Michael R. Bakst

Melissa S. Zinkil is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Melissa S. practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa S. Zinkil since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Melissa S. Zinkil is held by other lawyers.

David Ackerman defends law firms in professional malpractice and legal ethics actions. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, clients value his litigation experience and strategic insight in resolving disputes through trial and appeals, negotiation, or arbitration. Ranked by Chambers USA , where he is described as “an even-keeled, thoughtful and smart attorney,” he is repeatedly recognized by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite and included in The Best Lawyers in America...

BRIAN R. DENNEY is a Shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he currently serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. He has earned Florida Bar Board Certification in Civil Trial Law, the highest level of recognition for the competency and experience of a civil trial lawyer. Mr. Denney routinely works with individuals and families throughout Florida whose lives have been devastated due to the negligence of others. He takes pride...

Barry Postman is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney, who provides counseling and defense in the areas of professional malpractice, including the representation of doctors, lawyers, accountants, brokers, title agents and insurance agencies, as well as liquor liability defense, employment litigation, condominium and homeowners association matters, securities litigation, insurance coverage, trucking claims defense, class action, bad faith/extra-contractual liability, commercial banking and f...

William Sepulveda is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. William practices law in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized William Sepulveda since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in...

T. HARDEE BASS III practices exclusively in the firm’s tobacco litigation unit, litigating cases against cigarette-making giants Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and Liggett. He has tried numerous complex, multi-week tobacco cases in venues across the state of Florida, and has obtained multiple seven and eight figure verdicts, including: $21 million, Escambia County (2010) $21 million, Sarasota County (2018) $20 million, Palm Beach County (2014) $13.1 million, Pi...

Kristen H. McMullen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Kristen H. practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Kristen H. McMullen since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kristen H. McMullen is held by other lawyers.

Roy P. Zachariah is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Patent Law. Roy P. practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Roy P. Zachariah since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Roy P. Zachariah is held by other lawyers.

Robert J. Hauser grew up in Miami, Florida, and now resides in Palm Beach County, Florida. He handles a variety of litigation matters at both the trial and appellate levels for his clients throughout Florida. In addition to appellate matters in virtually any area of substantive law, his trial practice includes business litigation and trust, estate, and probate disputes. Mr. Hauser has been certified as a specialist in appellate practice by The Florida Bar since 2009. After graduating from Duk...

JUAN C. DIAZ AVIL A has devoted his legal career to the litigation of personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death, negligent security and products liability claims, representing his clients in both state and federal courts from inception of the case through trial. As a native Spanish speaker, he is especially well equipped to understand and serve the needs of the Latino community. Before joining Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart, & Shipley, P.A. Mr. Diaz Avila worked with the larg...