Stephen J. "Steve" Pajcic III

J. Phillip Gibbs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law and Venture Capital Law. J. Phillip, who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Phillip is held by other top lawyers in the same geograph...

Sami R. Achem, Jr. practices in the area of general defense litigation, with an emphasis upon complex litigation involving premises liability, automobile negligence, products liability, trucking/transportation, indemnification disputes, insurance disputes, Lemon Law litigation, landlord/tenant litigation, and negligent security. Mr. Achem has been recognized by Best Lawyers of America since 2023. He was also elected to Florida Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for 2017-2021. He is as an AV Preem...

Matthew R. Kachergus has devoted his career to representing a wide array of clients ranging from the criminally accused, those whose constitutional rights have been violated, to numerous others needing counsel for civil litigation. As a result of Mr. Kachergus’ tireless efforts in advocating for the interest of his clients, he is listed in Best Lawyers in America, in the fields of white collar and non-white collar criminal defense law, as well as Super Lawyers. Mr. Kachergus is a member...

Kristen L. Wenger has experience in class actions and complex commercial litigation involving insurance matters, deceptive business practices and consumer fraud. Some of her representative areas of practice include defense of class actions on behalf of insurers, business entities, and management for alleged improper business practices. She also handles class actions involving data security breaches and related cyber security issues. Kristen has been involved in class actions and other complex...

E.K. Cottrell practices in the area of complex commercial litigation. Some of his representative areas of practice include defense of class actions on behalf of insurers, business entities, and management for alleged improper market conduct or business practices, and fiduciary obligations; representation of insurers and reinsurers in coverage and regulatory compliance matters; and other general business litigation. E.K. has litigated class actions and other complex commercial litigation matte...

Cynthia K. Trimmer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Real Estate Law. Cynthia K., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cynthia K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christian George serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Jacksonville office. Christian has a statewide practice focusing on commercial litigation and creditors’ rights in all courts, including bankruptcy court. Christian routinely represents financial institutions and other lenders, shareholders, members and partners in professional corporations, LLCs and partnerships, as well as all types of businesses, individuals and families in all areas of commercial litigation. Additionally...

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

Steve is chairman of the firm and head of its Litigation Department. Steve is a trial lawyer, with his practice centered on complex commercial litigation and insolvency matters. Steve has a successful record in extended jury trials in major business disputes. Steve represents plaintiffs and defendants in contract, business torts and corporate governance disputes. His insolvency experience includes lead representation of debtors and creditors in chapter 11 reorganizations of publicly held comp...

Tim is the head of the firm’s Environmental Department. His practice focuses primarily on federal state and local environmental law. He has extensive experience representing clients before federal and state agencies, and in state and federal court on matters including the cleanup and cost allocation of Superfund sites, enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, and disputes with insurance companies regarding environmental indemnification. Tim also provides counsel regarding envi...