Troy K. Smith

John Leonard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. John, who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Kathryn M. Oughton is a shareholder and Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Property Damage Claims practice area. Kathryn’s practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on the defense of cases involving first party property claims. Other practice areas include automobile liability, premises liability, wrongful death, and bad faith and coverage issues. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Oughton worked for a state-wide defense firm where she served as head of the civil litigati...

As a native Floridian and an attorney in Florida for over 20 years, I am passionate about helping clients with their business and real property legal needs. I hold the distinction of being a Florida Bar Board Certified Condominium and Planned Development Lawyer and am AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale Hubbell. Since 2021, I have been recognized as one of Florida's and Northeast Florida's Best Lawyers in Real Estate and was honored as a Legal Elite in 2016. I am the shareholder responsible for...

For nearly 40 years, Preston has been representing clients in a variety of complex commercial real estate matters. The breadth of his practice includes sales, acquisitions, leases, development, utilities, financing and loan restructuring. He regularly counsels healthcare clients across the region in major land acquisitions and development projects, including sites for hospitals, medical office buildings, ambulatory centers and more. Preston’s experience includes two decades of represent...

A commercial real estate and transactional attorney with experience spanning a variety of areas, Robert Leapley represents investors, borrowers, developers, financial institutions, and landowners in loan workouts and restructurings, joint venture agreements, historic tax credit transactions, EB-5 related development and redevelopment projects, land use and entitlements, corporate law, and federal, state, and local taxation. Additionally, Robert represents clients in the acquisition, construct...

Shaw Ashley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Shaw, 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 Shaw 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...

William E. Gibbs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. William E., 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 William E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Since 1980, Elizabeth “Betsy” White has established an excellent and widespread reputation as a top lawyer in the fields of criminal defense, civil rights, and appeals. Her experience includes extensive litigation on behalf of criminal defendants as well as litigation to protect the constitutional and civil rights of individuals and groups, including women, minorities and prisoners. She has litigated at all levels of the judicial system, including the United States Supreme Court. ...