{"id":130433,"date":"2025-08-11T00:34:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T08:34:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/08\/11\/2025-jacksonville-board-certified-attorneys\/"},"modified":"2025-08-11T00:34:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T08:34:06","slug":"2025-jacksonville-board-certified-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/08\/11\/2025-jacksonville-board-certified-attorneys\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Jacksonville Board Certified Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"160485\" class=\"elementor elementor-160485\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4d27a85 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"4d27a85\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2d52874\" data-id=\"2d52874\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c25d85 elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_post_breadcrumb_elementor\" data-id=\"4c25d85\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jnews_post_breadcrumb_elementor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"jeg_custom_breadcrumb_wrapper   \">\n<div><span class=\"\"><br \/>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Home<\/a><br \/>\n            <\/span><i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\"><\/i><span class=\"breadcrumb_last_link\"><br \/>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/special-issue\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Special Issue<\/a><br \/>\n            <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3fc654 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c3fc654\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2025 Jacksonville Board Certified Attorneys<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4cc40b8 elementor-mobile-align-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"4cc40b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-01df231 elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/author\/attorney-at-law-magazine\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" height=\"96\" width=\"96\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"elementor-avatar\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/job-manager-uploads\/company_logo\/2018\/04\/AALM-Square-Logo-Purple-96x96.jpg?resize=96%2C96&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Attorney at Law Magazine\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-author\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-info__item-prefix\">By<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAttorney at Law Magazine\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-2ce3eea elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAugust 11, 2025\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cb39808\" data-id=\"cb39808\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ede010d elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-featured-image elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ede010d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-featured-image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2025-jacksonville-board-certified-attorneys.png?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-190129\" alt=\"2025 Jacksonville Board Certified Attorneys\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9058f69 elementor-reverse-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9058f69\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-wider\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e523028  jeg_sticky_sidebar jeg_sidebar yes\" data-id=\"e523028\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e046a72 elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_element_ads_elementor\" data-id=\"e046a72\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jnews_element_ads_elementor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"jeg_ad jeg_ad_module jnews_module_160485_3_689e2265bdbc8   \">\n<div class=\"ads-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<div class=\"apMainContainer apMainLeft\">\n<div class=\"apPluginContainer bsaProContainer-47 bsa-html bsa-pro-col-1\">\n<div class=\"bsaProItems bsaGridGutter \">\n<div class=\"bsaProItem bsaProHTML bsaHidden bsaReset\" data-item-id=\"250\" data-animation=\"none\">\n<div class=\"bsaProItemInner\">\n<div class=\"bsaProItemInner__copy\">\n<div class=\"bsaProItemInner__copyInner\">\n<div class=\"bsaProItemInner__html\"><a class=\"bsaProItem__url\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/banner-ad-purchase-order?sid=47&amp;bsa_pro_id=250&amp;bsa_pro_url=attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/best-vendors\/marketing-companies\" target=\"_blank\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/best-vendors\/marketing-companies\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-74278 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/View-Our-List-of-Best-Legal-Marketing-Companies.jpg?resize=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Best Marketing Companies\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bce6d71 elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"bce6d71\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings='\"headings_by_tags\":[\"h2\"],\"exclude_headings_by_selector\":\".no-table-index\",\"marker_view\":\"bullets\",\"icon\":\"value\":\"\",\"library\":\"\",\"min_height\":\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":0,\"sizes\":[],\"min_height_tablet\":\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":\"\",\"sizes\":[],\"min_height_mobile\":\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":\"\",\"sizes\":[]' data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-494b52e\" data-id=\"494b52e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b315ef6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b315ef6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization announced the 82 lawyers who earned Florida Bar board certifications in June. We sat down with some of the recently certified lawyers here in Jacksonville to discuss their aspirations and inspirations.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a67347c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a67347c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Seth Pajcic <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5aa94bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5aa94bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Pajcic &amp; Pajcic<br \/>\nCivil Trial Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74ae805 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"74ae805\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-190123 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/seth-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Seth Pajcic \" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Seth grew up in Jacksonville graduating from Episcopal High School in 1995. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of the South (Sewanee) in 1999, his master\u2019s degree from George Washington University in 2001 and his Juris Doctor from Florida State University in 2004. He worked at the State Attorney\u2019s Office in Jacksonville from 2004-2006 and then joined Pajcic &amp; Pajcic in 2007. He is married to Kathleen Pajcic and has two children, Patrick, a sophomore at Sewanee, and Maggie, a junior at Episcopal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew you to civil trial law? <\/strong>Having grown up around the legal profession and watching my dad, Gary, and Uncle Steve, I knew from an early age that I wanted to follow in their footsteps by fighting for working people seeking justice against wealthy and powerful insurance companies, corporations and hospital systems.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab8d0c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ab8d0c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">E. Holland \u201cHolly\u201d Howanitz <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8920e6f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8920e6f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Tyson &amp; Mendes, LLP.<br \/>\nCivil Trial Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea0e603 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ea0e603\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-173398 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/holly-howanitz-300x300.jpg?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Holly Howanitz\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Holly Howanitz is the southeastern regional manager for Tyson &amp; Mendes, LLP.\u00a0 She has been a practicing civil trial lawyer since 2005 and is licensed in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Howanitz is a member of the executive committee of the American Board of Trial Lawyers, Jacksonville Chapter.\u00a0 She has been named to several lists, including Florida Trend\u2019s Legal Elite \u2013 Women Leaders in the Law in 2023 and 2024.\u00a0 In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking and traveling with her husband and son as well as interior design and home renovations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew you to civil trial law? <\/strong>I have wanted to be a trial lawyer since I was a small child.\u00a0 My first memory of wanting to do trial work was from watching the old show Matlock.\u00a0 I did some internships in law school where I quickly learned that criminal law was not for me and then switched my focus to civil litigation.\u00a0 I have always enjoyed civil litigation and trial and I\u2019m very happy with the career path I chose.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? Would you ever try to become board certified in another practice? <\/strong>There are a lot of designations that lawyers can achieve but board certification seems to be one of the designations that is the most meaningful.\u00a0 Civil trial is what I specialize in, so I have not really thought about becoming board certified in another area.\u00a0 I never say never though.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What next milestone do you hope to accomplish in your professional career? <\/strong>As it relates to my next milestone, I would like to continue to expand our presence in Florida and perhaps open another office or two in cities where our clients have the need for quality representation.\u00a0 Since I have joined Tyson &amp; Mendes, we have grown from six attorneys in the southeastern region to 33 attorneys and I would like to see our expansion continue.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d3da46 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6d3da46\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ariel Spires <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0bb1c69 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0bb1c69\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Cobb &amp; Gonzalez, P.A.<br \/>\nCondominium and Planned Development Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-736d00b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"736d00b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-186746 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ariel-spires-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Ariel Spires\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Ariel Spires is a senior attorney at Cobb &amp; Gonzalez, P.A., where her practice area focuses on full-service community association law; real estate development; and general business litigation. Spires represents community associations, property owners, developers, and contractors throughout Florida, handling everything from complex legal issues to day-to-day operational needs, including collections, foreclosures and other legal disputes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? Would you ever try to become board certified in another practice? <\/strong>I handled a great deal of community association work in the various business litigation cases that came across my desk, and I realized that I was quite successful in making statutory and contractual arguments for my clients and reaching favorable outcomes in litigation. So, when I joined Cobb &amp; Gonzalez, P.A. three years ago, I expressed interest in obtaining board certification, and they provided me with the resources and tools I needed to achieve my goals. My mentor, Hans Wahl, also played a huge role in making board certification possible. I wanted to make myself stand apart like he does in a niche area, and he helped make that possible. I think eventually I will venture into another practice area, such as business litigation, which goes hand in hand with the community association practice area.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9bd31b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9bd31b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Antonio Luciano <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e9fed1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0e9fed1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Morgan &amp; Morgan<br \/>\nCivil Trial Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98cade1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"98cade1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-190125 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/antonio-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Antonio Luciano \" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Antonio Luciano was raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Luciano takes pride in representing the people of his hometown as well as those throughout the state of Florida. Luciano attended Terry Parker High School before leaving Jacksonville for Tallahassee, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in advertising and his Juris Doctor from Florida State University. After graduating with honors, Luciano returned home to join Morgan &amp; Morgan in the firm\u2019s Jacksonville office. In 2013, Luciano began litigating lengthy high-stakes cases on behalf of Florida residents and their families against the major U.S. tobacco companies for their 35 years of negligence, fraud, and conspiracy. In that time, the Morgan &amp; Morgan Tobacco Team secured jury verdicts exceeding $5 million, $10 million and $15 million, including punitive damages.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? <\/strong>From the beginning of my career, I viewed being a plaintiff\u2019s injury attorney as an opportunity to bring power to people who feel powerless. Becoming board certified in civil trial law is about trying to meet that opportunity with intention. I continue to strive to do so.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61fe2ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"61fe2ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Stefano D. Portigliatti <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32326d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"32326d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Coker Law<br \/>\nCivil Trial Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bea37c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2bea37c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-190124 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/stefano-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Stefano D. Portigliatti \" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Stefano D. Portigliatti is a trial attorney specializing in commercial motor vehicle cases at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers, in Jacksonville. A renowned Jacksonville truck accident lawyer, he has represented clients in over 100 trucking cases and helped obtain millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. He is one of 20 attorneys in the United States certified in truck accident law. He is also one of the youngest attorneys to be included among Super Lawyer\u2019s Rising Stars and the National Trial Lawyers\u2019 Top 40 Under 40. Portigliatti often presents on topics related to trial and trucking litigation. He is on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew you to civil trial law? <\/strong>I had a case while I was still in law school that completely changed my perspective on corporate negligence and the role lawyers can play in holding unsafe companies accountable for the harm they cause. Since then, I\u2019ve focused my practice on representing individuals killed or seriously injured by commercial motor vehicle negligence and making our roads safer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? <\/strong>Any lawyer can get on a billboard or TV ad and say they \u201chandle\u201d some sort of case. Especially over the last few years, every other billboard seems to seek out truck accident cases. I wanted to provide the public with a real measure of qualification in that specific area of law. I became certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocates. I then became certified in civil trial because that is the closest certification we have in Florida for the practice of wrongful death and personal injury cases.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What milestone (besides board certification) are you most proud to have achieved thus far in your career? <\/strong>Titles, certifications and memberships are nice and gratifying, but I am most proud of getting to represent several attorneys, even some defense lawyers, who have been injured or had a family member injured by negligent trucking.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a828b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6a828b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Dana Jacobs  <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14d259a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"14d259a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Coker Law<br \/>\nCivil Trial Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8acfb3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d8acfb3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-186744 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dana-jacobs-2025-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Dana Jacobs\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Dana Jacobs is an accomplished, driven and experienced litigation attorney. She holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell. She has also regularly been recognized in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. She is an active member of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, Jacksonville Justice Association and the Florida Justice Association. She is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Georgia. Jacobs is proud to be a \u201cDouble Gator.\u201d She graduated in the top five of her class from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and obtained her degree in public relations with a minor in criminology.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew you to civil trial law? <\/strong>The truth is, by the time I was in my final year of law school, I was still unsure what type of law I wanted to practice. Fortunately, I met an incredibly bright and personable associate during an on-campus interview for a local Jacksonville firm whom I really clicked with. She invited me back to her firm to meet with the shareholders there as her top candidate, and the rest is history!<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? <\/strong>In my opinion, board certification is the pinnacle of achievement for lawyers in their respective practice areas. As a younger associate I worked for and learned from two incredible attorneys who were board certified in civil trial, Kristen Vanderlinde and Bill Stone. It was evident to me they were both well-respected in the legal community, and I was undoubtedly envious of and inspired by them. As I advanced in my career and joined Coker Law, I was blessed to begin working with even more incredible trial attorneys daily. At that time, achieving board certification seemed like a mirage in the distance I could keep trekking toward but could never reach. By the time I participated in enough trials and gained enough experience to qualify to even submit an application to sit for the exam, I knew I had to go for it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What milestone (besides board certification) are you most proud to have achieved thus far in your career? <\/strong>As a personal injury trial attorney, I believe I achieve a milestone each time I obtain a resolution for my client where they were fairly and justly compensated for the pain and suffering they have endured. It\u2019s an incredibly rewarding practice area for me, and I hope to continue achieving milestones for my clients.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0db681a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0db681a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2024 Jacksonville Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer Spotlights<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c89923 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2c89923\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Attorney at Law Magazine is pleased to feature the Jacksonville attorneys who achieved Florida Bar board certification in 2024. Congratulations to all lawyers who earned this distinction.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-816fe4f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"816fe4f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Laura Fannin Jacqmein<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e898e67 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e898e67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Fisher, Tousey, Leas &amp; Ball<br \/>\nBoard Certification in Elder Law<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fe39b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7fe39b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176971 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/laura-fannin-jacqmein-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Laura Fannin Jacqmein\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Laura Jacqmein practices estate planning, probate and trust administration, and guardianship. She is a member of the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, the elder law and real property, probate and trust law sections of the Florida Bar, and the Chester Bedell American Inn of Court.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why she pursued board certification:<\/strong> I chose to pursue Florida Bar certification in elder law to gain knowledge and skill in assisting clients with planning, aging confidently, and caring for loved ones.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d9bbb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4d9bbb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Jonathan Martin<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87ebc40 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"87ebc40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Bishop, Page &amp; Mills<br \/>\nBoard Certification in Appellate Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ee39b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7ee39b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176970 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/jonathan-martin-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Jonathan Martin\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Jonathan Martin joined Bishop Page &amp; Mills in August 2018. Martin obtained his Juris Doctor at the Florida State University College of Law in 2015, graduating magna cum laude. Martin\u2019s duties include writing appellate briefs to be filed in the Florida District Courts of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court, providing trial support to attorney clients, and presenting oral argument before the Florida<br \/>District Courts of Appeal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew him to appellate law:<\/strong> My interest in philosophy and my passion for delving into the intricacies of logical argument are what drew me to appellate practice. At the appellate level, the opportunity to deep dive into complex legal discussions with judges and other lawyers is precisely the kind of advocacy I have always desired to practice.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f30e85c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f30e85c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Franklin Duke Regan<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-660108c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"660108c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Law Firm of Pajcic and Pajcic <br \/>\nBoard Certification in Civil Trial<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be6884e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"be6884e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176967 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/franklin-duke-regan-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Franklin Duke Regan\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Franklin Duke is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who focuses on representing victims in medical malpractice cases. Duke joined the Law Firm of Pajcic &amp; Pajcic in 2023 after spending over 15 years defending healthcare professionals and practices as an insurance defense litigator.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he pursued board certification:<\/strong> Medical negligence trials are fairly rare compared to other civil litigation. I am fortunate to have an active trial background with all my trials in medical negligence. Board certification was the next step for me to advance my skillset and to be ready for future trials. I anticipate<br \/>keeping my practice largely focused on medical negligence cases.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0a7246 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a0a7246\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Janeen Mira<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab73d2b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ab73d2b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Law Firm of Pajcic and Pajcic <br \/>\nBoard Certification in Civil Trial<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-affbf60 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"affbf60\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176968 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/janeen-mira-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Janeen Mira\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Janeen Mira is a board-certified trial lawyer who has been practicing law for over 15 years. She joined Pajcic &amp; Pajcic in 2021. Mira focuses on cases involving auto negligence, premises liability, wrongful death, and product liability. She is a true fighter for the rights of injury victims and their families.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew her to civil trial law:<\/strong> I have always wanted to spend my career helping people. This field of law allows me to help those catastrophically injured due to the carelessness of others.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc3877f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bc3877f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Trevor G. Hawes<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79c17a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"79c17a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Coker Law <br \/>\nBoard Certification in Civil Trial<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36e91cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"36e91cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176973 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/trevor-g-hawes-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Trevor G. Hawes\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">With more than 22 years of experience in personal injury claims, defense-turned-plaintiff\u2019s attorney Trevor G. Hawes joined Coker Law in February 2023. Hawes is an experienced trial attorney, representing clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he pursued board certification and whether he\u2019ll pursue another certification:<\/strong> At times, like the present, when public confidence and perception of trial lawyers is low, obtaining a civil trial law board certification became a means to distinguish not only my practice but also the practice of law generally. The Florida Bar board certification process is rigorous, as it should be. Reaching and maintaining that certification provides the public, who typically are not sophisticated consumers of legal services, a means of evaluating the skill and competence of counsel being considered for representation. I really enjoy my personal injury trial practice and while I have tried cases in other areas that offer board certification, I am completely satisfied being a one-trick pony.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa9ca42 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"aa9ca42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Michael Fox Orr<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f698f2e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f698f2e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Orr Cook <br \/>\nBoard Certification in Civil Trial<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b85c2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5b85c2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176972 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/michael-fox-orr-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Michael Fox Orr is a board certified and AV-rated lawyer who focuses his practice on complex business and civil matters. His trial and appellate cases regularly involve class actions, professional liability, legal malpractice, shareholder disputes, construction, land development, insurance, wrongful death, serious personal injury, trusts, estates, and a wide array of business matters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he pursued board certification and whether he\u2019ll pursue another certification:<\/strong> For several years, a number of good friends suggested that I seek certification because it confirms proficiency. Each year, I would pull the application and then get too busy to fill it out. This past year, I had a trial cancel in August, and along with some help from friends Mason Holder and Megan Comunale, I filed the application. If the stars align when applications come due one year down the road, I may pursue appellate and business certifications.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c135625 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c135625\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Jay M. Howanitz<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4bafad elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b4bafad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys<br \/>\nBoard Certification in Civil Trial<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-09544c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"09544c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176969 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/jay-m-howanitz-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Jay M. Howanitz\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Jay Howanitz practices plaintiff representation in military medical malpractice claims, automotive and other defective consumer products, premises liability, workplace accidents, trucking accidents and other personal injury claims cases. His professional affiliations include the Florida Bar, the State Bar of Georgia, the State Bar of Pennsylvania, Florida Bar Civil Procedure Rules Committee, American Association for Justice, Florida Justice Association and Jacksonville Justice Association.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he pursued board certification and whether he\u2019ll pursue another certification:<\/strong> Seeing the hard work and strong reputation that has been a part of this program since its inaugural class, including Bob Spohrer, Judge Boyer, Wayne Hogan, W.C. Gentry, etc., it has always been a goal to achieve that recognition during my career. As to additional certifications, I told myself that this is the last test I am ever taking. I\u2019m hopeful I will keep my promise, but you never know.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff8a9bf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ff8a9bf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Braxton Padgett<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-537414a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"537414a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Arnold Law Firm<br \/>\nBoard Certification in Education Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4378008 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4378008\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176966 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/braxton-padgett-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Braxton Padgett\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Braxton Padgett is an associate attorney practicing in The Arnold Law Firm\u2019s education law section. Padgett has experience counseling schools and management organizations on a wide variety of issues, including contract negotiations, policy development, governance, regulatory compliance, employee relations, student discipline and rights, and property acquisitions and financings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew him to education law:<\/strong> I was drawn to the field of education law after having worked as a high school teacher for several years. Now on the legal side of the business, it is uniquely rewarding to assist our clients in operating successful education programs that benefit the students they serve.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8dd958a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8dd958a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">John Adams Owen<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf3d7dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bf3d7dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Senior Counsel Attorneys at Law<br \/>\nBoard Certification in Elder Law<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad6b808 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ad6b808\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176965 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/john-adams-owen-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"John Adams Owen\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">John Owens is an attorney with Senior Counsel Attorneys at Law. He attended Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2009. Owens assists clients in guardianships and probates and also provides services in the areas of foreclosure defense and bankruptcy.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d07349d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d07349d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2023 Jacksonville Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer Spotlights<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e942ef6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e942ef6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Attorney at Law Magazine is pleased to feature the Jacksonville attorneys who achieved Florida Bar board certification in 2023. Congratulations to all lawyers who earned this distinction.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-510b79c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"510b79c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mark Alexander<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c3a5a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0c3a5a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">ADB Legal<br \/>\nCivil Trial Law<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6e531f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e6e531f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-160490 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mark-alexander-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Mark Alexander\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Mark Alexander focuses his practice on civil litigation and trial practice, including representation of employers and educational institutions in business disputes, employment claims, faculty claims, student claims, employee defections, and advice and counsel towards avoidance of conflict and dispute. Much of his practice centers on representation of educational institutions, including litigation over faculty, staff and student claims.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us about your decision to become board certified.<\/strong> It has long been a goal of mine to seek board certification in civil trial work, but there was always something seemingly in the way. There were cases, clients, economic demands, family demands, young children who are now grown, and finally at last the time was right. The process for board certification in civil trial work represents a lot of long years, hard work, and cases won and lost. I\u2019m proud to call myself a board-certified civil trial lawyer.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f2484d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f2484d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Holley Akers<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-701063e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"701063e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">O\u2019Rourke &amp; Akers, P.A.<br \/>\nWorkers\u2019 Compensation<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a91577 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3a91577\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-160491 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/holley-akers-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Holley Akers\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Holley Akers is a member of the Florida Bar, Florida Workers\u2019 Advocates, Jacksonville Bar, E. Robert Williams Inns of Court, and the Friends of 440.\u00a0 She also sits on the executive council for the Florida Bar workers\u2019 compensation section and volunteers with the Florida Guardian Ad Litem program.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us what led you to focus on workers\u2019 compensation law.<\/strong> The workers\u2019 compensation system is very unfair to the injured worker, and I have always enjoyed fighting for the underdog.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30769af elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"30769af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">John M. \u201cJay\u201d Henderlite<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67c856d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"67c856d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Watson | Henderlite<br \/>\nMarital and Family Law<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b89427 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b89427\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-160492 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/jay-henderlite-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Jay Henderlite\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>John M. \u201cJay\u201d Henderlite is a partner at Watson | Henderlite, Family Law Attorneys. His specialty is high-conflict custody and complex divorce. He is the Jacksonville Bar family law committee co-chair, serves on the Florida Family Law Inn of Court executive committee, and on two community boards. He is a husband and a father.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us about your decision to become board certified. <\/strong>Family law clients place so much faith in their lawyers that we owe it to them to become experts.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4c5a77 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b4c5a77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">David Thompson<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97124e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"97124e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Farah &amp; Farah<br \/>\nCivil Trial Law<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1680be elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d1680be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-160493 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/david-thompson-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Thompson has tried 79 cases to verdict. He began as a Duval County prosecutor rising to homicide division. In 2014, Thompson switched to civil defense litigation as in-house counsel for State Farm. In 2018, Thompson moved to plaintiff trial work and is now at Farah and Farah.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us what led you to focus on civil trial law.<\/strong> As a former prosecutor, I wanted a new challenge where I could still fight for my clients at trial.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf3c4ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bf3c4ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Autumn L. Graham<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ab1a42 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7ab1a42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ashley Myers, P.A.<br \/>\nMarital and Family Law<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3990c3f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3990c3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-160494 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/autumn-grahame-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Autumn L. Graham\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Autumn L. Graham is licensed to practice in Florida and Georgia. Graham remains active in the Jacksonville legal community as a board member for the Family Nurturing Center, the past co-chair of the Jacksonville Area Bar Association family law section, and a member of the Florida Family Law American Inn of Court.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us what led you to focus on family law.<\/strong> As a child, I testified in my parent\u2019s family law case. That experience ignited a desire to serve families in similar positions.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d91d03 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5d91d03\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gregory J. Lesak, Jr.<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fc573f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9fc573f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Jimmerson Birr<br \/>\nReal Estate<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a1e193 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5a1e193\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-160495 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/gregory-lesak-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Gregory Lesak\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Gregory J. Lesak, Jr., special counsel at Jimerson Birr, focuses on having a deep understanding of the underlying business and specific needs of his clients. Lesak has particular expertise in landlord tenant leasing and dispute resolution, construction contracting and dispute resolution, complex commercial litigation, insurance disputes, and client contract drafting and negotiations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us what led you to focus on real estate law.<\/strong> I have just always found real estate to be of interest to me. I graduated from Florida State University with undergraduate degrees in finance and real estate. I gravitated toward real estate related classes in law school. After graduating from law school, it was just natural for me to move into practicing real estate related law. However, early in my career I was an associate at Volpe, Bajalia, Wickes, Rogerson &amp; Wachs working on multiple and very dynamic real estate related litigation matters, learning from some very talented senior attorneys. I think this experience helped solidify my passion for real estate matters.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4610ce3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4610ce3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2023 Florida Board Certified Attorneys<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ccf2a4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8ccf2a4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Bradford D. Kimbro<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a10d76e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a10d76e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Business Litigation<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87e90f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"87e90f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144752 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Bradford D. Kimbro\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Brad Kimbro is a board-certified business litigation attorney and member of the prestigious National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. He is a certified mediator, certified public accountant, and has for many years served as the executive partner for Holland &amp; Knight\u2019s Tampa Bay region.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What led you to focus on business litigation?<\/p>\n<p><strong>BDK:<\/strong>\u00a0I have been interested in business \u2013 and resolution of business disputes \u2013 since college. With my background in accounting, I enjoy assisting with a wide range of complex business matters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What plans do you have for your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>BDK:<\/strong>\u00a0In addition to my litigation practice, requests for my service as a mediator have snowballed. I enjoy both the challenge and satisfaction of resolving difficult matters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?<\/p>\n<p><strong>BDK:<\/strong>\u00a0My good friend and mentor, Joe Varner, recruited me out of law school, and has provided invaluable guidance to me over the years. Learning from one of the best trial lawyers in the country has been an enormous advantage in my career.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What are you most proud to have accomplished professionally?<\/p>\n<p><strong>BDK:<\/strong>\u00a0One of the things I\u2019m most proud of is my receipt of the Professionalism Award from the judges and lawyers in Hillsborough County. I take great pride is doing my best to treat everyone with courtesy, dignity and respect.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f829e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3f829e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mark Andrew Touby<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-919df85 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"919df85\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Workers\u2019 Compensation<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3eae5d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3eae5d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144754 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Marky Touby\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Mark A. Touby is the founding and managing partner of\u202fTouby, Chait &amp; Sicking, PL.\u202fHe earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami in 1995. He is board certified in workers\u2019 compensation. He has been inducted in the Hall of Fame by the Workers\u2019 Compensation Institute and is a fellow of the College of Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What are you proud to have accomplished professionally?<\/p>\n<p><strong>MAT:<\/strong>\u00a0I am proud to have received the Judge Harry Lee Anstead Award for the Florida Board Certified Lawyer of the Year in 2021. I strongly believe in the mission of board certification to recognize attorneys\u2019 special knowledge, skills, professionalism, and ethics. I received this award for my work in chairing the board certification committee as well as serving as a mentor at the board certification review course.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What plans do you have for your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>MAT:<\/strong>\u00a0I intend to continue to represent claimants in workers\u2019 compensation matters. I also intend to remain devoted to public service. I have served on the executive council of the workers\u2019 compensation section of the Florida Bar since 2012. I served as chair of the section in 2021-22. I am about to finish my sixth year of serving on the workers\u2019 compensation board certification committee and I am hoping to have the opportunity to continue my service on the Board of Legal Specialization and Education.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26a7d91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"26a7d91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Chelsea Harris<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc603b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bc603b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Civil Trial<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0346753 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0346753\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144758 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Chelsea Harris\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Chelsea Harris is a shareholder with Coker Law. She focuses on personal injury-plaintiff, bodily injury, automobile crashes and premises liability.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0Tell us about a case that impacted you personally.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CH:<\/strong>\u00a0I tried a case in July 2022 with my partners, Howard Coker, Dan Iracki and Rufus Pennington. We obtained a $14 million verdict for our client, who was a professional, a mother, a wife, and the same age as me. She was leaving work to go home when a negligent driver crashed into the back of her on I-295 \u2013 a road I travel on every day. Representing that client and getting to know her on a personal level, brought home for me that these horrible incidents can occur to anyone, at anytime, no matter what.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What are you most proud to have accomplished professionally?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CH:<\/strong>\u00a0I cannot limit myself to only one \u2013 it has to be two. The first is becoming a partner at Coker Law. Although there has been discussion about my becoming the first female partner at Coker Law; it is more important to focus on the fact that I became a partner at such a well-respected firm. To stand in the courtroom alongside my partners is an honor I appreciate every day.<\/p>\n<p>Second, is obtaining my board certification in civil trial law. I obtained the requisite number of trials during the years my children were born, starting school and becoming involved in activities. I not only achieved the certification, I did it while juggling all the other obligations of my life.<\/p>\n<p>I could not have achieved either without the support of my husband, our family and our tribe of friends.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0c40c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b0c40c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Nicholas Elder<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7add6e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c7add6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Construction Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f952cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1f952cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p data-wp-editing=\"1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144763 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Nicholas Elder\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Nicholas Elder has spent the past 17 years successfully litigating multimillion-dollar construction delay and defect cases throughout the country. Elder currently focuses his practice on construction law, real estate and business litigation with the law firm of Cobb &amp; Gonzalez.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What circumstances led you to focus on construction law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>NE:<\/strong> My practice initially turned to construction litigation based on the booming real estate market in Florida, including the proliferation of multi-unit residential condominiums in the state. I was intrigued by the complexity and size of these cases, which required significant attention to detail and sophisticated legal maneuvering. As my involvement in these cases continued, I knew I had to increase my knowledge of both the practice and the construction industry by becoming board certified.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What plans do you have for your career? What\u2019s the next step?<\/p>\n<p><strong>NE:<\/strong> As my experience grows and the gray hairs multiply, I am excited about working with the next generation of attorneys and sharing many of the lessons I learned along the way. This can take many forms, from working closely with the younger attorneys in my office to becoming more involved in the various bar associations and trade groups, which are very active in Jacksonville. I think it\u2019s not only important to pass on knowledge about statutes and legal precedent, but it is equally important to make sure these newer attorneys appreciate and practice both responsibility and civility in the profession.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8046c0b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8046c0b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Robert Spohrer<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0d20ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c0d20ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Civil Trial &amp; Aviation Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84fa498 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"84fa498\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144764 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Robert Spohrer\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Robert Spohrer is the president, CEO and senior partner of Spohrer Dodd P.L. As a practicing attorney for 40 years, he has obtained verdicts and settlements for clients of more than $100 million. His successful cases have been covered by international media including 60 Minutes, 20\/20, The Washington Post, NPR, and the BBC.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What circumstances led you to focus on civil trial law and aviation law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>RS:<\/strong> Board certification in medicine was always important whenever I looked for a physician for a family member. When the Florida Bar made board certifications available, I felt my clients were entitled to the same level of expertise in civil trial and aviation law. Serving as chair of those committees was an honor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What is one case that has stood out in your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>RS:<\/strong> Trial law is a perfect vocation for anyone curious and eager to learn. Every case provides an opportunity to learn something new about medicine, science, law or human nature.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What plans do you have for your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>RS:<\/strong> Although I am coming up on my 50th year at the Bar, I plan on continuing to practice as long as I can help clients. I\u2019m not ready yet for pickle ball and my wife doesn\u2019t want me underfoot.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?<\/p>\n<p><strong>RS:<\/strong> I have learned from so many great trial lawyers that I don\u2019t want to single out just one. But the best lesson is a simple one \u2013 If something isn\u2019t true, don\u2019t say it. And if it\u2019s not right, don\u2019t do it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-521fe22 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"521fe22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2022 Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer Spotlights<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a61cece elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a61cece\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Following are a collection of lawyers who have demonstrated excellence in their practice throughout the state of Florida for various practice areas and were featured in the 2022 Florida Bar Board Certified Spotlights.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a82ff1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7a82ff1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Shannon Britton Hartsfield<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bbdf6ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bbdf6ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Health Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b81d90f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b81d90f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127170 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Shannon Britton Hartsfield\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Hartsfield is an executive partner at Holland &amp; Knight. She is board certified in health law. She focuses her practice on healthcare regulation and data privacy. She co-authored \u201cHIPAA: A Practical Guide to the Privacy and Security of Health Data,\u201d Second Edition. She advises clients on matters, including developing compliance programs; conducting internal investigations; addressing complex questions relating to HIPAA and data privacy; and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What circumstances lead you to focus on healthcare regulation?<\/p>\n<p><strong>SBH:\u00a0<\/strong>My practice has focused on healthcare regulation for my entire career. Healthcare law is an extremely broad and complicated area of practice. I saw becoming board certified as an opportunity, not only to test my skills objectively, but to learn if I am viewed by my peers as an expert in this area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What plans do you have for your career? What\u2019s the next step?<\/p>\n<p><strong>SBH:\u00a0<\/strong>Telehealth has been an area of interest for me since very early in my career. We are getting to the point that virtually all healthcare companies utilize digital health or telemedicine at some level. I think very soon we will drop the \u201ctelehealth\u201d or \u201cdigital health\u201d names, since all healthcare will involve these aspects. Some of our healthcare laws and rules have not kept up with rapidly evolving technology and new care delivery models. I look forward to continuing to help my clients determine the best ways to ensure they follow the law and achieve their business objectives.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb6903f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fb6903f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Fraz Ahmed<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04dd6e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"04dd6e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Civil Trial Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e780363 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e780363\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127173 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/4-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Fraz Ahmed\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Fraz Ahmed is a shareholder at Coker Law. He began his career as an insurance defense attorney. Over the last decade, he has successfully tried dozens of civil cases to verdict, representing injured individuals and their families.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What circumstances led you to focus on civil trial law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>FA:\u00a0<\/strong>Growing up, I always had a desire to help people. However, it was not until law school that I knew I wanted my career to focus on trying cases. As a 2L in law school, Judge John Guy was my mock trial coach. I could not have asked for a better mentor when it comes to trial practice. At the time, Judge Guy worked at the State Attorney\u2019s Office. Even after a long day of work, his passion for what he did was clearly evident. The practical experience and various trial techniques we learned from him were invaluable. Trial advocacy is not something you can only learn from a book or learn on your own. It is imperative to have a mentor and go to the courtroom and watch experienced trial attorneys try cases.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What plans do you have for your career? What\u2019s the next step?<\/p>\n<p><strong>FA:\u00a0<\/strong>Continuing to build the trial firm we have. Coker Law has a great group of trial attorneys. We are constantly learning from and challenging each other by the day. We also have an amazing group of paralegals and legal assistants. It takes a strong team to obtain the results we achieve day in and day out.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-533bdd6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"533bdd6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Kansas R. Gooden<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6fd9c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b6fd9c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Appellate Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06c3f3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"06c3f3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127172 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/3-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kansas R. Gooden\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Gooden is a shareholder with Boyd &amp; Jenerette PA. She has extensive appellate experience handling all types of civil matters. She often handles high-stakes appeals with issues of first impression, insurance coverage or bad faith, and matters pending before the Florida Supreme Court.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What plans do you have for your career? What\u2019s the next step?<\/p>\n<p><strong>KRG:\u00a0<\/strong>I recently turned 40 (gasp!) and did an assessment of my career goals. I have been extremely fortunate in my career and accomplished most of my goals. I am now reevaluating where I want to be in the next 5-15 years. There are national organizations I want to get more involved in. You will see me continuing to be involved in the appellate community.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?<\/p>\n<p><strong>KRG:\u00a0<\/strong>My parents have been strong influences throughout my life. They taught me the importance of hard work and the keys to success. You have to put in the time, get along with and be kind to others, and follow through on your commitments. This advice applies to trying to land clients, getting involved in voluntary bar associations, advancing in your law firm, and numerous other life situations.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f3853d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5f3853d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Keith L. Maynard<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b9e1e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6b9e1e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Aviation Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-006f5e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"006f5e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127168 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/8-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Keith Maynard\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Maynard is an attorney with Spohrer &amp; Dodd. He has been litigating cases since 2003. Becoming board certified in aviation law allowed him to match his experience with one of his passions, aviation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What circumstances led you to become board certified in aviation law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>KLM:\u00a0<\/strong>I was not aware that aviation law was an area of practice until I met Bob Spohrer after an Army deployment to Iraq. As a guardsman, I was dividing my time between flying helicopters and litigating. It turns out that was the perfect combination of experience for what I do now. The board certification test was like a bar exam for legal subjects that I never studied in law school. It was extremely difficult but highly rewarding.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What case has stood out in your career? How did that alter the way you practice law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>KLM:\u00a0<\/strong>For several years I represented the parents of a Marine killed in an aviation accident overseas. Although we could not pursue a lawsuit, we helped get the accident investigation re-opened. I was with the parents when a Marine General apologized to them and exonerated their son of previous accusations of negligence. It made a huge difference to the parents and helped them move on. It also changed my barometer for success.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4eb9f84 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4eb9f84\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Candice Kaye Brower<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-08ca6c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"08ca6c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Juvenile Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec7ae55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ec7ae55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127167 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/7-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Candice Kaye Brower\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Candice Brower is the regional counsel for the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel in the First region. She is the current chair of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee and served on Governor DeSantis\u2019 Public Safety Transition Team.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What circumstances led you to focus on juvenile law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CKB:\u00a0<\/strong>When the Regional Counsel\u2019s offices were created in 2007, they allowed lawyers to specialize in juvenile cases. That is where I was assigned.<\/p>\n<p>When board-certification in juvenile law was offered in 2017, I jumped at the chance. In addition to leading the agency that shaped my own career, I use my board-certification to improve representation in the delinquency and dependency courts, to help shape laws improving the dependency and delinquency systems and to educate people on the importance of quality representation in juvenile law.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What is one case that has stood out in your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CKB:\u00a0<\/strong>When I started to represent children in the delinquency and dependency courts, I decided to be involved in both courts. I provided direct representation no matter which court they were in. Children were seldom appointed attorneys outside the delinquency system. My position allowed me to repesent my clients in either court. I saw the difference it could make in young lives and hoped all lawyers who represent children would be able to do the same.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba1536b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ba1536b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Christopher Michael Cobb<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96027d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"96027d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Construction Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-31691e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"31691e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127166 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/6-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Christopher Cobb\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Christopher Cobb is the managing partner of Cobb &amp; Gonzalez, P.A. He leads the firm\u2019s construction practice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What is one case that has stood out in your career? How did that alter the way you practice law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CMC:\u00a0<\/strong>One case that changed the course of my career was the construction defect class action lawsuit for the Grand Reserve Condominium Association in the 2008-2011 time frame.The case moved from one firm to anther and eventually landed on my desk. This was the first big case that I had primary responsibility for, and it was me versus 20-plus attorneys. I was able to organize the claims and set the litigation strategy that resulted in a very favorable settlement for the condominium association on the eve of trial.I have since handled 7-8 of these types of complex construction matters to successful resolution.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CMC:\u00a0<\/strong>James A. Bledsoe, Jr. and Terry Schmidt were my first mentors and they used to always tell me to grant an opposing counsel\u2019s reasonable request for more time because you never know when you will be the one needing more time.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1553d56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1553d56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Courtney G. Tito<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20ef140 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20ef140\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Health Law<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd2c3ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cd2c3ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127169 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Courtney Tito\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Courtney Tito is a partner at Nelson Mullins. Board certified in health law by the Florida Bar, Tito counsels healthcare providers nationally<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What led you to focus on health law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CGT:\u00a0<\/strong>My career has taken a windy road to my current practice. Most recently, I was a commercial litigator, but was no longer happy in that field. I was presented an opportunity to work on a Medicare audit with a former partner and I loved it! My litigation skills provided me with a unique perspective on the administrative dispute process and the subsequent payor disputes, audits and investigations I\u2019ve since worked on. It is important for our health care professionals to be appropriately reimbursed for the services they provide and I enjoy being a part of that process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>Tell us about one of your mentors.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CGT:\u00a0<\/strong>One of my mentors, an attorney, but not a practicing attorney, worked in recruiting at my last firm. She was instrumental in giving me the courage and the self-confidence to be unapologetically myself. We had many frank conversations over the years about how to successfully be myself and stand up for what was important to me in my career. With her guidance, I was able to successfully pursue my practice as a health care attorney. The confidence I gained having a strong woman in my corner who put action behind her support as well as assisting me to take action has been invaluable in my career.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48c6394 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"48c6394\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">David H. Simmons<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad26d45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ad26d45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Civil Trial and Business Litigation<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f1cda3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f1cda3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127165 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"David Simmons\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">David Simmons is the financial managing partner of DSK Law. He is board certified in civil trial (1992) and business litigation (1993) by The Florida Bar and board certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 1996.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What led you to become board certified?<\/p>\n<p><strong>DHS:\u00a0<\/strong>Early in my practice, I handled commercial litigation, but had not done any jury trials. In 1984, I handled a real estate dispute that didn\u2019t settle. I ended up in my first jury trial.<\/p>\n<p>The jury rendered a verdict in favor of my clients. When the jurors boarded an elevator to exit the building, I suggested we take the stairs. When we got to the first floor, the jurors were lined up and applauding as I walked down the hall. I had found my niche. Thus began a career trying jury trials.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What is one case that has stood out in your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>DHS:\u00a0<\/strong>I tried a 5-day jury trial over ownership of stock in a company. The verdict in favor of my clients was valued in excess of $120 million. Multiple attorneys had told them that while they had been wronged, they should walk away from the challenge of getting justice. It confirmed to me that practicing trial law before a jury is not only a unique opportunity to right wrongs, it confirmed the unique power and responsibility that attorneys who practice before our courts have.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e36a375 elementor-position-left elementor-vertical-align-middle elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"e36a375\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/author\/attorney-at-law-magazine\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" height=\"96\" width=\"96\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/job-manager-uploads\/company_logo\/2018\/04\/AALM-Square-Logo-Purple-96x96.jpg?resize=96%2C96&#038;ssl=1\" title=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\">\n<h4 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/author\/attorney-at-law-magazine\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney at Law Magazine<\/a><\/h4>\n<p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">Attorney at Law Magazine is a national legal publication, publishing content for and about private practice attorneys as well as resources for legal consumers. The staff at Attorney at Law Magazine interview attorneys as well as other industry professionals to provide educational content as well as to highlight the individuals and firms driving success in the legal industry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-628c965 no-table-index elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_post_related_elementor\" data-id=\"628c965\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jnews_post_related_elementor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"jnews_related_post_container jeg_custom_related_wrapper   \">\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_24 jeg_postblock jeg_module_hook jeg_pagination_disable jeg_col_2o3 jnews_module_160485_5_689e22660bf30   \" data-unique=\"jnews_module_160485_5_689e22660bf30\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_heading jeg_block_heading_5 jeg_subcat_right\">\n<h3 class=\"jeg_block_title\"><span>Related<strong> Posts<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div 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format-standard\">\n<div class=\"box_wrap\">\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/special-issue\/expert-witness-issue-coming-soon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container animate-lazy  size-715 \"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"350\" height=\"250\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP\/\/\/wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==\" class=\"attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image\" alt=\"expert witness special issue\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expert-witness-issue-coming-soon-350x250.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expert-witness-issue-coming-soon-350x250.png 350w, https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/expert-witness-issue-coming-soon-120x86.png 120w, 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Special Issue<\/a><br \/>\n                              <\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_pl_xs_4 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<h3 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/special-issue\/immigration-law-special-issue\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2025 Immigration Law Special Issue<\/a><br \/>\n                              <\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"module-overlay\">\n<div class=\"preloader_type preloader_dot\">\n<div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader dot\">\n\t\t\t\t            <span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n<div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader circle\">\n<div class=\"jnews_preloader_circle_outer\">\n<div class=\"jnews_preloader_circle_inner\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader square\">\n<div class=\"jeg_square\">\n<div class=\"jeg_square_inner\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_block_navigation\">\n<div class=\"navigation_overlay\">\n<div class=\"module-preloader jeg_preloader\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/special-issue\/jacksonville-board-certified-attorneys\" target=\"_blank\">2025 Jacksonville Board Certified Attorneys<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney at Law Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4d27a85 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"4d27a85\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;\">\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9058f69 elementor-reverse-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9058f69\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-wider\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-494b52e\" data-id=\"494b52e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea0e603 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ea0e603\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-173398 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/holly-howanitz-300x300.jpg?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Holly Howanitz\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Holly Howanitz is the southeastern regional manager for Tyson &amp; Mendes, LLP.\u00a0 She has been a practicing civil trial lawyer since 2005 and is licensed in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Howanitz is a member of the executive committee of the American Board of Trial Lawyers, Jacksonville Chapter.\u00a0 She has been named to several lists, including Florida Trend\u2019s Legal Elite \u2013 Women Leaders in the Law in 2023 and 2024.\u00a0 In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking and traveling with her husband and son as well as interior design and home renovations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew you to civil trial law? <\/strong>I have wanted to be a trial lawyer since I was a small child.\u00a0 My first memory of wanting to do trial work was from watching the old show Matlock.\u00a0 I did some internships in law school where I quickly learned that criminal law was not for me and then switched my focus to civil litigation.\u00a0 I have always enjoyed civil litigation and trial and I\u2019m very happy with the career path I chose.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? Would you ever try to become board certified in another practice? <\/strong>There are a lot of designations that lawyers can achieve but board certification seems to be one of the designations that is the most meaningful.\u00a0 Civil trial is what I specialize in, so I have not really thought about becoming board certified in another area.\u00a0 I never say never though.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What next milestone do you hope to accomplish in your professional career? <\/strong>As it relates to my next milestone, I would like to continue to expand our presence in Florida and perhaps open another office or two in cities where our clients have the need for quality representation.\u00a0 Since I have joined Tyson &amp; Mendes, we have grown from six attorneys in the southeastern region to 33 attorneys and I would like to see our expansion continue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-736d00b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"736d00b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-186746 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ariel-spires-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Ariel Spires\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Ariel Spires is a senior attorney at Cobb &amp; Gonzalez, P.A., where her practice area focuses on full-service community association law; real estate development; and general business litigation. Spires represents community associations, property owners, developers, and contractors throughout Florida, handling everything from complex legal issues to day-to-day operational needs, including collections, foreclosures and other legal disputes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? Would you ever try to become board certified in another practice? <\/strong>I handled a great deal of community association work in the various business litigation cases that came across my desk, and I realized that I was quite successful in making statutory and contractual arguments for my clients and reaching favorable outcomes in litigation. So, when I joined Cobb &amp; Gonzalez, P.A. three years ago, I expressed interest in obtaining board certification, and they provided me with the resources and tools I needed to achieve my goals. My mentor, Hans Wahl, also played a huge role in making board certification possible. I wanted to make myself stand apart like he does in a niche area, and he helped make that possible. I think eventually I will venture into another practice area, such as business litigation, which goes hand in hand with the community association practice area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bea37c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2bea37c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-190124 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/stefano-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Stefano D. Portigliatti\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Stefano D. Portigliatti is a trial attorney specializing in commercial motor vehicle cases at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers, in Jacksonville. A renowned Jacksonville truck accident lawyer, he has represented clients in over 100 trucking cases and helped obtain millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. He is one of 20 attorneys in the United States certified in truck accident law. He is also one of the youngest attorneys to be included among Super Lawyer\u2019s Rising Stars and the National Trial Lawyers\u2019 Top 40 Under 40. Portigliatti often presents on topics related to trial and trucking litigation. He is on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew you to civil trial law? <\/strong>I had a case while I was still in law school that completely changed my perspective on corporate negligence and the role lawyers can play in holding unsafe companies accountable for the harm they cause. Since then, I\u2019ve focused my practice on representing individuals killed or seriously injured by commercial motor vehicle negligence and making our roads safer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? <\/strong>Any lawyer can get on a billboard or TV ad and say they \u201chandle\u201d some sort of case. Especially over the last few years, every other billboard seems to seek out truck accident cases. I wanted to provide the public with a real measure of qualification in that specific area of law. I became certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocates. I then became certified in civil trial because that is the closest certification we have in Florida for the practice of wrongful death and personal injury cases.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What milestone (besides board certification) are you most proud to have achieved thus far in your career? <\/strong>Titles, certifications and memberships are nice and gratifying, but I am most proud of getting to represent several attorneys, even some defense lawyers, who have been injured or had a family member injured by negligent trucking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8acfb3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d8acfb3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-186744 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/dana-jacobs-2025-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Dana Jacobs\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Dana Jacobs is an accomplished, driven and experienced litigation attorney. She holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell. She has also regularly been recognized in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. She is an active member of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, Jacksonville Justice Association and the Florida Justice Association. She is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Georgia. Jacobs is proud to be a \u201cDouble Gator.\u201d She graduated in the top five of her class from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and obtained her degree in public relations with a minor in criminology.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>What drew you to civil trial law? <\/strong>The truth is, by the time I was in my final year of law school, I was still unsure what type of law I wanted to practice. Fortunately, I met an incredibly bright and personable associate during an on-campus interview for a local Jacksonville firm whom I really clicked with. She invited me back to her firm to meet with the shareholders there as her top candidate, and the rest is history!<\/p>\n<p><strong>What inspired you to seek board certification? <\/strong>In my opinion, board certification is the pinnacle of achievement for lawyers in their respective practice areas. As a younger associate I worked for and learned from two incredible attorneys who were board certified in civil trial, Kristen Vanderlinde and Bill Stone. It was evident to me they were both well-respected in the legal community, and I was undoubtedly envious of and inspired by them. As I advanced in my career and joined Coker Law, I was blessed to begin working with even more incredible trial attorneys daily. At that time, achieving board certification seemed like a mirage in the distance I could keep trekking toward but could never reach. By the time I participated in enough trials and gained enough experience to qualify to even submit an application to sit for the exam, I knew I had to go for it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What milestone (besides board certification) are you most proud to have achieved thus far in your career? <\/strong>As a personal injury trial attorney, I believe I achieve a milestone each time I obtain a resolution for my client where they were fairly and justly compensated for the pain and suffering they have endured. It\u2019s an incredibly rewarding practice area for me, and I hope to continue achieving milestones for my clients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b85c2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5b85c2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176972 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/michael-fox-orr-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Michael Fox Orr is a board certified and AV-rated lawyer who focuses his practice on complex business and civil matters. His trial and appellate cases regularly involve class actions, professional liability, legal malpractice, shareholder disputes, construction, land development, insurance, wrongful death, serious personal injury, trusts, estates, and a wide array of business matters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he pursued board certification and whether he\u2019ll pursue another certification:<\/strong> For several years, a number of good friends suggested that I seek certification because it confirms proficiency. Each year, I would pull the application and then get too busy to fill it out. This past year, I had a trial cancel in August, and along with some help from friends Mason Holder and Megan Comunale, I filed the application. If the stars align when applications come due one year down the road, I may pursue appellate and business certifications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-09544c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"09544c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-176969 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/jay-m-howanitz-300x300.png?resize=200%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Jay M. Howanitz\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" title=\"\">Jay Howanitz practices plaintiff representation in military medical malpractice claims, automotive and other defective consumer products, premises liability, workplace accidents, trucking accidents and other personal injury claims cases. His professional affiliations include the Florida Bar, the State Bar of Georgia, the State Bar of Pennsylvania, Florida Bar Civil Procedure Rules Committee, American Association for Justice, Florida Justice Association and Jacksonville Justice Association.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he pursued board certification and whether he\u2019ll pursue another certification:<\/strong> Seeing the hard work and strong reputation that has been a part of this program since its inaugural class, including Bob Spohrer, Judge Boyer, Wayne Hogan, W.C. Gentry, etc., it has always been a goal to achieve that recognition during my career. As to additional certifications, I told myself that this is the last test I am ever taking. I\u2019m hopeful I will keep my promise, but you never know.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6e531f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e6e531f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-160490 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mark-alexander-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Mark Alexander\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Mark Alexander focuses his practice on civil litigation and trial practice, including representation of employers and educational institutions in business disputes, employment claims, faculty claims, student claims, employee defections, and advice and counsel towards avoidance of conflict and dispute. Much of his practice centers on representation of educational institutions, including litigation over faculty, staff and student claims.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us about your decision to become board certified.<\/strong> It has long been a goal of mine to seek board certification in civil trial work, but there was always something seemingly in the way. There were cases, clients, economic demands, family demands, young children who are now grown, and finally at last the time was right. The process for board certification in civil trial work represents a lot of long years, hard work, and cases won and lost. I\u2019m proud to call myself a board-certified civil trial lawyer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87e90f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"87e90f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144752 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Bradford D. Kimbro\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Brad Kimbro is a board-certified business litigation attorney and member of the prestigious National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. He is a certified mediator, certified public accountant, and has for many years served as the executive partner for Holland &amp; Knight\u2019s Tampa Bay region.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What led you to focus on business litigation?<\/p>\n<p><strong>BDK:<\/strong>\u00a0I have been interested in business \u2013 and resolution of business disputes \u2013 since college. With my background in accounting, I enjoy assisting with a wide range of complex business matters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What plans do you have for your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>BDK:<\/strong>\u00a0In addition to my litigation practice, requests for my service as a mediator have snowballed. I enjoy both the challenge and satisfaction of resolving difficult matters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?<\/p>\n<p><strong>BDK:<\/strong>\u00a0My good friend and mentor, Joe Varner, recruited me out of law school, and has provided invaluable guidance to me over the years. Learning from one of the best trial lawyers in the country has been an enormous advantage in my career.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What are you most proud to have accomplished professionally?<\/p>\n<p><strong>BDK:<\/strong>\u00a0One of the things I\u2019m most proud of is my receipt of the Professionalism Award from the judges and lawyers in Hillsborough County. I take great pride is doing my best to treat everyone with courtesy, dignity and respect.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3eae5d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3eae5d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144754 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Marky Touby\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Mark A. Touby is the founding and managing partner of\u202fTouby, Chait &amp; Sicking, PL.\u202fHe earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami in 1995. He is board certified in workers\u2019 compensation. He has been inducted in the Hall of Fame by the Workers\u2019 Compensation Institute and is a fellow of the College of Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What are you proud to have accomplished professionally?<\/p>\n<p><strong>MAT:<\/strong>\u00a0I am proud to have received the Judge Harry Lee Anstead Award for the Florida Board Certified Lawyer of the Year in 2021. I strongly believe in the mission of board certification to recognize attorneys\u2019 special knowledge, skills, professionalism, and ethics. I received this award for my work in chairing the board certification committee as well as serving as a mentor at the board certification review course.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What plans do you have for your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>MAT:<\/strong>\u00a0I intend to continue to represent claimants in workers\u2019 compensation matters. I also intend to remain devoted to public service. I have served on the executive council of the workers\u2019 compensation section of the Florida Bar since 2012. I served as chair of the section in 2021-22. I am about to finish my sixth year of serving on the workers\u2019 compensation board certification committee and I am hoping to have the opportunity to continue my service on the Board of Legal Specialization and Education.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0346753 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0346753\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144758 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Chelsea Harris\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Chelsea Harris is a shareholder with Coker Law. She focuses on personal injury-plaintiff, bodily injury, automobile crashes and premises liability.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0Tell us about a case that impacted you personally.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CH:<\/strong>\u00a0I tried a case in July 2022 with my partners, Howard Coker, Dan Iracki and Rufus Pennington. We obtained a $14 million verdict for our client, who was a professional, a mother, a wife, and the same age as me. She was leaving work to go home when a negligent driver crashed into the back of her on I-295 \u2013 a road I travel on every day. Representing that client and getting to know her on a personal level, brought home for me that these horrible incidents can occur to anyone, at anytime, no matter what.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong>\u00a0What are you most proud to have accomplished professionally?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CH:<\/strong>\u00a0I cannot limit myself to only one \u2013 it has to be two. The first is becoming a partner at Coker Law. Although there has been discussion about my becoming the first female partner at Coker Law; it is more important to focus on the fact that I became a partner at such a well-respected firm. To stand in the courtroom alongside my partners is an honor I appreciate every day.<\/p>\n<p>Second, is obtaining my board certification in civil trial law. I obtained the requisite number of trials during the years my children were born, starting school and becoming involved in activities. I not only achieved the certification, I did it while juggling all the other obligations of my life.<\/p>\n<p>I could not have achieved either without the support of my husband, our family and our tribe of friends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f952cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1f952cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p data-wp-editing=\"1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144763 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Nicholas Elder\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Nicholas Elder has spent the past 17 years successfully litigating multimillion-dollar construction delay and defect cases throughout the country. Elder currently focuses his practice on construction law, real estate and business litigation with the law firm of Cobb &amp; Gonzalez.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What circumstances led you to focus on construction law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>NE:<\/strong> My practice initially turned to construction litigation based on the booming real estate market in Florida, including the proliferation of multi-unit residential condominiums in the state. I was intrigued by the complexity and size of these cases, which required significant attention to detail and sophisticated legal maneuvering. As my involvement in these cases continued, I knew I had to increase my knowledge of both the practice and the construction industry by becoming board certified.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What plans do you have for your career? What\u2019s the next step?<\/p>\n<p><strong>NE:<\/strong> As my experience grows and the gray hairs multiply, I am excited about working with the next generation of attorneys and sharing many of the lessons I learned along the way. This can take many forms, from working closely with the younger attorneys in my office to becoming more involved in the various bar associations and trade groups, which are very active in Jacksonville. I think it\u2019s not only important to pass on knowledge about statutes and legal precedent, but it is equally important to make sure these newer attorneys appreciate and practice both responsibility and civility in the profession.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84fa498 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"84fa498\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-144764 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Robert Spohrer\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Robert Spohrer is the president, CEO and senior partner of Spohrer Dodd P.L. As a practicing attorney for 40 years, he has obtained verdicts and settlements for clients of more than $100 million. His successful cases have been covered by international media including 60 Minutes, 20\/20, The Washington Post, NPR, and the BBC.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What circumstances led you to focus on civil trial law and aviation law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>RS:<\/strong> Board certification in medicine was always important whenever I looked for a physician for a family member. When the Florida Bar made board certifications available, I felt my clients were entitled to the same level of expertise in civil trial and aviation law. Serving as chair of those committees was an honor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What is one case that has stood out in your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>RS:<\/strong> Trial law is a perfect vocation for anyone curious and eager to learn. Every case provides an opportunity to learn something new about medicine, science, law or human nature.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> What plans do you have for your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>RS:<\/strong> Although I am coming up on my 50th year at the Bar, I plan on continuing to practice as long as I can help clients. I\u2019m not ready yet for pickle ball and my wife doesn\u2019t want me underfoot.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:<\/strong> Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?<\/p>\n<p><strong>RS:<\/strong> I have learned from so many great trial lawyers that I don\u2019t want to single out just one. But the best lesson is a simple one \u2013 If something isn\u2019t true, don\u2019t say it. And if it\u2019s not right, don\u2019t do it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b81d90f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b81d90f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127170 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Shannon Britton Hartsfield\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Hartsfield is an executive partner at Holland &amp; Knight. She is board certified in health law. She focuses her practice on healthcare regulation and data privacy. She co-authored \u201cHIPAA: A Practical Guide to the Privacy and Security of Health Data,\u201d Second Edition. She advises clients on matters, including developing compliance programs; conducting internal investigations; addressing complex questions relating to HIPAA and data privacy; and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What circumstances lead you to focus on healthcare regulation?<\/p>\n<p><strong>SBH:\u00a0<\/strong>My practice has focused on healthcare regulation for my entire career. Healthcare law is an extremely broad and complicated area of practice. I saw becoming board certified as an opportunity, not only to test my skills objectively, but to learn if I am viewed by my peers as an expert in this area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What plans do you have for your career? What\u2019s the next step?<\/p>\n<p><strong>SBH:\u00a0<\/strong>Telehealth has been an area of interest for me since very early in my career. We are getting to the point that virtually all healthcare companies utilize digital health or telemedicine at some level. I think very soon we will drop the \u201ctelehealth\u201d or \u201cdigital health\u201d names, since all healthcare will involve these aspects. Some of our healthcare laws and rules have not kept up with rapidly evolving technology and new care delivery models. I look forward to continuing to help my clients determine the best ways to ensure they follow the law and achieve their business objectives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06c3f3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"06c3f3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127172 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/3-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kansas R. Gooden\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Gooden is a shareholder with Boyd &amp; Jenerette PA. She has extensive appellate experience handling all types of civil matters. She often handles high-stakes appeals with issues of first impression, insurance coverage or bad faith, and matters pending before the Florida Supreme Court.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What plans do you have for your career? What\u2019s the next step?<\/p>\n<p><strong>KRG:\u00a0<\/strong>I recently turned 40 (gasp!) and did an assessment of my career goals. I have been extremely fortunate in my career and accomplished most of my goals. I am now reevaluating where I want to be in the next 5-15 years. There are national organizations I want to get more involved in. You will see me continuing to be involved in the appellate community.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?<\/p>\n<p><strong>KRG:\u00a0<\/strong>My parents have been strong influences throughout my life. They taught me the importance of hard work and the keys to success. You have to put in the time, get along with and be kind to others, and follow through on your commitments. This advice applies to trying to land clients, getting involved in voluntary bar associations, advancing in your law firm, and numerous other life situations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec7ae55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ec7ae55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127167 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/7-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Candice Kaye Brower\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Candice Brower is the regional counsel for the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel in the First region. She is the current chair of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee and served on Governor DeSantis\u2019 Public Safety Transition Team.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What circumstances led you to focus on juvenile law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CKB:\u00a0<\/strong>When the Regional Counsel\u2019s offices were created in 2007, they allowed lawyers to specialize in juvenile cases. That is where I was assigned.<\/p>\n<p>When board-certification in juvenile law was offered in 2017, I jumped at the chance. In addition to leading the agency that shaped my own career, I use my board-certification to improve representation in the delinquency and dependency courts, to help shape laws improving the dependency and delinquency systems and to educate people on the importance of quality representation in juvenile law.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What is one case that has stood out in your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CKB:\u00a0<\/strong>When I started to represent children in the delinquency and dependency courts, I decided to be involved in both courts. I provided direct representation no matter which court they were in. Children were seldom appointed attorneys outside the delinquency system. My position allowed me to repesent my clients in either court. I saw the difference it could make in young lives and hoped all lawyers who represent children would be able to do the same.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd2c3ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cd2c3ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127169 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Courtney Tito\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">Courtney Tito is a partner at Nelson Mullins. Board certified in health law by the Florida Bar, Tito counsels healthcare providers nationally<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What led you to focus on health law?<\/p>\n<p><strong>CGT:\u00a0<\/strong>My career has taken a windy road to my current practice. Most recently, I was a commercial litigator, but was no longer happy in that field. I was presented an opportunity to work on a Medicare audit with a former partner and I loved it! My litigation skills provided me with a unique perspective on the administrative dispute process and the subsequent payor disputes, audits and investigations I\u2019ve since worked on. It is important for our health care professionals to be appropriately reimbursed for the services they provide and I enjoy being a part of that process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>Tell us about one of your mentors.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CGT:\u00a0<\/strong>One of my mentors, an attorney, but not a practicing attorney, worked in recruiting at my last firm. She was instrumental in giving me the courage and the self-confidence to be unapologetically myself. We had many frank conversations over the years about how to successfully be myself and stand up for what was important to me in my career. With her guidance, I was able to successfully pursue my practice as a health care attorney. The confidence I gained having a strong woman in my corner who put action behind her support as well as assisting me to take action has been invaluable in my career.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f1cda3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f1cda3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-127165 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"David Simmons\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" title=\"\">David Simmons is the financial managing partner of DSK Law. He is board certified in civil trial (1992) and business litigation (1993) by The Florida Bar and board certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 1996.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What led you to become board certified?<\/p>\n<p><strong>DHS:\u00a0<\/strong>Early in my practice, I handled commercial litigation, but had not done any jury trials. In 1984, I handled a real estate dispute that didn\u2019t settle. I ended up in my first jury trial.<\/p>\n<p>The jury rendered a verdict in favor of my clients. When the jurors boarded an elevator to exit the building, I suggested we take the stairs. When we got to the first floor, the jurors were lined up and applauding as I walked down the hall. I had found my niche. Thus began a career trying jury trials.<\/p>\n<p><strong>AALM:\u00a0<\/strong>What is one case that has stood out in your career?<\/p>\n<p><strong>DHS:\u00a0<\/strong>I tried a 5-day jury trial over ownership of stock in a company. The verdict in favor of my clients was valued in excess of $120 million. Multiple attorneys had told them that while they had been wronged, they should walk away from the challenge of getting justice. It confirmed to me that practicing trial law before a jury is not only a unique opportunity to right wrongs, it confirmed the unique power and responsibility that attorneys who practice before our courts have.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home Special Issue 2025 Jacksonville Board Certified Attorneys By Attorney at Law Magazine August 11, 2025 Table of Contents The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization announced the 82 lawyers who earned Florida Bar board certifications in June. We sat down with some of the recently certified lawyers here in Jacksonville to discuss their aspirations [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-130433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal_matters"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=130433"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130433\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=130433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=130433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=130433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}