Michael J. Kessler

Matthew H. Triggs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Matthew H., who practices law in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Claire Hurley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Claire, who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Claire is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher Duke serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Palm Beach County Offices. With a diverse practice in employment law and complex commercial litigation, Chris represents clients in federal and state courts, as well as in various arbitration forums and before federal, state, and local administrative bodies. His clients operate across multiple sectors, including hospitality, travel/recreation, healthcare, retail, financial services, and alternative energy. Chris routinely represen...

Elizabeth F. Hodge is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Elizabeth F., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Marcia H. Langley joined the firm's Real Estate Practice as a shareholder in April of 1998 after seven years at Atlantic Gulf Communities Corporation where she served as vice president/general counsel. Prior to Atlantic Gulf, Ms. Langley served as general counsel and secretary to the Board of Directors of Gulfstream Housing Corporation, a large real estate development company based in Jacaranda and Tampa, Florida.

Grasford W. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Grasford W., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Grasford W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason Fedo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Securities. Jason, who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jason is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott N. Richardson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Scott N., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

EDWARD V. RICCI was born and raised in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He is a graduate of The Benjamin School (1997), Georgetown College (2001), and Georgetown University Law Center (2006). Since joining the firm in 2008, Mr. Ricci has successfully tried numerous personal injury and wrongful death cases to verdict and obtained significant settlements on behalf of his clients. He has advocated for his clients in complicated cases involving product defects, medical malpractice, automobile neglige...

F. GREG BARNHART , a senior partner at Searcy Denney Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley, P.A., is recognized as one of America’s leading trial lawyers. He is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar and regularly handles cases throughout the United States. In addition to being named in The Best Lawyers in America for the past 25 years, Mr. Barnhart has been recognized as one of the Legal Elite in Florida Trend magazine, named a Top Lawyer in South Florida magazine, and listed ...