Leslie J. Zigel

Josh M. Rubens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Josh 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 Josh M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elena Otero has a dual practice advising real estate developers and investors in a broad range of land development, construction, and venture capital-backed projects and joint ventures, across all asset classes. These include condominiums, mixed-use developments, hotels, restaurants, retail and office buildings. She also advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and family offices on real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leases, and investments with an emphasis on luxury residenti...

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 ...

Cristina Papanikos is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Cristina, 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 Cristina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jose L. Becerra is a Partner at Ferraro Law, where he is known for his relentless preparation, strategic litigation approach, and commitment to client advocacy. Since joining the firm in 2014, Mr. Becerra has played a pivotal role in some of the firm’s most significant verdicts and settlements, with a litigation record that reflects both precision in legal strategy and compassion for the clients he serves. Clients know him for his integrity, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to f...

Jeffrey P. Swatzell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law. Jeffrey P., 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 Jeffrey P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christina Russo is a Partner, and serves as the co-chair of Akerman’s Capital Markets Practice. With extensive experience representing public and private companies, Christina routinely works with shell companies, special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), and foreign private issuers, in M&A and securities transactions. Public companies value Christina’s knowledge of public offerings, secondary offerings, PIPE financing, ’34 Act reporting requirements, and regulatory ...

Benjamin G. Greenberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Benjamin G., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Nachwalter was a leading lawyer in business litigation with a long, stellar career. He prevailed for clients in numerous antitrust, complex business, and corporate matters and has achieved winning results through arbitration, mediation, and negotiated settlements. Michael is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America, the American Board of Trial Advocates, which is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of civi...

Richard D. Rusak is a partner in the Miami office of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A and Board Certified in Marine/Admiralty Law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Education and Specialization since 2010. He is an accomplished trial lawyer with two decades of litigation and appellate experience in federal and state courts and primarily represents major insurance companies, ship owners and marinas in marine/admiralty defense cases. Mr. Rusak also practices in the areas of hospitality defense, tr...