involves representation of clients before federal, state and local administrative agencies,...

A skilled litigator with over 25 years of trial experience, Courtney B. Wilson has tried employment cases before judges, juries and arbitrators throughout Florida, appearing in all state and federal trial courts and in administrative proceedings. In addition, he has handled multiple cases in the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and state appellate courts throughout Florida. Courtney’s expertise includes: Prosecuting and defending non-compete, unfair co...

Benjamin M. Esco is a partner in the firm’s Miami/Key West office. He has practiced as an Insurance Defense Trial Lawyer for thirty-six years. His emphasis is in Trucking Accident Defense, Negligent Security, Premises Liability Defense, for Commercial, Residential, and Hospitality Industry clients, including hotels, restaurants, and liquor establishments. He also practices in the defense of Nursing Homes, Auto Negligence, Condominiums and Homeowners’ Associations, Construction Def...

Gary Scott Davis, PA, advises clients on issues concerning managed care, including emerging health benefit plans, strategic restructurings and reorganizations, dispositions, mergers, joint ventures and contractual matters. The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education recognizes Gary as a Board Certified Health Law Attorney. Gary is a nationally recognized speaker on organizational and reimbursement transactions relating to managed health care, health care contracting and joint ...

Philippe Lieberman is a founding shareholder of the firm with over twenty five years of experience representing domestic and international companies, real estate developers and investors, and entrepreneurs in complex business disputes. His financial experience and background gives him a strategic advantage over many of his adversaries, which allows him to quickly grasp the broader and complex financial issues, identify leverage, assess risk, and develop creative strategies to often exceed his...