Michael J. Kirwin

Raymond A. Traendly , a Florida native, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Political Science concentrating in Pre-Law studies. Mr. Traendly earned the “Dean’s List” throughout his three years at UCF. While at UCF, Mr. Traendly remained involved with his community. Mr. Traendly interned with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association and organized community outreach events including expungement events. Mr. Traendly returned home to...

Aaron Zandy is a Board Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law who represents employers and management in all areas of traditional labor and employment law. Aaron is an experienced trial lawyer, having tried a variety of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims under federal and state law. He also has extensive traditional labor law experience, including collective bargaining, legal issues relating to union campaigns, and labor arbitrations. As a certified Senior Profession...

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. ...

Chris Hayes represents developers, homebuilders, and investors in the acquisition, development, and sale of real property in Florida and California. He has overseen numerous complex acquisitions and dispositions. As part of his transactional practice, Chris also represents clients in retail and office space leasing. Additionally, Chris works with investors and owners in acquiring and selling small and mid-market sized businesses, having worked on over 65 auto and motorcycle dealership transac...

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...

Attorney Geoff Moore’s representation to catastrophically injured victims has landed him on the Super Lawyers® list (2023) after years on the Rising Stars℠ list (2018-2022), an honor limited to 2.5% of the lawyers in the state of Florida. Geoff prides himself with both clients and fellow attorneys as being approachable and trustworthy, while being a fierce advocate for injured parties. For the past five years, Geoff Moore was selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40, a...

Vanessa Bolton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. Vanessa, who practices law in DeLand, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Vanessa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Christina Bredahl Gierke is a partner in the firm’s Orlando office. Mrs. Gierke focuses her practice in the areas of complex commercial and civil litigation, with an emphasis in construction litigation, community association law, and professional malpractice law, including representing attorneys, insurance agents/broker, design professionals, and real estate brokers. Additionally, Mrs. Gierke is a member of the firm’s Architects and Engineers, Construction, Real Estate and Title I...

Brian Hanafin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Brian, who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.