Donald R. Walters practices primarily in the areas of transactional real estate and community association law, representing condominium associations, homeowners associations and timeshare associations. Prior to starting his own firm, he was a partner with Johnson & Walters P.A. (formerly known as Hume & Johnson P.A.) from 1997 until 2013, and has been a member of The Fund since 2013.

Don graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in political science, and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida in 1988. He is a past President of the North Broward Bar Association, a past member of the Board of Directors of the Broward County Bar Association, and previously served as Chairperson for Legal Aid of Broward County/Coast to Coast Legal Services. Don is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level of professional excellence.

Brian W. Hoffman is a partner with the firm, practicing in the firm’s Pensacola office. Mr. Hoffman is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Real Estate. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration majoring in Finance with high honors from the University of Florida in 2000 and received his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Mississippi in 2002. His practice focuses on commercial litigation, real estate litigation, probate and trust litigation, real estate transactions, estate planning and probate, debt enforcement actions, and general business and corporate law.

Mr. Hoffman is a member of the Executive Council of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. Additionally, Mr. Hoffman is actively involved with several substantive committees within the Section. He serves as Chair of the Title Insurance and Title Insurance Liaison Committee, Vice-Chair of the Real Estate Certification Review Course Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Title Issues and Standards Committee.

Affiliate & Real Estate Council Relations Manager
Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, LLC

René graduated from the University of Florida in 1989 and has been in the real estate industry nearly her entire career. She handled commercial lending in South Florida, was a licensed real estate agent and a real estate paralegal. She has been active with a broad selection of industry organizations including ALTA, Florida Realtors® and the Florida Home Builders’ Association and is Past Associate Vice President of the Builders’ Association of North Florida. For the past 21 years Rene’ has filled many roles for The Fund including Member Account Executive and Branch Manager. Currently the Affiliate & Real Estate Council Relations Manager, Rene’ manages Attorney’s Real Estate Councils of Florida, Inc., the statewide umbrella organization representing 21 local real estate councils across the state. She oversees outreach to real estate agents and the public promoting the use of real estate attorneys in real estate transactions through various channels including blogs, trade shows, social media, educational seminars and advertising.

She is also responsible for The Fund’s Affiliate Program, providing paralegals, closers, legal secretaries and licensed title agents key resources and education to ensure they are equipped to support the success of The Fund members who employ them. The program’s flagship event is Affiliate Assembly, the largest educational event in Florida designed exclusively to educate real estate para-professionals.

When René is not working, she enjoys horseback riding and working on her first novel. She is married to David Nye, Emeritus Professor of Finance and Insurance, University of Florida and lives in Ponte Vedra.

Ramona Chance received her B.A., J.D., and LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida. Her law office is in Gainesville, Florida. She focuses on commercial real estate transactions which includes, preparing commercial contracts, leases, easements, resolving title issues, closing transactions and issuing title insurance on Old Republic National Title Insurance Company. She is the founding President of the North Florida Association of Real Estate Attorneys and is on the board and executive council for the Builder’s Association of North Central Florida. She is married to retired Circuit Judge, Chester B. Chance. They have a second home on the Steinhatchee River and enjoy fishing for trout and redfish and relaxing with a good book.

Keith H. Wadsworth was born in Richmond, Virginia and raised in Winchester, Virginia. He is a shareholder of the firm and practices in the firm’s Winter Haven office. His practice includes estate planning, probate, tax planning, real estate transactions and leasing, lender financing, commercial transactions, and business law.

Sheehan Gobin is the founder and lead attorney at Gobin Law, PLLC. His practice is focused on real estate law and he handles all aspects relating to the purchase and sale of residential and commercial real estate in Palm Beach County, and throughout the state of Florida.

Sheehan earned his B.A. in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University in 2008 and graduated with his Juris Doctor in 2012 from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. In that same year Sheehan became a member of the Florida Bar. Sheehan is also a current member of the Palm Beach County Real Estate Council, as well as a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar.

Michael is a partner in the firm who concentrates his practice in the area of real estate law, including assisting property owners, lenders, and developers with commercial and residential development, acquisition, financing, title, and leasing.

Michael’s experience includes representation of a multi-state developer in the development, financing, leasing and sale of over 100 stores and representation of a lending institution in transactions totaling over $30 million in financing. He is also certified to close United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”) 504 Loans.

Michael has been named a “Top Lawyer” by Naples Illustrated in 2021 and a “Rising Star” by Florida Super Lawyers® in 2020-2021 for his work in the field of real estate law.

Michael graduated from Bishop Verot High School and currently resides in Fort Myers. When not working, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Leah, and their two children.

Michael serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Lee County Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast and President of the Southwest Florida Real Estate Council. He is also a member of the Real Estate Investment Society.

Gerardo J. Rodriguez-Albizu is a seasoned attorney who represents domestic and international clients at both the trial and appellate levels. Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu has litigated a wide variety of cases, including matters under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), complex commercial matters, international copyright infringement, Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) cases, foreign asset seizure, international commercial arbitration, partnership break up disputes, theft of trade secrets, disputes involving banks and financial institutions (including claims under Regulation X), commercial and residential landlord-tenant disputes, among other matters.

Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu also has experience with matters pending or involving foreign jurisdictions, including Central and South America, the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Drawing from his extensive litigation experience, Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu assists clients with their business law needs including forming new entities, drafting and negotiating joint venture agreements, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and buy/sell agreements, negotiating franchise agreements, and various other contractual agreements.

Additionally, Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu also has significant experience in representing U.S. and international clients with their real estate needs. Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu’s experience includes assisting clients in all facets of a real estate transaction – from negotiating the purchase and sale agreement, to conducting the closing and issuing title insurance. In this regard Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu possesses experience in handling construction to permanent financing transactions, transactions involving national lenders, and all cash deals. Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu also assists clients with drafting and negotiating both commercial and residential leases, either on behalf of landlords or prospective tenants.

Throughout his legal career Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu has represented a wide spectrum of clients, including banks, small business owners, real estate developers, individuals, and mid-size companies. Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu has received numerous accolades from both clients and the local community in recognition of his legal services, including the “Most Effective Lawyers” award from the South Florida Daily Business Review and the “Outside Counsel of the Year” award from Areas USA, Inc. Prior to starting Rodriguez-Albizu Law, P.A., Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu worked at the international law firms Greenberg Traurig, P.A., and Diaz, Reus, and Targ, LLP.

Jared was born in South Florida and raised in Hobe Sound. Jared attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate and law degrees. During his time in Gainesville, Jared was involved in many clubs and organizations including Dance Marathon, the law school’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Clinic, the John Marshall Bar Association, and the Florida Law Review.

Jared practices real estate, land use, and estate planning law. He is passionate about giving back to the local community and is involved in the Apollo School Foundation and the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce. Jared is also a member of the Hobe Sound Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, a representative on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee, and a member of the Jupiter Island Code Enforcement Board. When Jared is not working or volunteering he enjoys tennis, trivia, and watching Florida Gator sports.

Robert C. Chilton, a Winter Haven native and graduate of Winter Haven High School, is a partner in the law firm of Boswell & Dunlap, LLP. He graduated from Vanderbilt University, cum laude, in 1999, earned his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2004 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2005. Mr. Chilton is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Mr. Chilton’s concentrates his practice primarily on community association law (homeowners’, condominium and cooperative associations) guardianships, civil and real property litigation and banking law. In addition to the Polk Area Real Estate Council, he presently serves on the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee and as Counselor of the Willson American Inn of Court. Mr. Chilton has previously chaired the Tenth Judicial Circuit’s Grievance Committee “A” and served as Special Magistrate for Polk County, on the board of directors of the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce and on the Small Claims Rules Committee of the Florida Bar.

Mr. Schumann is Board Certified in Real Estate by The Florida Bar. He handles Complex and Standard Real Estate Transactional (Commercial and High-End Residential), Commercial Lease Drafting and Landlord/Tenant Representation, Lender Representation and Loan Package Production, Complex and Simple Private Financing, Mortgages and Security Agreements, Representation of Real Estate Investment Groups and Individuals, Title Insurance, Rectifying Title Defects and Issues, Construction Contracts and Lien Enforcement, Commercial Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategies and Planning, Real Estate Loan Workouts. Schumann also works with clients in the areas of Business Law including, Business Transactional, Strategic Business Planning, Entity Structuring and Formation, Shareholder and Member Agreements, Shareholder and Partner Buyouts, Business Sales and Purchases/Mergers & Acquisitions, Franchising, Licensing and Joint Ventures, Vendor Contracts, Customer Contracts, Commercial and Construction Contracts, In-House Counsel Style Representation and Day-to-Day Business Representation.

Sean focuses his practice on real estate law, including sales and leasing, purchases and development, association documents and plat review, and closing and title services. In this regard his clients have included local and national residential and commercial real estate developers, high rise and mixed-use condominium developers, retail/commercial landlords and tenants, financial institutions, and government entities.

He also concentrates his practice on condominium and community association law, assisting both residential and commercial associations in all aspects of the operations, including collections, interpretation of governing documents and drafting amendments to documents, covenant enforcement, and compliance with Florida statutes and regulations. Sean was the first attorney in the Fort Myers area to receive the LEED AP designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Charles S. Bolz is a shareholder in Bolz & Bolz, Attorneys at Law, and President of Horizon Title Services, Inc., a full service title insurance agency. He has been certified by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Board Certified Real Estate Attorney since 1992. His practice focuses on residential and commercial real estate, including closings and title insurance, lending, bank representation and leasing matters. He also practices business and corporate law, estate planning and probate law.

Chuck is a founding member and Vice President of the Attorneys' Real Estate Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. In addition to The Florida Bar he is also a member of the State Bar of Georgia and the United States Virgin Islands Bar. He received a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Rochester and his Juris Doctorate from the Emory University School of Law.

Mr. Roscow practices in the area of residential and commercial real property transactions including the creation of limited liability companies, corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures. The firm’s practice also includes Estate Planning, Probate, and Corporate Taxation. Mr. Roscow is a member of The Fund and an Executive Council Member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar.

Matt grew up in Florida. He holds a BA in Biology from the University of South Florida and a Juris Doctor with High Honors from Florida State University College of Law. Since beginning his legal practice in 1990, Matt has provided his clients with sophisticated representation in real estate, business and corporate matters, estate planning, mortgage law and zoning and land use law.

Matt is a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust; Business Law; Tax Law; and Environmental and Land Use Law Sections of The Florida Bar. He is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida.

Nathan believes in client-centered service while understanding and meeting the unique needs of each individual client. His practice areas include real estate law, business and general corporate law, probate law and probate litigation, estate planning, and community association law. Nathan is admitted to practice law in Florida and Alabama and works in the Santa Rosa Beach and Destin offices.

Prior to joining the Firm, Nathan was the Managing Attorney and In-House Counsel for a local real estate company, and he was previously in private practice in the Panhandle and in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While in private practice in Tuscaloosa, Nathan was an Adjunct Instructor for legal seminars in the Honors College at The University of Alabama. Nathan earned his law degree from The University of Alabama School of Law, and his Bachelor of Science in business and real estate from The University of Alabama, summa cum laude.

Born and raised in lower Alabama, Nathan grew up with Destin and South Walton in his back yard. After relocating to the area, Nathan immediately set out to establish a legacy of active community involvement. He is currently Chair-Elect of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, and he serves on the Board of Directors of Westonwood Ranch in Freeport. Nathan also served as President of the Young Professionals of Walton County in 2020, and in 2019, he was chosen as Young Professional of the Year by his peers in the local Walton County community. Nathan served as President of his 2018 Leadership Walton class and President of the Emerald Coast Real Estate Council until 2019. Additionally, Nathan enjoys being active in both the Florida and Alabama state bar associations and presenting seminars to real estate agents in the Panhandle area.

Outside of his professional obligations, you can find Nathan cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide and the New Orleans Saints in the fall, traveling, enjoying his record collection, trying new recipes in the kitchen, or enjoying all of the wonderful things about living along the beautiful Emerald Coast.

Amy Kicklighter Waddell is a Florida native and grew up in Pensacola, Florida. Mrs. Waddell is a Partner with the law firm Waddell & Waddell, PA practicing real estate law, family law and personal injury. She is a member of the Florida Bar Association with an AV Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review RatingTM. She obtained two Bachelor degrees at the University of Florida and earned her Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, in Birmingham, Alabama. Mrs. Waddell has been practicing law in the State of Florida since 2001, when she became a licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and the Federal Northern District of Florida. In 2003, Mrs. Waddell joined her husband, Jason A. Waddell, to form the law firm Waddell & Waddell, P.A.

Amy Waddell is actively involved in the Northwest Florida community. Currently, she is a member of Escambia - Santa Rosa Area Real Estate Council and is serving as the 2017-2018 President, West Florida Collaborative Law and is serving on the 2017-2018 Board of Directors, Pensacola Association of Real Estate, Pensacola Bay Area Women’s Council of Realtors Affiliate member, Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, les femmes Gaeities, and is an Attorney’s Title Fund Agent.

Previously, she served on the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida Grievance Committee as the 2016 Chairperson and as a 2013 – 2016 term Committee Member; Escambia-Santa Rosa Association Law Week Chair for both 2005 & 2006, Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association Community Service Committee Member in both 2003 & 2004, 2002 – 2006 Pensacola Ivey League Women’s Garden Club, and a 2003 Board Member on Escambia AIDS Services and Education/ Emerald Coast Services, and was the BLAB TV Host of the Elder Law, Family Law and Personal Injury Legal Show 2003 - 2007. Amy Waddell also authored "Florida's Non-Fault Statute: Plaintiff Attempts to Bypass Threshold Requirement", Trial Advocate Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 1, Winter, 2002.

 www.edwardsedwardslaw.com

Nicole focuses her practice on commercial and residential real estate transactions. She represents her clients in all phases of real estate sales and acquisition transactions, including:

1. Negotiation and preparation of offers for purchase and sale;
2. Organization of entities to take title to property;
3. Examination of title and preparation of owner and lender title insurance policies;
4. Preparation of title objection notices and curing title defects;
5. Guiding buyers through the financing process and coordinating with lenders to close loan transactions;
6. Review and explanation of condominium documents;
7. Negotiation and preparation of leases;
8. Resolution of issues that may arise during the pendency of the transaction; and
9. Preparation of loan documents for seller-financing.

Nicole also handles complex commercial transactions and has specific experience in the coordination of effectuating a tax-deferred exchange pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. Nicole facilitates 1031 exchange transactions by interfacing with a qualified intermediary and ensuring that the stringent 1031 deadlines are met.

Nicole’s practice also includes representing clients in residential and commercial landlord/tenant disputes.

Brown & Associates Law & Title, P.A. is your full service real estate law firm. Since opening its doors in 2006, Brown & Associates Law & Title, P.A. has helped clients with difficult personal and business decisions which are often very emotional. The firm’s goal is to help clients make informed and educated decisions that best suit their situations not only now but also into the future. Whether it is a real estate matter such as buying or selling a property, or entering into a lease agreement as a landlord or a tenant, or whether it involves a financial decision such as filing for Bankruptcy relief, negotiating a loan modification or a short sale, our mission is always our Client’s success.

Barbara grew up in Houston, Texas. She received her initial higher education in Claremont, California. Barbara returned to Texas to attend law school and graduated in 1998 from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. After receiving her J.D. and M.B.A. in 1998, Barbara took a position as Assistant General Counsel to a publicly traded company in Orlando, Florida. In 2002, Barbara went into private practice with a law firm in the Tampa Bay area. She concentrated in the areas of real estate law, including title and lending practices, foreclosures for private investors and asset protection and estate planning. These areas have been her main focus since. Barbara is honored to practice with Kenny Case, Esq. and Thanasi Poulakidas, Esq.

MICHAEL E. MIRRINGTON is a Fund Senior Underwriting Counsel in the Tampa Bay Branch. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. Prior to joining The Fund, Mr. Mirrington worked for a major Sarasota law firm concentrating in commercial litigation and title insurance claims. He is a member The Florida Bar and the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Mr. Mirrington served for five years as president of the Bay Area Real Estate Council and is now vice president/programs for that organization. He serves on The Florida Bar’s Real Estate Certification Committee and is past chair of that committee. Mr. Mirrington is an AV-rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and a Florida board certified real estate lawyer.

www.securitytitleandescrow.net

Northrup Law, PLLC, was established in 2017 to assist clients in northeastern Florida with real estate and land use issues. Ms. Northrup is also a title insurance agent for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company (ORNTIC). Drawing on seventeen years of environmental consulting experience in state and federal wetlands permitting for residential, commercial, transportation, and mitigation bank projects, Ms. Northrup provides a unique perspective on legal issues in the fields of land use and development. Services provided by Northrup Law include Environmental Resource Permitting assistance, conservation easement recordation and release coordination, issuance of title policies underwritten by ORNTIC, foreclosure assistance, property survey review, and mitigation bank consultation.

Oscar, as a 6th generation Santa Rosa County native, has been a member of the Milton and Pace communities his entire life. Following his graduation from Pace High School in 1997, Oscar chose to further his education by attending Harding University. There, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2001. Oscar further went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law in 2005.

Oscar, his wife, Sheena Patrick of Jay, Florida, and their four daughters presently reside in the Milton/Pace community. Oscar enjoys spending his off time with his family and being an active member in his local church congregation as well as being an avid beagler, sportsman, and hobby farmer.

Mike Chesser represents local business interests in organizing, managing and controlling their internal and external legal relationships. He has served as attorney to the Town of Shalimar since 1974, and as attorney to the Eglin Federal Credit Union since 1974. He has worked with many local governments as consultant, lawyer, and adviser in land use and housing issues. Mike served as First Lieutenant in the United States Army Artillery. He owns Old South land Title with co-shareholder and licensed title agent Gayle Hurst.

Mr. Chesser has personally handled more than 50 appeals and many jury and non-jury trials. He teaches classes for Realtors, lawyers and members of the general public on real estate and business issues. He writes a monthly article on real estate issues for both the Destin Log and the Northwest Florida Daily News.

Lynwood F. Arnold, Jr. received his undergraduate degree from Stetson University (B.A. 1969) and his law degree from Florida State University (J.D. 1973). He is a member of the Executive Council of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, currently serving as Co-Chair of the Membership and Inclusion Committee. He is a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association and the Tallahassee Bar Association. He is a past Chair of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. He is a member, director and past president of the Bay Area Real Estate Council. He is a past director of the Tampa Bay Estate Planning Council. Mr. Arnold currently serves on the Professional Ethics Committee of The Florida Bar and on the Board of Directors of the Tallahassee Bar Association Legal Aid Foundation.

Mr. Arnold’s practice areas are real estate transactions and litigation; wills, trusts and estates; estate and trust litigation; and the mediation of real estate and estate disputes. Mr. Arnold has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer and Circuit Court Mediator. He has an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Philip N. Kabler, Esq. is a Senior Counsel at Bogin, Munns & Munns, P.A. Mr. Kabler holds law licenses in Florida, Connecticut and Virginia (Associate Status), as well as admissions to various Federal Courts including the United States Supreme Court. He graduated from Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) in 1982, Magna Laude with High Honors in Philosophy, and from the University of Pennsylvania Law School (Philadelphia, PA) in 1985.

Mr. Kabler has practiced since 1985 in both law firm and in-house settings in Norfolk, VA, Hartford, CT, Miami, FL and Gainesville, FL. He was an administrator with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice - District III for five years. Mr. Kabler has taught at the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business Administration, the University of Florida - Levin College of Law and Santa Fe College.

In 2012, Mr. Kabler was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court to a second three-year term on The Florida Bar Foundation board of directors. He was appointed in 2014 to the Eighth Judicial Circuit Local Professionalism Panel. Since 2009, he has been a board member of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association. Mr. Kabler is a member of The Florida Bar Business Law Section, the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section (Commercial Real Estate Committee, Real Property Finance & Lending Committee) and the Animal Law Committee.

Maria S. Leavy is founding attorney of Leavy Law, P.A. Maria has extensive experience representing clients in real estate, community association, and estate planning legal matters. She focuses her practice on the representation of condominiums, homeowner’s associations, and country clubs. Maria assists community association clients with covenant enforcement matters, document amendments, fair housing disputes, bulk rate telecommunication contracts, contract preparation and review, and annual meeting and election matters.

Ms. Leavy also represents individual clients in residential and commercial real estate closings and provides title insurance services. Maria handles the administration of estates and assists clients with estate planning matters.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of South Florida and her Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from Nova Southeastern University. She is a member of the Florida and Palm Beach County Bar Associations and is also a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. Maria is an active member of the Palm Beach County Real Estate Council and serves on the Florida Bar’s prepaid legal services committee. Ms. Leavy is admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

In addition to her legal work, Maria is an active volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Joseph M. Madden, Jr. was born in The Hague, Netherlands in 1964. Joe Madden and his family moved to Lee County in 1990. He earned a B.A. in Political Science at the University of Florida in 1986 and J. D. from the University of Florida College of Law in 1989. Joe served as an Assistant County Attorney for Lee County, Florida, practiced law in private practice in Fort Myers, as well as serving as in-house counsel for a Fort Myers based land development company.

In addition to Joe’s legal experience, he has also served as CEO of an import company with national and international distribution. Joe Madden has also been involved in many other civic and professional activities, including serving on the Fort Myers Planning Board, being a member of the Lee County based Real Estate Investment Society, Little League Baseball and Lee County Bar Association.

Joe Madden was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990 and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. His practice areas include Real Estate Transactional Matters, both commercial and residential, Land Use and Land Development Law and Local Government Law. Joe Madden is a member Attorney’s Title Insurance Fund, Inc.

Joshua is a native Floridian and New Smyrna Beach resident. Joshua’s practice focuses on commercial and residential real estate matters, land use issues, and estate planning, probate, and trust law. Mr. Wells graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 2007 and received JD and Master’s degrees, with honors, from Vermont Law School in 2013. During law school, Mr. Wells drafted model land use ordinances for a state Regional Planning Commission, and authored an article published in a national planning and land use journal.

After law school, Joshua clerked with the City of Jacksonville’s Office of General Counsel focusing on real estate, land use, and planning issues. Before joining Wright & Casey, P.A., Joshua practiced for over two years as a transactional attorney with the law firm Mark R. Hall, P.A. in New Smyrna Beach, where he focused his practice on real estate, trusts, and estate planning. Mr. Wells is involved as a leader in several community organizations and actively serves as a director of the Southeast Volusia Kiwanis Club, as the Secretary of the Canal Street Historic District, and as the President-elect of the Real Estate Council of Volusia County.

Silvia B. Rojas is a Florida Board Certified Specialist in Real Estate. As a member of the Executive Council of the Florida Bar RPPTL Section she served as chair, co-chair and vice-chair of several Section committees.  She was Editor-in-Chief of ActionLine, the Florida RPPTL Section’s magazine, for a four-year period.  Currently she is a Vice-Chair for the CLE Committee of the RPPTL Section.  She has served in private practice and as Sr. Underwriting Counsel for The Fund, now Old Republic National Title Company.  She is currently retired from the practice but active in other facets of the legal profession.    

Trisha Dellinger holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. She was admitted to the bar in 1997 and joined the firm in September of that year. Her areas of practice include commercial and residential real estate transactions, elder law, and estate planning. She is a member of the Volusia County Bar Association and Florida Bar Association.

She is the past president and current member for the Volusia/Flagler Association for Women Lawyers. She is a director of the Real Property Council of Volusia County and a committee member of the Elder Law Committee of the Volusia County Bar. She is also a member of the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar.

Tom Sawyer, certified by the Florida Bar as a Real Estate Specialist, joined Gunster following eight years of government service and 25 years of private practice in Stuart, Florida. Tom advises on all aspects of real property acquisition, development, financing, leasing and environmental permitting. He describes himself as a “dirt lawyer” at heart and believes his private practice experience brought added value to his government work.

While serving as Deputy General Counsel for Public Lands in the Office of the General Counsel at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Tom experienced first-hand the manner in which the wheels of state government turn. Tom worked closely with the Florida Cabinet aides to formulate monthly agendas for the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida (TIIF). During this time, Tom was primary counsel to the Division of State Lands (DSL) which is responsible for the issuance of Sovereign Submerged Land leases. Following his departure from the state capitol, Tom landed closer to his Stuart home in West Palm Beach to work in the Office of Counsel at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Tom’s primary client at SFWMD was the Division Director for Real Estate and Field Operations.

Tom thrives in crafting creative solutions that can overcome the most difficult challenges sure to arise during the development of a real estate project. Tom comments that “no two transactions are alike” whether it is the unique qualities inherent in the land or simply mediating the divergent personalities involved.  He focuses on maintaining a watchful eye over environmental justice issues that are critical to keeping Florida the most beautiful and attractive state in the union. In Tom’s mind, scorched earth tactics are not of any value in getting a transaction to the finish line, and Tom believes a real estate practice is not a win-at-all-cost game. Tom takes great pride when a client tells him, “You are unlike any lawyer I have ever met,” which he attributes to the notion that he personally cares about making a transaction function in a way that seeks to maximize benefit to all stakeholders.

Tom has served as a title agent since the mid-1980s with deep roots in the title insurance business, which is a skill he brings to every closing.

Kyle Jensen was born and raised in Ocala, Florida. He received a Bachelor of Science in Government from Liberty University in 2009 and a juris doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2013, where he served as the President of the Federalist Society and as an Executive Research Editor for the Journal of Law and Public Policy. His practice focuses on real estate, banking and lending, business transactions and corporate law.

Kyle currently lives in Lakeland with his beautiful wife, Lauren, and his two daughters, Ellie and Addie. Kyle enjoys spending his free time with his family and their dogs, Bailey and Izzy.

Roger is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Real Estate and focuses his legal practice on civil litigation and real estate.

Roger received his B.S., cum laude, from the University of Florida, Finance and Insurance in 1998 and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2001.

Roger represents individuals and businesses in general litigation matters, real estate and property disputes, mortgage foreclosures and construction litigation. Roger’s real estate practice consists of both residential and commercial real estate transactions. He counsels clients on contract preparation, commercial development and lending, and residential closings. AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell.

Roger was named to the list of Rising Stars in Florida Super Lawyers Magazine, 2010-2011.

Ryan C. Curtis completed his under graduate work at the University of Florida majoring in Real Estate and Business. After graduating with honors, he entered the Florida State College of Law where he received his law degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Ryan joined Smith, Hulsey & Busey, P.A., a prestigious firm in Jacksonville, as an associate for several years before starting his own firm in 2001. In 2006 Ryan founded his own title company, Community Title, LLC which has successfully closed over a thousand real estate transactions. Ryan is committed to serving his clients and believes a lawyer should be accessible. Ryan is a member of Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtors and Westside Baptist Church of Gainesville.

Lisa I. Glassman, Esq. is the founding attorney of Lisa. I. Glassman PA (www.lglassmanlaw.com) and Vice President of A-1 Title & Escrow Inc. (www.a1titleandescrow.com)

Lisa has extensive experience representing clients in residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, probate and trust administration matters. She focuses her practice on the representation of buyers and sellers throughout Florida and zealously represents individual clients in residential and commercial real estate closings and provides title insurance services. Lisa also handles the administration of estates and assists clients with estate planning and probate matters. Lisa I. Glassman PA has offices in Aventura, Boca Raton, Weston and Lighthouse Point.

Ms. Glassman earned her Bachelor of Science, from the University of Florida and her Juris Doctorate, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She is a member of the Florida Bar Association and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. Lisa was a founding member of the North Dade & the Beaches Attorneys’ Real Estate Council and served as its President for several years and is now a director of the Attorneys’ Real Estate Council of Palm Beach. She also serves as a board member and Membership Chair of the Parkland Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Glassman is admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

In addition to her legal work, Lisa is a devoted wife, mom of two wonderful children and an active volunteer for Kindness Matters and the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

Shannon graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science from Syracuse University. She earned her Juris Doctor at the University of Miami School of Law. Upon graduation, Shannon moved from her hometown of Palm Beach Gardens to Santa Rosa Beach where she was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2000 and the Federal Court Northern District of Florida in 2001.

Since 2000, Shannon has practiced in South Walton County. What started as a focus on general litigation matters, quickly transitioned to an exclusive practice in real estate transactions. She has used her early litigation experience to draft contracts, easements, and other legal documents in such a way as to avoid future conflict, which ultimately leads to a successful transaction.

Shannon handles a wide variety of real estate matters including title insurance coverage, condominium development, planned unit development, complex commercial and residential transactions and business entity development. Over the years, she has represented homeowners, lenders, realtors, owners associations, and commercial enterprises.

Shannon has served as a member of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce since 2000, sitting on several committees and has always been an active member of the South Walton community, sponsoring many events, including Via Colori, the Flutterby Festival and the South Walton Rays. She is a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for foster children in the area since early 2001. In 2002 the State of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program recognized Shannon as Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for the First Judicial Circuit.

Geoff Brodersen is a partner with the firm, practicing in the firm’s Pensacola office. His practice is focused in Real Estate, Business and Corporate Law, and Commercial Litigation. To that end, he represents clients in matters relating to claims against insurance companies, which include bad faith, personal injury, premises liability, property disputes, wrongful death and automobile and trucking accidents. He also has experience handling contract litigation, maritime and Longshoreman claims, employment disputes, benefit claims, commercial appraisals, and appellate work. Regarding his corporate practice, he provides advice, strategy, and counsel to corporate and businesses involved in various real estate transactions and disputes. As a function of his litigation practice he also has represented clients in appellate matters.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1999 from the University of the South and received his Juris Doctor from the Florida Coastal School of Law in 2005. where he received book awards in Toxic Torts, Environmental Law, Criminal Procedure and State and Local Government, was a Dean’s Scholar and served on the school’s Honor Court. During law school, Geoff gained professional experience interning with the City of Jacksonville’s environmental quality division and with the Mayo Clinic’s office of general counsel. Prior to law school, Geoff worked in the Washington, D.C. area for a political consulting firm developing Political Action Committees for corporations.

Geoff began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit of Florida, prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases. In addition to numerous bench trials and hearings, Geoff was lead counsel on multiple jury trials at both the misdemeanor and felony levels.

After gaining extensive courtroom and trial experience as a prosecutor, Geoff joined a multi-state firm focusing on the defense of civil (non-criminal) claims. Civil litigation often involves claims made against insurance policies and insurers, and Geoff’s practice focused on the defense of those claims, which involved several areas of law including bad faith, personal injury, premises liability, property disputes, wrongful death and automobile and trucking accidents. Geoff also has experience handling contract litigation, maritime and Longshoreman claims, employment disputes, benefit claims, commercial appraisals, and appellate work.

Upon joining Shell, Fleming Davis & Menge, Geoff’s practice broadened to include providing advice, strategy and representation to corporate and individual clients and businesses involved in real estate transactions and disputes, zoning, contract development, review and drafting of contracts and agreements, employment issues, commercial and business transactions and disputes, and construction litigation. That experience includes representing clients at hearings, depositions, mediations and trials, as necessary. Geoff practiced with Shell, Fleming, Davis & Menge until the firm closed its practice on December 31, 2019.

Geoff also has experience with appellate work, handling cases in Florida’s District Courts of Appeal, the Federal District Courts and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal. Representative cases include: 316, Inc. v. Maryland Cas. Co., 625 F. Supp. 2d 1187 (N.D. Fla. 2008); Priller v. Southern Fidelity Insurance Company, 2013 WL 870588 (Fla. 1st DCA 2013); Bank of New York Mellon v. Rubin, 2014 WL 2874347 (Fla. 1st DCA 2014); and Waterhaven Owners Associaiton, Inc., v. Atlanta Simplicity Vinyl Systems, Inc., et. al., 2020 WL 430319 (Fla. 1st DCA 2020).

Mr. Brodersen is admitted to the Florida Bar, and is an attorney with over 15 years of legal experience who maintains a broad civil practice focusing on real estate, civil litigation, contracts and business and commercial law. In his service to his clients, Geoff has acquired years of experience in providing value-based advice and strategy.

Jalinda “Jay” Davis is a Fund Senior Underwriting Counsel in the Duval County Branch. She earned her B.A. degree from the University of North Florida and her J.D. degree from Florida State University College of Law. Jay has practiced in the areas of corporate law, real property law and commercial law with an emphasis on title insurance defense work. As former owner of one of the first attorney owned and operated real estate title insurance companies in the Duval County area, she has had extensive experience in the real estate title insurance industry. Prior to joining The Fund, she relocated to South Florida and was an attorney in a Stuart law firm which specializes in real estate. Jay served as a Fund Underwriting Counsel in Palm Beach Branch from 2004 to 2008. During this time she was an adjunct professor at Palm Beach College and a guest speaker and member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. She has served as Secretary of various Florida Land Title Association Forms Committee meetings and is currently Vice President of Programing for the Jacksonville Area Real Estate Council. Jay is also a member of The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section and is a Florida board certified real estate lawyer.

Massimo graduated from Roma Tre University and then gained his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University; he is a member of the Florida and the Italian Bars. Massimo’s practice is divided between his office in Fort Lauderdale and the one in Rome and focuses mainly on real estate transactions, being him an agent for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company/ATFS, probate matters, Italian law, as well as the out-of-court settlement of disputes. Massimo has shown creativity and effectiveness in finding innovative solutions for out-of-court debt recovery that can thus avoid the intervention of the court. When circumstances require it, Massimo adds the representation of his clients in court to the advanced negotiation techniques. Prior to opening the U.S. branch of the Reboa Law Firm, Massimo worked for years at other law firms, where he gained experience in real estate, commercial, and corporate transactions, probate proceedings, litigation, as well as immigration law issues. Massimo Reboa is fluent in English and Italian and has an informal knowledge of Spanish.

Scott W. Fitzpatrick obtained his J.D. from Stetson College of Law in 2000, after earning a B.A. from the University of South Florida in Political Science. Scott engages in litigation topics which include, but are not limited to, contract disputes, securities fraud, Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act violations, restrictive covenant enforcement, foreclosure defense/prosecution, common law fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, misrepresentation, Florida's Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, shareholder derivation actions, civil theft, and consumer protection; and has conducted thousands of residential and commercial real estate transactions throughout Florida.

Before starting his own practice Anthony worked at a large Tampa Bay law firm concentrating on real estate and personal injury related matters. Along with his well-versed knowledge of these areas of practice, Anthony has extensive experience in foreclosure defense and automobile accidents. He also served as in-house counsel for one of Florida’s larger mortgage companies where he was responsible for the operation’s compliance, litigating all lawsuits brought on behalf or against the company, along with overseeing the company’s title insurance offices in both Orlando and Tampa.

Anthony received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Florida and a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern School of Law in Ft. Lauderdale. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section, and participates regularly in continuing legal education and professional organizations. He is an agent for Attorneys Title Insurance Fund, a member of the Carrollwood Community Bar Association (“CCBA”), Bay Area Real Estate Council (“BAREC”), Greater Tampa Area of Realtors (“GTAR”) and the Tampa Bay Real Estate Investors Association.

Anthony has lived in Florida for most of his life and currently resides in the Westchase area with his wife and two beautiful children. His spare time is devoted to his family, friends, and an occasional round of golf.

Ms. Pryor is a seasoned litigator, having begun her career as a prosecutor in the Office of the State Attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County, Florida where she handled hundreds of cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Thereafter, she worked for two prominent South Florida law firms, where she gained experience in a range of commercial and civil disputes, including real estate law, business contract disputes, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, personal injury, and wrongful death matters.

Ms. Pryor is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University, where she obtained both her bachelor’s and law degrees. While in law school, she was a recipient of the Ruden McClosky and the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association scholarships. She was a member of the trial team and upon graduation, she was inducted into the National Order of the Barristers for her excellence in oral advocacy. Ms. Pryor has volunteered as a mock trial coach at Nova Law School leading the team to regional and national champions in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. She is active and has held leadership roles in numerous civic and bar associations.

Ms. Pryor is a frequent speaker for the Board of Realtors. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, creative writing, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two young children.

Terrence L. Harvey joined the Office of General Counsel in February 2024.  Prior to joining the Office of General Counsel, he was in private practice where he specialized in the areas of civil litigation, real estate transactions, contract disputes and bankruptcy. 

Mr.  Harvey completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was a Dr. Ronald E. McNair Scholar and a University Presential Scholarship recipient.  He obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee, College of Law, where he was the Publications Editor of The Tennessee Law Review and Managing Editor of Transactions: Tennessee Business Journal. 

Mr. Harvey is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle District, and Northern Districts of Florida. He is a member of the Florida Bar, Jacksonville Bar Association, American Bar Association, Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association, Daniel Webster Perkins Bar Association and a past associate of the Chester Bedell American Inn of Court. 

Mr. Harvey is a current Academy Fellow of The Florida Bar’s Wm. Reese Smith, Jr.  Leadership Academy and past Fellow of the Real Property Probate Trust Law Section. He is a member of the Executive Council for the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section.

Kerry Anne Schultz is a partner with SCHULTZ LAW GROUP, P.L.L.C. She graduated Summa Cum Laude as Valedictorian with a Bachelor’s degree in both History and Political Science from Oklahoma City University in 1998. Ms. Schultz also earned her Juris Doctorate with honors from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in 2000.

While attending Oklahoma City University, Ms. Schultz was the student body president, a member of Blue Key, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, the 1998 All-USA Academic Team, an Oklahoma State Rhodes Scholar Finalist (1998), a Truman Scholar Finalist (1997), and an Oxford Service Learning Scholar (1997). As a law student, Ms. Schultz received several jurisprudence awards. She was selected to the Moot Court Board and was Semi-Finalist in the Intra School Moot Court where she earned an honor for “Best Brief.” Upon graduation from law school, Ms. Schultz served for one year as law clerk to Honorable Paul J. Clulo, in Midland, Michigan.

Ms. Schultz is currently a member of the Florida Bar Association; American Bar Association and the Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Attorney-Realtor Committee of the Florida Bar Association; Pensacola Inns of Court; Member of Community Service Committee of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Associations; Chair of Attorney/Realtor Relations Committee of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Associations; Instructor with the Florida Division of Real Estate teaching the Real Estate Contracts Course and Ethical Considerations in Real Estate Transactions to real estate agents and brokers; Instructor with Sterling Education Services, Inc., teaching Leases and Landlord-Tenant Law; Adjunct Professor at the University of West Florida teaching Contract Law; Junior Achievement Volunteer; Agent of Attorney’s Title Fund Services, Old Republic Insurance Company; Trustee of Pensacola Little Theatre; Board of Governors of the Pensacola Junior College Foundation; Board Attorney of Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida; Vice President of the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation; and a 2009 and 2010 Rising Star Florida Super Lawyer.

Ms. Schultz frequently participates as a lecturer and contributor in teaching seminars on Contracts and Ethics for the Florida Department of Real Estate to real estate professionals.

Ms. Schultz’s practice is limited to business and corporate transactions, health law, commercial and residential real estate transactions and development, homeowner, condominium and community associations, and civil litigation.

Colleen C. Sachs is Senior Underwriting Counsel, Commercial Services for Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, LLC, having joined The Fund in 2019. She received both a B.A. in Political Science and English and a J.D. from the University of Mississippi. Prior to becoming an underwriting counsel, Colleen was in private practice. After practicing for several years in New Orleans, Louisiana, Colleen returned to her home state of Florida where she was a Fund Member with a practice emphasizing real estate, land use, and development law. Colleen is an active member of the Florida Bar Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section. She is a former chair of the Florida Bar Continuing Education Committee, Chair of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section Development and Land Use committee, and a current member of the Florida Realtor-Attorney Joint Committee.

The daughter of a real-estate developer, you could say that real estate runs in Vanessa M. Bertran’s blood – making her a perfect fit for the firm’s Real Estate Department.

In her family’s real estate business, Vanessa played an important role in the success of their projects by focusing on coordinating subcontractors, maintaining good working relationships with the zoning and permitting departments of various local cities and counties, and conducting site inspections. As her interest moved toward the law, she partnered with a title company, learning the important fundamentals of researching chain title history and determining seller history. As an attorney, Vanessa actively handles a significant range of real estate matters, from commercial and residential transactions and closings to real estate operation issues like eviction.

Her background in real estate was a natural transition into Estate Planning, Probate Litigation, and Guardianship. She has the benefit of blending her real estate background with her law degree to add value to her clients' needs and circumstances in order to promote conflict avoidance via a cost-effective approach of Estate Planning. Probate litigation and Guardianships are never an easy process. Vanessa entered the Probate litigation and Guardianship practice in order to help people through one of the most difficult times in their life. She genuinely cares about each client and advocates aggressively to give each of them the ability to move past this difficult time.

Melissa Murphy is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, LLC. Prior to joining “The Fund” Ms. Murphy was a partner in the firm’s real estate department. She attended Florida State University and obtained her undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, in 1976. She then attended law school at the University of Florida, graduating with honors in 1979. She entered private practice in Gainesville and has maintained an active real estate practice where she focuses on transactions, title insurance, and real estate development clients. She also has an active probate practice.

Ms. Murphy is very active in the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, having served as Chair of the Section in 2007-2008. She is also a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Attorneys and serves on the Board of Attorney’s Title Insurance Fund, Inc. She has been very active in the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association, serving as President of that organization in 1988.

Ms. Murphy is an adjunct professor at both the Warrington College of Business and the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida.

Sam earned his law degree from Creighton University Law School, graduating cum laude in 2003. He also studied business and political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in 1999.

In 2006, Sam and his wife Amy relocated to Naples to start a family. Since then, he has dedicated himself to helping small business owners, entrepreneurs, real estate buyers, sellers, Realtors and property managers. He believes that helping protect the business and real estate interests of local professionals also helps protect the unique quality of life that we all appreciate. One of Sam's personal goals is to provide common sense and fiscally sound solutions, with a personalized approach to each of his clients.

Sam is a member of the Florida Bar Association where he serves on the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section's Residential Real Estate and Industry Liaison Committee, and the Collier County Bar Association. He is also a member of the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR) and the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, where he also graduated from the Leadership Collier program in 2013.

For his leadership and community involvement, Sam has been recognized as one of Gulf Shore Business Magazine's "40 Under 40" (2012) and was the recipient of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Golden Cedar Award (2006). He is also a donor to St. Matthew's house. Sam is a lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Association and supports many local nonprofit organizations.

Michael J Posner is a partner at Ward Damon Posner Pheterson & Bleau, a multi-disciplined law firm primarily serving South Florida. His practice focuses on residential and commercial real estate, business and corporate law, homeowner/condominium association representation, complex real estate litigation, and wills, trusts and estate planning. Mr. Posner has handled real estate closings from $100,000 to over $47 million and has examined over 8,000 title files covering vacant land, single and multi-family homes, large commercial buildings, condominiums and co-ops and other unique land interests. He has also provided expert testimony on complex title matters.

In addition to Super Lawyers®, he has received AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has an Avvo rating of 10.0. He has been in practice since 1987 and is Board Certified in Real Estate Law. Michael is a founding member of the Palm Beach Real Estate Council. Mr. Posner earned his Juris Doctorate at University of Florida College of Law and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Florida.

His professional involvement in the local community includes Foreclosure Commissioner of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, Special Magistrate of the Palm Beach Value Adjustment Board, and Special Magistrate of the Village of Wellington Code Enforcement Board. He currently is the President of AircooledforCharity, Inc., a charity raising funds for Autism and Alzheimer’s.

Philip H. (Phil) Bush was born in Annapolis, Maryland and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. A 1988 Furman University graduate, he received his law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1991. Phil then moved to Lakeland where he was in private practice for 14 years before joining Peterson & Myers, P.A. in September of 2005.

An active Lakelander, Phil is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Polk Theatre, a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class XII and has been a VISTE board member since 2012.

A partner-level attorney with more than 20 years’ experience in all facets of real estate law, business transactions, and banking law, Phil's experience includes commercial real estate development, leasing, commercial lending and landlord/tenant matters, and he is an approved agent for Attorney’s Title Insurance Fund and Old Republic National Title Insurance Company. In short, Phil has an abundance of experience in a wide variety of real estate and business transactions and Miller Law is proud to have him.

Phil is married to Stefanie, and the couple have two children, Catherine and Alexander. When not working, Phil enjoys playing golf and running.

Sean is a partner with the firm of Boswell & Dunlap, LLP. He concentrates his law practice on local government representation, civil litigation in both State and Federal courts, and residential real estate transactions. Sean currently serves as the City Attorney for the City of Bartow, Florida, and all of its various boards, commissions, and departments. Sean has extensive experience in defending governmental clients in various types of civil and administrative litigation, as well as the many and diverse due process and administrative areas of practice that go hand in hand with the representation of local governments. This experience has come particularly through Sean's work with the City of Bartow and The School Board of Polk County, Florida. Sean's work with the school district has included not only the defense litigation, but also specific administrative duties related to the representation of the Superintendent of Schools in matters related to student discipline.

Sean joined Boswell & Dunlap simultaneously with the creation of this latest chapter in the firm's history, on April 1, 1998. During law school, Sean clerked for a top insurance defense firm in Tampa, and served as a Public Service Fellow focusing efforts toward the assistance of the indigent in St. Petersburg.

Sean is a member of the Florida Bar, the Lakeland Bar Association and a past member of the Willson American Inn of Court. He is admitted to practice law in all Florida state courts, the Northern, Middle and Southern Federal District Courts of Florida, the United States Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

Sean did his undergraduate work at The University of Florida earning his B.A. in Criminology in 1993. He earned his J.D., with honors, from Stetson University College of Law in 1997.

Sean is a native of Lakeland, and continues to call Polk County his home, residing in Bartow with his wife, Kelly, and their three sons.

Jeffrey P. Zane is the sole shareholder of Jeffrey P. Zane, P.A. His practice focuses on residential and commercial real estate, business and corporate law, estate planning and probate and tax law. Mr. Zane is a member of the Florida and New York Bars as well as the United States Tax Court. Mr. Zane has received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He continuously speaks to groups like the Realtors Association of Palm Beach, lay groups and professional groups such as the American Bar Association at its national annual meeting.

Mr. Zane is a founding member and President of the Attorneys' Real Estate Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. since its inception. He is also a Vice President of the Attorneys' Real Estate Councils of Florida, Inc. which is a statewide organization. Mr. Zane is also Co-President of Temple Beth David.

Mobile Phone Number: 561-307-1048

Alexander J. Menendez joined the Pavese Law Firm in 2017 and became a partner in the Firm in 2023. His practice is primarily focused in the areas of Community Association Law and commercial and residential transactions. As part of a seasoned real estate group, Mr. Menendez has assisted clients through a wide variety of legal matters affecting residential and commercial condominiums as well as homeowners’ and cooperative associations. Mr. Menendez has also represented and advised home owners, local businesses, developers, and national homebuilders on diverse real estate matters from residential closings to commercial leases and land acquisitions. Whether you require assistance with the management and day-to-day operations of your community association, or a legal advocate to represent your interests in a real estate deal, Mr. Menendez has the experience, the knowledge, and the determination to help you accomplish your goals.

IVETTE RODRIGUEZ is the founder of IVETTE RODRIGUEZ, P.A., located in Coral Gables, Florida. The firm was established in 1998 to provide affordable and quality services to clients in a variety of practice areas and disciplines. Ms. Rodriguez’s practice has focused on matters involving real estate secured loans, asset-based loans, commercial and residential real property transactions, including leases and purchases, business and corporate matters, including formation, shareholder and other corporate agreements, purchase and sale of businesses and related interests, construction lien claims, and title insurance matters. Ms. Rodriguez’ practice includes experience in short sale negotiation, Deeds in Lieu Negotiations and Real Estate Owned (REO) properties. Her legal background and title experience allows her to resolve post judgment issues and title defects for Lenders.

Ms. Rodriguez is a title insurance agent with Old Republic National Title Insurance Co., through Attorney’s Title Fund Services, LLC, one of the largest title insurance companies in the State of Florida, and is authorized to issue title insurance policies for owners, lenders and other interested parties.

Ms. Rodriguez was admitted to the Florida Bar and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida in 1998 after obtaining her law degree from Nova Southeastern University located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Ms. Rodriguez is a Florida Civil Law Notary appointed by the Florida Department of State. Currently she is involved with “Putting Something Back”, in which she provides Pro Bono legal services to the Guardian ad Litem program in her community. In 1996 Ms. Rodriguez was awarded a Master’s Degree, in the Science of Criminal Justice, with honors, from Florida International University. Her undergraduate studies focused on International Finance and Marketing and she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, in 1993.

Khila L. Khani is a native Floridian. She earned a B.A. in History at California State University, Northridge and her Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center. Ms. Khani is licensed to practice law in Florida and before the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. In addition to practicing law, she is active in several different community projects and serves on the Board of several non-profit organizations. Ms. Khani focuses her practice on real estate law and is a title insurance agent who writes title for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, First American Title Insurance Company and Westcor Land Title Insurance Company. Khila and her husband have been partners in Khani & Auerbach and have been in the same location for 20 years. While she enjoys the practice of real estate law, she is passionate about photography and music and is the founder/owner of iTakeGr8Pics (a digital photographic art company) and Rock Cousteau (a music discover service on YouTube and Spotify). Ms. Khani is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and takes extreme pride in being a resource to both her colleagues and clients.

Professional Accomplishments/Service/Professional Organizations:

• Received an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Peer Rated for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence
• Licensed before the United States District Court of Florida
• Florida Bar Association and Broward County Bar Association:
  • Business Section
  • Real Estate Section
• Board Member of the Broward Attorney’s Real Estate Council
• Serves on the Board of the Diamond Angels of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
• Lectures regularly before the Realtors Board in Broward County as part of the legal portion of the New Realtor Orientation
• Member of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (20+ years)
• Member of the Hallandale Chamber of Commerce (3+ years)

Since 1998, Scot has represented numerous individuals, lenders, business entities, and insurance companies in a broad range of litigation and transactional matters. Scot regularly litigates commercial, contract and business disputes, and real estate and title disputes. Scot also maintains a transactional real estate, business law, and estate planning and probate practice. Scot’s broad experience enhances his ability to represent clients in matters involving multiple subjects.

Attorney Copeland is please to assist his clients in our Pensacola, Miramar Beach, or Tallahassee locations.

Stephen B. Shell is a partner with the firm, practicing in the firm’s Pensacola office. He received his Bachelors degree with honors in 1982 from Vanderbilt University, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law in 1984.

Mr. Shell is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in the specialty of real estate law, AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, and practices primarily in the areas of real estate transactions and development, and business and commercial law. Steve regularly counsels and represents corporate and business clients in all types of business and real estate matters. In the real estate field, he has represented lenders, developers, builders, buyers, sellers and property owners in an array of matters including subdivision and commercial development, condominium development, residential and commercial closings, commercial and residential leases, eminent domain, and various other real property matters.

Mr. Shell is an agent for Attorneys Title Insurance Fund, Inc., Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, First American Title Insurance Company, Chicago Title Insurance Company, and Westcor Title Insurance Company.

Mr. Shell is a member of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association and was an attorney with Shell, Fleming, Davis & Menge from 1984 until the firm closed its practice on December 31, 2019. He is a past board member and officer of the Escambia/Santa Rosa Bar Association, and has served on various committees of the local association.

Mr. Shell is certified by the Florida Bar as a Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer. He is one of only a few attorneys in Pensacola who is board certified in the specialty of real estate law. According to the Florida Bar, board certification “is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar of competency and experience within an area of law, and professionalism and ethics in practice,” and it recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice.” Florida Bar board certified lawyers are the only Florida attorneys who may use the terms “specialist” and “expert,” or the letters “B.C.S.” for Board Certified Specialist when referring to their legal credentials.

Laura Morgan is the owner of the Law Offices of Laura F. Morgan P.A., a solo practice. I obtained my BA in Political Science, Summa cum Laude, from Biscayne College (now St. Thomas University) in 1982 and my JD from the University of Miami in 1985.

I practiced with several firms in South Florida and St. Augustine and was a partner in All South Title & Escrow Company for 10 years before starting her firm. My practice is focused on residential real property transactions, wills and trusts, and probate matters.

I remain active with the Broward Attorneys Real Estate Council and do service work with the Daughters of the American Revolution. I have been an Attorney’s Title Fundmember for more than 35 years.

Michael E. Boutzoukas focuses his practice in the areas of commercial real estate and business transactions, leasing and financing. In 2009 he became one of approximately 450 attorneys in Florida to achieve Board Certification in Real Estate Law. Board Certification by the Florida Bar is the highest level of recognition of an attorney’s competency and expertise in one or more of 24 areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.

The Clearwater City Council appointed Michael to the Community Development Board. In that capacity, he conducts design review, evaluates historic applications, and reviews requests for land use plan changes and re-zonings. The Board serves as Local Planning Agency to review and advise City Council on the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He previously served on the Code Enforcement Board.

Michael provides clients with general consultation and guidance in legal matters to business clients, leveraging his own transactional experience with the firm’s specialists in taxation, employment law and securities to serve his clients’ needs. Mr. Boutzoukas' peers call upon him to assist them with their client's real estate and business transactional disputes to gain perspective on the best course of resolution. He speaks before realtors, attorneys and businesses groups on commercial real estate transactions, leasing issues, title matters, and ad valorem tax valuation challenges.

Jim Pickens has been a resident of Volusia County, Florida for over 20 years. He attended Sugar Mill Elementary School, Silver Sands Middle School, Spruce Creek High School, and was a member of the first graduating class of Atlantic High School. Jim obtained his B.A. Degree at The University of Georgia, where he double majored in Management and Management Information Systems. Jim obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Barry University and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2011. As a law student, Jim was a Judicial Extern for Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano, a Research Assistant to Professor Patrick Tolan, a founding member of the Earth Jurisprudence and Environmental Justice Law Journal and served as an Executive Editor, and was a Certified Legal Intern for the Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society. Jim served as an Assistant State Attorney before joining Kinsey, Vincent, Pyle, P.L. in 2013.

Jim is a member of Leadership Daytona Class XXXV; a founding Board Member of the Volusia County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division; and is AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, which is the highest rating obtainable by an attorney. Jim is also a member of The Fund and an authorized signatory for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company.

Michelle Gilbert is admitted to the Florida Bar (1986), Washington, D.C. Bar (2020), Middle District of Florida (1988), Northern District of Florida (2005), Southern District of Florida (2006), U.S. Supreme Court (2000), and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (2003). She matriculated at the University of South Florida (B.A., 1982, cum laude), and the University of Notre Dame Law School (J.D., 1985). She is a member of the following associations: Greater Tampa Association of Realtors; Bay Area Real Estate Council, Inc.; Hillsborough County Bar Association (Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Solo and Small Firm; Diversity; and Military and Veteran Sections); Florida Bar (Standing Committee on Technology; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Business; and Solo and Small Firm Sections- Executive Council, Treasurer 2023-25); American Legal and Financial Network; Legal League 100 (Vice Chairperson, 2016-19; Advisory Council Member, 2014-19; Special Initiatives Working Group, 2017- present); National Association of Default Professionals, Educational Council; and The Fund, Westcor and Doma Title Agent.
 
She has managed the firm’s expansion into probate, estate planning, guardianship, immigration, commercial collections, and business/civil law and litigation, and oversees Sapphire Title & Escrow Company, launched in 2015. Michelle places great value on serving her community. She volunteers with her parish, St. Lawrence Catholic Church and School, with St. Peter Claver and St. Joseph elementary schools, and with various groups supporting children, animal, veterans and affordable legal services initiatives. She is on the advisory board of St. Peter Claver Catholic School, a historically African American Tampa school.

Sydney Cichon was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida. Ms. Cichon’s practice focuses on civil litigation, corporate & business law, and real estate matters. After graduating from Seabreeze High School, Ms. Cichon attended the University of North Florida, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Ms. Cichon went on to attend the Florida International University College of Law in Miami, Florida. While in law school, Ms. Cichon was on the Dean’s List every semester, and competed as a member of the FIU Law Mock Trial Team and the FIU Law Moot Court Team. Ms. Cichon is involved in several community organizations and actively serves as a Director of the Volusia County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and as a board member of the Volusia Young Professional’s Group.

JACQUELINE A. REVIS, who is fluent in both English and Spanish, practices in the areas of real estate, estate planning, probate and trust administration. Ms. Revis received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center and her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Florida Atlantic University, cum laude, where she double-majored in Management and Marketing. She is A.V. rated with Martindale-Hubbell, the highest honor on the grading scale for lawyers nationwide. Ms. Revis is a member of multiple organizations, including Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, Broward County Bar Association, Broward Attorney’s Real Estate Council (BAREC), and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. Ms. Revis enjoys volunteering, and she has served on various charitable committees, such as the American Lung Association and the Young Lawyers Section of the Broward County Bar; she currently serves as a Director and as the Treasurer of BAREC. When not practicing law, Ms. Revis can often be found lecturing at various organizations or teaching as an Adjunct Professor at her alma mater, Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center. In her free time, Ms. Revis and her husband love to play golf and tennis.

Holly Jurnovoy was born in South Carolina and raised in Gulf Breeze. She is a graduate of Gulf Breeze High School, Emory University and Villanova Law School. After 10 years in the Philadelphia area, she returned to Gulf Breeze and joined Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon in 1998.

Holly is admitted to practice law in Florida, Alabama, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She focuses her practice on residential real estate closings. Her past community involvement includes the Young Women’s Division of the Philadelphia Federation of Jewish Agencies, Board of Directors of Children’s Home Society of Florida, Temple Beth El, Chain Reaction, a member of the School Advisory Committees of Gulf Breeze Middle and Gulf Breeze High School, and as an officer of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area.

Holly currently serves on the Board of the Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Governors of Pensacola State College, the Board of the Escambia Santa Rosa Real Estate Council and as President-Elect of Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Inc. She is a member of Temple Beth-El, the Florida Association of Women Lawyers and IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. Holly is also the 2016 Affiliate of the Year for Women's Council of Realtors. She is married to Steven Jurnovoy and they have two grown sons.

Mr. Zimmett’s practice focuses on residential and commercial real estate transactions, as well as will preparation.

Zimmett joined his father, the late Blair I Zimmett, in 1994 and formed the firm Zimmett & Zimmett, P.A. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 1982 and Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 1985. Mr. Zimmett is Past President of Attorneys’ Real Estate Council of Miami-Dade County and Past Director of the South Miami Kendall Bar Association.

Maggie Thumberg is a the Director of Professional Education & Member Support with The Fund and is member of their Senior Management Team.

Prior to joining The Fund, Ms. Thumberg focused her practice in real estate and corporate matters including the representation of lenders and developers in financing and acquisition matters and borrowers in foreclosure defense and bankruptcy.  Through her representation of non-profit affordable housing developers, Ms. Thumberg prepared a practical guide to mortgage foreclosure mitigation counseling and presented numerous seminars on foreclosure related topics, including the Truth-in-Lending Act and the Home Affordable Modification Program.  Ms. Thumberg has also published an article on the Freedom of Information Act.

Alan Bookman began his law career with the U.S. Army's Judge Advocate General Corp., where he served in a variety of legal capacities, including Senior Defense Counsel and Chief of Military Justice. He joined Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon upon his departure from the military and now is one of the firm's senior attorneys practicing in the areas of real estate law, probate, guardianship and trust litigation, and commercial litigation. Alan is board certified in Real Estate law by The Florida Bar and is Certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Mediator.

Ian Brown is an experienced and dynamic real estate professional. Prior to founding Brown Brothers Realty, Ian was a senior consultant at a commercial real estate firm specializing in valuation and real estate analytics. In addition to being a licensed real estate broker, Ian is also a licensed appraiser and earned his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law. His responsibilities include investment sales, debt restructuring, tax appeal, buyer and seller representation, property valuation, highest and best use analysis, and tenant and landlord representation. Through his diverse and well-rounded experience, Ian is able to apply creative approaches to assist clients in reaching their investment goals, as well as navigating their real estate challenges.

Education:

• Florida State University, Bachelor of Arts (BA), History
• Florida Coastal School of Law , Juris Doctor, Law

Certifications:

• Member of The Florida Bar
• State-Certified General Real Estate Appraiser – FL
• State-Certified Real Estate Broker – FL

Andrew Hoek manages the Tampa office of DeWitt Law Firm, P.A., where he chairs the Real Estate Practice Group for the firm. Andrew’s practice focuses on all matters pertaining to real property, commercial and residential development, and real estate finance.

Mr. Hoek represents clients, both large and small, in real estate transactions, land development, title insurance, landlord tenant, and real estate finance matters. Andrew also represents clients in condominium and homeowner association law matters, including the representation of associations to enforce their governing documents and collect unpaid assessments.

Prior to joining DeWitt Law Firm, Andrew worked for several firms throughout the state of Florida, always concentrating his practice on real estate law. In addition to the practice of law, Andrew is also a licensed title agent, a licensed real estate broker and serves as outside counsel for several private equity and lending groups.

Andrew is actively involved in the Tampa Bay community serving on several non-profit boards and in his free time enjoys golf, water sports and spending time with his family.

Brenda Ezell, founding shareholder of the Ezell Law Firm, represents clients in various types of commercial real estate acquisition, disposition, financing, development and leasing transactions.

A summa cum laude graduate of Jacksonville University, Ms. Ezell earned her J.D. with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Board Certified in Real Estate Law since 2015, she has served on the Executive Council of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law (RPPTL) Section of the Florida Bar in various capacities since 2010, after having been selected to the inaugural class of the RPPTL Section Fellowship Program in 2008. Most recently, Ms. Ezell was appointed to the RPPTL Section’s Executive Committee to serve as Co-Chair of the CLE Coordination Committee, overseeing the continuing legal education offerings for the Section’s Real Property Division. By virtue of this appointment, Ms. Ezell will also serve concurrently as a representative on the Florida Bar’s Continuing Legal Education Committee.

Ms. Ezell is currently serving as a board member and has previously served as a past president and past board member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Jacksonville, a local affiliate of CREW Network,  a network of over 12,000 commercial real estate professionals globally, for which she also serves on its National Finance Committee.  In addition, Ms. Ezell  currently serves as a director and is a past president of the Jacksonville Area Real Estate Council (JAREC) and as a director of the Attorney’s Real Estate Councils of Florida (Florida ARECS). In her local community, Ms. Ezell is currently a member of the Bold City (FL) Chapter of the Links Incorporated, and on the Board of Directors for Girls, Inc., ElderSource, Inc., and The Empowered Kitchen, Inc. 

Ms. Ezell has received numerous professional honors, including receiving the Rising Star Award from the RPPTL Section in 2018.  She has been recognized nationally by Best Lawyers^® and Super Lawyers^® for the past five years. Ms. Ezell is a U.S. Army veteran, married to a Navy veteran (Beat Navy!), with two adult children, one grandson and a 15-year old black Lab mix which her family adopted at birth. Her passions include travel, cooking, health and fitness, college and professional football, and collecting and raising tropical marine fish.

Mark was born in Winter Haven, Florida and has spent his entire career here. Mark practices in the areas of Real Estate, Estate Planning, Probate and Guardianship, Business Law, and Civil Litigation.

A past president of the Greater Winter Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, Mark has served in leadership roles for Girls, Inc., Main Street Winter Haven, the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter and Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County. He currently serves on the District Board of Trustees of Polk State College and the board of directors of the Humane Society of Polk County.

He is an alumnus of Leadership Winter Haven and Leadership Polk, and was also a member of the Florida Blue Key leadership honorary at the University of Florida. Major representative clients include Adams Homes and State Farm Credit Union.

Michelle Gilbert is admitted to the Florida Bar (1986), Washington, D.C. Bar (2020), Middle District of Florida (1988), Northern District of Florida (2005), Southern District of Florida (2006), U.S. Supreme Court (2000), and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (2003). She matriculated at the University of South Florida (B.A., 1982, cum laude), and the University of Notre Dame Law School (J.D., 1985). She is a member of the following associations: Greater Tampa Association of Realtors; Bay Area Real Estate Council, Inc.; Hillsborough County Bar Association (Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Solo and Small Firm; Diversity; and Military and Veteran Sections); Florida Bar (Standing Committee on Technology; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Business; and Solo and Small Firm Sections- Executive Council, Treasurer 2023-25); American Legal and Financial Network; Legal League 100 (Vice Chairperson, 2016-19; Advisory Council Member, 2014-19; Special Initiatives Working Group, 2017- present); National Association of Default Professionals, Educational Council; and The Fund, Westcor and Doma Title Agent.

She has managed the firm’s expansion into probate, estate planning, guardianship, immigration, commercial collections, and business/civil law and litigation, and oversees Sapphire Title & Escrow Company, launched in 2015. Michelle places great value on serving her community. She volunteers with her parish, St. Lawrence Catholic Church and School, with St. Peter Claver and St. Joseph elementary schools, and with various groups supporting children, animal, veterans and affordable legal services initiatives. She is on the advisory board of St. Peter Claver Catholic School, a historically African American Tampa school.

Education:
University of Miami 1973 Bachelor’s Degree
Shepard Broad Law School of Nova Southeastern University, J.D. 1990

Experience:
The Law Offices of A. Paoli, P.A.
Formerly managing partner of The Law Offices of August C. Paoli, P.A. which was dissolved in 2005.

Admissions, Memberships and Affiliations:
The Florida Bar in 1990
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida 1991
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit 1992
U.S. Supreme Court 1997

Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee 2005 - 2011
Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration Committee 2013 - 2016
Florida Bar Grievance Committee 2012 - 2015

Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and Qualified Arbitrator 2010 - present
Florida Supreme Court Certified County Civil Mediator 2020 - present

Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity
Broward County Bar Association, Director 2011 - 2015, 2016 - 2020
South Broward Bar Association, Director & Past President 2010 - 2011
Association of South Florida Mediators and Arbitrators , President 2019 - present
Underwater Bar Association, Director

Gary L. Davis is a sole practitioner as Gary L. Davis, P.A. and he also serves as President of 1st Affiliated Title Services, Inc. in New Port Richey, where he has practiced for over 35 years. He received his bachelor's degree in Government and International Affairs from Florida State University in 1977 and his juris doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1979.

Gary began his career serving as an assistant state attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit. In 1984, he entered private practice in New Port Richey. His law practice focuses on wills and trusts, probate and guardianships, commercial and residential real estate, foreclosure, corporate/business law.

He is a member of the West Pasco Bar Association and served as President from 2012- 2013; West Pasco Estate Planning Council, served as President of the Allgood Altman Inns of Court; the Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar; a business partner member of the West Pasco Board of Realtors and served as Chairman of the Business Partners in 2016. He was awarded Business Partner of the Year in 2016. He is a graduate of the Florida Realtors District Six Leadership Institute, Class of 2016. He is a member of the Education Committee and has been instrumental in bringing seminars and programs to realtors.

Governor Rick Scott appointed Gary to the 6th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission in 2015. He is also an active member of many West Pasco community organizations.

Education: J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law, M.B.A., Florida Atlantic University, B.S., State University of New York at Albany

Areas of Experience: Real Estate, Estate Planning, Commercial Litigation, Civil Litigation, Insurance Claims, Foreclosure

Bar Admissions: Florida, New York

Danielle Vaughn is a board certified real estate attorney. Danielle received her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska, College of Law in 2010 and obtained her LL.M. in Real Property Development from the University of Miami in 2013. Danielle opened her Real Estate Law Firm in 2018, where her practice focuses on closings and title work, landlord and tenant disputes, contract review, and real estate litigation.

Danielle is a member of the Florida Bar, the Attorneys Title Insurance Fund, the Clearwater Bar Association, and the Florida Bar’s Real Estate Landlord Tenant Leasing Committee. Danielle is also a volunteers with the Community Law Program.

Paul A. Blucher, Esquire is the managing member and founding member of Blucher Law Group, PLLC a real estate and eminent domain law firm located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. The firm was established in 1998 (in various forms) and has represented property owners and business owners against the government in eminent domain actions throughout the State of Florida. The firm also closes residential and commercial real estate transactions and real estate litigation matters. Mr. Blucher has been a member of the Florida bar for nearly 32 years, and a member of the Florida Bar Eminent Domain Standing Committee; Florida Bar Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section, and a Certified Circuit Court Mediator. We are open to your closings!