Richard D. West
About Richard D. West
Richard D. West is a lawyer based in Orlando, FL and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2005. Richard D. West is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Orlando, Florida
- Collaborative Law: Family Law
- Family Law
- Family Law Arbitration
- Family Law Mediation
Current Firm: West Family Law Group PL
Education: South Texas College of Law Houston, graduated 1980, South Texas College of Law Houston, J.D., graduated 1980, and University of South Florida, B.A. Arts and Letters, graduated 1977
Location: Orlando, FL
Nearby Lawyers
Kyla O'Brien Baker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Kyla O'Brien, 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 Kyla O'Brien is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Hugo de Beaubien is a Founding Partner of our firm. He was raised in Birmingham, Michigan, and Ormond Beach, Florida. After receiving an undergraduate degree in business from Florida State University in 1970, he was awarded his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University in 1973. At Stetson, Hugo served as Exchequer of Phi Delta Phi and as President of the senior class. Hugo has been active in the Orange County Bar Association through his service as Chairman of the Criminal Law Section and Legal ...
Gary Whitlock represents major financial institutions in a broad range of transactions. He routinely represents lenders making commercial and real estate loans, and has assisted his clients with loan restructurings and workouts. Gary also has significant experience working on loans to companies in the automotive sector, as well as representing clients with the acquisition of quarries. The typical transaction size is between $5 million and $25 million.
Colin Baker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Colin, 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 Colin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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. ...
Jack G. Abid is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Jack G., 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 Jack G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ryan T. Santurri is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Copyright Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Patent Law and Trademark Law. Ryan T., 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 Ryan T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Tony serves as the managing partner of Tiffany & Bosco’s Orlando office and chairs the firm’s Florida Mortgage Services Practice Group. For more than 20 years, Tony has represented clients in financial and real estate litigation, including judicial foreclosures, title curative actions, contract disputes, collateral recovery, workouts, and claims involving fraud, consumer finance, lender liability, TILA, RESPA, FDCPA, and SCRA. Tony also represents clients in real estate transa...
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...
Michael Costello was born and raised in Central Florida. In his youth, his competitive spirit became apparent through his participation in local sports. His drive manifested itself in high school as he received Varsity letters in baseball, football, and track, and was named captain of the baseball team. He has always played to win, and he continues to carry this determination for success on behalf of his clients. Michael attended Saint Leo University near the Tampa area of Southern Florida fo...
Explore and Learn
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory
by Bryan Driscoll
The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.