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.
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.
Why she pursued board certification: 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.
Jonathan Martin joined Bishop Page & Mills in August 2018. Martin obtained his Juris Doctor at the Florida State University College of Law in 2015, graduating magna cum laude. Martin’s 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
District Courts of Appeal.
What drew him to appellate law: 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.
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 & Pajcic in 2023 after spending over 15 years defending healthcare professionals and practices as an insurance defense litigator.
Why he pursued board certification: 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
keeping my practice largely focused on medical negligence cases.
Janeen Mira is a board-certified trial lawyer who has been practicing law for over 15 years. She joined Pajcic & 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.
What drew her to civil trial law: 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.
With more than 22 years of experience in personal injury claims, defense-turned-plaintiff’s 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.
Why he pursued board certification and whether he’ll pursue another certification: 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.
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.
Why he pursued board certification and whether he’ll pursue another certification: 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.
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.
Why he pursued board certification and whether he’ll pursue another certification: 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’m hopeful I will keep my promise, but you never know.
Braxton Padgett is an associate attorney practicing in The Arnold Law Firm’s 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.
What drew him to education law: 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.
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. 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.
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.
Tell us about your decision to become board certified. 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’m proud to call myself a board-certified civil trial lawyer.
Holley Akers is a member of the Florida Bar, Florida Workers’ Advocates, Jacksonville Bar, E. Robert Williams Inns of Court, and the Friends of 440. She also sits on the executive council for the Florida Bar workers’ compensation section and volunteers with the Florida Guardian Ad Litem program.
Tell us what led you to focus on workers’ compensation law. The workers’ compensation system is very unfair to the injured worker, and I have always enjoyed fighting for the underdog.
John M. “Jay” 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.
Tell us about your decision to become board certified. Family law clients place so much faith in their lawyers that we owe it to them to become experts.
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.
Tell us what led you to focus on civil trial law. As a former prosecutor, I wanted a new challenge where I could still fight for my clients at trial.
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.
Tell us what led you to focus on family law. As a child, I testified in my parent’s family law case. That experience ignited a desire to serve families in similar positions.
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.
Tell us what led you to focus on real estate law. 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 & 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.
Business Litigation
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 & Knight’s Tampa Bay region.
AALM: What led you to focus on business litigation?
BDK: I have been interested in business – and resolution of business disputes – since college. With my background in accounting, I enjoy assisting with a wide range of complex business matters.
AALM: What plans do you have for your career?
BDK: In 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.
AALM: Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?
BDK: My 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.
AALM: What are you most proud to have accomplished professionally?
BDK: One of the things I’m 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.
Workers’ Compensation
Mark A. Touby is the founding and managing partner of Touby, Chait & Sicking, PL. He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami in 1995. He is board certified in workers’ compensation. He has been inducted in the Hall of Fame by the Workers’ Compensation Institute and is a fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers.
AALM: What are you proud to have accomplished professionally?
MAT: I 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’ 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.
AALM: What plans do you have for your career?
MAT: I intend to continue to represent claimants in workers’ compensation matters. I also intend to remain devoted to public service. I have served on the executive council of the workers’ 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’ compensation board certification committee and I am hoping to have the opportunity to continue my service on the Board of Legal Specialization and Education.
Civil Trial
Chelsea Harris is a shareholder with Coker Law. She focuses on personal injury-plaintiff, bodily injury, automobile crashes and premises liability.
AALM: Tell us about a case that impacted you personally.
CH: I 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 – 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.
AALM: What are you most proud to have accomplished professionally?
CH: I cannot limit myself to only one – 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.
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.
I could not have achieved either without the support of my husband, our family and our tribe of friends.
Construction Law
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 & Gonzalez.
AALM: What circumstances led you to focus on construction law?
NE: 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.
AALM: What plans do you have for your career? What’s the next step?
NE: 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’s 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.
Civil Trial & Aviation Law
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.
AALM: What circumstances led you to focus on civil trial law and aviation law?
RS: 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.
AALM: What is one case that has stood out in your career?
RS: 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.
AALM: What plans do you have for your career?
RS: 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’m not ready yet for pickle ball and my wife doesn’t want me underfoot.
AALM: Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?
RS: I have learned from so many great trial lawyers that I don’t want to single out just one. But the best lesson is a simple one – If something isn’t true, don’t say it. And if it’s not right, don’t do it.
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.
Health Law
Hartsfield is an executive partner at Holland & Knight. She is board certified in health law. She focuses her practice on healthcare regulation and data privacy. She co-authored “HIPAA: A Practical Guide to the Privacy and Security of Health Data,” 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.
AALM: What circumstances lead you to focus on healthcare regulation?
SBH: 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.
AALM: What plans do you have for your career? What’s the next step?
SBH: 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 “telehealth” or “digital health” 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.
Civil Trial Law
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.
AALM: What circumstances led you to focus on civil trial law?
FA: 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’s 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.
AALM: What plans do you have for your career? What’s the next step?
FA: 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.
Appellate Law
Gooden is a shareholder with Boyd & 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.
AALM: What plans do you have for your career? What’s the next step?
KRG: 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.
AALM: Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?
KRG: 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.
Aviation Law
Maynard is an attorney with Spohrer & 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.
AALM: What circumstances led you to become board certified in aviation law?
KLM: 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.
AALM: What case has stood out in your career? How did that alter the way you practice law?
KLM: 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.
Juvenile Law
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’ Public Safety Transition Team.
AALM: What circumstances led you to focus on juvenile law?
CKB: When the Regional Counsel’s offices were created in 2007, they allowed lawyers to specialize in juvenile cases. That is where I was assigned.
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.
AALM: What is one case that has stood out in your career?
CKB: 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.
Construction Law
Christopher Cobb is the managing partner of Cobb & Gonzalez, P.A. He leads the firm’s construction practice.
AALM: What is one case that has stood out in your career? How did that alter the way you practice law?
CMC: 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.
AALM: Tell us about one of your mentors. What is the best lesson they taught you?
CMC: James A. Bledsoe, Jr. and Terry Schmidt were my first mentors and they used to always tell me to grant an opposing counsel’s reasonable request for more time because you never know when you will be the one needing more time.
Health Law
Courtney Tito is a partner at Nelson Mullins. Board certified in health law by the Florida Bar, Tito counsels healthcare providers nationally
AALM: What led you to focus on health law?
CGT: 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’ve 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.
AALM: Tell us about one of your mentors.
CGT: 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.
Civil Trial and Business Litigation
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.
AALM: What led you to become board certified?
DHS: 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’t settle. I ended up in my first jury trial.
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.
AALM: What is one case that has stood out in your career?
DHS: 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.
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