Akerman

Akerman has a largely unmatched vigor in the Southeast with a vast network throughout Florida, while also maintaining its expansion throughout other regions in hotspots such as New York, Illinois, and California. The firm is routinely commended by clients, specifically pointing out its strengths in communication and advice. One praises the way the team “communicates with their clients” and further comments, “Overall, I was very happy.” Another client using the firm’s banking and financial services expertise had several positive points to share. “[They have] great communication and follow-up on matters, a balanced approach to litigation and workout matters, reasonable hours and billing, and all-around excellent service,” says the client. In the commercial litigation space, one says, “Akerman offers excellent advice and options.”

     Jacksonville’s Christian George brings his expertise in bankruptcy and commercial litigation to clients, who have expressed their appreciation for his leadership. A client who has tapped George for bankruptcy, commercial and banking disputes notes that he “understands our model and approach to working out matters and litigation.” The same client commends George’s “excellent communication and follow-up, balanced approach... and good rapport with [the executive management] of our bank.” He is described as having a “great personality” that is equally deserving of recognition. George served as lead counsel defending South State Bank, one of the largest in the state, in a lawsuit asserting numerous claims filed by an individual who was a signatory to a home equity line of credit – she alleged that the bank engaged in misconduct by drawing on the credit to satisfy another co-defendant bank’s demand for funds pertaining to disputed checks. The team delivered a swift victory for the client by taking an aggressive and efficient strategy. George’s team filed a motion for sanctions to which the plaintiff responded by dismissing her FDUTPA claim. Following that success, the team obtained a summary judgment as to the remaining claims, which was affirmed on appeal. 

     The Miami office features esteemed commercial litigator and co-chair of the distressed property practice Robert Chaskes. Clients seek him out for his expertise in complex business litigation. One reflects, “[He has] superb legal knowledge and [a] pragmatic approach to domestic and international business disputes.” Chaskes is described as having “excellent communication skills” and as being a “top-notch legal professional.” Chaskes was successful in defending Amicorp in a case that involved the contentious doctrine of “conspiracy jurisdiction” to assert personal jurisdiction in Florida. The plaintiffs were not Florida residents but sought to assert jurisdiction in Florida to recover more than $40 million in losses as a result of a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Florida residents. Amicorp was the entity that provided corporate and trust services and was alleged to have issued fraudulent securities purchased by the plaintiffs. All securities and issuers were foreign entities and sold to foreign investors. Chaskes successfully argued that the plaintiffs did not provide a sufficient basis to exercise personal jurisdiction pertaining to the tortuous activity allegations under either the state’s statute or the US Constitution. The Third Circuit affirmed the ruling, further clarifying the use of the doctrine of conspiracy jurisdiction. 

     Fellow Miami-based partner Gerald Cope was co-lead lawyer handling an appeal to the Fifth Circuit for Massage Envy. The issue at the appellate court pertained to the client’s “Terms of Use Agreement” that bound the appellee/plaintiff to arbitration. The Fifth Circuit agreed with Cope’s arguments – namely, that there is a distinction between a Browsewrap Agreement and a Clickwrap Agreement, asserting that, as in this case, it requires an affirmative act acknowledging the terms. Michael Marsh also hails from the Miami office. He specializes in commercial litigation, including disputes related to insurance. Marsh represents Allstate Insurance Company in a COVID-related business interruption lawsuit alleging that the insurance company denied claims for coverage. In a federal court in California, Marsh obtained a dismissal of three claims and another three were granted leave to amend. 

     The Tallahassee office features appellate authority Kristen Fiore, who has extensive experience throughout various courts of appeals nationwide. She led the charge on behalf of CVP Community Center in a challenge to an award of attorney’s fees to McCormick 105. The appeal arises from a lawsuit filed by McCormick, claiming that it was entitled to the fees and costs pursuant to the governing condominium documents, reciprocal fee provisions of the Florida statutes. Fiore successfully persuaded the Fourth Circuit court to reverse the district court’s order and awarded the client appellate attorneys’ fees. The Orlando office is where litigator Megan Costa DeLeon is based. Her focus is largely on commercial disputes; however, she serves as lead counsel in a product liability case defending ProAmpac against a lawsuit filed by RCBA Nutraceuticals d/b/a Ronnie Coleman Signature Series. The trial court allowed the plaintiff to file a third amended complaint, which added the client as a co-defendant based on its acquisition of PolyFirst Packaging – which manufactured the allegedly defective packaging. Costa DeLeon appealed to the Fifth Circuit, which published an opinion agreeing with her arguments that the plaintiff failed to establish personal jurisdiction, and her motion to dismiss was reversed and remanded for further proceedings. 

     Mark Bernstein resolves commercial conflicts and lawsuits, predominantly on behalf of clients in the financial and manufacturing industries, among others. His industry and practice area expertise are praised by clients. “Mark is always very timely and provides great insight into construction contracting,” says a client who sought out Bernstein for his commercial expertise. “Mark has an excellent understanding of our business from both a commercial and operational perspective.”