Scott A. Underwood

Irene Bassel Frick serves as the managing partner of Akerman’s Tampa office. A trial lawyer with experience in state and federal court, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings, Irene has a multifaceted litigation practice encompassing contractual disputes, class action defense, fiduciary duty claims, business torts, non-compete litigation, construction disputes, and commercial foreclosure litigation. Her clients include employers, insurers, employee benefit plans, and third party p...

Background Cary Gaylord has represented clients in over 30 counties in Florida as well as in the federal courts and courts of Illinois and Georgia. He has handled cases involving large vacant parcels, churches, national big box retailers, shopping centers, gas station/convenience stores, fast food restaurants, supermarket chains, professional offices, farmers, retailers, grove operators, golf course owners, homeowners, as well as other properties both in eminent domain and inverse condemnatio...

Claire Hancock is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Claire practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Claire Hancock since 2027. 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 Claire Hancock is held by other lawyers.

Andrew Froman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Andrew practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Andrew Froman since 2020. 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 Andrew Froman is held by other lawyers.

Ben Dachepalli has extensive experience negotiating and drafting construction-related agreements, and litigating complex construction claims regarding contract disputes, construction defects, design errors, surety bonds and construction liens. He is dedicated to understanding each client’s business to provide comprehensive strategies that go beyond legal issues, disputes or contracts. Ben is board certified by the Florida Bar in Construction Law. He was selected as national coordinating...

Edwin P. Gale is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Edwin P. practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Edwin P. Gale since 2025. 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 Edwin P. Gale is held by other lawyers.

Mark A. Sessums formed the firm now known as Sessums Law Group, P.A. in April 2008. The firm has five (5) lawyers and represents clients in all types of civil litigation matters throughout the State of Florida and in other jurisdictions. Mr. Sessums has been Florida Bar Board Certified in Marital and Family Law since 1997 and Civil Trial Law since 2010. Mr. Sessums earned Board Certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in 2015. Mr. Sessums is recognized for excellence by Best La...

Sara Mieczkowski is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Sara practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Sara Mieczkowski since 2027. 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 Sara Mieczkowski is held by other lawyers.

Charles A. Postler is a partner with Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler PA in Tampa, Florida. His practice focuses on Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Corporate Law, and Real Estate Law. He represents clients in sale, acquisition, and financing transactions across a broad range of industries, including matters involving public companies, multinational commercial enterprises, luxury resorts, and high-value assets such as 150-foot Feadship yachts. Mr...

Michael Bachman, Jr. joined Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler, P.A. in 2009 and became a shareholder in 2013. Based in Tampa, Florida, Mr. Bachman focuses his practice on bankruptcy matters and commercial transactions, with a significant concentration in Real Estate Law and commercial real estate transactions. Mr. Bachman represents debtors, creditors, purchasers, and other parties in bankruptcy cases, as well as in complex out-of-court workouts and debt restructurings. He also advises in...