Clay County Business Lawyers

University of Miami School Law, Miami, Florida J.D. - 2017 Honors: magna cum laude Honors: Litigation Skills I, Litigation Skills II, and Alternate Dispute Resolution Honors: Excellence Award in Professional Responsibility Honors: Charles C. Papy Moot Court Board, Member Honors: Presidential Advisory Board, Member Honors: Best Oralist. Mr. Braunstein Honors: Best Student Casenote Award Honors: Order of Barristers PRACTICE AREAS: Franchise Law Civil Litigation Complex Commercial Litigation GIVING BACK: • Coach/Mentor: University of Miami School of Law, Trial Team and Moot Court Board • Coach/Mentor: University of Miami, Mock Trial Team • Pro-Bono Cases, various confidential

Professional Associations: Miami-Dade County Bar Association American Bar Association (ABA), Franchise Forum International Franchise Association (IFA) American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) Classes & Seminars: ABA’s Annual Franchise Forum AAFD's Annual Conventions Pro-Bono Activities: Miami Dade County 'Put Something Back' Program Bar Admissions: Florida U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan U.S. District Court Eastern District of Arkansas U.S. District Court Western District of Arkansas U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit

Lorenzo Arca is an associate with Fleitas & Arca, PLLC. Mr. Arca is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Florida, and works in the Firm’s Immigration and Business Practice Areas. Mr. Arca represents clients in planning and executing both Family-based and Employment-based immigration strategies. Mr. Arca’s immigration practice focuses primarily on business immigration services representing clients and investors transitioning into the U.S. market. Additionally, Mr. Arca assists and advises clients on a wide-variety of business and corporate matters, ranging from entity formation to particularized contract drafting. Prior to joining Fleitas & Arca, PLLC, Mr. Arca attended Florida International University College...

David Podein is a partner with Haber Law and has been with the firm since 2009. He concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate and construction law, condominium and community association representation, commercial leasing, secured financing, and business and commercial litigation.
A substantial portion of Mr. Podein’s practice involves representation of community associations in the financing, approvals, and contract negotiation for multi-million dollar capital improvement, repair, and/or building upgrade projects. Additionally, Mr. Podein represents real estate developers, investors, joint venture, lenders/servicers, and landlords in connection with real estate related transactions, including commercial and shopping center leasing, landlord tenant negotiations,...

With a knack for the creative and an entrepreneurial attitude, Christopher DiSchino specializes in business, securities and intellectual property law. Assisting both individuals and corporate entities, Christopher focuses his practices on complex business transactions, intellectual property registration and enforcement and corporate counsel services. His diverse experience allows him to create value for his clients by using resourceful techniques to minimize unnecessary costs and risks.

Prior to founding DiSchino & Schamy, PLLC, Christopher served as General Counsel in both the hospitality and fashion industries. Exposure to a fast-paced, international environment provided him with an intimate understanding of the business climate in which...

Founder of boutique law firm practicing in the areas of commercial litigation, shareholders and partnership disputes, trade secrets, non-competes, temporary restraining orders and injunctions, deceptive practices, real estate disputes, criminal defense, family law (including, divorces, domestic violence injunctions, child support, alimony, and paternity), professional malpractice, international litigation and arbitration, administrative and regulatory proceedings, and appeals.

Counselor to corporate clients and individuals in a wide range of transactional, administrative and regulatory matters, including governmental audits, purchase and sale of businesses, real estate closings, corporate governance, personnel and labor issues, employment matters, international trade and business transactions, statutory and regulatory compliance, contract drafting...

I bring a unique combination of legal, business, and executive experience to my role at Prego Law Group, PLLC. With over 25 years in the banking and financial services industry, including time spent as a C-suite executive and compliance leader, I offer deep insight into the complexities of regulatory compliance, risk management, and strategic business growth. My career includes leadership roles at Merrill Lynch, Espírito Santo Bank, Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust, and Brickell Bank. In these roles, I led compliance programs, addressed complex regulatory issues, and managed high-stakes mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. My hands-on experience in banking operations and...

Mr. Bachman is a key member of Chepenik Trushin LLP’s probate and trust litigation department. Mr. Bachman is particularly experienced in the areas of probate and trust litigation, complex commercial litigation and insurance defense. He is familiar with the latest developments in Florida law relevant to challenging and defending wills and trusts, and is a key player in the firm’s many complex probate litigation cases, including those involving claims of lack of capacity, undue influence, insane delusion and tortious interference with expected inheritance.

In his free time, he likes to travel and play with his dog, Stink, and cat, The Babadook.

Offering top-notch legal services in South Florida for over 36 years.

After earning his law degree and a Master of Business Administration from Stetson University, Jason Hamilton Mikes began his career in Southwest Florida in 2003, where he worked at local offices of large international firms. During his tenure at these firms Jason excelled in representing condominiums, homeowners associations, developers, and commercial real estate owners. He has advised hundreds of community associations on day-to-day and complex legal matters and served as counsel of record in more than 1,000 mortgage and lien foreclosure cases in Lee and Collier counties. Jason has guided developers of residential, commercial, golf and marina properties from project...

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...

Jon has spent his entire legal career practicing securities. He handled over 1,000 securities matters and has successfully represented some of the most demanding clients in multi-million-dollar disputes throughout Florida and United States. He has represented individual and corporate clients in civil actions in state and federal court (at the trial and appellate level); in regulatory investigations; in arbitrations; and in private mediations.

Jon has handled a wide range of matters, including: (i) stockbroker misconduct and investment fraud disputes (including claims involving unsuitability, churning, unauthorized trading, failure to execute trades, failure to hedge, selling away, theft, research analyst conflicts of...

Nikie Popovich, Esquire is dedicated to providing affordable and outstanding legal services. To that end, Ms. Popovich always endeavors to provide each client with the best representation and necessary personal attention for his or her legal matter. Ms. Popovich is the managing attorney of Popovich Law Firm, P.A., which concentrates its practice in the following areas: * Civil Appeals * Criminal Appeals * Administrative Appeals * Petitions for Writ * Petitions to Seal or Expunge Record * Post-Conviction Relief Proceedings * Business Law (articles, bylaws, operating agreements, etc.) * Education Law (student disciplinary actions) *...

Attorney Stephen Lacey is a Estate Planning and Probate Attorney in Melbourne, Florida. His practice areas focus on Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate, Wills, Trust Administration and Wealth & Asset Protection. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Lacey has handled various Estate Planning cases in the State of Florida.

Jacquelyn M. Codd, Esq., has been a Polk County native since she was 5 years old. She started working in local law firms in 2010 and worked as a paralegal and law clerk throughout her time in undergrad and law school. She consistently focused on clerking in areas which could give her valuable contracts, collections, and construction law experience. She also ensured that she spent at least one year working in the area of consumer and collection defense so that she could learn the tricks of the trade and protect her future clients from falling into regulatory compliance traps during...

Thomas C. Saunders is one of only a small handful of lawyers in Polk County, Florida that hold themselves out as double Board Certified. Tom is certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in both Civil Trial and Business Litigation.

I have handled just about every kind of case imaginable, from adverse possession to will contracts. I am the person who will handle your case from start to finish. Your case will not be turned over to a secretary, never to be heard from me again. You will even have my cell number.

Ms. Hattaway began her career in litigation representing large publicly held corporations in complex business disputes. She has experience in both federal and state courts. Her practice has included civil rights litigation, employment law, real property litigation, franchise negotiations, as well as business litigation. Most recently, Ms. Hattaway has focused on assisting clients with strategic business planning: drafting operating agreements, drafting and editing sales contracts, negotiating contracts and advising businesses, including multi-specialty medical group, individual physicians, pharmacology research specialists, new franchisees, expanding family-owned enterprises, and design startups. Ms. Hattaway served as a Commissioner of the Canaveral Port Authority....

Attorney Billy Brown specializes in the areas of commercial, business, corporate, real estate, timeshare, bankruptcy, and elder law. As a previous owner and consultant of businesses such as restaurants, medical offices, and internet companies, Attorney Brown understands the various needs of business entrepreneurs. Through his years of experience, he has witnessed many individuals face financial hardships due to numerous causes. Passionate about helping others, Attorney Brown committed his life to help those in need of legal representation. Prior to employment as a skilled lawyer, Attorney Brown began his pursuit when he attended the University of Central Florida. It...

We specialize in providing legal solutions to business owners. Having handled these cases from both sides, we know the ins and outs of the legal problems facing you and your business. An ounce of prevention can be worth a point of cure, so please call us at (407)906-5529 now and sit down with on of our helpful and experienced attorneys and see how we can better protect your business and your employees.

Michele Diglio-Benkiran is the founder of Legal Counsel, P.A. Mrs. Diglio-Benkiran has been practicing law for over 24 years with a special emphasis on Real Estate and Business Law. Mrs. Diglio-Benkiran earned her Juris Doctor Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 1999 where she was the Business Manager of Journal of Medicine and Law, Justice of Phi Alpha Delta, a scholarship recipient, and published in Who’s Who: American Law Students 1998. She graduated from law school and immediately began working at the Office of the State Attorney – 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County,...

Joseph M. Sternberg is a highly accomplished third-generation entrepreneur with a rich history of establishing and managing a range of businesses. Inspired by his grandfather and father's wholesale produce business, he imbibed the core values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. Being the first attorney in his family, Joseph's decision to pursue a legal career was deeply influenced by his older sister's life-altering car accident and the ensuing lawsuit against U-Haul, which ignited his passion for providing innovative solutions to his clients. During his time at the University of Miami School of Law, Joseph interned with the respected...

I am a board certified lawyer representing businesses, individuals, general contractors and other construction industry parties in litigation, arbitration and mediation for 25 years. I am an expert on the lien law in Florida and I forgot more about construction law, than most attorneys will ever know. I work hard for my clients and they appreciate my efforts. I have drafted and negotiated hundreds of contracts and understand all aspects of business and construction litigation. I have handled many jury trials, bench trials and countless successful summary judgments. I have significant and successful experience handling appeals...

Tampa Insurance Law Attorney

As the founder and managing partner of Germain Law Group, Michael Germain continues to represent insurance policyholders, personal injury victims, consumers, and businesses across Florida.

He is a dedicated advocate for his clients' causes, even if their case takes them against large insurance corporations. His resolve stems from nearly a decade of legal experience, which allows him to confidently fight for his clients' futures inside and outside of the courtroom.

Michael Germain founded Germain Law Group on the foundation of open-communication and a drive to help people gain the justice that they deserve.

With insurance-related matters, individuals, families,...

In 2010, after litigating at a downtown Orlando firm, Cynthia Conlin founded her own law firm with a desire to serve clients on a more personal and direct level. One of the things that drew Cynthia to practicing law was the desire to serve people. The practice of law, stripped to its core, means helping people. In practice, Cynthia spends her days helping clients. Before law school, Cynthia wore several hats, including journalist, graphic designer, publisher, and entrepreneur. From her diverse creative and business background, she was quickly drawn to areas of copyright law, defamation, Internet law, and business...

Dominic J. Baccarella is a divorce and family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer. He has earned an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating available for attorneys for legal ability and ethical standards. Prior to opening Baccarella & Baccarella, P.A., Mr. Baccarella worked as an assistant professor for the Legal Assistance program at Hillsborough Community college and as the Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida. In 1989–1990, he was a certified contract advisor to National Football League (NFL) players. In addition to providing clients with zealous and thorough representation in divorce, family law and...

I am a co-founder of Walsh Banks Law, located in Orlando, Florida. Since 2005, the primary focus of my practice has been business law, franchise law, real estate law and contract law. I've worked with a wide variety of clients ranging from individual entrepreneurs and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. I've provided legal assistance and representation to clients as they’ve formed new companies, started new entrepreneurial ventures, provided legal assistance for business expansion, corporate reorganization, and helped develop exit strategies through the development of succession plans or the sale of the business. This includes extensive experience representing startup...

Karen Harkness Houser is an attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns, operating out of the firm's Melbourne office. She specializes in Commercial & Residential Real Estate, Corporate Law, Estate Planning, and Elder Law.

She graduated from Virginia Tech with her B.S. in 1981 and received her J.D. from the St. Thomas University School of Law in 1991. In 1992, Ms. Houser earned her LL.M in Taxation from the esteemed College of William and Mary.

She has handled numerous cases including Office, Warehouse, Shopping Center & Hotel Projects, Acquisition & Disposition of Raw Land, Construction...

William "Bill" Wieland is an attorney for the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. He operates out of the firm's Melbourne and Orlando locations.

He graduated Pre-Med from Wake Forest University in 1973, and received his J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in 1984. Mr. Wieland has over 30 years' experience and practices in a wide array of fields.

He began his focus in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Insurance Defense, and Medical Malpractice. In 2004 he became a title insurance agent, expanding his practice areas even further to include Real...

Nishad Khan, Esq. is a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Real Estate Law.

Nishad focuses his practice on all aspects of real estate law, including commercial development, landlord tenant, residential sales and purchases, distressed properties, loan workouts, title issues and financing. Nishad also devotes a significant portion of his time to estate and business planning, wills & trusts, probate, wealth preservation, business law and commercial agreements.

After working at a few key Orlando firms, Nishad opened his own practice in 2007. His legal experience includes a judicial externship in which he gained valuable experience researching substantive and procedural issues for complex...

AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Ms. Kozan practices all types of appeals, including business, employment, family law, foreclosures, personal injury, and insurance coverage disputes. A former federal judicial clerk and law review editor, Ms. Kozan has excellent analytical and writing skills. In addition to representing litigants on appeal, Ms. Kozan provides litigation support to trial lawyers, including consultation on strategy and preservation of issues for appeal, as well as drafting of pleadings, motions, briefs, and petitions.

Nancy Brandt is an Of counsel attorney with the Central Florida law firm Bogin, Munns & Munns. She specializes in Civil Litigation and Business Law, including Real Property Development, Commercial Contract Disputes, Commercial Litigation, Real Property Disputes, and Insurance Defense. She received her B.A. in 1992 and her J.D. in 1995 from the University of Florida. Ms. Brandt teaches Civil Litigation I as an adjunct professor at Valencia College.

James D. Kisio is an Of Counsel attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. Mr. Kisio practices areas of law including Business Law, Real Estate Development, and Contract Action Law. He is admitted to the bars in both Florida and Texas, where he received his J.D from University of Houston.

Prior to receiving his law degree, James D. Kisio earned his B.A.E. from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In the past, he has worked for organizations including NASA, using his technical background to work on simulators designed to train astronauts how to land spacecraft.

B.F. "Biff" Godfrey has over 40 years of experience and puts his vast knowledge to use as an Of Counsel attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns, and his own Godfrey Legal. Mr. Godfrey specializes in numerous areas including Business Law, Real Estate, and General Contract Law. He is admitted to the bars in both Florida and Texas, where he received his J.D from Southern Methodist University School of Law. Prior to receiving his law degree, Biff Godfrey earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. In the past, he has worked for major...

S.I. "Sandy" Valbh is an Of Counsel attorney for the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. He practices Business Law, Estate Planning & Probate Law, Tax Law, Civil Litigation, and Commercial Litigation.

He received his B.S. from Florida State University, double-majoring in Finance and Accounting (1994). He earned his J.D. from Drake University College of Law (graduating With Honors in 1997) and his LL.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center (graduating With Distinction in 1998).

Mr. Valbh assists with Estate and Trust Administration, Business and Commercial Transactions, Corporate and Partnership Tax Planning, and representation before the Internal...

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...

Clay was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida in 2010. He then worked in the Orlando area and began law school the next year at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Orlando where he received his Juris Doctorate degree in 2014. He enjoys learning about the world around him and spending time doing outdoor activities. Coming from a large family, he is very passionate about helping others through his legal services.

Chuck strongly believes in providing clients peace of mind through planning. His broad values based estate planning, probate and trust administration practice has served several thousand clients over the last 29 years. His extensive qualifications include being Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates by The Florida Bar. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of South Florida. He earned his J.D. (Cum Laude) from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Laws (LL.M ) in Taxation from the University of Florida. He has been awarded the highest rating (AV) given by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory Chuck specializes in personal...