Alachua County Business Lawyers

David has been actively involved in the real estate world for over 7+ years serving as the Director of AAA Financial Corporation, CEO of Capital Funding Financial, and as Real Estate Agent, Mortgage Originator, & Attorney to a high net worth clientele. David graduated with numerous awards from the University of Miami with a degree in Finance & Accounting while starting for the #1 ranked Hurricanes as an outfielder on the baseball team. David went on to play for the Colorado Rockies before heading back to law school to specialize in real estate law. David proceeded to get his LL.M....

Mr. Bachman is a key member of Chepenik Trushin LLP’s probate and trust litigation department. Mr. Bachman is particularly experienced in the areas of probate and trust litigation, complex commercial litigation and insurance defense. He is familiar with the latest developments in Florida law relevant to challenging and defending wills and trusts, and is a key player in the firm’s many complex probate litigation cases, including those involving claims of lack of capacity, undue influence, insane delusion and tortious interference with expected inheritance.

In his free time, he likes to travel and play with his dog, Stink, and cat, The Babadook.

University of Miami School Law, Miami, Florida J.D. - 2017 Honors: magna cum laude Honors: Litigation Skills I, Litigation Skills II, and Alternate Dispute Resolution Honors: Excellence Award in Professional Responsibility Honors: Charles C. Papy Moot Court Board, Member Honors: Presidential Advisory Board, Member Honors: Best Oralist. Mr. Braunstein Honors: Best Student Casenote Award Honors: Order of Barristers PRACTICE AREAS: Franchise Law Civil Litigation Complex Commercial Litigation GIVING BACK: • Coach/Mentor: University of Miami School of Law, Trial Team and Moot Court Board • Coach/Mentor: University of Miami, Mock Trial Team • Pro-Bono Cases, various confidential

I bring a unique combination of legal, business, and executive experience to my role at Prego Law Group, PLLC. With over 25 years in the banking and financial services industry, including time spent as a C-suite executive and compliance leader, I offer deep insight into the complexities of regulatory compliance, risk management, and strategic business growth. My career includes leadership roles at Merrill Lynch, Espírito Santo Bank, Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust, and Brickell Bank. In these roles, I led compliance programs, addressed complex regulatory issues, and managed high-stakes mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. My hands-on experience in banking operations and...

Professional Associations: Miami-Dade County Bar Association American Bar Association (ABA), Franchise Forum International Franchise Association (IFA) American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) Classes & Seminars: ABA’s Annual Franchise Forum AAFD's Annual Conventions Pro-Bono Activities: Miami Dade County 'Put Something Back' Program Bar Admissions: Florida U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan U.S. District Court Eastern District of Arkansas U.S. District Court Western District of Arkansas U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit

Jeffrey N. Schatzman is a native of Miami, Florida. He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1986 and his J.D. degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Western Michigan University) in 1989.

Mr. Schatzman is a member of The Florida Bar and is admitted to practice in all Florida State Courts as well as the Federal District and Bankruptcy Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. Mr. Schatzman concentrates his practice in the areas of Bankruptcy, representing both creditors and debtors; Commercial Collections; Commercial Litigation; and Commercial Transactions.

He has been a...

Eliot T. Brais is the sole and managing shareholder in his North Attleboro, Massachusetts office. He began his law career in 1988, joining his father, Ronald A. Brais, who had enjoyed a 40 year practice primarily concentrating on estate planning and small business law.

In his father’s footsteps, Eliot T. Brais’ areas of expertise include estate and business planning. Over the years, Eliot’s practice areas expanded to include real estate, real estate development and criminal law having handled in excess of 1,000 criminal cases and 50 trials.

Eliot T. Brais’ representation of clients’ interests goes well beyond the award of monetary sums...

Sergiu "Sergey" Gherman is a commercial attorney. Having had experience with all stages of lawsuits, including appeals, Sergiu has appeared before judges in state and federal courts. He has successfully represented clients in matters alleging fraud, securities fraud, fraudulent transfers, employment discrimination defense, trusts and estate defense, in prosecution of professional malpractice, products liability, statutory easement, insurance claims (group health, individual health, auto), as well as in appeals. Sergiu is the former Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in the State of Florida.

Aleksey Shtivelman is a partner in the Miami office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is a member of the International Dispute Resolution Practice Group.

Originally from Odessa, Ukraine, Aleksey moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1994 and received his law degree from Boston University in 2012. As a native Russian speaker and fluent in Spanish, Aleksey has successfully resolved high-stakes legal disputes representing foreign and domestic clients doing business in many jurisdictions, including Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Aleksey’s practice includes advising clients in connection with foreign and domestic disputes, including power generation, aviation, and energy industries. Aleksey has...

Regina is the Managing Partner of The Campbell Law Group based in Coral Gables, Florida. She is recognized for her unique insight, resourceful problem-solving skills and understanding of how legal issues affect people and companies differently.

One of Regina’s biggest passions is litigation. Regina and The Campbell Law Group PA have seen a great deal of success in prosecuting and litigating business fraud and ponzi schemes, tortious interference with a business relationship cases, non-compete cases, shareholder actions, complex divorce and post-divorce actions, especially cases with recalcitrant parties with a talent at hiding assets and/or avoiding support obligations amongst other causes of...

Cesar is an International Attorney specialized in business law, litigation, and cross-border investments. He assists start-ups and seasoned investors to structure their business efficiently, reducing risk and setting them up for success. His experience in dispute resolution and litigation allows him to provide comprehensive and top-notch advise zealously protecting the interest of his clients. He holds a J.D. and International Arbitration LL.M. from the University of Miami School of law, an LL.M. for Foreign-Trained Lawyers from Brooklyn Law School, and a Licenciatura en Derecho “Cum Laude” from the Universidad Tecnológica de Honduras. He is admitted to practice law in the states...

Founder of boutique law firm practicing in the areas of commercial litigation, shareholders and partnership disputes, trade secrets, non-competes, temporary restraining orders and injunctions, deceptive practices, real estate disputes, criminal defense, family law (including, divorces, domestic violence injunctions, child support, alimony, and paternity), professional malpractice, international litigation and arbitration, administrative and regulatory proceedings, and appeals.

Counselor to corporate clients and individuals in a wide range of transactional, administrative and regulatory matters, including governmental audits, purchase and sale of businesses, real estate closings, corporate governance, personnel and labor issues, employment matters, international trade and business transactions, statutory and regulatory compliance, contract drafting...

Shari Wald Garrett is an experienced Business Law Attorney at Siegfried Rivera. Her practice includes representation of Condominium and Homeowners Associations in a broad array of legal matters. She provides general counsel, as well as representation for developer and owner disputes, contracts, Board and owner meetings, governing documents, election disputes, and day-to-day operations. Ms. Garrett is dedicated to providing outstanding advocacy for clients throughout the State of Florida.

Ms. Garrett received her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Florida. In 2001, she obtained her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law.

Gary M. Mars joined the firm in 1991, developing a specialty in community association representation. Since then, his practice has evolved into full-service community association representation, including transactional work, covenant enforcement, drafting of opinion letters regarding the management and operation of the association, drafting amendments to governing documents, performing contract review and preparing meeting packages for board meetings and annual meetings. His representation also includes assisting clients with matters pertaining to construction defect negotiations and litigation, and turnover issues Mr. Mars has over 25 years of experience in assisting community associations in the pursuit of Chapter 558 claims and has...

A Miami-native, Oscar grew up and attended all academic training in South Florida. While in college, he obtained his Real Estate Sales Associate license and has been actively engaged in real estate transactions throughout South Florida since the age of 19. During his undergraduate degree, he created and opened his own Real Estate Brokerage company, Endeavor International Real Estate. It was through these labors that helped pay his way through law school. During his law school training, he worked for The Lasarte Law Firm where he worked over two years in the land use/zoning and governmental affairs field. It was...

David Podein is a partner with Haber Law and has been with the firm since 2009. He concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate and construction law, condominium and community association representation, commercial leasing, secured financing, and business and commercial litigation.
A substantial portion of Mr. Podein’s practice involves representation of community associations in the financing, approvals, and contract negotiation for multi-million dollar capital improvement, repair, and/or building upgrade projects. Additionally, Mr. Podein represents real estate developers, investors, joint venture, lenders/servicers, and landlords in connection with real estate related transactions, including commercial and shopping center leasing, landlord tenant negotiations,...

Lorenzo Arca is an associate with Fleitas & Arca, PLLC. Mr. Arca is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Florida, and works in the Firm’s Immigration and Business Practice Areas. Mr. Arca represents clients in planning and executing both Family-based and Employment-based immigration strategies. Mr. Arca’s immigration practice focuses primarily on business immigration services representing clients and investors transitioning into the U.S. market. Additionally, Mr. Arca assists and advises clients on a wide-variety of business and corporate matters, ranging from entity formation to particularized contract drafting. Prior to joining Fleitas & Arca, PLLC, Mr. Arca attended Florida International University College...

With a knack for the creative and an entrepreneurial attitude, Christopher DiSchino specializes in business, securities and intellectual property law. Assisting both individuals and corporate entities, Christopher focuses his practices on complex business transactions, intellectual property registration and enforcement and corporate counsel services. His diverse experience allows him to create value for his clients by using resourceful techniques to minimize unnecessary costs and risks.

Prior to founding DiSchino & Schamy, PLLC, Christopher served as General Counsel in both the hospitality and fashion industries. Exposure to a fast-paced, international environment provided him with an intimate understanding of the business climate in which...

Thomas C. Saunders is one of only a small handful of lawyers in Polk County, Florida that hold themselves out as double Board Certified. Tom is certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in both Civil Trial and Business Litigation.

Mr. Cox is a Founding Partner at Sallah Astarita Cox LLC. With over 20 years of experience, he provides skilled and knowledgeable counsel to clients with a broad array of legal needs. His practice is concentrated on Arbitration & Mediation, Business Law, Securities Law, Stockbroker & Investment Fraud, and White Collar Crime matters. Mr. Cox is committed to providing outstanding service and aggressive representation for his clients.

In 1995, Mr. Cox received a B.S. in Political Science from Furman University. He earned a J.D. from Nova Southeastern University—Shepard Broad Law Center in 1999. Following law school, Mr. Cox served as...

Jacquelyn M. Codd, Esq., has been a Polk County native since she was 5 years old. She started working in local law firms in 2010 and worked as a paralegal and law clerk throughout her time in undergrad and law school. She consistently focused on clerking in areas which could give her valuable contracts, collections, and construction law experience. She also ensured that she spent at least one year working in the area of consumer and collection defense so that she could learn the tricks of the trade and protect her future clients from falling into regulatory compliance traps during...

Mr. Gallagher graduated from Stetson University College of Law. After graduation he began practice with a large Tampa firm focusing on insurance litigation. Additionally, Mr. Gallagher served as a Federal Judicial Intern for Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich of the U.S. Middle District of Florida. Mr. Gallagher has experience in both litigation and transactional matters. His current practice focuses on insurance litigation, foreclosure defense, real estate litigation, business law and consumer law.

While at Stetson, Mr. Gallagher was the Director of the Legal Writing Clinic, President of the Christian Legal Society, a Teaching Fellow for Legal Research and Writing classes, a...

Andrew Pardun, LL.M. is an Associate with the firm specializing in the areas of Real Estate Law, Title Insurance, Commercial and Residential Real Estate Closings, Commercial Lending and Borrowing, Foreclosure Matters, Business Law, and Tax Law.

Andrew joined the firm in January of 2016 after completing his Juris Doctorate Degree from Stetson University College of Law and his MBA Degree, with Honors, from Stetson University. Andrew completed his MBA degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honors society. During his first year at the firm, Andrew completed his Master of Laws Degree in...

Stephen J. Wein is a founding shareholder of the firm. He was previously the Chairman of the Litigation Department of a prominent local firm where he was also a member of its Executive Committee. He is a 1976 graduate of Stetson University College of Law. Steve’s extensive litigation experience is diverse, ranging from Complex Commercial to White Collar Criminal matters on behalf of and against public and private companies, financial institutions, insurance companies and professionals. The representations have dealt with a wide gamut of legal issues involving securities, antitrust, class actions, computers and software, intellectual property, healthcare fraud...

A nationally-recognized leader in defending the rights of consumers in all area of legal disputes, with a very intense and dedicated focus to defending and prosecuting foreclosure related issues. The lawyers and staff at WeidnerLaw maintain a very hands on and personal approach to each client relationship and have a state of the art client communication system that ensures clients are kept abreast of all their case developments

Peter T. Hofstra is an of counsel real estate attorney at DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A. His expertise in real estate law has helped to solidify the firm as a specialist in real estate acquisitions, condominium and association law and transfer of real property.

Oxalis B. Garcia is a native from Puerto Rico. After being admitted to practice Law in the State of Florida she began focusing on practicing Family and Criminal law in the Tampa Bay area. Since that time, she has represented clients in divorces, custody disputes, post-judgment modification actions, child support matters, alimony and domestic violence injunctions. In addition she has represented client in Misdemeanors, Traffic Infractions, DUI’s and Violations of Probation. Presently she is admitted in three (3) jurisdictions and is fluent in both the Spanish and English languages. In addition Attorney Garcia volunteers at the Free Family Law...

Nickolas C. Ekonomides is the sole shareholder of Nickolas C. Ekonomides, P.A., with offices in Clearwater, Florida and has been practicing law in the Tampa area since 1994. His practice covers a wide range of corporate and real estate representation with concentration in business and commercial state and Federal litigation. Mr. Ekonomides was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1994 and to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, in the same year. In 2004, Mr. Ekonomides was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

He is a long standing member of his...

Mr. Curry is a civil trial lawyer and has had his own firm for most of his career. He has been recognized by Judges and his colleagues as one of the preeminent lawyers in his field receiving an “AV’ rating from Martindale Hubbell. He has an active Civil Trial Practice participating in civil trials involving Commercial, Personal Injury, Family Issues and General Business Litigation. In addition to his successful Law Practice he served as a Founding Director and General Counsel of Platinum Bank from 1997 through 2012.

Mr. Curry has served as President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. He was...

I am commercial litigator who understands the benefits and risks of litigation for each of my clients. I emphasize a practical assessment of disputes and provide innovative strategies. Whether advancing or defending claims, I am relentless in pursuing my client’s objectives.

Attorney Stephen Lacey is a Estate Planning and Probate Attorney in Melbourne, Florida. His practice areas focus on Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate, Wills, Trust Administration and Wealth & Asset Protection. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Lacey has handled various Estate Planning cases in the State of Florida.