Florida Business Lawyers

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...

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

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

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,...

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...

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...

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...

David Di Pietro is an AV Preeminent rated trial attorney who focuses his legal practice in the areas of healthcare law, probate litigation, trust litigation, guardianship law, commercial and business litigation, medical malpractice defense, construction litigation, personal injury and election law. David is an experienced and aggressive trial attorney that has tried over fifty (50) jury trials and numerous bench trials. David is also a member of the Healthcare Law and Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar. David began his career has an Assistant State Attorney with the Broward State Attorney's Office. As an Assistant State Attorney, David...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Jay Patel is a Former Prosecutor and a Former Law Enforcement Officer with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. After Jay was admitted to the Florida Bar, he served as a prosecutor in Okaloosa and Walton Counties from 2013 to 2017. As an Assistant State Attorney, he spent years prosecuting thousands of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, some punishable by life in prison. Jay achieved success in prosecuting criminal cases that were before a jury, a judge, and the appellate court. Despite his success as a Florida Prosecutor, Jay decided it was time for a change. Thus, in 2017, Jay went...

Offering top-notch legal services in South Florida for over 36 years.

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...

Mr. Benitah earned his B.S.B.A. cum laude in General Business Administration from the University of Central Florida in 2002. He earned his law degree cum laude in 2005 from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, where he was a Junior Editor of the NSU International Citator and Research Project. While in law school, Jonathan was honored with the Book Award in Contracts, and was a teacher's assistant for Civil Procedure in NSU's Academic Resources Program. His article, "Anti-Scalping Laws: Should They be Forgotten?" was also published in the University of Texas School of Law, Texas Review of Entertainment...

Mr. Barak, the person whom will handle your case, has been licensed to practice law since 1981 and has practiced in the areas of Immigration law, business law, U.S. and international transactions, personal injury and civil litigation. Mr. Barak has played in many competitive sports in his lifetime, and he always plays to win. As a client of his, you gain his winning attitude. He has literally attended thousands of Immigration interviews with his clients at U.S. Immigration offices, as well as in Immigration Court. His face is familiar to countless Immigration officers and Immigration judges, making it that much...

Forged in large-firm environments and two decades of practice with my own firm, I litigate and provide advice in business matters in Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. My experience in state and federal courts and arbitration fora includes creditor rights, business torts, antitrust, distribution law, corporate control, securities, tax controversies, construction defects and commercial insurance coverage disputes.

Shands M. Wulbern is the founding attorney at the Jacksonville employment law firm, The Law Office of Shands M. Wulbern, P.A. Attorney Wulbern earned his Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in 1994, and his Juris Doctorate degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 1998. He began his legal career that same year, working as an assistant state attorney in Ocala, and prosecuting criminal offenses varying from misdemeanors to major felony cases. In 2000, Mr. Wulbern moved back to his hometown, Jacksonville, where he worked as an assistant public defender, representing indigent citizens facing various charges. During this time, Attorney...

Reed has been practicing law in the state of Florida for over 30 years. He 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 himself on being able to understand each client’s focus, concern, and priorities without losing sight of the big picture. His long-standing relationships and experience within the industry give him a valuable point of view in recognizing possible disrupters for companies far before they...

Mr. Burnett is the founder of St. Johns Law Group. Serving as Managing Partner, Mr. Burnett manages the day-to-day operations of the firm and is available to all clients as a resource to support the other attorneys in the firm. Mr. Burnett balances those responsibilities while maintaining an active real estate and development law practice. PRACTICE AREAS Local government law, including serving as general counsel for the St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport Authority and the City of St. Augustine Beach, Florida. Mr. Burnett’s practice also includes real estate development, real property and construction litigation, land use...

The Carney Law Firm serves individuals and businesses throughout Florida in business litigation, estate planning, and probate matters. The Carney Law Firm offers clients expertise from a firm they can trust. Mr. Carney has big law firm experience, but provides small firm service. A potential client’s biggest worry is often the expense of hiring a professional attorney. Mr. Carney is often able to assist his clients by offering contingency and flat fee options. The Carney Law Firm is committed to providing each client aggressive and practical legal representation. In recognition of his legal skills and ethical standards, Mr. Carney received an AV...

- over 30 years' experience
- frequent lecturer on various legal topics
- articles published in several legal periodicals
- appeared on Court TV on America Online
- voted "Super Lawyer" by other attorneys
- recipient of "Equal Justice Award"
- Ivy League graduate

Nancy Brandt is an Of counsel attorney with the Central Florida law firm Bogin, Munns & Munns. She specializes in Civil Litigation and Business Law, including Real Property Development, Commercial Contract Disputes, Commercial Litigation, Real Property Disputes, and Insurance Defense. She received her B.A. in 1992 and her J.D. in 1995 from the University of Florida. Ms. Brandt teaches Civil Litigation I as an adjunct professor at Valencia College.

James D. Kisio is an Of Counsel attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. Mr. Kisio practices areas of law including Business Law, Real Estate Development, and Contract Action Law. He is admitted to the bars in both Florida and Texas, where he received his J.D from University of Houston.

Prior to receiving his law degree, James D. Kisio earned his B.A.E. from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In the past, he has worked for organizations including NASA, using his technical background to work on simulators designed to train astronauts how to land spacecraft.

B.F. "Biff" Godfrey has over 40 years of experience and puts his vast knowledge to use as an Of Counsel attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns, and his own Godfrey Legal. Mr. Godfrey specializes in numerous areas including Business Law, Real Estate, and General Contract Law. He is admitted to the bars in both Florida and Texas, where he received his J.D from Southern Methodist University School of Law. Prior to receiving his law degree, Biff Godfrey earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. In the past, he has worked for major...

S.I. "Sandy" Valbh is an Of Counsel attorney for the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. He practices Business Law, Estate Planning & Probate Law, Tax Law, Civil Litigation, and Commercial Litigation.

He received his B.S. from Florida State University, double-majoring in Finance and Accounting (1994). He earned his J.D. from Drake University College of Law (graduating With Honors in 1997) and his LL.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center (graduating With Distinction in 1998).

Mr. Valbh assists with Estate and Trust Administration, Business and Commercial Transactions, Corporate and Partnership Tax Planning, and representation before the Internal...

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...

Florida Immigration Law Center, P.A. takes great pride in its comprehensive representation of clients and the positive results Attorney Frank Krieger consistently achieves. These results are driven by the work ethic, knowledge, and high level of professionalism applied to each matter. In order to fully understand our clients’ objectives, Attorney Frank Krieger provides each client with the individual time and attention he or she deserves. By employing a detailed and methodical approach to our clients’ needs, we are able to explore all appropriate options necessary to achieve successful results. Florida Immigration Law Center, P.A. is dedicated to helping our...

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.