Samuel Kugbei

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

Robert B. Judd is a shareholder whose practice encompasses estate and healthcare planning, the administration of complex estates and trusts, and probate, trust, and fiduciary related litigation. Originally from upstate New York, Mr. Judd has been a resident of Fort Lauderdale since 1985. He has earned an AV Preeminent rating as independently determined by Martindale-Hubbell, has been designated in “Best Lawyers in America” for several years in the areas of trusts and estates and r...

Avi Benayoun is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Avi, who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Avi is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Cristina Pierson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Consumer Protection Law and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Cristina, who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cristina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nectaria Chakas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law. Nectaria, who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nectaria is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Diane D. Karst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Diane D., who practices law in Boca Raton, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Diane D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeffrey A. Baskies is a graduate of Trinity College (B.A., with highest honors, 1988) and Harvard Law School (J.D., cum laude, 1991). He is admitted to practice in Florida and Massachusetts. A seasoned trusts and estates lawyer, Jeff routinely advises wealthy families, entrepreneurs, athletes, celebrities and other clients regarding wealth transfer planning and asset protection planning. As part of his diverse practice, Jeff counsels clients on charitable planning (including the creation of p...

Martin Burkett serves as co-chair of Akerman’s M&A and Private Equity Practice. Martin represents public and private companies and private equity funds in a variety of corporate transactions, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions. Martin’s practice includes structuring and negotiating complex business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, going private transactions, venture and growth capital investments, debt and equity fi...

With over 30 years of litigation experience, Mike Grimley represents insurers, corporations, and individuals in a wide range of civil matters. He takes a proactive, early-assessment approach to achieve favorable outcomes through discovery, motion practice, dispute resolution, or trial. Mike has tried numerous jury and bench trials across Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama, and his trial experience informs how he builds each case from the outset. His practice includes first- and third-part...

Joseph Young is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Joseph, who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.