M. Gary Toole

Jim McNeil serves as chair of Akerman’s Residential Development Practice, a highly experienced team representing national builders and developers of master planned and mixed-use residential communities throughout the real estate development process. Known for his ability to provide pragmatic, strategic, and forward-thinking planning advice, Jim represents developers, homebuilders, and private equity funds in all phases of the acquisition, entitlement, development, and sale of property. ...

Brian A. McDowell practices in the areas of bankruptcy, insolvency litigation and receiverships. In bankruptcy, Mr. McDowell has primarily focused on representing debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, tenants, landlords, asset purchasers, defendants in adversary proceedings and trustees. These matters have arisen in both voluntary and involuntary Chapter 11 cases. Mr. McDowell has conducted two jury trials in the United States Bankruptcy Court. In addition to Mr. McDowell's debtor and cre...

Scott practices in the areas of bankruptcy and creditors' rights with a long track record of advising corporate debtors, creditors, and distressed investors in all parts of the capital structure. Scott primarily represents chapter 11 debtors in bankruptcy cases, both corporate and individual. Scott is board certified in Business Bankruptcy. In addition to corporate chapter 11 work, Scott has also represented chapter 11 trustees in large fraud or Ponzi Scheme cases including Evergreen Security...

Patrick Brackins received his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Florida and, in 2006, his Juris Doctor degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. Patrick moved to Orlando in 2006, where he began his career as a staff attorney for Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit Court. Prior to joining Shepard, Smith, Hand & Brackins, P.A., from 2008 to 2016, Patrick served as the career law clerk for a United States Magistrate Judge in the Orlando Division of th...

Amber N. Davis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law. Amber N., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amber N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Orlando L. Evora is the Co-Managing Shareholder of the firm's Orlando office. Orlando has wide-ranging experience in the acquisition, development, finance, disposition, entitlement, permitting and leasing of real property.

Peter Schoemann is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Peter, who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brooke W. Odom is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Brooke W., who practices law in Vero Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brooke W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lauren partners with companies, business owners, and financial institutions in complex bankruptcy, financial recovery and commercial litigation matters. She represents debtors-in-possession in Chapter 11 proceeding, trustees and examiners, secured and unsecured creditors, adversary defendants, creditors’ committees, adversary defendants, equity holders and other significant stakeholders in bankruptcy, federal, and state court proceedings. She uses her experience to achieve the best resu...

Amanda F. Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Amanda F., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amanda F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.