Juli Simas James

Monte S. Starr is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Monte S., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Monte S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gary Whitlock represents major financial institutions in a broad range of transactions. He routinely represents lenders making commercial and real estate loans, and has assisted his clients with loan restructurings and workouts. Gary also has significant experience working on loans to companies in the automotive sector, as well as representing clients with the acquisition of quarries. The typical transaction size is between $5 million and $25 million.

Justin W. McConnell is a principal in the Orlando, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Justin devotes his practice to helping management solve their most complex employment challenges. Justin is not only an accomplished litigator and unwavering advocate for his clients, but he is also a vital partner to his clients’ long-term success. For nearly a decade, Justin has stood at the forefront of workplace law, counseling and representing businesses in a wide spectrum of workplace matters....

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

Shareholder Ava Doppelt is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Intellectual Property Law. She manages trademark and copyright portfolios, and has substantial litigation experience in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, advising clients on trademark, publishing, entertainment, and licensing, franchising, and copyright matters. Ms. Doppelt speaks frequently on intellectual property, publishing and entertainment law. She has served as an expert witness. Ms. Doppelt was former...

Monica Kovecses represents businesses, individuals, and municipalities in various contract and tort disputes in both state and federal court. She also has experience representing attorneys and other professionals in malpractice and related disputes, including successfully defending a prominent law firm at trial in federal court against claims of gross negligence and lost profits arising out of a failed loan transaction. Additionally, Monica has experience representing healthcare providers suc...

Douglas E. Starcher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Public Finance Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Douglas E., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and lega...

Managing Shareholder Brian Gilchrist is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in the area of Intellectual Property Law. Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar for competency, experience professionalism and ethics in an area of law. He has substantial experience in all phases of intellectual property litigation, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, deceptive trade practices and restrictive covenants. Mr. Gilchrist has been attorney of record in ov...

Jeff Mandel is the managing partner of the firm’s Orlando office. With over 30 years of experience, he has developed a reputation for being a reliable and efficient counselor and advocate for private and public-sector employers in all aspects of employment and traditional labor law. Jeff partners with businesses to solve their employment-related issues including: employment discrimination and retaliation, civil rights, disabilities, family and medical leave, military leave, employment p...

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