Saya Thomas
About Saya Thomas
Saya Thomas is a lawyer based in Jacksonville, FL and has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America since 2026. Saya Thomas is recognized in the following practice area:
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Real Estate Law
Current Firm: Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Nearby Lawyers
Emily F. Magee is a member of Butler Snow’s Public Finance, Tax Incentives and Credit Markets group. Emily focuses her practice on public finance, health care finance and structured lending matters. Emily’s experience in public and healthcare finance includes serving as bond counsel, underwriter’s or purchaser’s counsel, disclosure counsel and borrower’s counsel and trustee’s counsel. Emily often represents national and regional financial institutions and n...
Trevor S. Hutson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. Trevor S., who practices law in St. Augustine, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Trevor S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Amanda L. Kidd is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance. Amanda L., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amanda L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Steve is chairman of the firm and head of its Litigation Department. Steve is a trial lawyer, with his practice centered on complex commercial litigation and insolvency matters. Steve has a successful record in extended jury trials in major business disputes. Steve represents plaintiffs and defendants in contract, business torts and corporate governance disputes. His insolvency experience includes lead representation of debtors and creditors in chapter 11 reorganizations of publicly held comp...
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...
Katherine Loper is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Katherine, who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Katherine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Brian J. Aull is a partner in the Jacksonville office. He practices in all phases of civil litigation, including personal injury litigation, construction litigation, employment and labor, insurance coverage and carrier representation, trucking/transportation and professional liability litigation. Prior to joining Cole, Scott & Kissane, Mr. Aull practiced as an Assistant State Attorney, in the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, where he was a member of the Homicide/Major Crimes Division a...
Mr. Samuels concentrates his practice on workers’ compensation disputes in Florida state courts. He also regularly defends claims brought under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act throughout the southeastern United States. Mr. Samuels’ breadth of experience in the employer liability arena allows him to provide practical, in-depth knowledge of the law when counseling employers, manufacturers, insurers, servicing agents, and self-insured entities on a di...
Meg is an experienced advisor and litigator working in the firm’s healthcare, labor and employment, and litigation practice areas. For more than a decade, she has supported clients in managing a broad range of complex legal issues in employment and healthcare matters. A key focus of Meg’s practice includes counseling firm clients and businesses of all sizes in navigating personnel management issues like employee contracting, discipline and termination; employer best practices, pol...
Mike Prendergast concentrates his practice on providing representation and counsel to management in the private and public sector in matters related to employment law. He routinely represents employers in employment litigation in state and federal court and before various administrative agencies. Providing preventive advice is also a significant focus for Mike, and he assists clients in resolving and avoiding employment law issues by developing practical workplace solutions to comply with the...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
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.
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.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
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.
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.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer