Nicholas A. "Nick" Shannin

Registered Patent Attorney, Shareholder Chris Regan Is a Registered Patent Attorney who practices in the area of patent prosecution, patent infringement studies, litigation, and client counseling. His patent prosecution experience includes electrical and electronic equipment, telecommunications equipment and cables, laser and optical devices, semiconductor devices, semiconductor processing, mechanical devices and medical equipment. Mr. Regan’s representative clients include: Crystal Pho...

Nate Balint represents private equity funds, strategic acquirers, and entrepreneurs on the purchase and sale sides of merger, acquisition, and leveraged buyout transactions, including associated equity and debt arrangements. His experience spans sectors such as business services, retail, restaurants, technology, consumer products, education, and energy. Nate also works with venture capital and growth equity funds, advising on the completion of early and growth stage investments. Related to hi...

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...

David Carter was born in Vero Beach, Florida, and has been a partner at Gould Cooksey Fennell since 1996. Mr. Carter founded and chairs the firm’s Personal Injury & Medical Negligence Group and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. Mr. Carter graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Law where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and Senior Symposium Editor for Law Review. Upon graduation, Mr. Carter accepted a position with the Tampa law firm of ...

Laura Jo O. Thacker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Laura Jo O., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laura Jo O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James F. Goldsmith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. James F., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Tom Neal is a native Floridian who was born and raised in Orlando. He graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1982. As an undergraduate, he played football for the legendary Coach Bo Schembechler and participated in two Rose Bowls, the Gator Bowl, and the Blue Bonnet Bowl. Tom graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Law in 1985. He holds the highest ranking an individual attorney can receive (AV – Preeminent) as designated by the Martindal...

Nicole Park is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Nicole, who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicole is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Edward M. Fitzgerald is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Edward M., 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 Edward M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.