Mackenzie J. Guardazzi

A former Chief Judge of Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal and member of the court for 22 years, Gerald Cope is the chair of Akerman’s Appellate Practice. He represents clients in appellate litigation at the state and federal levels. Ranked by Chambers USA , peers say “He’s superb and doing great work.” He is a founding member of Akerman Bench, an innovative practice including former appellate and trial court judges providing the perspective of both sides o...

Marty focuses his practice on complex business transactions, including domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, debt financings, restructurings, and venture and growth capital investments.Marty represents all categories of participants in transactions, including buyers, sellers, major stockholders, lenders, financial advisers, management, special board committees, private equity firms, other private investment funds, high net worth individuals, and venture capit...

Dinah S. Stein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Dinah S., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dinah S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With decades of experience litigating complex commercial cases, Kevin Murray possesses exceptional skill, a deep knowledge of the law, a sense of people, and an arsenal of effective strategies to achieve winning results in and out of court. Admired for his talent, tenacity, strategies, and carefully crafted compelling arguments, Kevin has earned the respect of judges, juries, and opposing counsel. He is a strong and effective client advocate, able to get to the essence of each case, focusing ...

Robert J. Becerra is a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in International Law, one of approximately 50 lawyers in Florida with such a certification. He concentrates his practice in the areas of litigation and arbitration, white collar criminal defense, grand jury investigations, corporate compliance and internal investigations, and administrative and judicial proceedings related to international trade matters. Prior to opening his own firm, Becerra practiced at the Miami law firms of Dev...

A skilled litigator with over 25 years of trial experience, Courtney B. Wilson has tried employment cases before judges, juries and arbitrators throughout Florida, appearing in all state and federal trial courts and in administrative proceedings. In addition, he has handled multiple cases in the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and state appellate courts throughout Florida. Courtney’s expertise includes: Prosecuting and defending non-compete, unfair co...

Eduardo Leal is a corporate partner in the Miami office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. His practice focuses on complex corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and private equity investments.

Michelle Gurian is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Michelle, 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 Michelle is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stevan Pardo, Chair, Construction, Hotel and Litigation Groups at Pardo Jackson Gainsburg, is a leading authority on Florida construction and corporate hospitality law. During his more than 30 years as a construction litigator, Stevan has represented companies involved in virtually all aspects of the construction industry including owners, contractors, design professionals, subcontractors, sureties, and insurers. His legal representations have included delay and defect claims arising out of c...

Thomas Ringel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. Thomas, who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.