Stacie L. Barnes

Christopher Duke serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Palm Beach County Offices. With a diverse practice in employment law and complex commercial litigation, Chris represents clients in federal and state courts, as well as in various arbitration forums and before federal, state, and local administrative bodies. His clients operate across multiple sectors, including hospitality, travel/recreation, healthcare, retail, financial services, and alternative energy. Chris routinely represen...

Nicholas C. Maniotis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Nicholas C., who practices law in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Daniel A. Thomas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Real Estate. Daniel A., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

JUAN C. DIAZ AVIL A has devoted his legal career to the litigation of personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death, negligent security and products liability claims, representing his clients in both state and federal courts from inception of the case through trial. As a native Spanish speaker, he is especially well equipped to understand and serve the needs of the Latino community. Before joining Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart, & Shipley, P.A. Mr. Diaz Avila worked with the larg...

Alan B. Rose is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Real Estate. Alan B., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alan B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott B. Smith is an accomplished Florida personal injury attorney with many years of experience. He provides aggressive representation to individuals and families who have been injured in auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, commercial motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents, elevator accidents, train accidents, aviation accidents and slip & fall accidents. Scott also represents those injured by defective products and families who have lost a loved...

Grasford W. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Grasford W., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Grasford W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph C. Coates III focuses his practice on securities litigation, regulatory and class actions and serves as the head of the West Palm Beach Securities Litigation Group. Joe has represented most of the major broker/dealers in all aspects of their business, including federal and state courts, regulatory matters, and arbitrations. His representation of clients include appearances as appellate counsel in securities litigation cases in federal and state courts. Joe also focuses on shareholder d...

Phillip C. Gildan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Phillip C., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Phillip C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Katherine W. Harris is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Katherine W., who practices law in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Katherine W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.