John Cameron Katz

A first-chair trial lawyer, Megan Costa DeVault prosecutes and defends complex commercial, business, and real estate litigation in state and federal courts. On behalf of Fortune 500, publicly traded, and privately owned business, including builders, developers, investors, financial institutions, and corporate fiduciaries, she litigates contractual disputes, shareholder class actions, and derivative suits, including serving as lead counsel in dozens of trials and arbitrations. Owing to the com...

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. ...

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.

Julie P. Kendig-Schrader represents both the public and private sector in land use and environmental matters and administrative litigation. She works with clients to create public/private partnerships for infrastructure needs, particularly those related to transportation. With sustainability concerns and initiatives cutting across virtually all sectors of business today, Julie strives to keep her clients ahead of the curve to maximize opportunities and minimize unnecessary costs and risks. Pr...

Ksenia Maiorova is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Ksenia practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Ksenia Maiorova 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 Ksenia Maiorova is held by other lawyers.

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...

Christina Bredahl Gierke is a partner in the firm’s Orlando office. Mrs. Gierke focuses her practice in the areas of complex commercial and civil litigation, with an emphasis in construction litigation, community association law, and professional malpractice law, including representing attorneys, insurance agents/broker, design professionals, and real estate brokers. Additionally, Mrs. Gierke is a member of the firm’s Architects and Engineers, Construction, Real Estate and Title I...

Evan J. Small is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Evan J. practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Evan J. Small since 2020. 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 Evan J. Small is held by other lawyers.

Ryan Sawyer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Ryan practices law in Orlando, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan Sawyer 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 Ryan Sawyer is held by other lawyers.

Robyn Neely focuses her practice on environmental site contamination issues related to real estate and corporate sales and acquisitions, and leases, including pre-acquisition, pre-leasing and pre-foreclosure due diligence analysis. Her practice also includes managing the investigation and remediation of contaminated properties and brownfield redevelopment including innovative solutions to risk management with risk based corrective actions. Her clients include private equity firms, homebuilder...