Florida City Lawyers

Marisa Portuondo was raised in the Key Biscayne community of South Florida. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Portuondo graduated with a Master of Science degree from Florida International University’s College of Business and worked in the pharmaceutical field managing over $60 Million of pharmaceutical raw material in several worldwide locations. While attending the University of Miami School of Law, Ms. Portuondo completed two internships at the Third District Court of Appeal under Chief Judge Juan Ramirez, Jr. (retired) and a third internship in the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Felony Division.

Ms. Portuondo’s work focuses on business/commercial law, real estate matters,...

Frank Fernandez has been practicing law for over 26 years in the Tampa Bay area and Hillsborough County. In 1992 he received his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University, which he attended under a full academic scholarship. He received his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law in 1995 and became a member of he Florida Bar later that year. Frank has appeared on behalf of his clients at the trial and appellate level in Federal and State courts all throughout Florida. He has dedicated his legal career to specialize in Personal Injury and Criminal Defense. As a personal injury lawyer, Frank...

Ken Pugliese is an accomplished attorney who began his journey in personal injury law after completing his undergraduate degree in Public Administration from Barry University. He was admitted into Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Orlando, Florida and obtained his Juris Doctorate.

Throughout his studies, Mr. Pugliese clerked for the Seminole County Bar Association where he worked on tenant eviction claims, custody battles, divorce and domestic violence cases. After obtaining his Juris Doctor degree, he gained experience in litigating on behalf of plaintiffs all across the state, as well as practicing with multinational and fortune 1000 corporations.

Ken Pugliese...

Admitted to the Florida State Bar in 2003, Candise Shanbron has dedicated her entire legal career to handling insurance cases involving property damage and personal injury cases. She began her legal career representing insurance companies, which has provided her with great insight, unique vantage point and advantage in representing policyholders and injured individuals throughout the State of Florida. Today, Candise is the managing partner of Cernitz Law. Cernitz Law takes a collaborative approach to handling cases. All lawyers are involved in all the cases. They are constantly conducting round-table discussions on cases, as the lawyers of...

David W. Lipcon has been a practicing litigation attorney in Miami-Dade County since 1993. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida in 1989, and, his Law degree at the University of Florida School of Law in 1992. He is admitted to the Florida Bar, the Colorado State Bar, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and, the Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He is a member in good standing of the Florida Justice Association (formerly, the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers), Dade...

Joseph Gurian is principal of the Gurian Group, a law firm that specializes in immigration, criminal law, estate planning and probate. He is a proud alumnus of Florida International University; where he received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then went on to receive his Doctorate of Law at St. Thomas University. Joseph was inspired to become an immigration attorney after visiting the Holocaust Museum in Miami Beach where he saw his great grandfather’s name, for whom he was named after, on the memorial wall. His family came to the US, fleeing persecution in Poland and a...

James Hannon is a native of Miami, Florida and a founding shareholder of the law firm, Hannon Legal Group. The firm began on Brickell Avenue in the heart of Miami's financial district and relocated to central downtown Dadeland. The Firm specializes in serious personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, negligent security, dialysis errors, pharmacy errors, premises liability, defective products, crime victim's rights, cruise line negligence and insurance claims.

Mr. Hannon holds an AV Preeminent Rating - the highest rating for legal skill and ethics - in the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory and has been repeatedly recognized as one of the "Best Lawyers...

Jarrett DeLuca focuses his practice on complex personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice litigation. He has consistently been recognized by his peers in the area of plaintiff’s personal injury law, has published articles in both state and national legal journals, and has obtained numerous multi-million dollar awards and settlements for his clients. Since 2012, Jarrett has been listed every year by Florida Super Lawyers magazine as a Rising Star in the area of plaintiff’s personal injury litigation – a recognition given to only 2.5% of Florida’s lawyers. He was also named by The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under...

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...

Personal Injury Lawyer Experienced trial attorney specializing in representing persons injured in an accident or at work . Ms. Johnson worked for the insurance companies for several years and is now working for you, the work accident victim. With the experience she gained, she will handle your workers compensation claim aggressively and efficiently

Attorney Luis A. Mena, Esq. is the leading lawyer at the Miami insurance law firm, Mena Law Firm. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, and his Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center. Mr. Mena is a member of the Florida State Bar, and is licensed to practice law in State and Federal courts throughout Florida. He has worked in the insurance industry for 15 years and, through his experience, has gained insight into all aspects on insurance claims intake, claims handling, policy drafting, and the claims decision-making process. After witnessing first-hand...

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...

Dean H. Freeman is the managing partner of Freeman Injury Law and is proud to represent injured clients in the Miami, Plantation, West Palm Beach, and Orlando area. Mr. Freeman's long and successful career in injury law all began when he joined the U.S. Army, learning the skills of a combat medic. He obtained an honorable discharge and pursued his studies in the health sciences.
Attorney Freeman graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor's in Health Administration, which helped him in understanding the management of health organizations including several health insurance companies.
He continued on to obtain his Juris Doctor...

Hailing from Long Island, New York, attorney Christopher Lassen came over to the beautiful area of South Florida in his childhood. He has since become a true Floridian, completing his undergraduate Bachelor's degree with a Legal Studies major and Business Administration minor from the University of Central Florida.
He completed his law degree in Barry University of Law in Orlando, Florida and went immediately on to obtain experience with various firms in the Orlando and Boca Raton areas, working on cases anywhere from motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall, medical malpractice to general plaintiff’s personal injury legal proceedings.
Having been with...

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Attorney Antonio Nieves immigrated to the United States in 2011, becoming fluent in both Spanish and English. He went on to pursue his calling by deciding to get involved in the law field, starting with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). He then worked at Kaplan University briefly within the military department where he helped active duty military members and found a passion in helping clients through tough times. He carried on this passion while in law school as he dreamed of helping clients one day with his law degree from...

Raul G. Delgado II is personal injury attorney who is a lifelong resident of Miami, Florida. Mr. Delgado’s practice focuses exclusively on the representation of injured passengers and crew members who were hurt on cruise ships around the world, in addition to those who are the victims of catastrophic injury or wrongful death involving auto, truck, motor vehicle accidents, recreational boating, negligent security, premises liability, and victims of crime. He is a member of the Florida Bar’s Admiralty Law Committee which is responsible for studying developments in this niche area of the law and informing members of the Bar of...

Mr. Mermell has been the senior partner for the past twenty years in a firm that specializes in the representation of injured workers; Mr. Mermell has handled the claims of over 2,000 injured workers during the past 27 years; Mr. Mermell has tried numerous cases before the Office of Administrative Law Judges and has successfully handled appeals to the Benefits Review Board and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit; Mr. Mermell was trained by Donald D. Gillis, Esquire, who had over 35 years of experience in handling DBA/Longshoremen’s claims; Mr. Mermell has been Florida Bar Board...

*AV Rated Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ *Highest Rating of 5.0/5.0 from Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Ratings™ *Highest Rating of 10.0/10.0 "Superb" on Avvo.Com *Rated Excellent on LawyerRatingz.com *Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Lawlink - The Attorney Network *Rated 5 out of 5 stars on Merchantcircle.com *A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau

Ivan Abrams is the founding partner of Abrams Justice.

Ivan is a natural storyteller, problem solver, and—most importantly—a lion in the courtroom. Ivan has extensive litigation experience, having served as lead counsel in more than 40 jury trials and hundreds of evidentiary motions.

Ivan loves nothing more than standing up to large insurance companies that seek to bully his clients who have been seriously injured after traumatic accidents. Ivan takes the time to get to know each client personally, as well as their families, so that he can fully understand the impact an accident has had on their lives. Only then can...

Ernest L. Chang is an experienced Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, having practiced exclusively in the field of Criminal Defense since his admission to the Florida Bar in 1990. Mr. Chang obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor degree in law from Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Chang has also appeared pro hac vice, in other jurisdictions, most recently in the State of Arizona. Past experiences include prosecuting Felony trials as a Certified Legal Intern with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, Former Public Defender with the 18th Judicial Circuit and Criminal Defense with...

Jaime’s practice focuses primarily on trademark, copyright, entertainment and internet law. Jaime counsels clients on the acquisition of new trademarks, conducts clearance investigations and renders availability and infringement opinions, and provides legal advice regarding trademarks and related unfair competition issues. Jaime is experienced in the filing and prosecution of trademark applications at the state, federal and international levels, as well as the defense of related proceedings such as oppositions and cancellations of registrations. Jaime also assists clients in developing global IP portfolios and policies to secure, maintain and enforce trademark rights. Since 2009, Jaime has been named a...

I was born in Havana, Cuba and was raised in Miami, Florida. In 2005, I graduated from Florida International University with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science. Thereafter, I had the privilege to work alongside two prominent attorneys who practice probate, maritime, and personal injury law. That experience inspired me to continue my studies and pursue my lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. In 2010, I entered the Corporate MBA program at Florida International University and graduated in the fall of 2011. I received my Juris Doctor Degree from Florida International University College of Law...

Melissa Paniagua was born in New York City and raised in Miami, Florida. In 2015, She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies with a Minor in Philisophy at Florida Gulf Coast University. After college, she moved back home to Miami and went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law where she graduated Cum Laude.

While in law school, Ms. Paniagua was a Moot Court board member, part time law clerk at a family law firm and a judicial intern for the Honorable Daryl Trawick, former Circuit Court Judge in the Family...

Co-founder William R. Trueba, Jr.’s practice centers on the domestic and international enforcement of intellectual property rights. Will is also a U.S. Registered Patent Attorney, with a background in electrical engineering. He has represented clients in patent infringement lawsuits involving various technologies, including fertilizers, highway construction equipment, software, lasers, marine equipment, HVAC systems, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, pet products, baby products, hunting equipment, motion detectors, super capacitors, farming methods and others. He has also represented clients in the enforcement of copyrights involving motion pictures, music, artwork, photographs, software, and jewelry among others. Will has also assisted clients with...

Michelle has concentrated in the area of plaintiffs’ civil trial practice since the beginning of her legal career. Her experience includes land-based and admiralty/maritime personal injury, wrongful death, and class action litigation. Michelle works closely with her clients and will always take the time to address their concerns and provide an honest assessment of their cases.

Michelle was co-lead counsel in a jury trial in Broward County resulting in one of the top 100 personal injury verdicts in Florida in the year 2017. She is fluent in Spanish.

I was born and raised in Miami, Florida to a Nicaraguan mother and Dominican father. I graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University with a major in International Relations with a concentration in Political Science and minors in both Psychology and Economics. I then graduated from Fordham Law School in New York, where I represented clients detained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba through Fordham's International Justice Clinic and served as secretary of the Latin American Law Student Association. Upon graduating from law school, I practiced law in New York for several years defending pharmaceutical and insurance companies. Although I found...

Jacqueline Garcell is a senior partner and active trial attorney in maritime law for Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. She routinely handles passengers’ personal injury, sexual assault and wrongful death claims, as well as non-maritime personal injury claims. Ms. Garcell is the fastest attorney to ever make partner at the firm, having been promoted to the partner position after being with us for a decade. Ms. Garcell has helped settle hundreds of cases on behalf of both cruise ship passengers and crew members. She achieved one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in Florida in 2017 — this rare and...

Brandon Stein is a Florida based trial attorney born in Queens, New York, and was raised in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Being the son of an accountant that owns a large firm in New Jersey, owning and operating a business is something that was engrained within Brandon Stein from a very young age.

As owner and founder of SteinLaw, Brandon Stein focuses his practice on personal injury, wrongful death, car accident and slip and fall litigation, as well as a variety of other civil litigation areas. While SteinLaw is based out of Florida, Attorney Stein handles cases all around the country.

Being...

Carol L. Finklehoffe is a partner at Lipcon, Margulies and Winkleman, P.A. who has been practicing for 30 years in both the state and federal courts throughout Florida, California and Massachusetts. Ms. Finklehoffe is an “AV” rated trial attorney who is a certified specialist in Maritime and Admiralty law. The main concentration of her practice relates to complex personal injury, resort law, wrongful death, sexual assault and medical malpractice. Ms. Finklehoffe is also a skilled maritime lawyer who has developed an expertise in cases involving cruise ship passengers and maritime crew members on various types of commercial and private vessels. Ms....

Lizette is a trained Collaborative Family Attorney and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator.
She is the heart behind Divorce in Kindness, Inc.®, a company she founded to support couples going through divorce do so in a collaborative, empathetic and efficient way.
Lizette uses a kind and hands-on approach to keep the clients in control of the outcome and provides a non-adversarial and transparent environment in which to find workable solutions. She utilizes her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, in conjunction with her intuitive and creative nature during mediation where she strives to connect with both parties, encouraging them to...

At the Law Offices of Kirshner, Groff & Diaz, our entire practice is devoted to securing fair compensation for people hurt through no fault of their own. Our Miami attorneys understand the defenses and tactics employed by insurers and won’t let you be intimidated into accepting less than you deserve. For more than 30 years, we’ve guided clients through the litigation process so that they could obtain a measure of justice for the harm done to them.