Nicholas E. Christin

Nancy Copperthwaite litigates complex disputes, including class actions and appeals, and advises employers on employment law issues. She has handled more than 100 appeals and has argued in all five of Florida’s district courts of appeal (DCA) as well as in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Ranked by Best Lawyers in America for appellate work, her diverse experience includes handling appeals of bankruptcy proceedings, class actions, complex commercial matters, ...

Orestes Garcia is a bilingual (English & Spanish) business and real estate litigator who guides business owners, investors, and contractors through high-stakes disputes with a clear, strategic plan designed to achieve practical, cost-effective results. Born and raised in Miami to Cuban parents, he combines a deep understanding of South Florida’s business culture with rigorous advocacy and business-savvy legal counsel. Clients rely on Mr. Garcia not only for his skill in the courtroo...

Jamie Gelfman is board certified in health law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education and is certified in healthcare compliance (CHC) by the Society of Corporate Compliance and the Health Care Compliance Association. Jamie works with healthcare clients on the full scope of legal issues that shape their business strategies. She is deeply experienced in regulatory, compliance, reimbursement and licensure matters, with particular experience in the administration of Medica...

With a practice focused on the laws governing alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cannabis, and other regulated products, Ian Bacheikov assists clients across multiple sectors, including entertainment, hospitality, and retail. He represents clients in matters including alcohol beverage licensing and permitting, regulatory compliance analysis and consulting, administrative enforcement actions, alcohol and cannabis related land use and zoning, local government lobbying relating to alcohol beverage an...

Deborah J. Gander is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Deborah J., who practices law in Coral Gables, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Deborah J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Thomas Scott was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida from 1997-2000. During this time, his accomplishments include prosecution of racketeering and conspiracy charges against some of South Florida's most violent street gangs, Medicare fraud cases against four major health care companies, sweeping reforms in airline and airport security (with prosecutions ranging from cases against baggage handlers to airlines) for issues including drug smuggling and cargo safety, and prosecu...

Gus Maxwell, chair of Akerman’s cutting edge Cuba practice, helps Fortune 500 and other U.S. companies develop viable business interests on the island. A Cuban-American, clients appreciate his first-hand knowledge and understanding of Cuba’s culture, government, and business climate. Ranked by both Chambers Latin America and Chambers Global , where he is described by clients as “extremely knowledgeable, well connected and responsive.” He is the only U.S. lawyer ranked ...

Ilana B. Strickon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Ilana B., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ilana B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Patrick F. Martin focuses his practice on representing employers of all sizes and in all industries in myriad employment matters before state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Additionally, Patrick counsels employers on preventive strategies for minimizing potential litigation and on the development of polices for the promotion of constructive employee relations. He also adv...