Stewart H. Lapayowker

Mr. Katz’s diverse practice covers federal and state income tax, estate and gift tax planning, and state corporate, limited liability company and partnership law. This experience provides him with the ability to structure transactions to meet the tax and business needs of the Firm’s clients. This representation includes the typical structuring necessary for partnership, joint venture and corporate transactions, as well as, structuring litigation settlements and pleadings (with particular emph...

Cindy Ebenfeld is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Cindy, who practices law in Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cindy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Caran Rothchild focuses her practice on employment and commercial litigation matters. Her representations include corporations, municipalities, and individuals in a variety of employment, complex commercial, and civil related issues. As an employment advisor and litigator, Caran has represented local and national clients in numerous jury and non-jury trials and administrative proceedings involving discrimination, harassment, restrictive covenants, and wage and hour issues. Concentrations Comm...

Michael Freedland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael, who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian J. Gavsie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Brian J., who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ross H. Manella is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Ross H., who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ross H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sarah Baggett is on speed dial for clients facing complex legal issues in bad faith, cybersecurity, liability, and regulatory and compliance. She has litigated and tried cases across Florida, beginning her career in liability defense, including her first trials. Sarah now focuses on developing and overseeing strategies for both litigation and compliance, with a specialty in platform-based businesses. Many of her clients—individuals and businesses—are long-term relationships built ...

Peter R. Goldman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Peter R., who practices law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John N. Lambros concentrates his practice in the area of marital and family law, with a focus on dissolution of marriage issues including alimony, child support, parental responsibility, timesharing and equitable distribution; post-dissolution matters; adoption; paternity; pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements; and other related matters. Mr. Lambros is admitted to practice in Florida, Michigan, Massachusetts and in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He is a member of ...

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...