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332 North Magnolia Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801 (Orange Co.)
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 Accepts Credit Cards (Main Office) The senior partners of dBKSM&N began practice together in 1976, and developed a dynamic firm that has grown with Central Florida. The firm is engaged in the general practice of law and represents a wide range of individual and corporate clients in a variety of legal matters. Statement of PracticeGeneral Civil, Criminal and Administrative Practice. Trials and Appeals in all State and Federal Courts. Antitrust Litigation, Aviation, Bankruptcy, Commercial, Corporate, Estate Planning, Family, Governmental, Insurance, Personal Injury, Probate, Products Liability, Real Property and Tax Law. Year Established: 1976
Firm Size: 46
Representative Clients:Budget Car & Truck Rental Co. CDM Properties, Inc. Carter Thermo-King, Inc. Citrus Bank Cort Furniture Rental Corp. The Dial Corp ECC International Corp. E.H. Engelmeier Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. Fidelity National Title Insurance Co. Florida Film and Tape, Inc. GES Exposition Services Lakeside Alternatives Inc. Luigino's Inc. Mount Olive A.M.E. Church Pre-paid Legal Services, Inc. Orange County Board of County Commissioners Orange County Property Appraiser Jeno Paulucci Repoil Construction City of St. Cloud Seminole County School Board State Farm Mutual Insurance Companies Trammel-Crow Transco Transmission, Inc. Travelers Express Company Viad Corp. References: AmSouth Bank Sun Bank, N.A.
Rate InformationFixed Hourly Rates Fixed Fees Available Accepts Major Credit Cards - Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
Address332 North Magnolia Avenue Orlando, FL 32801, (Orange Co.)
PhonePhone: 407-422-2454 Fax: 407-849-1845

Website http://www.dbksmn.com
Hugo H. deBeaubien (Senior Partner) born Birmingham, Michigan; admitted to bar, 1973, Florida; 1975, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; 1978, U.S. Supreme Court; 1981, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. Education: Florida State University (B.S., 1970); Stetson University (J.D., 1973). Hugo is a founding partner of our firm. He was born in Birmingham, Michigan, and raised in Ormond Beach, Florida. After receiving an undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 1970, he was awarded his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University in 1973. At Stetson, Hugo served as exchequer of Phi Delta Phi and president of the Senior Class. Hugo has been active in the Orange County Bar Association through his service as Chairman of the Criminal Law Section and Legal Forums Committee, as Director of the Citizen Dispute Settlement Program, and also as a mediator. He has lectured throughout the state in Continuing Legal Education programs and served as Secretary and as a Board Member for the Central Florida Defense Attorneys Association. He is the National Chairman of the Florida State Alumni Association and past president of the Orlando Touchdown Club. He was named one of the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1984 and honored in Who's Who in American Law in 1996. Hugo is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court. Practice Areas: Civil Trial Practice; Criminal Law; Domestic Relations; Probate Litigation; Business Law.
Kevin Knight (Senior Partner) admitted to bar, 1981, Florida; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits; U.S. Supreme Court. Education: University of Central Florida (B.S.B.A., summa cum laude, 1978); Stetson University (J.D., 1980). Kevin received his undergraduate degree with highest honors from the University of Central Florida. While attending law school at Stetson University, he served as Executive Editor of the Law Review and his writing was published in the Stetson Law Review. He was a Dana Scholar and was recipient of the Walter Mann Graduation Award. Kevin is Board Certified by The Florida Bar and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Lawyer. He has litigated several cases related to personal injury claims, administrative matters, employment matters, real estate contracts, joint ventures, landlord/tenant and corporate matters. In addition to his litigation practice, Kevin has worked in the transactional areas of real estate sales and leasing, computer publishing and software development, corporations, and employment contracts. Over the course of his career, he has represented several clients in matters related to bankruptcy, in both debtor and creditor roles. His administrative practice has included representing individuals such as firefighters before the appropriate retirement and pension boards and contractors on challenges to bid awards. Kevin is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court. Member: Orange County Bar Association; The Florida Bar. (Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education). Practice Areas: General Civil Litigation.
David H. Simmons (Senior Partner) admitted to bar, 1977, Florida and U.S. District Court, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; U.S. Supreme Court. Education: Tennessee Technological University (B.S., highest distinction, 1974); Vanderbilt University (J.D., 1977). David was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated first in his class in mathematics from Tennessee Technological University and received his undergraduate degree with highest distinction, receiving the R. H. Moorman Scholarship and the Mathematics Award. While attending Vanderbilt University, he was the recipient of the William B. Marr Scholarship, served as an editor of the Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, and an editor of The Vanderbilt Moot Court Board. David is board certified by The Florida Bar both as a Civil Trial Lawyer and Business Litigation Attorney, and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Advocacy. He has achieved the highest rating for legal ability in Martindale-Hubbell. He is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth and Eleventh Circuits and the United States Supreme Court. In 2000, David was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, representing portions of Seminole and Orange Counties. He was re-elected to the Florida House in 2002, 2004, and 2006. Also, David was named in the 2006-2008 Florida Super Lawyer List. Member: Orange County and American Bar Associations; The Florida Bar; Florida Defense Lawyers Association (Past Chairman). (Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and Board Certified Business Litigation Lawyer, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education; Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by The National Board of Trial Advocacy). Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Civil Litigation; Complex Commercial Matters.
Daniel F. Mantzaris (Senior Partner) born Queens, New York; admitted to bar, 1986, Florida, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. Education: Hobart College (B.A., 1982); University of Florida (J.D., 1985). Dan was born in Queens, New York and has been a Florida resident since 1978. Since beginning the practice of law in 1986, Dan has represented clients in all areas of civil and commercial litigation. In addition, he has represented clients in personal injury and casualty defense, personal injury claims, employment discrimination defense, contract actions, property rights and eminent domain matters. He is a former Assistant County Attorney for Seminole County, Florida, and currently serves as City Attorney for the City of St. Cloud and City of Clermont. He also serves as counsel to the Seminole County, Orange County and City of Belle Isle Code Enforcement Boards, the Orange County Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals, the Orange County Nuisance Abatement Board and as prosecuting counsel before the City of Maitland Code Enforcement Board and as Code Enforcement Special Master for Orange City. Through his involvement in local government matters, Dan has worked extensively with issues related to comprehensive planning, code enforcement, electric, water, and sewer utilities and property development. He has participated as a mediator for the Seminole County Citizens Dispute Settlement Program and as a voluntary guardian for the Orange County Legal Aid Society, during which he represented abandoned and abused children. He is co-managing partner for the firm's Pre-Paid Legal Services Division. Member: Orange County Bar Association; The Florida Bar (Chairman, Pre-Paid Legal Services Committee; Member, Local Government Law Section); American Hellenic Institute Business Network. Practice Areas: Local Government and Zoning, Governmental Entity and Property Owner; Real Estate; General Business.
Thomas F. Neal (Senior Partner) admitted to bar, 1986, Florida; 1987, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; 1991, U.S. Supreme Court. Education: University of Michigan (B.G.S., 1982); University of Florida (J.D., 1985). Tom is a native Floridian, born and raised in Orlando. As an undergraduate, he played for the University of Michigan football team in two Rose Bowls, the Gator Bowl and the Blue Bonnet Bowl. Tom has litigated numerous matters related to personal injury claims, construction claims and bid protests, administrative matters, employment and discrimination matters, real estate contracts, joint ventures, landlord/tenant and corporate matters. He has tried jury and non-jury trials and has conducted extensive discovery and pre-trial litigation in these areas. His administrative practice has included representing contractors on challenges to bid awards. In 1994, Tom was appointed to the Board of Directors of Lakeside Alternatives, Inc. He has served as a member of the Government Relations Committee and the Personnel Committee for Lakeside Alternatives, Inc. since 1994. He was appointed the Chairman of the Government Relations Committee in the spring of 1995 and the Chairman of the Personnel Committee in 1998. Tom has lectured on landlord tenant issues for the State of Florida, Department of Business Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, Hospitality Education Program and has guest lectured on family law issues for Southern College. He also served as a mediator for the Orange County Bar Association's Citizen's Dispute Settlement Program. Member: Orange County Bar Association; The Florida Bar. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Construction Litigation; Civil Litigation; Insurance Defense; Personal Injury.
D. John Morgeson, Jr. (Co-Managing Parter, Pre-Paid Legal Services Division) born Minneapolis, Minnesota; admitted to bar, 1991, Minnesota; 1992, Florida; 1994, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A., 1984); Stetson University (J.D., 1990). Jack was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has been a resident of Orlando since 1993. Since beginning the practice of law, he has represented clients in personal injury and casualty defense, contract, landlord/tenant, corporate, construction, real estate and consumer related matters. Additionally, Jack services as counsel to the City of St. Cloud Code Enforcement Board and Board of Adjustments, the City of Belle Isle Code Enforcement Board, and support counsel to Orange County and Seminole County Code Enforcement Boards. Jack has served as a volunteer with the Orange County Bar Association since 19993, and currently serves as Chair of the American Diabetes Association's Central Florida Leadership Council. He is a co-managing partner for the firm's Pre-Paid Legal Services Division. Jack is licensed to practice law in Florida and Minnesota, and is currently admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Member: Orange County, Minnesota State and American Bar Associations; The Florida Bar; American Diabetes Association (Chair, Central Florida Leadership Council). Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Local Government Law; Insurance Litigation; Civil Litigation.
Yvette Rodriguez Brown (Partner) born Miami, Florida; admitted to bar, 1995, Florida; 1997, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Education: Florida International University (B.B.A., Marketing and Management, 1991); Stetson University College of Law (J.D., 1994). Yvette was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She received her Bachelor in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing & Management from Florida International University. While attending F.I.U., she was the Community Service Committee Chairperson for the Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority and was the recipient of their Sister of the Year Award. As a law student, she participated in an internship with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tampa and the Civil Poverty Clinic in Bradenton. She is a former Assistant State Attorney for Lee County, Florida, where she prosecuted misdemeanor, traffic and felony offenses. She served as Mediator for the Orange County Bar Association's Citizen Dispute Settlement Program and currently serves as a Guardian Ad Litem. She is the Special Magistrate for Orange County Code Enforcement, prosecutes code enforcement cases for the City of Clermont. Yvette is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. In 2003, Yvette was named Downtown Woman of the Year by the Women's Executive Council. That same year, she received the Orange County Bar President's Award (the highest recognition by the OCBA). She also speaks Spanish. Member: Orange County Bar Association (Member, Young Lawyers Section, 2000; Member, Judicial Relations Committee, 2000-2001 and Lawyer Referral Services Committee); Legal Aid Society (Member, Board of Trustees, 2005); Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (President, 2001-2002). Fellow: Orange County Bar Foundation (President). Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Bankruptcy; Personal Injury; Wills and Probate; Local Government.
Rachael McMorris Crag-Chaderton (Partner) admitted to bar, 1996, Florida; 1999, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Education: Butler University (B.S., 1993); Indiana University School of Law (J.D., 1996). Rachael was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended Butler University in Indianapolis where she received a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in Political Science. Rachael received her Juris Doctorate from Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis. As a law student, she interned with the Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, Randall T. Shepard, as well as with the Marion County Public Defender's Office. She also competed in the ABA Moot Court Competition. Rachael is active in the community and previously acted as a court-appointed attorney in dependency cases through the Juvenile Court of Orange County, Florida. She currently serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for the Florida Orange County Bar Association's Guardian Ad Litem Program. She is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Kenneth P. Hazouri (Partner) born Waterville, Maine; admitted to bar, 1994, Florida; 1995, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.S., with honors, 1991; J.D., with honors, 1994). Ken was born in Waterville, Maine, and raised in Gainesville, Florida. He received his undergraduate degree in Telecommunication with honors from the University of Florida in 1991. While attending the University, he was a member of the Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Societies. He received his Juris Doctorate, also with honors, from the University of Florida in 1994. He was a member of The Florida Law Review and received a Council of Ten Teaching Fellowship in the field of Contracts. Ken holds the highest ranking an individual attorney can receive, as designated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. Ken is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Member: Orange County and American Bar Associations; The Florida Bar. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Insurance Defense; Landlord and Tenant; Construction Litigation; Securities Litigation; Civil Litigation.
Stephen J. Jacobs (Partner) born Redondo Beach, California; admitted to bar, 1995, California; 1997, Florida, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. Education: University of California at Los Angeles (B.A., History, 1992); California Western School of Law (J.D., 1994). Steve was born in Redondo Beach, California, and raised in Huntington Beach, California. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with an emphasis in Business from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1992. While at U.C.L.A., Steve was President of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and was the recipient of the 1991 Phi of the Year Award. He subsequently received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1994 from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California, where he was a Dean's List Scholar in the Summer and Fall of that year and a recipient of Academic Achievement Awards in Jurisprudence and Advanced Entertainment Law. Steve also served as President of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society and was responsible for organizing and chairing the Fall 1994 Sports Law Symposium, "Sports Law 1994: The Year of Turmoil," which featured recognized labor and sports management figures throughout the United States who addressed the labor crisis affecting the four major professional sports during that year. Steve is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eighth and Eleventh Circuits and the United States Supreme Court. Member: Orange County Bar Association (Member, Young Lawyers' Section); The Florida Bar; State Bar of California. Practice Areas: General Civil Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Insurance Defense; Trademarks; Copyrights; Entertainment Law.
Daniel J. O'Malley (Partner) born St. Louis, Missouri; admitted to bar, 1997, Florida; 2004, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.S.B.A., 1991); George Mason University School of Law (J.D., with honors, 1997). Dan was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. While earning his degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was admitted to Beta Gamma Sigma, a national honor society for business schools. He received his Juris Doctorate, with honors, from George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Virginia. Member: The Florida Bar. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Insurance Defense; Civil Litigation.
Richard A. Tanner (Partner) born Orange, New Jersey; admitted to bar, 1969, New Jersey; 1984, District of Columbia; 1985, New York; 1988, Florida. Education: University of Illinois (J.D., 1969). Richard is our Managing Partner in the Tallahassee Office, licensed in FL, NY, NJ and Washington, DC. Richard attended Illinois, where he was active in campus organizations and Illinois honorary societies. Headed to Journalism, but allured to Law School, he graduated to practice with a large Newark, N.J. firm. He was recruited to the U.S. Attorney's, District of N.J. As a federal prosecutor, Richard conducted the trial of many white collar crimes, and was appointed Deputy Chief and then Chief of the Criminal Division. He was in supervision of all federal criminal law enforcement in three District Offices in N.J. During his federal tenure, Richard received the U.S. Dept. of Justice Special Achievement Award in 1973. On return to private practice, Richard has for 39 years represented civil litigants, in products liability, medical malpractice, construction liability and diverse other claims. He defended police officers and assisted medical professionals in claims by professional regulators. He is on The Florida Bar Board of Governors, sits on Executive Committee and others. Richard has co-authored a textbook, Profitable Law Firm Management and regularly teaches Bar and Law School sponsored programs. He is an Adjunct Law Professor at Florida State, teaching Trial Advocacy. Member: Tallahassee and American Bar Associations; The Florida Bar. [Captain/Master License, U.S. Coast Guard]. Practice Areas: Products Liability; Business Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; White Collar Crime; Professional Licensing Regulation.
Bart R. Valdes (Partner) admitted to bar, 2000, Florida; U.S. District Court, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth and Eleventh Circuits. Education: Florida State University (B.S., 1997; J.D., 2000). Mr. Valdes received his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law in 2000. While a student at the Florida State University College of Law, Mr. Valdes was a member and officer of the Florida State University Trial Team, served as Chief Justice of the Florida State University Student Supreme Court, received the distinguished pro bono service award and the award for academic excellence in Growth Management. Mr. Valdes has represented a variety of clients including small business owners, individuals, local governments, and well-established corporations in a wide range of matters. Mr. Valdes has been involved in complex trial matters related to contract disputes, real property disputes, landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, probate, real estate development issues, insurance coverage actions and general business litigation. Additionally, Mr. Valdes has extensive experience in eminent domain and collections matters. Mr. Valdes has represented clients in state and federal court actions (both at trial and in appeals) as well as in administrative proceedings. In addition, Mr. Valdes is a PADI Certified Scuba Diving Instructor and a licensed United States Coast Guard Captain. Member: Hillsborough County and Orange County Bar Associations; The Florida Bar. Practice Areas: Complex Commercial Litigation; General Civil Practice; Insurance Subrogation; Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith; Land Use; Local Government Law; Growth Management; Eminent Domain; Residential and Commercial Landlord Tenant; Bankruptcy.
ASSOCIATESNancy J. Abernathy (Associate) admitted to bar, 1978, Kansas; 1988, Florida. Education: Teachers College of Kansas City (B.S.E., 1974); Washburn University of Topeka School of Law (J.D., 1978).
Harley S. Herman (Associate) admitted to bar, 1978, Florida; 1979, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Education: University of South Florida (B.A., Business Administration, 1975); University of Florida (J.D., 1977; LLM, Anticipated International Law, 2002). Harley's work in the more than three decades of his law practice is an amalgam of public, private and educational service. Harley began his legal career as a third year law student and became the first UF law student intern-oral arguments to Florida's First District Court of Appeal. Upon graduation, he joined Marion County Legal Aid, Inc. and was quickly promoted to Director of the program. Harley's experience in Legal Services organizations includes service with programs in Orlando, Daytona Beach, Panama City and Ocala. Herman has served on the faculties of Savannah State University, where he taught Criminal Justice and Business Law, and the FAMU College of Law, where he has taught Estates and Trust Law. Harley's years in private practice have been dominated by his service to bar, civic and community organizations. In 1995, Harley became a recipient of the Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award. In 1993, Harley appeared in a PBS Documentary, entitled: A Lawyer Made in Heaven, a historical presentation of Virgil Hawkins, the plaintiff in litigation to desegregate the University of Florida and Harley's 1998 Petition to the Florida Supreme Court to posthumously reinstate Mr. Hawkins' Florida Bar membership. During the last 15 years, Harley has served as a member, Chair or Vice-Chair of numerous Florida Bar Committees and Sections, including Student Education, Pre-Paid Legal Services, PPL Services, Equal Opportunities and Membership Outreach. He continues to serve as Editor for the Equal Opportunities quarterly publication. Member: Orange County Bar Association; The Florida Bar. Practice Areas: Civil Litigation; Business Law; Probate; Guardianship.
Adam Alvarez (Associate) admitted to bar, 1999, New York; 2000, Florida; 2001, New Jersey. Education: John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York (B.S., 1988; M.A., 1989); City University of New York School of Law (J.D., 1995).
Kurt L. Barch (Associate) admitted to bar, 1978, Florida. Education: Florida State University (B.A.; J.D.).
Michele S. Bell (Associate) admitted to bar, 1989, Georgia; 1999, Florida. Education: College of William and Mary; University of Pittsburg (B.A., 1979); University of Georgia (J.D., 1982).
Michelle Evans Concepcion (Associate) admitted to bar, 2006, Florida. Education: University of Central Florida (B.S.B.A., Marketing, 1996); Florida A. & M. University (J.D., magna cum laude, 2006). Michelle received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from the University of Central Florida with a major in marketing in 1996. She worked for several years for Auto-Owners Insurance Company in the claims and underwriting departments before attending law school. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Florida A&M University College of Law, where she was elected and served as the Articles Editor of the Law Review from 2005-2006. Michelle served as Secretary of the Student Bar Association during her second year at FAMU, competed in the 2005 BMI/Entertainment Law Moot Court Competition at the Cardozo School of Law, and worked as a law student intern with the U.S Attorney's Office of the Middle District of Florida for a semester. Michelle is admitted to practice before Florida state courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Member: Orange County Bar Association (Member, Young Lawyers' Section); The Florida Bar; Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Practice Areas: General Civil Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Insurance Defense.
Michael W. Curto (Associate) admitted to bar, 1979, Florida. Education: Rollins College (B.A., 1975); Cumberland School of Law of Samford University (J.D., 1979); Tulane University (LL.M., 1985).
Shawn L. Demers (Associate) admitted to bar, 2005, Florida; U.S District Court, Middle District of Florida. Education: Florida State University (B.A., 2000; J.D., 2003). Member: Orange County Bar Association; The Florida Bar.
Felice A. Dizon (Associate) admitted to bar, 2000, Florida. Education: Mount Holyoke College (B.A., 1995); Catholic University of America (J.D., 1999).
Jeffrey S. Elkins (Associate) admitted to bar, 2007, Florida. Education: Florida State University (B.S., Finance, 2004); Florida State University of Law (J.D., with honors, 2007). Jeff was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Science, majoring in Finance, while earning minors in Economics and English, from Florida State University. While attending FSU, he served on the Student Senate, was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and interned for State Senator Jeffrey Atwater. He was also an active leader in his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, where he served as the Vice President of Communications. Jeff obtained his Juris Doctorate with Honors from Florida State University. As a law student, he was active in the Phi Delta Phi Fraternity, earned the H. Mark Purdy Alternative Dispute Resolution Book Award, and the Judge Hugh M. Taylor Book Award in State Constitutional Law. Jeff is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts. Member: Orange County Bar Association (Member, Young Lawyers' Section); The Florida Bar. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; General Civil Litigation.
Joni M. Emling (Associate) admitted to bar, 1985, Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.A., 1981; J.D., 1984).
Mary Ann Etzler (Senior Associate) born Saint Paul Minnesota; admitted to bar, 1995, Florida; 1999, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Education: University of South Florida (B.S., 1990); Cumberland School of Law of Samford University (J.D., 1995). Mary Ann was born in St. Paul, MN, raised in Woodbury, and moved to Florida in 1977. From 1978 to 1992 she worked for the city of St. Petersburg Police Department as a Field Training Officer, In-Service Training and Patrol Sergeant, Firearms, Defensive Tactics, and Police Academy Instructor. Simultaneously, Mary Ann attended the University of South Florida. graduating with Honors in 1990. From 1992-1995 she attended Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. There, she served on of one of the school's two law reviews, directed the Senior Trial Team, and placed 2nd in the 1994 National Negotiation Competition. From 1995-2000 Mary Ann served as an Assistant State Attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit prosecuting post conviction appeals, and conducted about 90-100 felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile trials. Mary Ann, mother of two boys, is very involved in her church and community, serving as a Guardian Ad Litem, a Citizen's Dispute Mediator, adjunct professor for the Univ. of Phoenix, the Christian Service Center board, Leadership Orlando, and is the president elect for CFAWL 2009-2010. Mary Ann is admitted to practice before all Florida State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. Member: Orange County and American Bar Associations; The Florida Bar; Central Florida Association For Women Lawyers (President); American Trial Lawyers Association; Association for Women Lawyers; National Association for Female Executives; National Association for Investors Corporation (Member, Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee, 1998-2001). Practice Areas: Criminal Defense; Commercial Litigation; General Civil Litigation; Environmental Law; Insurance Coverage; Appellate Practice; Domestic Relations.
Patricio Garcia (Associate) born Montreal, Canada; admitted to bar, 1999, Florida. Education: University of Ottawa (B.A., 1992); St. Mary's University of San Antonio (J.D., 1996). Delta Theta Phi. Patricio was born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. He received his Bachelor in Political Science, from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He obtained a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and Management from Harvard University. Patricio obtained his Juris Doctorate from St. May's University School of Law at San Antonio, Texas. In addition, he obtained a Graduate Diploma in Foreign Trade and Commercial Law from El Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), at Monterrey, Mexico. Patricio's unique multicultural upbringing, has led him to primarily devote his practice to all aspects of Immigration and Nationality law. He is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts and the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. Patricio is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, with a solid comprehension of French. Member: Orange County Bar Association, The Florida Bar; International Law Association; Texas-Mexico Bar Association; Harvard University Mexican Association (HUMA); American Immigration Lawyers Association. Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Immigration and Naturalization.
Kimberly L. George (Associate) admitted to bar, 1998, Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.A., 1995); Stetson University (J.D., 1997).
Luis F. Gomez, Jr. (Associate) admitted to bar, 1990, Florida. Education: Ohio State University (B.A., 1976); Nova Southeastern University (J.D., 1989).
Regina A. Henderson (Associate) born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; admitted to bar, 1995, Florida; 1997, District of Columbia. Education: Florida State University (B.S., 1991; J.D., 1994). Regina was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Criminology from Florida State University in 1991. While attending Florida State University, she was a member of the Garnet Key Honor Society and the Dubois Honor Society. Regina received her Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law in 1994. While at law school, she was a member of Phi Delta Phi Honor Society. Regina is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts and the District of Columbia. Member: Orange County Bar Association; The Florida Bar; District of Columbia Bar. Practice Areas: Insurance Defense; Civil Litigation; Criminal Law.
Carol M. Herman (Associate) admitted to bar, 1992, Georgia; 1997, Florida. Education: University of Tampa (B.S., 1966); Atlanta Law School (J.D., 1992).
Raymond Hernandez (Associate) admitted to bar, 1987, Florida. Education: University of South Florida (B.A., 1981); Drake University (J.D., 1985).
Leonard W. Jackson, Jr. (Associate) admitted to bar, 2001, Florida. Education: University of Illinois (B.A., 1995; J.D., 1999). Leonard was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Speech Communication, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also obtained his Juris Doctorate and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Illinois. While attending Illinois, Leonard was a mentor to "at risk youth," a Graduate Student Representative for Student Government, a member of the Social and Finance Committees of the Black Law Student Association, a member of the T.J. Reddick Bar Association, a speaker against sexual assault, and a Guardian Ad Litem. He is a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida, where he established, modified, and enforced child support. Leonard is also a former insurance defense attorney. He is a past Treasurer and Secretary of the Government Lawyer Association of the Florida Bar. Leonard is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts and the United States Supreme Court. Member: The Florida Bar Government Lawyer Section of the Florida Bar Orange County Bar Association (Legal Aid Society and Young Lawyers Section). Special Agencies: Middle District of Florida. Practice Areas: General Civil Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Domestic Relations; Personal Injury; Real Estate.
Suzan E. Koontz (Associate) admitted to bar, 1992, Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.A., 1989); Florida State University College of Law (J.D., 1991).
Ruben Laboy, Jr. (Associate) born New York, N.Y.; admitted to bar, 1993, Pennsylvania; 1994, New Jersey; 2004, Florida. Education: Rutgers University (B.S., 1980; J.D., 1993); Michigan State University (M.A., 1982). Ruben was born in New York City, New York. He received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in 1980. He also has a Masters Degree from Michigan State University (1982). He subsequently earned his Juris Doctorate at Rutgers University School of Law in 1993. While a law student, Ruben served as Class Representative of the Student Bar Association in 1992 and interned for the Rutgers Legal Aid Clinic, Rutgers Constitutional Law Clinic and the Rutgers Urban Legal Clinic. He also interned with Honorable Ronald Hedges, a federal magistrate in New Jersey. He was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 1993, in New Jersey in 1994 and in Florida in 2004. Prior to attending law school, Ruben taught GED to economically disadvantaged youth and provided social services and counseling to abused and neglected children and teenagers. He is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts and the Federal District Courts. Member: Orange County, Pennsylvania and New Jersey State Bar Associations; The Florida Bar. Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Domestic Relations; Bankruptcy; General Civil Litigation.
Laurance L. Mancuso (Associate) admitted to bar, 1988, Washington; 1994, Florida. Education: University of Virginia (B.A., 1974); University of Puget Sound (J.D., 1987).
Stephanie W. Melia (Associate) admitted to bar, 1997, Florida. Education: Florida State University (B.S., 1994); George Washington University (J.D., 1997).
Philip E. Mulry (Associate) admitted to bar, 1977, Florida. Education: C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University (1969); University of Miami School of Law (J.D. 1977).
Lindsay N. Oyewale (Associate) born New York, N.Y.; admitted to bar, 2000, Florida. Education: Cornell University (B.S., Industrial and Labor Relations, 1995); Florida State University College of Law (J.D., 1999). Lindsay was born and raised in New York, New York. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Florida State College of Law, and as a law student was on the Moot Court and Mock Trial teams. In addition, Lindsay was President of the Black Law Students Association and volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem. Upon graduation, Lindsay practiced in the areas of labor/employment law in Orlando, Florida. Lindsay is currently a certified county court mediator in Orange County. Member: Orange County Bar Association; The Florida Bar; Paul C. Perkins Bar Association. Practice Areas: Labor Employment; Criminal Defense; Family Law.
Lidiana Rivera-Murphy (Associate) admitted to bar, 2001, Florida. Education: University of South Florida (B.A., 1998); Nova Southeastern University (J.D., 2001).
Kent A. Showalter III (Associate) admitted to bar, 1996, Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.A., 1992; J.D., 1995).
Charles P. Tittle (Associate) admitted to bar, 1972, Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.S., 1969; J.D., 1972).
William A. Tompkins, Jr. (Associate) admitted to bar, 1982, Minnesota; 1983, Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.A., 1977); Hamline University (J.D., 1982).
Derrick M. Valkenburg (Associate) admitted to bar, 2005, Florida; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.A., 2001); Levin College of Law, University of Florida (J.D., 2004). Member: Hillsborough County Bar Association; The Florida Bar. Practice Areas: Civil Litigation; Civil Trial; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Law; Insurance Litigation.
Alexandra Vargas (Associate) admitted to bar, 2003, Maryland; 2005, Florida. Education: University of Florida (B.A., with honors, 1999); University of Maryland (J.D., with honors, 2003).
C. Brent Wardrop (Associate) born Evansville, Indiana; admitted to bar, 2005, Florida; 2007, Georgia. Education: University of Georgia (A.B.J., Broadcast News, 2001); Florida State University (J.D., 2005). Brent was born in Evansville, Indiana and raised in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and Roswell, Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, majoring in Broadcast News with a minor in Spanish, from the Honors College at the University of Georgia. While attending UGA, Brent was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, studied abroad at Oxford University, and interned with "The Late Show with David Letterman." He obtained his Juris Doctorate from The Florida State University College of Law, and as a law student was a member of the FSU Moot Court Team, the Journal of Transnational Law and Policy, and the Business Review. Brent is admitted to practice before all Florida and Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Member: Orange County Bar Association (Member, Young Lawyers' Section); The Florida Bar; State Bar of Georgia. Practice Areas: Business Litigation; Commercial Litigation; General Civil Litigation.
Letitia E. Wood (Associate) admitted to bar, 1981, Florida; 1982, Pennsylvania. Education: Florida State University (B.S., 1975; J.D., 1981).
Ratings Methodology
The following firm members have been rated by their peers
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