Steven E. Brust

Clay B. Tousey, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Clay B., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Clay B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John assists clients in the areas of environmental law, real estate and land use and zoning law, with an emphasis on litigation. He helps individuals, developers and public entities in all aspects of environmental due diligence, permitting and entitlement. John also assists clients in navigating the complex web of state and federal environmental statutes and regulations, including counseling clients on compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA...

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...

Melissa A. Dearing is a Partner in the firm’s Immigration Practice Group, where she assists employers in seeking non-immigrant and immigrant status. Melissa has extensive experience with H-1Bs and the PERM-based green card process, particularly with respect to information technology professionals, engineers and pharmacists, among other professionals. She also represents foreign nationals regarding family immigration matters and assists employers with I-9 and other immigration compliance...

Reed has been practicing law in the state of Florida for over 30 years. Taylor Day is honored to have his knowledge and experience in law as not only a valuable member of our team, but also by serving as a shareholder of the firm. Reed is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education, which deems him an expert in construction law and litigation matters, but that isn’t the only reason clients request to work with him. Reed prides himse...

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...

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

Pete Larsen is the chair of Akerman’s national Tax Practice Group, a team advising clients in global tax compliance and controversy matters, including complex transactions in the middle market. The practice was recognized by Law360 as a “Tax Practice Group of the Year” for its precedent-setting work in the United States. Pete works closely with financial institutions, finance companies, vehicle and equipment lessors, retailers, and telecommunication, software, and technology...

Donald W. St. Denis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Donald W., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Donald W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph D. Pickles is a partner with Orr | Cook and is a civil litigator with significant experience handling jury and non-jury trials, as well as matters in arbitration. Joseph has practiced in both Federal and state courts throughout the state of Florida. In addition to general complex litigation matters, Joseph focuses his practice on business and commercial litigation and probate and trust litigation. Joseph has represented clients in partnership, corporate, real estate, and contract dispu...