Stephen J. "Steve" Helfman

Cesar L. Alvarez currently serves as the Co-Chairman of Greenberg Traurig. Prior to this appointment, Cesar served the firm as its Executive Chairman for more than three years, and as its Chief Executive Officer for 13 years. He began his tenure as CEO in 1997, when the firm had 325 lawyers in eight offices and directed the firm through its growth to approximately 1850 attorneys and government professionals in more than 36 locations in the United States, Europe and Asia, including strategic a...

Jeffrey P. Swatzell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law. Jeffrey P., 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 Jeffrey P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Luis A. Perez is the co-chair of Akerman’s Latin America and the Caribbean Practice, an internationally recognized team providing legal counsel across multiple disciplines. He handles commercial litigation and arbitration across the United States, and Latin America for clients in various sectors, including manufacturing, defense contracting, energy, technology, financial services, and medical device. Ranked by Chambers Global , which notes his “deep understanding of legal systems ...

Geiza Vargas-Vargas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Geiza, who practices law in Miami, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Geiza is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Neil R. Chrystal is a founding shareholder of Dunwody White & Landon, P.A. Mr. Chrystal attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland where he received his J.D., and Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea where he received his undergraduate degree in business administration. He attends numerous continuing legal education seminars annually. Mr. Chrystal is admitted to the Florida, Ohio and Federal Bar, U.S. Tax Court. Mr. Chrystal is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate C...

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...

Ines Marrero-Priegues is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law. Ines, 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 Ines is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer V. Ruiz is a Partner in the firm’s Miami office and practices in the areas of General Civil Litigation, Employment and Labor, Condominium and Homeowners’ Association, Civil Rights, Directors and Officers Liability, and Professional Malpractice for the firm. She practices in state and federal courts, at both trial and appellate levels. Mrs. Ruiz Co-Chairs the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Chairs the Committee’s affinity group: CSK WIN – Wom...

Prosper Shaked is an award-winning personal injury attorney dedicated to maximizing the recovery of each and every client. He focuses his practice on representing those who have been negatively affected by the negligence of others. His passion has always been rooted in the fact that he can represent people who have been wronged and bring them the justice they deserve. Prosper was born and raised in Miami Beach, FL. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Emory University and graduated wi...

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...