Jori Taipale

Eric Gordon is the chair of Akerman’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, a national team representing employers in legal compliance, dispute prevention, and employment litigation throughout the United States. An experienced litigator, he represents Fortune 500 companies operating in the hospitality, healthcare, retail, and telecommunications sectors, with substantial experience in federal and state jury trials, class actions, arbitrations, and defending claims before administrative ag...

Peter is a trial lawyer with decades of experience in commercial litigation, business valuation and close corporation disputes, the defense of class actions, and healthcare and information law. He holds the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Certified Civil Trial Lawyer designation and the CIPP/US certification. He has handled matters on behalf of corporate clients in a broad array of industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, information technology, cosmetics, indus...

Steven Backfisch is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Steven, who practices law in New Providence, New Jersey, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Neil, a trial lawyer and senior partner of the firm, specializes in civil litigation with emphasis in personal injury, professional liability, products liability, as well as business litigation. Mr. Neil has tried over 140 Superior Court cases to jury verdict. He is a past Secretary/Treasurer and the current President of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. Mr. Neil is a past President of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and holds the rank of Diplomat...

As trusted adviser to some of the world's most recognized brands, Andrew takes the first call on matters vital to the strategic success of his clients. Andrew Grant provides strategic advice to his clients on complex commercial transactions, product innovation and market development, and other strategic operational matters. Andrew regularly partners with clients in the technology industry, specifically augmented, virtual and experiential reality, interactive media, artificial intelligence and...

Jeffrey M. Beyer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Jeffrey M., who practices law in Madison, New Jersey, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

M. Christine Graff is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. M. Christine, who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which M. Christine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ms. Londergan represents clients in all areas of family law. Her practice includes extensive experience in negotiating and litigating issues involving divorce, contested child custody, high net worth asset division, visitation rights, geographical restrictions, spousal and child support, prenuptial agreements, and modification and enforcement actions. She also handles matters of paternity, support, and custody of non-marital children. Ms. Londergan is a skilled and detail oriented negotiator ...

Barbara Wheaton concentrates her legal practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, charitable giving, and related disciplines. Barbara's clients include high net worth individuals, business owners, family offices, charities and fiduciaries. She represents her clients' interests in probate proceedings involving trustee or executor duties, guardianships, trust administration and reformation, and contested estate administrations. Barbara also works extensively with nonprofit or...

Area of Emphasis Kevin Garber is a shareholder in the Environmental and Energy and Natural Resources groups of Babst Calland, practicing out of the firm’s Pittsburgh and State College offices. Mr. Garber concentrates much of his practice in the areas of natural resources law and water law. He represents mining and oil and gas companies in the conventional and unconventional industries on a broad range of environmental issues including permitting, water supply and treatment, and resource...