Marco Island Arbitration & Mediation Lawyers

Admitted to Florida Bar; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; U.S. Supreme Court; Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit; Director of Felony and Misdemeanor Prosecution Departments.

I am commercial litigator who understands the benefits and risks of litigation for each of my clients. I emphasize a practical assessment of disputes and provide innovative strategies. Whether advancing or defending claims, I am relentless in pursuing my client’s objectives.

I have recently decided to concentrate solely on County and Circuit Court civil mediations and arbitrations. I would future referrals for my services in these areas. The reason for my decision to concentrate solely upon mediation and arbitration is due to the desire to help parties reach settlement without having a Judge or Court impose a Judgment upon them. I believe self-determination is far superior to formal litigation in Court. ...

"We help good people get through bad times".
Currently my main efforts include Personal Bankruptcy in Chapter 7 & 13 and Business Bankruptcy in Chapter 11. Clients include retirees with limited social security incomes to international small charter jet companies; small to mid sized construction companies; and various other small businesses. Mr. Martin is also a member of the Turnaround Management Association, an organization whose members focus on helping businesses resolve financial difficulties and avoiding bankruptcy or at least getting the most value as a result.
Mr. Martin is also nationally certified construction dispute arbitrator resolving disputes involving construction of new...

Christopher B. Hopkins is a managing partner of Hopkins PA, a business advisory and advocacy boutique law firm. He has more than 25 years of trial and appellate experience representing businesses and families in the areas of defamation, privacy, cyber security, commercial, malpractice, nursing home, and probate litigation. In addition to his work in the courtroom, Christopher’s practice involves a wide range of emerging technologies such as cybersecurity, data breach, e-discovery, Internet crimes, policy/terms-of-service drafting, privacy, and social media discovery. Christopher’s work in these areas permits him to protect client data as well as effectively target discovery...

Mr. Cox is a Founding Partner at Sallah Astarita Cox LLC. With over 20 years of experience, he provides skilled and knowledgeable counsel to clients with a broad array of legal needs. His practice is concentrated on Arbitration & Mediation, Business Law, Securities Law, Stockbroker & Investment Fraud, and White Collar Crime matters. Mr. Cox is committed to providing outstanding service and aggressive representation for his clients.

In 1995, Mr. Cox received a B.S. in Political Science from Furman University. He earned a J.D. from Nova Southeastern University—Shepard Broad Law Center in 1999. Following law school, Mr. Cox served as...

Mr. Sallah is an AV Preeminent® rated attorney who concentrates on securities and commodity futures regulation and enforcement, broker-dealer compliance and defense, receivership litigation, securities arbitration, and business litigation.

Since leaving the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2004, Mr. Sallah has represented national and regional brokerage firms, as well as publicly traded companies and individuals, in a variety of matters, including SEC, FINRA, stock exchange, and state regulatory investigations, congressional investigations, internal investigations, federal and state lawsuits, administrative actions, and arbitrations. He has successfully handled matters through trial, arbitration, and regulatory enforcement proceedings. Mr. Sallah has also represented individuals in Congressional...

For over a decade Scott M. Weiss has practiced exclusively family law, assisting clients in divorce, child custody and support, spousal support, distribution of marital property, and post-judgment modifications. As a family law attorney, Mr. Weiss works diligently to serve his clients with compassion and sensitivity while vigorously protecting their rights. Mr. Weiss earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York in 2002, and went on to pursue his law degree at Nova Southeastern University, graduating in 2005. He was admitted to the Florida Bar the same year. Partnering with Gary D. Weiner, he now...

Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist (Fla. Bar). Personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, professional negligence, commercial litigation.

Originally from the great State of Texas, Mr. Archer has sought the practice of law as his second career. After graduating high school in 1992, Mr. Archer enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist and a Training Manager/Instructor until he discharged in 2000. Upon completion of his bachelors degrees at McMurry University (Science) and University of Central Oklahoma (Business Admin.), he attended Barry University School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate in 2005. Mr. Archer began his practice in 2006 and has continued in the areas of Family Law and...

Derek Brett is an attorney, licensed in Florida, DC and Nova Scotia, who has been actively practicing since 1996. He maintains his office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.

With over 15 years experience as a family law attorney, I have represented individuals challenged with the complicated, often times heavily sensitive, territory of domestic relations matters. I am skilled in creating constructive environments focused on bringing about the most beneficial results for my clients. I am a partner at the Gainesville-based Galigani Law Firm and represent clients in the Gainesville, Alachua, Ocala, Lake City and the surrounding communities. I have worked on all types of family law matters, including contested divorce, uncontested divorce and pre-marital agreements. I also provide experienced counsel during the related difficult decisions that parents...

Michael Sechrest is a civil trial attorney in Gainesville FL. He was recently selected by SuperLawyers as a civil litigation super lawyer, which is a designation reserved for only 5% of attorneys in the State of Florida. He is also board certified by the Florida Bar, which is a recognition as an expert in his field. He has handled hundreds of cases, trials and arbitrations throughout Florida and many other states in both state and federal courts. Mr. Sechrest’s practice areas include personal injury, business/construction litigation, and products liability. He has also handled a variety of...

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.

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...

I have mediated all types of civil cases from 1996-present. Further, I arbitrated AAA construction matters prior to becoming a Florida Qualified Arbitrator in 2004, any many other civil cases thereafter. Details regarding my ADR practice are included in my website (arbitrationmediationatty.com).

I have been dedicated to the practice of Criminal Law for over 30 years, with more than 100 jury trials to my credit. I have extensive experience in representing individuals charged or under investigation for State and Federal criminal charges as well as appeals. I am also admitted to practice in the State of Massachusetts in both the State and Federal Courts as well as the 11th and 1st Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. I am a Certified Circuit Court and Federal Court Mediator. My practice areas include the Middle District...

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.

Joshua A. Katz practices in the areas of Securities Arbitration and Litigation, Complex Commercial Litigation, Securities Regulation and Enforcement, Receivership Litigation, and Broker-Dealer Compliance and Defense.

Since 2004, Mr. Katz has focused his practice in the area of broker-dealer arbitration before FINRA, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, formerly known as the NASD or National Association of Securities Dealers. Mr. Katz has extensive experience representing public investors, brokers, and broker-dealers in arbitrations.

Prior to joining Sallah Astarita & Cox, Mr. Katz was an associate for the law firm of Klein & Sallah, LLC. He has advised and represented brokerage firms in proceedings...

I have been respresenting investors for more than 30 years in Court, Arbitration, and through alternative dispute resolution fora. I have offices in Connecticut and Florida, and pride myself in having user friendly fees, and being prudent about the virtues of jurisprudence!

Chris is a Partner at Johnson, Newlon & DeCort, P.A., a business litigation law firm in Tampa, Florida. The Firm was founded in 2014 and is dedicated to representing businesses involved in a broad range of litigation matters, including general commercial litigation actions, contract disputes, fraud claims, trademark and other intellectual property disputes, employment law matters, breach of fiduciary duty claims, securities litigation actions, and other litigation practice areas.

Practicing in Volusia County since 1983, Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer since 1989, national Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense attorneys, Certified Mediator, Airline Transport Pilot, Masters in Aviation Safety, Adjunct Asst. professor, ERAU. Aviation litigation, personal injury, wrongful death, motorcycle accident, Truck accident, aircraft disaster, premises liability, dog bites, slip and fall, products, medical malpractice.

Mr. Jonathan K. Allen, Esquire, received his bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from University of California, Berkeley. He minored in philosophy. Having acquired a notable scholarship, he continued his education and earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. While in law school, he served as Vice President of the law school chapter of Amnesty International and became a member of Phi Alpa Delta Law Fraternity. He also participated in mock trial and moot court competitions. After completing law school, Mr. Allen gained admission to practice law in New York, New Jersey and Florida. He...

Jessica practices as an attorney in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate Administration and Elder Law. In addition, Jessica is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator. Prior to starting her own firm, Law Office of Jessica Lynn Silva, PLLC, Jessica was an Associate Attorney with Panouses Law Group.

Before practicing law, Jessica garnered legal experience through her previous roles as Judicial Assistant to Brevard County Judge David E. Silverman for four years, and as a Civil Litigation Paralegal, Real Estate Paralegal, Certified Notary Signing Agent, Real Estate Agent, Florida Mortgage Broker, Real Estate...

I have practiced law for 32 years. My experience is broad, but has mostly focused on litigation, court practice, and document drafting and review. I have MANY YEARS of courtroom experience. I handle a variety of family and criminal law issues including, but not limited to, divorce, child support enforcement, alimony issues, parenting issues, domestic violence injunctions, mediation, DUI's, drug offenses, battery, probation violations, and theft-related offenses, among many others. I also provide many estate planning services, including the drafting of documents such as, Wills, Power of Attorney (durable or for a limited purpose), and Advance Healthcare Directives (Living Wills,...

At Komninos Law Firm, PA, we measure our success by the value we create for our clients. We are focused on achieving positive results and providing outstanding client service to each and every client. Our law firm has successfully represented clients facing complex legal issues. Our law firm is more than up for the challenge of taking on all types of litigation and transactional matters. With main offices in Tampa we represent clients across Florida. We are proud to represent a diverse clientele. Many of our clients are small-business owners, such as commercial builders, restaurant and service station owners,...

Dan O’Rourke has been practicing law in Florida for nearly 20 years and focuses on general civil and commercial litigation in the state and federal trial and appellate courts of northwest Florida. Dan has represented clients in matters ranging from Covenants Not to Compete in the trial court of Walton County to construction liens and contract disputes throughout northwest Florida. He has also represented clients in real estate fraud disputes in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida and claims pursuant to the federal Hyde Amendment (awarding attorney fees to victims of malicious, vexatious, frivolous and...

Attorney Andrew John Manie was born in Queens, New York, to a family with roots in Trinidad and Tobago. Raised in the Virgin Islands and later settling in North Lauderdale, Florida, Mr. Manie’s diverse upbringing has provided him with a unique perspective on life and the law. He graduated from Boyd Anderson High School, and soon after, he answered the call to serve his country. The day after his 18th birthday, Mr. Manie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a communications repairman with an infantry battalion. His military service included a deployment to Iraq, where he...

For over 30 years, I have dedicated my career to the practice of marital and family law through my firm, The Law Offices of Laura S. Blackman, P.A., which has become a prominent name in South Florida. My firm is based in Boca Raton, where we serve clients in both Palm Beach County and Broward County. We are known for our dedication, compassion, zealous representation, and fierce advocacy on behalf of our clients. At The Law Offices of Laura S. Blackman, P.A., we are recognized and respected within the legal community, focusing primarily on marital and family law. When you retain...

For over 24 years, I have dedicated my legal skills to advising and zealously representing clients in a variety of areas, including Securities Arbitration, Business Litigation, Employment and Partnership Disputes, Breach of Contract, Fraud and Negligence Claims, Commercial Real Estate Leases, Professional Malpractice, and Intellectual Property Actions.

In addition to handling litigation matters, I also represent businesses and individuals in commercial and secured transactions as well as in drafting and negotiating general contracts (such as non-disclosure agreements, employment covenants, distribution contracts, licenses, etc.).

I have extensive experience representing all types of clients, from single individuals to Fortune 500 companies. ...

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,...

Mr. Friedland is currently licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family, Appellate, and Circuit Civil Mediator. Mr. Friedland graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1972 and from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1975. Mr. Friedland practiced in Connecticut from 1975 through 1988 when he relocated his practice to Sarasota, Florida. He is a member of the Family Law, Alternate Dispute Resolution Section, and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections of the Florida Bar, Sarasota County Bar Association, and American...

Mark L. Van Valkenburgh has been practicing law in Central Florida since 1995. The vast majority of his practice has been in the area of employment law. While he has won significant jury trials on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants, his practice now focuses on helping employers proactively avoid litigation. Services include: • Drafting, review and revising of Employee Handbooks and other policies which not only comply with the law but are customized to your business. • Negotiating and drafting Employment Agreements. • Negotiating and drafting Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation and Non-Compete Agreements. • Flat fee retainer arrangements to respond to employers’ unlimited telephone calls and e-mails of...