John T. Christiansen

Manuel Farach advises clients in complex real estate and business matters with a focus on real estate and creditor’s rights work. He has worked extensively on real estate matters, including complex appellate and litigation matters, and real estate transactions running the gamut from leasing, purchases, sales, and construction to development deals for entities in the hospitality and other industries. Manny is board certified by The Florida Bar in Real Estate Law, Business Litigation, and...

Sherry Schwartz is a partner in the firm’s West Palm Beach Office. She received her Bachelors of Science, with Highest Honors from the University of Florida, followed by her Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Miami in 2001. Both in law school and in her early years as an attorney, Ms. Schwartz has successfully tried cases for her clients in criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. She joined Cole, Scott, and Kissane with experience in more than 30 jury trials, following her...

Scott N. Richardson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Scott N., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clifford I. Hertz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Clifford I., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Clifford I. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laurie L. Gildan's wide-ranging experience in real estate includes representing home builders in land acquisition and project development; office building owners in leasing and building operations; developers and lenders in loans and loan restructuring; analysis of default situations and entitlement reviews of residential, golf course, commercial, office and warehouse properties. She is experienced in the representation of land bankers. Laurie also has the unique distinction of being a regist...

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

David Ackerman defends law firms in professional malpractice and legal ethics actions. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, clients value his litigation experience and strategic insight in resolving disputes through trial and appeals, negotiation, or arbitration. Ranked by Chambers USA , where he is described as “an even-keeled, thoughtful and smart attorney,” he is repeatedly recognized by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite and included in The Best Lawyers in America...

Mark F. Bideau is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - First Amendment, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Litigation - Real Estate, Litigation - Securities and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Mark F., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since...

Scott B. Smith is an accomplished Florida personal injury attorney with many years of experience. He provides aggressive representation to individuals and families who have been injured in auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, commercial motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents, elevator accidents, train accidents, aviation accidents and slip & fall accidents. Scott also represents those injured by defective products and families who have lost a loved...

Joshua A. Goldstein is a partner in the firm’s West Palm Beach office. Mr. Goldstein focuses his practice primarily on commercial litigation, business litigation and directors and officer liability. Mr. Goldstein is a trial lawyer who has experience litigation cases on behalf of Plaintiffs and Defendants involving: claims against businesses and professionals, partnership disputes, contractual disputes, class actions, directors and officer claims, employment disputes, discrimination char...