Orange County Lawyers

I am originally from Pennsylvania, and moved to the Sunshine State to attend Florida State University. I earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1998, and received my law degree from FSU in 2001. I was certified to practice while I was still in law school, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2002. I am also admitted to practice in the United States Federal Court, Middle District of Florida. In 2008, I received the Advocates of Justice Award for pro bono work from Community Legal Services of Mid Florida and the Volusia County Bar Association. After graduation, I served...

A registered patent attorney with wide experience representing FORTUNE 50 (fifty) companies and major research universities in intellectual property matters, including securing domestic and international patent protection in the chemical, nanotechnology, advanced materials, superhydrophobic surfaces, cosmetics, metallurgical, mechanical, medical device, automotive, aerospace, marine, computer product, business method, biotechnological, and consumer product arts, as well as clearing and registering important trademarks. Also provides services relating to negotiation of patent and trademark licenses, enforcement of intellectual property rights, conducting non-infringement and freedom to practice studies, IP licensing, Trademark Oppositions, Inter Partes Review (IPR) of patents, IP Due Diligence in support of mergers and...

Ronnie Bitman continues to demonstrate why he is one of Orlando's most promising young lawyers. Having been named to Florida Trend's 2010 "Up & Comers" and Super Lawyers' "Rising Stars" 2012, Ronnie litigates a range of complex and novel matters. Ronnie is well-versed in complex litigation, including class actions, consumer protection matters, contract and employment disputes, trade secret, unfair and deceptive practices, personal injury, and various other consumer and commercial-related matters. Some of his recent important cases include the settlement of Virgilio v. Ryland Group, Inc. and the prosecution of eight related class action law suits stemming from a homebuilder's...

The Law Office of Gavin M. Ganzkow, PLLC specializes in business and intellectual property legal services for entrepreneurs, business owners and managers. Business legal services include assistance with transactions such as asset purchases and sales, contract review, negotiation and preparation, regulatory compliance and entity governance.

The firm also assists clients with the identification, registration and protection of intellectual property assets such as trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. This assistance may include techniques for maximizing the value of intellectual property assets and resolving issues relating to confidentiality.

Corporate counsel services are a particular focus of the firm’s practice. Customized plans are...

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...

Andrew Nickolaou is a founding partner at Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A. He practices exclusively in divorce, marital and family law. Andrew also handles record expungements and sealings.

Andrew and his partner, Ophelia Bernal-Mora Nickolaou, joined forces in March 2016 to form the unique and boutique husband and wife family law team at Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A. Together, Andrew and Ophelia take a practical and team-based approach to all of their cases and clients to deliver the highest quality experience and representation.

Andrew was born in Chicago, Illinois and relocated to Florida as a teenager where he has lived since. He...

A Florida native, attorney Dana A. Satchell is a member of the Cohen Law Group in Maitland, Florida. She was born and raised in Miami, Florida, where she attended Perrine Baptist Academy which molded her deeply rooted Christian morals. When she was younger, she actively played tennis at a sports academy.

Dana graduated from Florida International University in May 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. From there, she contributed to the wellbeing of her community through her work at the Guardianship Program of Dade-County. In December 2019, Dana graduated Cum Laude – 4th in her graduating class, from Florida...

Magdalena Cuprys received her Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 2002. She was admitted to the practice of law in California in 2003 and in Florida in 2006. Before law school, she completed two bachelor’s degrees, one in Political Science and one in Latin American Studies, at the University of Chicago in 1999 (AB Degrees Political Science & Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago in 1999). Ms. Cuprys is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was the Panhellenic President at the University of Chicago. – She is a Member of...

Alain Rivas’ desire to focus exclusively on criminal and traffic defense led him to join forces with Robert Skubiak in 1999 to form Skubiak & Rivas, P.A. Since then, the firm has evolved into Central Florida’s most recognizable one of its type, gaining the majority of its clients from referrals by former clients—the highest form of flattery.

Before forming Skubiak & Rivas, he served as legal counsel for Joelo Inc. in Orlando. Rivas also worked in various capacities for the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office.

Rivas graduated from Rollins College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. He then earned...

Larry L. Doan, an immigrant originally from Vietnam, sought refuge from the communist regime and arrived in the United States at the age of 10. Growing up in California, he identified himself as a devoted "math and science nerd." Despite initially pursuing a career as an engineer in the defense industry, Larry found it lacking in fulfillment. Opting for a career change, he transitioned to law and discovered the profound satisfaction of practicing immigration law. Drawing from his personal journey, Larry now positively impacts the lives of numerous immigrants. During his leisure time, Larry relishes moments with his partner and their...

Matt DeBoard is a Senior Partner with Barrister Law Firm. Raised in the Orlando area, Mr. DeBoard earned his high school degree from Oak Ridge High School and later went on to American University in Washington, D.C. where he completed a double-major curriculum in both Physics and Communications. Mr. DeBoard earned his law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando, where he achieved the highest grade of anyone in his class in both his Constitutional Law II and Trademark Seminar law classes.

Mr. DeBoard has decades of experience in both the real estate and mortgage businesses. Prior to...

Mr. Hancock is the Managing Partner at Hancock & Associates, P.A. He graduated from undergraduate school at the University of Central Florida in 2003, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Psychology. He attended and graduated from Florida A&M College of Law, in Orlando, FL, and received his Juris Doctor in 2010. He has been a member of the Florida Bar and a practicing attorney since September, 2010. During law school, he was a summer associate at McCreary & Hancock, P.A., in Orlando, Florida, and later was a clerk for the Judge of Compensation Claims in Orlando, FL....

Ryan graduated with a B.S. in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida. A Florida Bright Futures Scholarship recipient and Dean’s List honoree, he then began a career in business and sales management. Having a strong desire to advocate and continue with his legal career, he attended Barry College of Law in Orlando, Florida. While attending law school on an academic scholarship, Ryan worked as a law clerk in an established criminal defense firm. He additionally participated in an internship with the Osceola County Attorney’s Office and a judicial externship under Circuit Judge Jenifer M....

I have worked for Finra, a financial regulator; LeClairRyan; and the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia. I have been recognized as a Technology Litigation Fellow by the Center for Legal and Court Technology, in Williamsburg, Virginia and was selected to participate in the Center’s annual lab trial. I focus on corporate law and estate planning for the small business owner. During my time at Finra, I worked in Registration and Disclosure, developing policies relating to past criminal sanctions, as well as assisting in decisions regarding expungment of customer complaints against registered brokers. While at LeClairRyan, I...

Army Veteran handling Probate, Estate Planning, and Guardianship. Offices located in Orlando, Auburndale, and Tampa. We serve clients in the surrounding Central Florida areas and all of Florida. Orange County, Polk County, Hillsborough County, Lake County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Pinellas County.

Practice specializing in complex business and immigration law issues as well as strategic immigration planning for businesses, employers and individuals. Principal attorney in the Orlando-based law firm SilzerLaw Chartered that focuses on immigration, business and employment law. Extensive experience as counsel for universities and colleges in issues relating to human resources, labor relations and immigration. Legal advisor to community and business organizations.

David has been in Orlando since 2012. He was born and raised in New York City, and developed a desire to attend law school after spending two years as a guardian ad litem to foster children in Austin, Texas. In 2009, David moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to attend law school at Florida State University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 2012. While attending law school, he participated in a Criminal Law Externship in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, reinforcing his decision to enter the field of criminal defense work after graduation. David moved to Orlando in...

Heather M. Meglino serves as General Counsel for Quality One Wireless and is the chief legal officer for the organization. She has broad experience counseling clients in areas spanning every aspect of business and commercial law, including contracts, complex business litigation, fraud-misrepresentation, employment law, intellectual property, and licensing. Heather was previously Founder at Meglino Law, a law firm focused on business and commercial law. Additionally, Heather litigated cases including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, overtime and unpaid wages, FMLA leave and disability issues, employment contracts, whistleblower and other employment law claims under various state and federal laws. She is licensed...

Roddy B. Lanigan, a partner at Winter Park law firm Lanigan & Lanigan, P.L., counsels businesses and high net worth individuals on legal issues including appeals, white collar crime, real estate, civil and business, bankruptcy, securities and investment losses. Roddy Lanigan has a unique perspective on, and approach to, the delivery of legal services given the breadth of transactions in which he has participated for clients. Prior to starting Lanigan & Lanigan with his father, Roddy worked within the Financial Services Practice Group of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLC in Washington, D.C. At Skadden, he...

This Florida native attended University of Florida Law School after graduating from Duke University. She is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell peer review rating system. This is their highest rating. Avvo national ratings gave her an excellent rating. The office practice includes bankruptcy, landlord tenant, foreclosure, family law, estate planning including wills and trusts, and probate and guardianship matters.

Jennifer Benton joined Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A. as an associate attorney in 2014. She has developed a reputation as someone who is willing to work hard to obtain quality results for her clients. She is handling numerous family law cases including divorce, spousal support, child custody, child support, adoption, pre-nuptial agreements and child relocation and work on each case with a senior attorney. She was a Guardian Ad Litem in Orange County, Florida and involved in several organizations which included membership in the Toastmaster's Club and Treasurer of the American Association for Justice.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

LITIGATED / ARBITRATED / MEDIATED 1,000+ Contract Law Cases.

CONDUCTED several dozen business MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

COUNSELED DEALERSHIP and FRANCHISE clients from Florida to Hawaii and over half the states in between.

ADMITTED to practice law in FLORIDA and represents clients outside of the state through association with local attorneys.

MEMBER of the American Bar Association, the ABA Forum on Franchising, and the Florida Bar Association.

David Hill obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and all state courts of Florida. Mr. Hill has practiced exclusively in criminal defense in the state of Florida, primarily in the Central Florida community, since graduating from law school and represents clients in a far-ranging array of matters, including felony, misdemeanor and traffic allegations, in both State and Federal courts. He has twenty years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer having been admitted to practice in 1991,...

Attorney Christina M. Miner is an associate attorney at Bloodworth Law, PLLC, in Winter Haven, and Orlando, Florida.

Christina handles Personal Injury Protection (PIP) litigation, commercial litigation, and estate and probate litigation.

Christina joined the team in April 2019 and has a range of legal experience in Central Florida law that began in 2009. Her focus is on client goals and providing options to best resolve legal issues.

“In estate litigation, I get to look at what clients have, what their goals are, and their wishes,” Christina said. “It’s my job to solve the financial puzzles and legal problems. Then I...

Attorney Richard Troutman was raised in Orlando and has lived in the area his entire life. He has been practicing law for over 30 years, establishing himself as one of the leading personal injury attorneys in Florida. He personally handles every aspect of his cases and offers his clients rare accessibility and availability at all times.

Attorney Dana Brooks has a diverse background in the legal and mental health fields, as she works as both a paralegal, certified family law mediator, and mental health counselor, among other professions. The day she was sworn in to the State Bar in 2008, she was named a partner at the law firm of Fasig | Brooks. She is well-known throughout Florida for her knowledge and dedication, having appeared on radio and in print as well as being honored by many of the country’s most prestigious legal honors. She is a skilled advocate and a proud member of her local...

The Alvarez Law Firm a Professional Association is a private firm owned by Rachel M. Alvarez. Her practice focuses on financial matters. Rachel’s vision is to aggressively represent her clients in any financial stage for individuals of any walk of life. She is committed to building ongoing relationships with her clients to facilitate their success. Rachel attended the University Of Central Florida where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. Upon graduating she pursued her dream to be an attorney at Regent University School of Law. At the tender age of five Rachel decided to be...

Mr. Persad has worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his Juris Doctor degree and his Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Akron in 1993 and 1994, respectively. He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a diploma in paralegal studies from New York University. Mr. Persad's experience in the legal field...

Thomas B. Luka, Esq. is a native Central Floridian who has provided clients with exceptional courtroom representation and guidance for over 16 years. As a partner at the law firm of Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A., Mr. Luka has an extensive background in litigation, and has been lead counsel on more than 150 criminal and civil trials. Mr. Luka has appeared as a legal analyst on local and national talk shows such as CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Nancy Grace, Geraldo Rivera, Jane Velez Mitchell and Court TV. Thomas Luka began his law career as an Assistant State Attorney in...

Anton J. Nace, Esq. has served the Central Florida community as a criminal defense attorney for 22 years. Mr. Nace was born and raised in Florida and is well known throughout the legal community, possessing a strong reputation amongst attorneys and judges in the Orlando area and throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Nace began his career as an Assistant State Attorney in Orlando, Florida. He handled misdemeanor and felony cases before accepting a position in a specialized unit that dealt with Sex Crimes and Child Abuse. He furthered his career as a partner in several law firms, distributing his...

Michael D. Cerasa was born and raised in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. He relocated to Central Florida following his graduation from The Florida State University College of Law. Recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer and member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Michael is sought out by clients nationwide for his expertise in handling a wide range of Plaintiffs injury, product liability and insurance claims. Michael’s approach to the representation of his clients is aggressive, but measured. He takes his role as both attorney, and as counselor, seriously. “My duty to my clients is to diligently fight for their best interests above all...

Attorney Lakeena “Keena” Gillion is a skilled family law attorney specializing in divorce, child custody, timesharing, modifications, injunctions, and other family law matters. With a deep commitment to helping families navigate challenging legal situations, she offers a compassionate yet assertive approach to securing her clients’ best interests. Attorney Gillion brings a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and legal complexities, combining her legal expertise with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families in need of resolution and closure during emotional and difficult times. Having practiced in various areas of law, Attorney Gillion has developed a strong reputation for her work in...

I have nine years of experience as an Immigration Attorney. Additionally, I have a very strong knowledge of employment law and the connection between immigration and Federal and State employment regulations. While I have not counted exactly how many immigration cases I have handled, reviewed, consulted with or been associated with, I estimate that the number is easily in the thousands. Based on this experience there is rarely a situation that I have not seen before. I am AV rated perfect “5.0”, Avvo rated “Superb”, Avvo Client choice awards 2011, 2012, 2013, “Rising Star” Orlando Style Magazine, Lead Counsel Rated...

Winter Park, Florida attorney Eric A. Lanigan has provided clients aggressive and experienced legal representation in real estate, business and civil, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and securities and investment losses law in Central Florida since 1976. Eric Lanigan has a strong history in securities law and the financial industry. He provides clients with the complex legal advice and counsel that family, individual and businesses need to get through legal issues. There’s not much I haven’t litigated from basic employment contract disputes to suits for defending for non-performance, to collecting damages in class-action suits,” Lanigan said. He has...

Thomas P. Schmitt is an Expert Personal Injury Trial Specialist Attorney who obtained, among many other tremendous jury verdicts, the second largest motorcycle verdict ever in the state of Florida.

Below, are just a few honorable mentions of Mr. Schmitt’s superior achievements:

National Law Journal’s Top 50 Verdicts of 2014.

National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts of 2014.

Lifetime Membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Lifetime Membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, “The Top Trial Lawyers in America”.

Lifetime Induction into the National Order of Barristers, “for Excellence and High Honors in the Art of Courtroom

Advocacy,” evidences recognition of Mr. Schmitt’s superiority as...

Jeffrey S. Kaufman was born in Miami, Florida and he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 1991 from Florida State University. He also obtained a second Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications from the University of Florida in 1993. Mr. Kaufman went on to attend law school at The University of Tulsa where he completed his Juris Doctorate in 1996. He is currently licensed to practice law in Florida and seventeen other states including: Oklahoma, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Michigan, Maryland, New York, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, Connecticut, Ohio, West Virginia, Arizona, and Minnesota.