Liz Alpert

Mike has substantial experience representing financial institutions and other lenders in a wide variety of commercial lending and related transactions with respect to the acquisition, development, and construction of residential and commercial properties and projects. In practice for more than four decades, he also has significant experience representing state, regional, and national lenders in negotiating and documenting complex acquisition, development, and construction loans; borrowing-bas...

For almost four decades, Cheryl has focused her practice on estate planning and business and transactional tax law. She advises a wide variety of corporate and high-net-worth individuals on the tax and legal aspects of their business activities. Cheryl's business clients benefit from her background as a certified public accountant and her many years of experience in corporate planning and transactions. She has represented and advised individuals and companies in the formation, acquisition, an...

G. Matthew Brockway is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Real Estate Law. G. Matthew practices law in Sarasota, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized G. Matthew Brockway since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which G. Matthew Brockway is held by other lawyers.

Heather Byrd earned her undergraduate degree, with honors, from Fairfield University in 1993. During that time, she also served as an intern with the Stamford Connecticut Probation Office. While serving as an intern, Heather became interested in cases where criminal and family law overlapped, particularly in the areas of domestic violence and child abuse. Heather earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut in 1995. She graduated in the top 1/3 of he...

Meghan Serrano is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Meghan practices law in Sarasota, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Meghan Serrano since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Meghan Serrano is held by other lawyers.

Derek Byrd was born and raised in Sarasota . He graduated from Florida State University in 1990 with a B. A. in Criminology. He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut in 1995 graduating cum laude. After being admitted to the Florida Bar in early 1996, Derek went to work for the Public Defender’s Office in Sarasota, where he gained extensive and valuable trial experience. He opened The Byrd Law Firm in 1998. Mr. Byrd is Board Certified in ...

Ryan Featherstone is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Ryan practices law in Sarasota, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan Featherstone since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ryan Featherstone is held by other lawyers.

Education Attorney M. David Shapiro graduated from the University of Florida, College of Journalism, in 1981. He graduated from Florida State University College of Law with honors in 1985 and was admitted to The Florida Bar the same year. While attending the Florida State University College of Law, Mr. Shapiro served on the Florida State Law Review, and published articles on The Safety Belt Law, as well as Libel and Defamation. Mr. Shapiro was also chosen to represent the Florida State Colleg...

A Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer, Juan's practice focuses on all aspects of residential and commercial real estate law and lender representation, where he offers comprehensive counsel across a broad range of real estate matters. Juan also represents institutional and private lenders in connection with all types of real estate and asset-based loans. In his more than two decades of experience, Juan has successfully represented individual and corporate clients of all sizes in a variety of re...

Brenda L. Patten is a founding member of the law firm of Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC, with offices in Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Bonita Springs, Florida. Ms. Patten specializes in Land Use Law, Government Law, Administrative Law and real estate development law. She is a professional urban planner and attorney representing developers of major projects, including hotels, resorts, condominiums, shopping centers, new communities and other major developments. Ms. Pa...