Karen Lapekas

Scott Wasserman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Scott, who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gus Maxwell, chair of Akerman’s cutting edge Cuba practice, helps Fortune 500 and other U.S. companies develop viable business interests on the island. A Cuban-American, clients appreciate his first-hand knowledge and understanding of Cuba’s culture, government, and business climate. Ranked by both Chambers Latin America and Chambers Global , where he is described by clients as “extremely knowledgeable, well connected and responsive.” He is the only U.S. lawyer ranked ...

Ben Hedrick practices in the area of land use and development, representing clients in all aspects of the development approval process in municipalities and unincorporated areas in both Miami-Dade County and Broward County, including in the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, Ben has experience assisting clients in public-private partnerships and the development and use of public infrastructure such as airports, parking garages, and rail infrastructure.

Jason Vaupen focuses his practice on complex commercial real estate transactions, including the acquisition, disposition, development, financing, and leasing of properties nationwide. He represents some of the nation’s largest and most sophisticated private equity funds, developers, operators and family offices in their retail, multi-family, hotel, office, industrial, and self-storage deals. Additionally, he specializes in representing fund partners, investors and sponsors in real estat...

Patrick C. Emans is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Patrick C., 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 Patrick C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Angelica L. Novick is an experienced and broad-based litigator at Ferraro Law, where she represents individuals and entities in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation, multi-district litigation (MDL), mass torts, and whistleblower/qui tam actions. Since joining the firm in 2021, Ms. Novick has played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s footprint in complex litigation, including MDLs and high-stakes commercial disputes. She i...

Michael Brand is a partner in the firm’s Miami and Key West offices. He practices across all fields of litigation, including medical malpractice, personal injury claims and professional liability claims, premises liability, negligent security, legal malpractice, automobile and trucking claims, bad faith/extra-contractual liability and others. He has tried approximately 300 jury trials to verdict in his career. Mr. Brand received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in English at...

Akiesha Gilcrist Sainvil focuses her practice on defending medical device, pharmaceutical, and consumer products manufacturers in high-stakes complex products liability and mass torts litigation. She handles and manages all aspects of litigation, ranging from pre-suit matters through trial, and onwards through appeal. Akiesha understands that there are often nationwide or global business implications for clients in all litigation and works to strategically align her representation of clients ...

Ricardo L. Fraga concentrates his practice in various areas of real property law. He represents commercial developers in connection with the acquisition, financing, development, construction, leasing and sale of retail, industrial and office projects. He also represents residential developers in connection with the acquisition, financing, development, construction, leasing and sale of multi-family housing, condominiums, townhomes and single family homes. Ricardo has experience in financings, ...

Aaron S. Podhurst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Aaron S., who practices law in Coral Gables, Florida, has been recognized since 1983. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Aaron S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.