Hawthorne Business Lawyers

Gary M. Mars joined the firm in 1991, developing a specialty in community association representation. Since then, his practice has evolved into full-service community association representation, including transactional work, covenant enforcement, drafting of opinion letters regarding the management and operation of the association, drafting amendments to governing documents, performing contract review and preparing meeting packages for board meetings and annual meetings. His representation also includes assisting clients with matters pertaining to construction defect negotiations and litigation, and turnover issues Mr. Mars has over 25 years of experience in assisting community associations in the pursuit of Chapter 558 claims and has...

A Miami-native, Oscar grew up and attended all academic training in South Florida. While in college, he obtained his Real Estate Sales Associate license and has been actively engaged in real estate transactions throughout South Florida since the age of 19. During his undergraduate degree, he created and opened his own Real Estate Brokerage company, Endeavor International Real Estate. It was through these labors that helped pay his way through law school. During his law school training, he worked for The Lasarte Law Firm where he worked over two years in the land use/zoning and governmental affairs field. It was...

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,...

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...

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...

David has been actively involved in the real estate world for over 7+ years serving as the Director of AAA Financial Corporation, CEO of Capital Funding Financial, and as Real Estate Agent, Mortgage Originator, & Attorney to a high net worth clientele. David graduated with numerous awards from the University of Miami with a degree in Finance & Accounting while starting for the #1 ranked Hurricanes as an outfielder on the baseball team. David went on to play for the Colorado Rockies before heading back to law school to specialize in real estate law. David proceeded to get his LL.M....

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.

Brett L. Goldblatt is an experienced personal injury attorney and business litigator. He concentrates his practice in the areas of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, and a variety of business litigation matters, including breach of contract cases, non-competes, and real estate matters.

Over the years, Mr. Goldblatt has recovered millions of dollars for his clients and achieved great success in the courtroom. He is a diligent and committed advocate, who works tirelessly for his clients to obtain the best possible outcome.

Prior to founding Goldblatt Law, Mr. Goldblatt worked for a well-known personal injury firm...

Practice Areas: Business Law; Construction Law; Real Estate
Admitted: 2005, Florida and U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Law School: Florida State University, J.D.

Member: Hillsborough County Bar Association; The Florida Bar.

Biography: Board of Directors, Tampa Interbay Rotary Club. Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator. Lifetime Member Veterans of Foreign Wars. AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Named “Rising Star” in Business Litigation by Super Lawyers. Consistently named to “Tampa’s Top Rated Lawyers” by Legal Leaders Magazine.

Born: Charlotte, North Carolina, April 1, 1974

MilitaryService: U.S. Navy, 1993-1999

Cases: Scherer v. Villas Del Verde Homeowners Ass'n, Inc., 55 So.3d 602 (Fla....

Stephen J. Wein is a founding shareholder of the firm. He was previously the Chairman of the Litigation Department of a prominent local firm where he was also a member of its Executive Committee. He is a 1976 graduate of Stetson University College of Law. Steve’s extensive litigation experience is diverse, ranging from Complex Commercial to White Collar Criminal matters on behalf of and against public and private companies, financial institutions, insurance companies and professionals. The representations have dealt with a wide gamut of legal issues involving securities, antitrust, class actions, computers and software, intellectual property, healthcare fraud...

A nationally-recognized leader in defending the rights of consumers in all area of legal disputes, with a very intense and dedicated focus to defending and prosecuting foreclosure related issues. The lawyers and staff at WeidnerLaw maintain a very hands on and personal approach to each client relationship and have a state of the art client communication system that ensures clients are kept abreast of all their case developments

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.

Peter T. Hofstra is an of counsel real estate attorney at DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A. His expertise in real estate law has helped to solidify the firm as a specialist in real estate acquisitions, condominium and association law and transfer of real property.

Oxalis B. Garcia is a native from Puerto Rico. After being admitted to practice Law in the State of Florida she began focusing on practicing Family and Criminal law in the Tampa Bay area. Since that time, she has represented clients in divorces, custody disputes, post-judgment modification actions, child support matters, alimony and domestic violence injunctions. In addition she has represented client in Misdemeanors, Traffic Infractions, DUI’s and Violations of Probation. Presently she is admitted in three (3) jurisdictions and is fluent in both the Spanish and English languages. In addition Attorney Garcia volunteers at the Free Family Law...

Nickolas C. Ekonomides is the sole shareholder of Nickolas C. Ekonomides, P.A., with offices in Clearwater, Florida and has been practicing law in the Tampa area since 1994. His practice covers a wide range of corporate and real estate representation with concentration in business and commercial state and Federal litigation. Mr. Ekonomides was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1994 and to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, in the same year. In 2004, Mr. Ekonomides was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

He is a long standing member of his...

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....

Mr. Curry is a civil trial lawyer and has had his own firm for most of his career. He has been recognized by Judges and his colleagues as one of the preeminent lawyers in his field receiving an “AV’ rating from Martindale Hubbell. He has an active Civil Trial Practice participating in civil trials involving Commercial, Personal Injury, Family Issues and General Business Litigation. In addition to his successful Law Practice he served as a Founding Director and General Counsel of Platinum Bank from 1997 through 2012.

Mr. Curry has served as President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. He was...

The Carney Law Firm serves individuals and businesses throughout Florida in business litigation, estate planning, and probate matters. The Carney Law Firm offers clients expertise from a firm they can trust. Mr. Carney has big law firm experience, but provides small firm service. A potential client’s biggest worry is often the expense of hiring a professional attorney. Mr. Carney is often able to assist his clients by offering contingency and flat fee options. The Carney Law Firm is committed to providing each client aggressive and practical legal representation. In recognition of his legal skills and ethical standards, Mr. Carney received an AV...

Mr. Gallagher graduated from Stetson University College of Law. After graduation he began practice with a large Tampa firm focusing on insurance litigation. Additionally, Mr. Gallagher served as a Federal Judicial Intern for Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich of the U.S. Middle District of Florida. Mr. Gallagher has experience in both litigation and transactional matters. His current practice focuses on insurance litigation, foreclosure defense, real estate litigation, business law and consumer law.

While at Stetson, Mr. Gallagher was the Director of the Legal Writing Clinic, President of the Christian Legal Society, a Teaching Fellow for Legal Research and Writing classes, a...

Anthonia “Toni” Imudia attended Columbia University in the City of New York where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in Nursing. She obtained a doctorate degree in nursing practice from the Univeristy of Miami before attending Stetson University College of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees. Toni worked in healthcare for over 13 years and rose to the level of an executive director of a non-profit agency in New Orleans. The agency provided primary care to HIV-AIDS patients under the Ryan White program. Toni later took an...

A native of Florida, Ryan T. Cox graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in criminology before going on to get a master’s degree in criminal justice from UCF and a law degree from UF’s Frederick G. Levin College of law. Following graduation, Ryan represented clients in civil litigation and business transactions before finding his niche defending people against criminal charges.

Now, having returned home after 4 years working in Colorado, Ryan has decided to apply his skills to representing the people of the gulf coast. He joins Carlson Meissner with extensive experience handling all manner of...

Betty Marion Whitman resides in Ocala, Marion County, Florida where she began practicing law in Marion County in 1987. Betty started her legal career as a secretary to her father, a general practitioner in Melbourne, Florida. She continued to work as a legal secretary in various cities in Florida and briefly in New York City. She obtained her A.A. degree from Brevard Community College, then went on to the University of Central Florida to obtain her B.A. degree, and then to Law School at the University of Florida. Betty has achieved an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale & Hubbell,...

Wes Trombley is a partner with Trombley & Hanes, P.A., concentrating in the areas of both criminal and civil litigation. Wes is a lifelong resident of Tampa, Florida, and graduated from Jesuit High School, the University of South Florida with a Business Marketing Degree, and Stetson University College of Law. As a law student and prior to becoming a member of the Florida Bar, Wes served in the 13th Judicial Circuit for Hillsborough County, Florida as a Judicial Intern and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Intern Prosecutor and he served for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida...

Joel has handled a wide range of legal matters for both plaintiffs and defendants since he began practicing law in 2001. Joel focuses his law practice in two main areas: securities and investment arbitration and litigation, and commercial litigation. In the securities and investment area, Joel represents investors, agents, brokers and broker-dealers in customer and industry disputes involving suitability, breach of fiduciary duty, misrepresentation, and negligent supervision. In the area of commercial litigation, Joel represents clients in state and federal court disputes involving breach of contract, life insurance, and negligence. For more information, please visit www.ewusiaklaw.com.

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...

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...

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.

Andrew Pardun, LL.M. is an Associate with the firm specializing in the areas of Real Estate Law, Title Insurance, Commercial and Residential Real Estate Closings, Commercial Lending and Borrowing, Foreclosure Matters, Business Law, and Tax Law.

Andrew joined the firm in January of 2016 after completing his Juris Doctorate Degree from Stetson University College of Law and his MBA Degree, with Honors, from Stetson University. Andrew completed his MBA degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honors society. During his first year at the firm, Andrew completed his Master of Laws Degree in...

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 believe it is important to identify a clients goals and build a strategy to best meet those goals. Growing up in a small town taught me to stand behind my work and to only provide services that people really need.

Chris grew up in Basehor, Kansas on the outskirts of Kansas City where he learned to “pay it forward.” He lives and works by the ideal that the work you do and the promises you make to individuals carries forward. With that in mind, Chris attended Kansas State University where he earned his B.S. in Speech Communications. Chris also spent...

The Castro Law Firm, located in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, provides a range of legal services to clients that focus on probate, estate planning and business. Attorney Taren Castro is a former Florida State Trooper, Assistant State Attorney and Assistant Attorney General. Because of this experience, she has a unique, diverse background on the inner workings of the criminal and civil legal systems. This experience can be invaluable for her clients. Whether you need assistance with probate, estate planning or business Attorney Castro can assist you. Born to immigrant parents, Taren is fluent in Spanish. If you only...

Michelle is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law with an L.LM in Elder Law, Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law with a Juris Doctor, State College of Florida with a Paralegal Certificate, University of South Florida - Sarasota/Manatee with a Bachelor's Degree in History, University of Phoenix with a Master in Accountancy, and Florida Metropolitan University with a Bachelor's in Accounting.

A firm believer in education, she continues to encourage others by being an Adjunct Professor at State College of Florida's Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Venice Campuses since 2016. She teaches the Legal Research and...

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...

Firm founder Andrew Schwartz has nearly 30 years of legal experience, with his entire legal career focused on litigation, particularly in the areas of contract enforcement and interpretation. Along with his associates, Andrew Schwartz and the Schwartz & Salivar Legal Team serve clients in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties in South Florida with high quality legal representation tailored to meet their individual goals. Contact our Boca Raton business & real estate attorneys today.