Patricia Dodson

Pete Larsen is the chair of Akerman’s national Tax Practice Group, a team advising clients in global tax compliance and controversy matters, including complex transactions in the middle market. The practice was recognized by Law360 as a “Tax Practice Group of the Year” for its precedent-setting work in the United States. Pete works closely with financial institutions, finance companies, vehicle and equipment lessors, retailers, and telecommunication, software, and technology...

Recognized in Florida Super Lawyers Recognized in the publication, Best Lawyers In America Successfully defended cases in all areas of labor and employment law, including, but not limited to: claims of unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliatory discharge, equal pay violations, wage and hour violations, employment-related freedom of speech, due process and equal protection claims arising under both the federal and state constitutions Successfully defended cases involving claims of...

John is a trial lawyer in the firm’s litigation department. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, insolvency matters, sports litigation, and environmental litigation. For more than a decade, John has represented plaintiffs and defendants in contract, business tort, and corporate governance disputes in a variety of industries, including banking, construction, manufacturing, and real estate. He also represents creditors in federal and state courts throughout Florida. His ...

Kristen Van der Linde devotes her practice exclusively to the defense of cases and appeals involving trucking liability, automobile liability, premises liability, wrongful death, bad faith, negligent security, and coverage issues. She is admitted to practice law in Georgia as well as Florida. Ms. Van der Linde is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, which means that she is an expert in civil litigation before state and federal courts, administrative agencies and arbitrators....

Graham Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Graham practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Graham Smith 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 Graham Smith is held by other lawyers.

David is a transactional lawyer in the firm’s Business Department. His practice includes mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, contract preparation and negotiation, entity structuring, joint ventures and the provision of general business and governance advice. David represents public and private companies in a variety of business transactions. His clients include logistics companies, motor vehicle dealers, banks, agricultural businesses, private equity funds and other i...

Michael is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and focuses his practice on complex business litigation and insolvency matters. He has many years of trial experience in cases involving business torts, bankruptcy proceedings, corporate governance issues, employment disputes, and litigation concerning contracts, secured transactions, fraudulent transfers, financial workouts, lender liability, banking relationships, and commercial paper. For 12 years, Michael was a senior executive wi...

A commercial real estate and transactional attorney with experience spanning a variety of areas, Robert Leapley represents investors, borrowers, developers, financial institutions, and landowners in loan workouts and restructurings, joint venture agreements, historic tax credit transactions, EB-5 related development and redevelopment projects, land use and entitlements, corporate law, and federal, state, and local taxation. Additionally, Robert represents clients in the acquisition, construct...

Brittany Ford is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Brittany practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Brittany Ford since 2022. 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 Brittany Ford is held by other lawyers.

Clay B. Tousey III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Clay B. practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Clay B. Tousey III since 2013. 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 Clay B. Tousey III is held by other lawyers.