John Elliott Leighton

Armando Rubio is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Armando, who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Armando is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian Barakat is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Litigation - Real Estate. Brian, who practices law in Coral Gables, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. 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.

Brett H. Holland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Brett H., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brett H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Chavies is one of the most prolific and recognized trial lawyers in South Florida, having been lead counsel on and presided as a judge over hundreds of bench and jury trials. His 13 years on the civil bench has uniquely positioned him to try cases in nearly every courtroom, State and Federal, in Florida. Recognized by Law360 in its “Minority Powerbroker” series for his leadership and influence in the legal community, Michael focuses on mentorship and professional developme...

Luis M. O'Naghten is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and International Arbitration - Commercial. Luis M., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Luis M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dennis A. Kerbel is chair of Akerman’s Florida Land Use and Entitlements Practice. Dennis has extensive experience in the full range of local government law issues, with a particular legal concentration in land use law. He focuses his practice on helping clients achieve optimal results from governmental approval processes and, where appropriate, litigation. Dennis has experience in federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels. He handles a broad variety of cases, incl...

Stephen focuses on complex litigation and appeals. He has tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts and has argued more than 50 appeals. His practice spans class actions, personal injury, aviation accidents, complex commercial disputes, defamation, professional malpractice, and whistleblower claims. His abilities have been recognized in numerous publications. Benchmark Appellate observed that Stephen “possesses the rare skill set allowing him to excel at both trial and appellat...

Jason R. Margulies is a board certified admiralty and maritime lawyer representing victims of cruise ship sexual assault and other similar cruise injuries. Mr. Margulies has received multiple awards throughout his years of practice including an AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 rating from Martindale, 10.0 Avvo score along with numerous positive reviews from clients. Jason Margulies is frequently interviewed by the media and quoted on cases relating to cruise safety and maritime legal issues. He is ...

Steven D. Lear, a Partner in the Corporate & Securities Group, offers more than 25 years of complex legal, tax and business experience representing top national companies in the areas of mergers & acquisitions and joint ventures. As a licensed CPA with a masters degree (LLM) in tax law, combined with work experience as chief in-house counsel of two major mulit-faceted companies, Steve offers an extraordinary range of skills for structuring, negotiating, documenting and closing sophist...

Robert J. Rodriguez is a renowned workers' compensation litigator in the state of Florida as well as the managing equity partner of Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez & Silver , PL. As the managing partner, he provides vision and direction to all firm operations ensuring the firm's highest level of quality client service. In addition, he manages the Fraud Division at MKRS, maintains an active caseload, and is licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern, Middle and Northern Dist...