Stephen A. Marino, Jr.

Mr. Needle, a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. Mr. Needle's courtroom victories include multi-million dollar verdicts in cases that have often pushed the outer boundaries of existing legal precedent. For six years he was a member of the Florida Bar's Board of Governors, which sets policy and discipline (under the auspices of the Florida Supreme Court), for all lawyers practicing in the state of Florida. Andrew Needle has been an editorial consultant to Matthew Bender Law Books: Florida Tor...

Justin B. Kaplan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Real Estate. Justin B., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Justin B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With experience defending over 250 class action cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States, Marcy Levine Aldrich is chair of Akerman’s Class Action Defense Litigation Practice. Noted by Chambers USA for her “strong reputation,” Marcy litigates complex disputes, including class action litigation and complex insurance litigation with a focus on serving national and regional insurers in connection with auto insurance, property casualty and other insurance is...

Joaquin J. Alemany is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Joaquin J., who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joaquin J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard P. Puttré is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Richard P., 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 Richard P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Douglas Patton represents plaintiffs in high-stakes federal and state court antitrust cases and complex commercial litigation. He brings over 35 years of experience and skill to the table. With a firm understanding of his client’s goals and capitalizing on the predictability of his adversaries, Doug strategically advances his client’s cause resolutely. Most of Doug’s cases involve federal multidistrict litigation in venues throughout the country. Doug has represented aggriev...

Edward Diaz is in the firm's Litigation Section and primarily practices in the areas of Labor and Employment law. Mr. Diaz has represented numerous employers in non-compete cases and in litigation of employment discrimination claims before federal and state courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Mr. Diaz provides counsel to employers on a wide range of issues, including management training, employment audits, drafting employment cont...

David Birke serves as co-chair of Akerman’s M&A and Private Equity Practice Group. David’s practice focuses on representing private equity funds, family offices and their portfolio companies in complex acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, restructurings, growth capital investments, and debt and equity financings. David’s wide ranging practice also encompasses representing other private and public companies with corporate governance, joint ventures, executive co...

Henry R. Roque is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Henry R., 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 Henry R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Diana S.C. Zeydel focuses her practice on estate, trust and tax planning for high net worth individuals and families. Her practice includes planning for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens and residents. She specializes in sophisticated intra-generational wealth transfer strategies and business succession planning. She assists clients in litigated probate, trust and guardianship matters, and represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service in matters involving complex fiduciary income tax and es...