Highland Beach Lawyers

Michael “Mike” Bracchi was born and raised on Long Island, NY. He obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from St. John’s University School of Law in 2002. Michael also obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Masters of Science (M.S.) in Business Management and Leadership, and a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy. He is licensed to practice law in Florida and New York. Michael’s career path initially began as an attorney practicing in the area of intellectual property, business law, and contract law. He went on to expand his legal career, becoming a trained mediator concentrating on contracting and negotiations, and serving...

As an associate at the Lomnitzer Law Firm, P.A., I negotiate trademark and copyright licenses and assignments, film and television production agreements, music industry company and artist agreements, music licensing agreements, and music publishing and recording agreements. I counsel my clients across a variety of industries on trademark clearance, maintenance, assignments, and prosecution. From startups to major companies, independent artists and creatives to those already established, I am devoted to protecting my clients’ creative works and legal interests. My career in the areas of civil litigation, entertainment law, intellectual property law, and alternative dispute resolution showcases my client-focused, strategic, and results-driven...

Stratton A. Smiley was born in Ohio, but has been a south Florida resident for the past fourteen years. Mr. Smiley received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Florida Atlantic University. While at FAU, Mr. Smiley continuously made the Dean’s List, President’s List, and was a Scholar Athlete.

Upon graduating, Mr. Smiley passed the Florida Bar Exam with one of the highest scores in the state and was the speaker on behalf of the newly admitted attorneys at the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal’s induction ceremony.

For over 35 years, the law office of Russell L. Forkey, P.A. has been representing investors, including seniors, in claims against brokerage firms and investment advisors, for among other things, fraud, negligence, breach of fiduciary, and violations of the federal and state securities laws with the goal of loss recovery. Additionally, we handle business and contract disputes in state and federal courts.

Corey, a Connecticut native, grew up in South Florida and Northern Virginia where he discovered an early interest in Law.

After graduating from high school, Corey served in the U.S. Navy onboard the U.S.S Harry S. Truman CVN-75 aircraft carrier as a Machinist Mate (MM) in Reactor Propulsion Division. As an MM, Corey helped operate and maintain vital equipment in the ship's nuclear power plant. Additionally, Corey participated in Command and Reactor Department drills to maintain mission readiness during the ship's 2010 Middle East Deployment. During the deployment the Truman provided close air support to coalition forces operating in...

Ruben E. Socarras, Esq., a founding member of Chane Socarras, PLLC, focuses his practice in the areas of Complex Commercial Litigation, Business Law & Litigation, Employment Law & Litigation, Construction & Real Estate Litigation & general civil litigation. As an experienced litigator, Ruben often represents individuals and businesses in a variety of cases before state & federal courts, including cases involving contract disputes, temporary/permanent injunctions, torts, trade secrets, unfair competition, non-competition/non-solicitation agreements, fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, employment related disputes, real estate and title claims, business dissolution, and shareholder/member disputes. Ruben also represents his clients before arbitration panels and in mediations,...

Jonathan is an AV Rated civil trial attorney whose practice is dedicated to representing a wide range of clients in disputes before state and federal courts as well as in alternative dispute forums. Jonathan left a large, international law firm so that he could provide personal attention and the highest quality of legal services to his clients. In his practice, Jonathan represents individuals in civil litigation and construction litigation. In addition to his litigation practice, Jonathan is both a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and a Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator, where is serves as a neutral in...

Gabriella Sarah Barr is a Partner at the Firm’s Personal Injury Practice. Gabriella received a B.S. in Accounting from Florida State University. She completed her J.D. at Nova Southeastern University. She currently has admissions to practice in Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona and Massachusetts.

Jose A. Diaz, Esq. New York University School of Law, Juris Doctor; Columbia University, Columbia College, Bachelor of Arts, Admitted: New York, Florida and Federal Courts. Former Assistant District Attorney New York County, Former Counsel to the Office of the Inspector General, NYC Department of Investigations, Former Administrative Law Judge NYSDMV.

Salvatore Polidoro regularly represents individuals in a wide variety of complex tax and estate planning matters. He focuses his practice primarily on probate, trust administration and estate planning for individuals and their families, and also counsels individuals on tax controversies such as complex tax litigation and resolution disputes. Prior to working at Ward Damon, Mr. Polidoro represented and advised clients in a broad spectrum of tax and estate matters including debt collection with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Florida Department of Revenue (FDOR). He has advised international clients on reporting requirements and other compliance matters. Mr. Polidoro received both...

Benjamin Matthew Kurtz has been practicing in Maryland since 2016. During that time, he has successfully represented individuals and entities in a variety of cases, focusing most of his time on personal injury and criminal defense.

Personal Injury

Benjamin Kurtz successfully represents individuals who have been seriously injured. With compassion and confidence, he deftly navigates his clients through the legal maze to an outcome designed to mitigate their pain and suffering and maximize recoveries for clients in need. The fact that many of Benjamin's clients are referred to him by his former clients and other attorneys is a resounding testament...

As the founder of the Law Offices of David Kovari, P.A., Boca Raton lawyer David Kovari practices in the areas of bankruptcy, family law, debt negotiation and real estate. Since 1997, Mr. Kovari has been licensed to practice law in Florida courts. He is involved with several professional associations including the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and Bankruptcy Bar Association. Attorney Kovari is a graduate of the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Contact his firm for your zero-cost case evaluation.

Joseph Abdallah is a partner in the Firm’s Personal Injury Practice. Joseph received a B.A. from Binghamton University, where he received multiple honors for his academic excellence and his commitment to the community. He completed his J.D. at Nova Southeastern University. Prior to joining Kanner & Pintaluga, Joseph was a Judicial Clerk for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Broward County, Florida. There, he served as an advisor for the Circuit Court on original jurisdiction and appellate matters. Joseph was recently appointed by the President-Elect of the Florida Bar to serve as a member of the Judicial Administration and...

Gregg Kone has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Drew University, 1987, and a J.D. Degree from University of Connecticut Law School, 1996. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in November of 1996 and admitted to the Florida Bar in April of 1999. He has been in practice for over sixteen years and specializes in personal injury. He also brings to the table an extensive background in the insurance industry (claims investigator, claims examiner, and then In House Counsel for major insurance companies).

Corey Leifer was born in Queens, New York and grew up on Long Island, New York. He attended college at the University of South Florida (“USF”) in Tampa, Florida, where he received a degree in Criminal Justice. Mr. Leifer was a member of the Dean’s List at USF and was the recipient of the prestigious Honors Convocation Award during his senior year. He earned his law degree at Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Leifer began his legal career as a Prosecutor at the Broward County State Attorney’s Office, where he served as lead counsel in...

Lee Cohen is a partner in Kanner & Pintaluga’s Personal Injury Practice and the managing attorney of the litigation team. With nearly 30 years of legal experience, Lee is a distinguished litigator who has been fighting for the rights of victims his entire career. Lee received a B.A. from Tulane University and completed his J.D. at the University of Miami. He has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1989, the United States Supreme Court Bar since 2004, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida since 2012 and has been authorized to practice for numerous specific cases...

I represent individuals and families in prosecuting and defending claims regarding estates, trusts and guardianships, including disputes over: the validity and construction of testamentary documents and advanced directives; the modification or reformation of estate plans; the inclusion or exclusion of assets in estates or trusts; the validity of purported gifts; mental capacity; alternatives to guardianship; appointment of guardians; breaches of fiduciary duty; and tortious interference with expectancies. I also represent fiduciaries in the efficient administration of estates, trusts and guardianships., and have been doing so primarily in Florida’s Palm Beach and Broward Counties for more than 20 years. I am...

Meritxell has been practicing criminal defense in South Florida for more than 13 years. As a former Assistant Public Defender, she handled thousands of cases ranging from Death Penalty cases to misdemeanor DUIs and drug offenses. She has tried more than 50 jury trials, including Murder and Capital Sexual Battery trials. Meritxell received her juris doctorate degree from St. Thomas University, where she was the recipient of the ABOTA Trial Scholarship. She has always had a passion for helping those who could not help themselves and has devoted her entire career to the zealous advocacy of those accused of crimes,...

Susan has been practicing criminal defense for over 13 years, having tried more than 100 jury trials and handled thousands of cases, ranging from driving and drug offenses to sexual battery and homicide cases. Also, she was a member of the International Moot Court and Intercultural Human Rights Law Review. Susan has always loved to litigate and help others, using her voice, knowledge, skills, and passion to zealously advocate and make a difference in the lives of others.

Caroline R. Olson is the founder and principal attorney at The Law Offices of Caroline Olson, P.A., a marital and family law firm with offices in Jupiter and Boca Raton serving clients throughout South Florida in family and matrimonial matters.

Always driven by a straightforward and solution-oriented approach, Ms. Olson brings experience, compassion, and competence to her clients during one of the most difficult times in their lives. As attested by client reviews, people appreciate the personal attention they get with Caroline R. Olson, Esquire. Divorce is about more than just interpreting and following the law; Ms. Olson understands she is...

Former Judge Amy Steele Donner
Broad & Cassell
2 South Biscayne Blvd. 21st Floor
Miami FL 33131
1992 - Clerk while in Law School
305.373.9400
http://www.broadandcassel.com/people/donner-amy-steele/

Andy Leinoff, Esq - Andy Leinoff, PA
7301 SW 57th Ct. Suite 545
Miami, FL 33143
1993 - Clerk while in Law School
http://www.llpa.com/

Bluestein & Wayne, PA
4000 Ponce de Leon
Boulevard, Suite 770
Coral Gables, FL 33146
1993 - 1995 Law Clerk / Associate
Experience and Training in Family Law
305-859-9200
https://www.bw-pa.com/

State of Florida - Assistant Attorney General's Office
401 N Dixie Hwy
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
1995 - 1998
Assistant State Attorney, Appellate Division
561-355-7100
http://www.sa15.state.fl.us/stateattorney/

Schuttler & Greenberg, PA
Holly Schuttler, Esq.
Schuttler & Greenberg, PA
2151 NW Boca Raton...

Manuel ‘Manny’ Serra-Jovenich has tried more than 25 jury trials in his career and handled over 1,000 cases. He fought against big banks during Florida's foreclosure crisis, protected people's constitutional rights as a Broward County Public Defender and can also represent homeowners when their insurance claims are underpaid or denied. Manny has been named to the National Trial Lawyers' Top 40 Under 40 list and was named 10 Best in Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. Manny loves to represent a “David” against a “Goliath” and became a lawyer to use his talents to help others...

Alexis Altman is a partner in the Firm’s Property Damage Practice. Alexis practices in first party property damage law where she specializes in representing homeowners and business owners in property damage and coverage disputes throughout the state Before Kanner & Pintaluga, Alexis practiced at a plaintiff’s firm in Miami where she specialized in first party property matters. She uses this training and experience to ensure maximum recovery for the policyholders she represents. Alexis received a B.S. in Business Administration (finance) from the University of Florida. She completed her J.D. at Florida International University.

Matthew Gottlieb is a partner in the Firm’s Property Damage Practice. Matthew received a B.S. in Business Management, cum laude, from Bentley University. He completed his J.D. at Nova Southeastern University, graduating magna cum laude. Prior to joining Kanner & Pintaluga, Matthew practiced as a civil defense attorney protecting insurance companies related to first party insurance disputes, construction defect litigation, and personal injury claims.

Shawn Gibbons is a Partner in the Firm’s Property Damage Practice. Shawn received a B.A. from the University of North Florida. He completed his J.D. at St. Thomas University where he was an editor for the St. Thomas Law Review, member of the St. Thomas Moot Court Team and former President of the St. Thomas Trial Team. Following law school, Shawn served as an Assistant Public Defender in the 9th Judicial Circuit of Orlando, Florida where he tried numerous cases to verdict, drafted and argued substantive motions and established his love for litigation and protecting people’s rights. Before joining Kanner & Pintaluga,...

Blair M. Fazzio is a Partner at Kanner & Pintaluga. Her practice focuses on overseeing all personal injury and property damage appellate proceedings at the Firm. She handles all types of civil appellate matters, including extraordinary writs and plenary appeals in state courts, as well as providing litigation and trial support to preserve the record for appeal. Blair began her legal career clerking for the Honorable Angel A. Cortiñas at Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal. Prior to joining Kanner & Pintaluga, she served as lead appellate counsel at the Office of the Assistant Attorney General of Florida where she argued...

Carlos Bruzual is a partner in the Firm’s Personal Injury Practice. Carlos received his B.A., cum laude, in Political Science from Florida Gulf Coast University. He completed his J.D. at Nova Southeastern University where he clerked at Kanner & Pintaluga. Carlos was subsequently hired by the Firm after passing the bar. He works tirelessly to ensure that all clients know and understand their legal options and are rightfully and justly compensated for their damages.

James R. Kamensky is a partner in the Firm’s Personal Injury Practice. James received a B.F.A. in Theatre from New York University. He completed his J.D. at Florida International University. James joined Kanner & Pintaluga in 2019 to provide effective advocacy to individuals affected by life altering circumstances and primarily represents personal injury claimants in automobile negligence and premises liability matters. Prior to joining Kanner & Pintaluga, James served as debtor’s counsel in chapter 11 bankruptcy litigation matters. It was here James developed a passion for representing aggrieved individuals.

Justin Cohen is a partner at Kanner & Pintaluga Personal Injury Practice. Justin received his B.A. from Northwood University. He completed his J.D. at Barry University.

My job is to produce solutions to my clients' problems. I am known for leaving no stone unturned when representing my clients in court. I am a lawyer warrior for my clients and I outwork opposing attorneys. From my first attorney position out of law school, I have been a litigator. I have fought for my clients' rights in court, arbitrations and at mediations. A U.S. Army Ranger veteran, my experience in a special forces military unit developed and tested my leadership skills, and taught me to react smartly and quickly under pressure, but most importantly for clients. Today, I...

Charles (Chuck) Rubin, a board certified tax attorney, is managing partner of Gutter Chaves Josepher Rubin Forman Fleisher PA, a tax, trusts and estates, and business boutique law firm situated in Boca Raton, Florida. He is a former adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law. Chuck has published numerous treatises, manuals, and articles, including two BNA Tax Management portfolios, and articles in Journal of Taxation, Estate Planning, Tax Management Estates, Gifts and Trusts Journal, and Tax Notes. He also authorizes a popular tax blog at www.RubinonTax.blogspot.com, and speaks regularly at professional meetings and conferences.

Whether fighting credit card debt, private student loan debt or medical debt, Chantel Grant, Esq., has spent her legal career fighting debt collection cases. She brings her knowledge and passion to defend against credit card, medical, and private student loan lawsuits by analyzing the complaint for deficiencies and seeking instances of unlawful debt collection and improper credit reporting to use as leverage. Chantel’s focus is debt defense and violations of the FCRA, FDCPA and the TCPA.

EDUCATION:
St. Thomas School of Law, Miami, Florida, J.D., 2008
University of Minnesota, 2005