Sean M. Cleary

Clinton S. Payne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Clinton S., who practices law in Coral Gables, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Clinton S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Akiesha Gilcrist Sainvil focuses her practice on defending medical device, pharmaceutical, and consumer products manufacturers in high-stakes complex products liability and mass torts litigation. She handles and manages all aspects of litigation, ranging from pre-suit matters through trial, and onwards through appeal. Akiesha understands that there are often nationwide or global business implications for clients in all litigation and works to strategically align her representation of clients ...

Sarah A. Lobel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Admiralty and Maritime Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Sarah A., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Pedro Forment is a principal in the Miami, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He is a former attorney for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Solicitor. Pedro represents employers throughout the United States and is a frequent lecturer on employment law as well as workplace safety and health issues. He has significant class action experience in multiple jurisdictions and practices before federal and state courts as well as administrative agencies throughout the United States...

Michael Nachwalter was a leading lawyer in business litigation with a long, stellar career. He prevailed for clients in numerous antitrust, complex business, and corporate matters and has achieved winning results through arbitration, mediation, and negotiated settlements. Michael is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America, the American Board of Trial Advocates, which is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of civi...

Dale Hightower was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, a town between Tampa and Orlando. He grew up loving adventures on the water, paddling a canoe and fishing alone in nearby lakes. His leadership skills became apparent in his youth as he was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, Senior Class President at Lakeland High School, and Student Body President at Florida Southern College. He also was elected Student Body President at Cumberland Law School in Alabama. After law school, he began worki...

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

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

Benjamin M. Esco is a partner in the firm’s Miami/Key West office. He has practiced as an Insurance Defense Trial Lawyer for thirty-six years. His emphasis is in Trucking Accident Defense, Negligent Security, Premises Liability Defense, for Commercial, Residential, and Hospitality Industry clients, including hotels, restaurants, and liquor establishments. He also practices in the defense of Nursing Homes, Auto Negligence, Condominiums and Homeowners’ Associations, Construction Def...

Jonathan Awner serves as Co-Chair of Akerman’s Corporate Practice Group. Ranked by Best Lawyers in America , Chambers USA , and The Legal 500 as a preeminent corporate lawyer, Jonathan Awner advises clients in automotive retail, aviation, distribution, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, services, technology, waste management and other industries. Described by a client quoted in Chambers USA as a “top-notch” lawyer who is “smart, hard-working and practical,” J...