Maria Acevedo-Belt

Neisen Kasdin serves as managing partner of Akerman's Miami office. A former mayor of Miami Beach and leader in the revitalization of South Beach, he brings extensive civic experience to his work on urban revitalization and the development of complex, large-scale, multi-use projects. Respected as a leader in urban development, he serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the Miami Downtown Development Authority and was responsible for leading the creation of Miami’s Downtown Ma...

James L. Ferraro, Jr. is a Shareholder at The Ferraro Law Firm , where he represents individuals and government entities in high-stakes litigation involving product liability, toxic torts, environmental contamination, and mesothelioma. Since joining the firm in 2013, Mr. Ferraro has played a pivotal role in expanding its commercial litigation and mass tort practices, including its growing public entity representation in major litigations such as PFAS/AFFF, insulin price-fixing, and opioids. M...

Carlos R. Lago is a member of the Land Use & Land Development Practice of the firm’s Miami office. He focuses his practice on land use, zoning, and governmental affairs representing clients in numerous multi-million dollar transactions throughout South Florida. Carlos represents real estate and hotel development clients that include The Related Group; Terra; OKO Group; Aries Development; Aria Development; BMG Group; CMC Group; East End Capital Partners; Greystone & Co; Avra Jain...

Mark Hicks is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Mark, who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 1989. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Leslie J. Lott is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Copyright Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Mediation, Patent Law and Trademark Law. Leslie J., who practices law in Coral Gables, Florida, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Leslie J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Adam M. Zwecker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Adam M., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adam M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Miguel Morel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Miguel, 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 Miguel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher N. Bellows is an appellate attorney who has handled complex civil appeals in the Supreme Court of Florida, all Florida District Courts of Appeal and the federal appellate courts. Mr. Bellows also has significant experience in complex commercial litigation, including areas of contract law, Uniform Commercial Code, business torts, foreclosures, receiverships, replevins, construction disputes, landlord-tenant litigation, product liability, personal injury, first amendment, employment...

Kimberly Thibault is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Kimberly, 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 Kimberly is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer V. Ruiz is a Partner in the firm’s Miami office and practices in the areas of General Civil Litigation, Employment and Labor, Condominium and Homeowners’ Association, Civil Rights, Directors and Officers Liability, and Professional Malpractice for the firm. She practices in state and federal courts, at both trial and appellate levels. Mrs. Ruiz Co-Chairs the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Chairs the Committee’s affinity group: CSK WIN – Wom...