Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 50 Attorneys of Tampa for 2023. Situated along the Gulf Coast on a spacious natural harbor, Tampa boasts abundant pristine white beaches, exhilarating theme parks, professional sports offerings, and a diverse array of opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. It also stands as one of Florida's largest cities, serving as a hub for culture and commerce alike. Tampa's dynamic economy spans multiple sectors, establishing a sturdy platform for the flourishing legal sector. Benefiting from its close proximity to major transportation centers and ports, the region ensures convenient connectivity for both clients and partners. The locale also stands out due to its concentration of influential law firms and legal enterprises, playing pivotal roles in the industry. Furthermore, the city's legal landscape is reinforced by esteemed law schools, like Stetson University College of Law, bolstering the availability of adept legal professionals in the area. This advantageous legal environment is reflected in the average annual salary of around $161,000 for lawyers in Tampa, as of May 2023. This year's accomplished legal practitioners offer expertise across a wide spectrum of legal domains, encompassing corporate law, real estate law, personal injury law, criminal law, family law, and more.
Among this year’s awardees is Louis T. M. Conti, a Partner in the Tampa office of Holland & Knight, a global law firm with nearly 2,000 lawyers and other professionals in 34 offices throughout the world. An industry veteran, Conti has served as the Chair of The Florida Bar LLC Act Drafting Committee; and as the principal author for the 2000 Florida Limited Liability Limited Partnership Act. Meanwhile, awardee Rebecca Hendry is a Managing Attorney for State Farm, which ranked No. 44 on the 2023 Fortune 500 list. Also awarded is Maureen Stewart, a Partner and litigation lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP. A Harvard Law grad who served as a law clerk for the Honorable Raymond W. Gruender of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Stewart has extensive experience, handling anything from employee fraud and embezzlement to high-profile workplace investigations arising out of the #MeToo movement.
This year’s awardees have an unmatched passion and dedication to the legal profession. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Attorneys of Tampa for 2023.
1. Patrick Schmitter
Managing Director & Associate General Counsel, JPMorgan Chase
Patrick Schmitter is the Managing Director & Associate General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase. He first joined the company in 2011. For over 200 years, JPMorgan Chase & Co has provided innovative financial solutions for consumers, small businesses, corporations, governments and institutions around the world. Today, they're a leading global financial services firm with operations servicing clients in more than 100 countries.
Previously, Schmitter was a managing director and managing counsel at The Bank of New York Mellon. Before that, he was an associate at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with Anderson Kill & Olick, P.C. as an associate. Schmitter earned a JD from the University of Michigan Law School and an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Michigan.
2. Kayli Keough
General Counsel, Government Contract Compliance, Honeywell
Kayli Keough is the General Counsel of Government Contract Compliance at Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company that invents and manufactures technologies to address tough challenges linked to global macrotrends such as safety, security, and energy. They have approximately 110,000 employees worldwide, including more than 19,000 engineers and scientists.
Keough provides expert counsel and guidance on the various forms of US Government contracting in each of Honeywell’s five strategic businesses, including but not limited to FAR 12 and 15 contracts, grant agreements, IP and data rights strategies, cybersecurity, commerciality, Cost Accounting Standards, counterfeit electronic parts, and DPAS obligations.
Previously, Keough was a Senior Contracts Lead at Honeywell Aerospace, where she draft, analyze, and negotiate direct contracts with US Government agencies and Prime customers to enable transactions for highly technical products and services and using unique pricing strategies such as cost-plus contracts and performance-based-payments. Notably, Keough began her career in 2016. She graduated from Stetson University College of Law with a JD and from the University of Central Florida with undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology.
3. Louis Conti
Partner, Holland & Knight
Louis T. M. Conti is a Partner in the Tampa office of Holland & Knight. Conti's practice includes serving as outside counsel to domestic and foreign businesses of all sizes, mergers and acquisitions, corporation, LLC and partnership formation and owner disputes, cash flow and asset-based financings, leveraged buy-outs, venture capital investments, and many others. Holland & Knight is a global law firm with nearly 2,000 lawyers and other professionals in 34 offices throughout the world. Holland & Knight provides representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law.
Conti was a Uniform Law Commissioner representing the state of Florida at the Uniform Law Commission from 2011 through 2016. Conti served as the Chair of The Florida Bar LLC Act Drafting Committee, which drafted the Florida Revised LLC Act which was signed into law on June 14, 2013. He also served as the principal author for the 2000 Florida Limited Liability Limited Partnership Act, and as Chair of the Florida Revised Uniform Partnership Act Drafting Committee. Conti graduated from Creighton University School of Law with a JD, from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business with an MBA, from Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law with an LLM in taxation and from LaSalle University with an undergraduate degree.
4. Jeffrey Butt
Partner, Squire Patton Boggs
Jeffrey Butt is a Partner at Squire Patton Boggs. He first joined the company in 2002. Squire Patton Boggs is a full service global law firm providing insight at the point where law, business and government meet, giving you a voice, supporting your ambitions and achieving successful outcomes. With a multidisciplinary team of over 1,500 lawyers in over 40 offices across four continents, they are well-established geographically with strong local and regional positions in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America.
Butt was a board-certified real estate lawyer by The Florida Bar’s board of legal specialization and education from 1995-2015. He is a member of The Florida Bar. Active in the community, he is the former long-term chair of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s board of directors – as well as a participant in Leadership Tampa and the Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Butt also served for many years on the construction oversight committee of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. Butt earned a JD in law from Duke University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in accounting from The Wharton School.
5. Rene Hernandez
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Travelers
René Hernández is Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Travelers of Florida. He oversees the Company’s Personal Lines legal function, public policy and government affairs. In this role, he works closely with the company’s senior leadership team on a wide range of business and strategic matters. Hernández joined Travelers of Florida in 2006. Prior to joining Travelers of Florida, Hernández was Senior Corporate Counsel for Allstate Insurance Company where he handled complex regulatory, insurance and corporate matters.
Travelers provides insurance coverage to protect the things that are important to their clients – homes, cars, valuables and businesses. They have been around for more than 165 years and have earned a reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry. Hernández received his undergraduate degree from Florida International University with a major in International Relations. He obtained an MBA from the University of Illinois Chicago and his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin.
Rene Hernandez Insight
"I am honored to have been selected as one of the Top 50 Attorneys of Tampa for 2023. We have a vibrant and growing legal community in Tampa and I look forward to the collaboration with my colleagues to make Tampa one of the top legal markets in the nation."
6. Rebecca Hendry
Managing Attorney, State Farm
Rebecca Hendry is a Managing Attorney for State Farm. She first joined the company in 2020. For 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been and continues to be to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States.
State Farm’s more than 19,400 agents and approximately 61,764 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – which includes auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the 2023 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. Hendry earned a JD from the University of Florida and an undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi.
7. Kelli Edson
Quarles & Brady LLP, Partner
Kelli Edson is a Partner at Quarles & Brady LLP. For 125 years, Quarles & Brady LLP has provided quality legal services to a wide range of industries on a national stage. They've strived to learn their clients' businesses—to see the horizons through their eyes. They don't just counsel, but invest in the success of each client, partnering with them to achieve their business goals.
Edson began his career in 1998. Before joining Quarles & Brady LLP, Edson was a partner at Holland & Knight LLP. Before that, she was an associate at Goodwin Procter LLP. Edson graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a JD and from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree in government.
8. Caleb Bendix
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Jabil
Caleb Bendix began his professional career 18 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Jabil, a manufacturing solutions provider with over 250,000 employees across 100 locations in 30 countries. The world's leading brands rely on Jabil's unmatched breadth and depth of end-market experience, technical and design capabilities, manufacturing know-how, supply chain insights and global product management expertise.
Bendix got his start in 2005 as an assistant public defender at the 7th Judicial Circuit. From there, he went on to the State of Florida, before eventually rising to chief commercial counsel at iQor, his most recent position prior to joining Jabil. Bendix graduated from Stetson University College of Law with a JD in law and from The George Washington University Law School with an LL.M. in international & comparative law.
9. Ellen Ehrenpreis
Managing Attorney, GEICO
Ellen Ehrenpreis is a Managing Attorney at GEICO. For more than 75 years, GEICO has stood out from the rest of the insurance industry. They are one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing auto insurers – thanks to their low rates, outstanding service and clever marketing.
An industry leader, GEICO employs thousands of dedicated and hard-working associates. They are also a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. Ehrenpreis began her career in 1999. She graduated from Widener University School of Law with a JD and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in journalism.
10. Brian Brijbag
Associate General Counsel, Corin Group
Brian Brijbag began his professional career 25 years ago. Today, he is an Associate General Counsel at Corin Group. As a leader in orthopaedic innovation, Corin has pioneered a number of landmark developments since its foundation and is proud to have been able to improve the quality of life of thousands of patients around the world through these groundbreaking products. The company’s talented and dedicated teams share a common commitment to deliver quality orthopaedic products and services to patients, surgeons and healthcare providers which exceed expectations and positively impact lives.
Brijbag focuses on health policy, compliance and practice. He has over 20 years experience in health compliance and administration. Brijbag is a certified public health official and has received his Masters Degree in Public Health Policy and Organization from the University of South Florida. Brijbag also received a Masters Degree in Applied Anthropology from the same university. He received his JD from Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
11. Deidra Demps
The Mosaic Company, Corporate Counsel, Labor and Employment
Deidra Demps is the Corporate Counsel for Labor and Employment at The Mosaic Company. She first joined the company in 2020. Mosaic is a global leader in the crop nutrient industry — the only company with the ability to produce and deliver two vital crop nutrients, phosphate and potash, on a massive scale. Mosaic engages in every phase of crop nutrition, from the mining of resources to the production of crop nutrients, feed and industrial products for customers around the globe.
Previously, Demps was an assistant general counsel and senior HR consultant at Modern Business Associates. Before that, she was a partnered staffing supervisor at Kelly Services. Demps earned a JD in law from Stetson University College of Law, an MS in human resource development from Barry University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Florida.
Deidra Demps Insight
"For the past 10 years, Deidra Demps has centered her legal career on helping employers make wise decisions on how to manage their employees and ways to prevent costly employment disputes. With previous experience in recruiting, HR consulting and training and development, she is proud to serve as corporate counsel, specializing in labor and employment matters, for one of the largest employers in Tampa Bay."
12. John Dicks
Partner, Akerman LLP
John Dicks has a robust and diverse practice in litigation, land use, and bankruptcy. As a litigator, Dicks has experience in a wide variety of cases, but focuses primarily on business litigation and legal malpractice defense. Other litigation experience includes: fraudulent transfers, D&O claims, real estate disputes, landlord/tenant disputes, probate disputes, judgment collection, employment, and banking disputes. He also has significant appellate experience. In the bankruptcy and assignment arenas, Dicks has represented many types of players (debtors, creditors, assignees, etc.), but typically represents creditors or court-appointed fiduciaries.
Dicks thrives on litigation matters that are related to reorganization or liquidation proceedings. As a zoning and land use lawyer, Dicks has experience representing both applicants and objectors, in all manner of public hearings – including procurement, land use, zoning, and code enforcement. Dicks graduated from the University of Florida’s Fredric G. Levin College of Law with a JD, from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business with an MBA and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in economics.
John Dicks Insight
"Practicing law in Tampa is a pleasure. The City is large and growing fast, so our clients have sophisticated legal needs; but it still feels like a small town, with a legal community that is collegial, accessible, and supportive."
13. Sue Hanlon
General Counsel, North America, Hays
Sue Hanlon is General Counsel for Hays’ North American operations.She first joined the company in 2014. Hays plc is a world-leading specialist in recruitment and workforce solutions, such as RPO and MSP. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of December 2021, the Group employs around 12,100 staff operating from 254 offices.
Hanlon has been a member of The Florida Bar for over 20 years and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Hanlon has over 15 years of staffing industry experience. Prior to joining Hays U.S. in 2011, she worked for a large publicly traded staffing firm, directing the client contracts and independent contractor subcontracting functions. Additionally, she has prior in-house legal experience with a small broker dealer specializing in fixed-income securities and investment banking; and with a large publicly traded computer software and hardware distributor. Hanlon is a two-time graduate of the University of Florida with a BA in Criminal Justice and a JD. She’s also a Leadership Tampa Bay graduate and a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel.
14. Shaka Scott
Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Shaka Scott is a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. He first joined the company in 2022. Dinsmore & Shohl LLP has a nationwide team of more than 750 attorneys who are trusted advisers to some of the world's leading businesses—including many in the Fortune 500—as well as institutions, associations, governments, professional firms and individuals. Clients count on Dinsmore to offer high-quality, commercial, cost-effective advice.
Scott focuses his practice on health care law, including transactional and regulatory matters. He counsels physicians, dentists, insurance companies, and managed care organizations on structuring business transactions in compliance with federal laws and regulations, such as the Stark Law, fraud and abuse, and state laws and regulations applicable to the healthcare industry. Beyond health care, Scott has represented clients in all aspects of corporate matters, including counseling public and private companies on corporate governance, among many others. Scott earned a JD in law from New York University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from Morehouse College.
15. Anitra Clement
Partner, Shook Hardy & Bacon L.L.P
Anitra Clement is a Partner at Shook Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. She first joined the company in 2015 as an associate. Shook, Hardy & Bacon has long been recognized as one of the premier litigation firms in the country. For more than a century, the firm has defended companies in their most substantial national and international products liability, mass tort and complex litigation matters. As a Partner in the Product Liability Litigation, as well as the Class Action and Complex Litigation practice groups, Clement has a national practice that spans various industries including automotive, consumer goods, distribution, insurance, pharmaceutical, and technology.
Clement’s experiences include defending consumer protection, contract, personal injury, product liability, and tort, among many others. She also prosecutes non-compete agreements, resolves pre-litigation disputes and counsels clients on special non-litigation business projects. Clement leads small teams that manage individual cases and co-leads large teams that manage dockets. She has been peer-recognized through Best Lawyers, Florida Super Lawyers, and Florida Trend listings. Clement graduated from the University of Florida’s Fredric G. Levin College of Law with a JD and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree.
Anitra Clement Insight
"As a partner in the Product Liability as well as the Class Action and Complex Litigation practice groups at Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP, I have a national practice that spans various industries including automotive, consumer goods, distribution, insurance, pharmaceutical, and technology. I’m dedicated to understanding long-term business goals and keeping client values top of mind while solving problems creatively and efficiently in individual, class action and multi-district litigation lawsuits."
16. Vanessa Patel
VP of Legal & Associate General Counsel, Global Employment, Litigation & Privacy, TaskUs
Vanessa Patel began her professional career 14 years ago. Today, she is the VP of Legal & Associate General Counsel of Global Employment, Litigation & Privacy at TaskUs, a different breed of BPO. They are a collective of highly capable humans, who understand how to deploy technology and data to best serve your purpose.
From Digital CX to Trust & Safety, AI Services, Risk + Response, Consulting, and anything in between, TaskUS considers themselves responsible for protecting their partners’ interests and supporting their long term success through innovation and technology. Patel got her start in 2009 as an associate attorney at Lewis Thomason, P.C. From there, she went on to Ogletree Deakins. Patel graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law with a JD and from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with an undergraduate degree in philosophy and political science.
17. Sarah Graves
Vice President & General Counsel, CAE USA
Sarah Graves is Vice President and General Counsel at CAE Defense & Security. Graves has spent her 16-year career specializing in U.S. Government contract law, holding multiple in-house positions in privately held and publicly traded companies that have fostered the development of numerous additional sub-specialties. In her current roles, she supports all facets of the company’s global training and simulation solutions business. CAE strives to equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. With more than 75 years of defense and security experience, CAE leverages a global network of more than 13,000 employees in approximately 250 sites and training locations in over 40 countries.
Graves joined CAE in 2021 following the company’s largest acquisition in company history. Today she leverages her experience to support the essential mission readiness of military personnel in the U.S. and worldwide. Previously, Graves held positions with L3Harris Technologies, Sierra Nevada Corporation and TASC. Before moving in-house, Graves worked in private practice at Akerman LLP and Husch Blackwell LLP. She graduated from George Mason University School of Law with a JD and from The American University with an undergraduate degree in psychology and justice.
Sarah Graves Insight
“Supporting CAE Defense & Security’s global business is incredibly rewarding. My role allows me to leverage my experience to support the company’s critical mission: training our warfighters utilizing evolving technology to make our world safer.”
18. Ron Christaldi
Partner, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Ron Christaldi is a Partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. Founded in 1925, Shumaker is a premier provider of legal and legislative services with a team of more than 300 lawyers and advisors, 60 paralegals, and 555 employees in its eleven offices located in Toledo, Columbus, and Akron, Ohio; Tampa, Sarasota, Tallahassee, and Dade City, Florida; Charleston and Greenville, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Bloomington, Minnesota. A prominent business lawyer in Florida, and as President and CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, Christaldi is a key problem solver to accomplish his clients’ needs.
He is proud and honored to give back to the community he loves and he has served a variety of organizations in a leadership capacity, including serving as the past chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber, past chair for the Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and Arts, and past chair of the 2018 Leukemia Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk. In the rare times he is not working or serving the community, Christaldi enjoys spending time with his three children. Christaldi graduated from Florida State University College of Law with a JD, from Florida State University with an MA in international affairs and from New College of the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in history.
Ron Christaldi Insight
“Being a lawyer provides me with a tremendous opportunity to advocate for my clients and the community, and to be the provider of solutions to the most complex challenges.”
19. Jim Holder
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, SYKES Enterprises, Inc.
Jim Holder joined SYKES Enterprises in December 2000 as General Counsel. In January 2001, he was also named Corporate Secretary. In his role as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Holder is responsible for world-wide corporate legal matters including corporate organization, litigation, regulatory compliance, contracts, conducting the annual shareholder meetings and Board of Director representation. Previously, Holder served in various capacities at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants. He was also previously in the private practice of law with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick in Tampa, Florida, and as an associate with PwC (Coopers & Lybrand) in Tampa, Florida.
A native of Florida, Holder received his Bachelors of Arts in Accounting from the University of South Florida in 1980, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia in 1983. Holder received his Certified Public Accounting certification in Florida in 1985. During his career, Holder has been a member of the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar Association, The Georgia Bar Association, The Hillsborough County Bar Association, and The American Association of Certified Public Accountants. Holder is licensed to practice law in the Courts of the State of Florida and Georgia, as well as the United States Tax Court. Holder has served as an adjunct professor of Business Law at the University of South Florida and has taught private CPA review courses throughout the country.
20. Celeste Perrino
Senior Vice President Associate General Counsel, iQor
Celeste Perrino is the Senior Vice President Associate General Counsel of iQor. She first joined the company in 2017 as senior corporate counsel. At iQor, their 40,000 amazing employees spanning 10 countries are passionate about delivering an outstanding omnichannel customer experience for brands across the globe. Harnessing intelligent CX technology that can scale teams anywhere, their BPO solutions create happy employees and delighted customers.
iQor enables diverse teams to scale their BPO digital solutions from local to global to create the CX experience brands demand to win and keep customers. Previously, Perrino was a director and senior counsel at Bloomin' Brands. Before that, she was an attorney at Bush Ross, P.A. Perrino earned a JD from Florida State University College of Law and an undergraduate degree in history from the University of South Florida.
21. Maureen Stewart
Foley & Lardner LLP, Partner
Maureen Stewart is a Partner and litigation lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP. Stewart’s practice primarily focuses on malicious insider cases. She handles and advises on high-profile and highly confidential cases in this area for clients across a variety of industries, including consumer products, pharmaceuticals, entertainment and technology, economic consulting and immigration. Stewart has extensive experience handling malicious insider matters ranging from employee fraud, embezzlement, and misappropriation to breaches of non-solicitation, non-compete and confidentiality agreements. She has successfully recovered significant assets and managed sensitive, high-profile, and large-scale workplace investigations arising out of the #MeToo movement.
Foley & Lardner LLP is a preeminent law firm that stands at the nexus of the energy, health care and life sciences, innovative technology, and manufacturing sectors. Their 1,100 lawyers across 25 offices worldwide partner on the full range of engagements from corporate counsel to IP work and litigation support, providing their clients with a one-team solution to all their needs. Prior to Foley, Stewart was a senior associate at Gibson Dunn in its Washington, D.C. office. After law school, she served as a law clerk for the Honorable Raymond W. Gruender of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Stewart graduated from Harvard Law School with a JD and from Vanderbilt University with an undergraduate degree in mathematics and economics.
22. Chih-Pin Lu
Chief Counsel, Asset Management Group, Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Chih-Pin Lu is Chief Counsel for the Asset Management Group at Raymond James Financial, Inc., headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. Since joining the firm in 2007, he has dealt with corporate, regulatory, and compliance matters related to the firm’s institutional asset management, retail investment adviser, investment company, and hedge fund businesses and affiliates. Lu is also an active member of various industry workgroups and committees, and regularly speaks at industry conferences. Founded in 1962 and a public company since 1983, Raymond James Financial, Inc. is a Florida-based diversified holding company providing financial services to individuals, corporations and municipalities.
Prior to joining Raymond James, Lu was a securities transactions and litigation attorney in private practice, and Senior Counsel (Enforcement) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Southeast Regional Office. During his tenure with the SEC, he received an appointment as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. Formerly, he represented clients in complex financial fraud cases as an Assistant Federal Public Defender. Lu graduated from Tufts University and received his law degree from Boston College Law School.
23. Rania Shehata
VP, Americas General Counsel, Tech Data
Rania Shehata serves as Vice President, General Counsel for the Americas at TD SYNNEX. She leads a legal team focused on supporting a region of several thousand co-workers.
Shehata is responsible for all legal affairs of the region, as well as advising management on corporate governance, complex commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, global taxes, financing, and securities. She also advises on matters related to intellectual property, litigation, regulation, and human resources. Shehata has 17 years of legal experience.
Prior to joining TD SYNNEX, Shehata was in private practice with the firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Tampa. She began her legal career in 2004 as an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Florida serving Pinellas and Pasco counties. Shehata is a member of the Florida Bar. She holds a BA in Political Science and in English from the University of Florida, as well as a JD degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. She is a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Tampa Bay Chapter and a member of the Project Opioid Tampa Bay Leadership Coalition.
24. Kimble McKay
Senior Attorney, Vernis & Bowling
Kimble McKay is a Senior Attorney at Vernis & Bowling, a law firm that has proudly served the needs of its clients since 1970. McKay began working at Vernis & Bowling in the summer of 2012. He was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. In 2010, he graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology. While at the University of Florida, he was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society. McKay then attended the Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. Florida Coastal School of Law conferred a Juris Doctorate upon him in 2013.
Some of his academic memberships and activities while at Florida Coastal include Business Law Society, Sports Law Society, and volunteering at the Family Nurturing Center. Since graduating from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2013, Kimble has been working at Vernis & Bowling of the Gulf Coast as an attorney handling general insurance defense matters with a specific focus on construction defect litigation and bodily injury claims. McKay is an avid Florida Gators fan. In his spare time he enjoys playing sports, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Kimble McKay Insight
“As an insurance defense attorney, I have found the profession to be a rewarding experience that is very results driven. Going above and beyond for your Clients pays off and it is satisfying when your Clients reap the benefits.”
25. Timothy Seat
General Counsel, It Works! Global
Timothy Seat began his professional career 24 years ago. Today, he is the General Counsel of It Works! Global, a passionate, fast-growing, global team that rallies around a single mission: to help anyone, anywhere, change their life. Founded in 2001, they offer a growing list of weight loss, nutrition, active lifestyle, and beauty products. Over the years, they’ve expanded across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Seat first got his start in 1999 as a VP of regulatory affairs at Z-Tel Communications. From there, he went on to ACN, before eventually rising to chief legal officer at CyberWize.com, Inc./LiveSmart 360, his most recent position prior to joining It Works! Global. Seat graduated from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law with a JD in law and from Indiana University Bloomington with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
26. Kyle Robisch
Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Kyle Robisch is a Partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, a national law firm with a reputation for skilled legal work, exceptional client service, and impeccable integrity. They provide business clients around the world with a full suite of legal services in dozens of industries and practice areas. They maintain 11 offices and frequently serve as national coordinating counsel, regional counsel, and statewide counsel for clients in various industries.
Notably, Robisch is an experienced business litigator and advisor. Although he routinely appears in courts nationwide, he is especially familiar with Florida’s federal and state courts. He represents a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, middle-market businesses, startups, closely held corporations, and individual entrepreneurs.
Robisch also regularly serves as outside general counsel to clients, helping them proactively manage risk, grow their businesses, and work with regulators and elected officials. In that role, he works with Bradley’s deep bench of lawyers, advisors, and subject matter experts to solve business problems nationwide. Before joining Bradley, Robisch practiced at a national law firm’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. G. Kendall Sharp of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Robisch earned a JD from Vanderbilt University Law School and an undergraduate degree in economics from University of Florida.
27. Andrew Froman
Partner, Fisher & Phillips LLP
Andrew Froman is a Partner at Fisher & Phillips LLP. The attorneys at Fisher Phillips are committed to providing value to their clients. They do one thing: represent employers in labor and employment matters. Their clients know their legal problems will be treated as business problems and that they strive to help them avoid legal problems. They believe the lawsuit that’s never filed is a better win for a client than a costly defense verdict.
Froman has 45 years of experience. Before joining Fisher & Phillips LLP, he was a Partner at Clark DeMay Fara & Froman, P.A. Before that, he served as a reporter at Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel. Froman graduated from the University of Miami School of Law with a JD in law and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in journalism.
28. Steven Snyder
General Counsel and Americas, FieldCore, part of GE Vernova
Steven Snyder began his professional career 39 years ago. Today, he is the General Counsel for the Americas at FieldCore, part of GE Vernova. Their goal is to deliver the highest standard of field services excellence and capabilities for GE Vernova and its customers. They are a global, industrial field services powerhouse with offices on five continents, operating in more than 100 countries. From the front lines to the back offices, their diverse workforce is more than 12,000 employees strong providing regional solutions with global standards and expertise.
Snyder got his start in 1984 as a news editor at Tri County Press. From there, he went on to WILL AM 580, before eventually rising to senior counsel at Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC, his most recent position prior to joining FieldCore. Snyder graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law with a JD in law, from Xavier University with an MBA, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with an MS in journalism, and from Antioch College with an undergraduate degree in communications.
29. Burke Lopez
Partner, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
Burke Lopez is a Partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, a U.S. based law firm with offices in 13 states and London. The firm's national reputation spans the insurance industry, the professional services sector—including representation of law firms and lawyers—and other highly regulated industries, such as banking and finance and the debt collection sector. Hinshaw also provides a series of closely coordinated litigation, business advisory and transactional services to clients of all sizes as well as governmental and public sector entities.
Lopez joined Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in May 2008. Previously, he was a senior associate at Rywant, Alvarez, Jones, Russo & Guyton, P.A. He began legal career in 1990 at Langford, Mooney & McDuffee, P.A. In 1992, he moved to Rywant, Alvarez, Jones & Russo, P.A., where he remained until 1996. Then Lopez spent two years at Lopez & Kelly, P.A. – before returning to Rywant Alvarez in 1998.Lopez earned a JD from the University of Florida.
30. Paul Tripp
General Counsel, Lincare
Paul Tripp is the General Counsel at Lincare, a leading supplier of respiratory-therapy products and services for patients in the home. Everywhere they operate, Lincare is working to be a partner in patient care by providing high-quality services and supplies, promoting patient education, and building strong relationships with patients, physicians, families and caregivers. Tripp has 25 years of experience.
He began his career in 1998. Before joining Lincare, Tripp was an associate general counsel at Davel Communications. Before that, he was an associate at Rudnick and Wolfe. Tripp graduated from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business with a doctor's degree in business administration and management, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law with an LLM in health, from University of Florida with JD in business administration and management and MBA, and from University of Central Florida with an undergraduate degree in finance.
31. David Borucke
Partner, Cole Scott & Kissane P.A
David Borucke is a Partner at Cole Scott & Kissane P.A. As a full-service law firm, Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. is able to provide their clients with experienced counsel and services in numerous areas of the law. In order to better serve their clients, they have made a major commitment to utilize the best available technology in their practice of law. Borucke has over twenty-five years of appellate experience and has handled appeals in each of the five Florida District Courts of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, the federal Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Borucke’s litigation experience also includes complex commercial litigation, with a focus on antitrust and trade regulation and class actions.
Among numerous areas, he has extensive experience defending against claims brought under Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, Section 7 of the Clayton Act, and equivalent state laws. Borucke also has experience assisting both U.S. and international clients with regulatory and compliance matters. He graduated with honors from the Washington College of Law, at the American University, where he was a member of the law review. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the distinguished majors program in English literature.
32. Jason Hall
Managing Partner in Tampa, Lewis Brisbois
Jason Hall is a Managing Partner in the Tampa office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the First Party Property, Insurance Coverage, Bad Faith Litigation, General Liability, and Professional Liability Practices. Hall focuses his practice in the areas of civil litigation and general liability, including trucking defense, premises liability, negligent security, and professional liability matters. He has significant experience representing professional and corporate clients in various capacities, from pre-suit and coverage matters to litigation through trial. Established in 1979, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP is a national, full-service law firm with more than 1,600 attorneys and 54 offices in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
Hall has conducted the depositions of fact and expert witnesses; and understands the importance of proper preparation of corporate clients. He has successfully mediated numerous cases to amicable resolutions for clients well under settlement authority. Hall earned a JD in corporate law from Florida State University College of Law and an undergraduate degree in finance from The University of Texas at Austin.
33. Rachel Jackson
Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Syniverse
Rachel Jackson is the Senior Vice President & General Counsel of Syniverse, the world's most connected company. They seamlessly connect the world's networks, devices, and people so the world can unlock the full power of communications. Their secure, global technology powers the world's leading carriers, top Forbes Global 2000 companies, and billions of people, devices, and transactions every day. Their engagement platform delivers better, smarter experiences that strengthen relationships between businesses, customers, and employees.
As General Counsel, Jackson leads a global team of attorneys and legal professionals focused on compliance, contract negotiation and execution, risk management, and corporate governance. She joined Syniverse in 2013 and has held a variety of roles in increasing responsibility within the legal department during her tenure. She combines her deep knowledge of the organization with legal and technical expertise to provide strategic guidance to the business. Jackson holds a fundamental belief in the legal team as a creative enabler of growth, rather than a roadblock. She also encourages a collaborative and pragmatic approach to legal issues. Prior to joining Syniverse, Jackson practiced civil litigation and served as in-house counsel for a global software company. Jackson holds a bachelor’s in government and politics and a JD from the University of Maryland.
34. Ryan Rivas
Partner, Hall Booth Smith P.C
Ryan Rivas is the Managing Partner at Hall Booth Smith’s Tampa office in Florida. He brings over a decade of legal experience to his role, specializing in defending hospitals, physicians, and healthcare providers in complex medical negligence cases across Florida. He's also a pivotal member of the firm's National Trial Counsel Team. Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS), established in 1989, is a full-service law firm with 29 offices throughout the United States. HBS attorneys cover a wide range of legal disciplines, providing tailored counsel to individuals, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.
Previously, Rivas worked as a trial attorney at a national insurance defense firm, representing hospital systems, healthcare providers, and physicians in intricate medical negligence cases. His expertise extends to birth-related trauma, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, and wrongful death. He's also handled cases involving long-term care and psychiatric facilities, and individual healthcare professionals in disciplinary proceedings with the Florida Department of Health.
Rivas is actively engaged in several professional associations, including the Defense Research Institute, The Florida Defense Lawyers Association, The Florida Bar, and the Hillsborough County Bar Association. He earned his Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Criminology, with minors in Communications and Psychology, from Florida State University.
35. Jody Keeling
Vice President, Corporate Counsel, ReliaQuest
Jody Keeling is the Vice President and Corporate Counsel at ReliaQuest. She first joined the company in 2017. ReliaQuest’s security operations platform, GreyMatter, automates detection, investigation and response across cloud, endpoint, and on-premise tools and applications. GreyMatter is cloud native, built on an open XDR architecture and delivered as a service any time of the day, anywhere in the world.
With over 700 customers worldwide and 1,000+ teammates working across six global operating centers, ReliaQuest is driving outcomes for the most trusted enterprise brands in the world. Previously, Keeling was a senior commercial counsel at iQor. Before that, she served as an attorney at Trenam Law. Earlier in her career, she worked with KPMG as an audit associate. Keeling earned a JD in law, a master’s in accounting and LLM in taxation and an undergraduate degree in accounting from University of Florida.
36. Anthony Zolfo
Deputy General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer, Zelis
Anthony Zolfo holds the role of Deputy General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer at Zelis. He's a seasoned Corporate Attorney and Business Advisor, known for his proficiency in creating and executing legal strategies that lead to direct savings achieved by consolidating enterprise-wide purchasing volume and negotiating total cost of ownership (TCO) contracts with vendors. Zolfo's expertise also extends to cost reduction initiatives in TCO.
Zelis is revolutionizing the healthcare landscape with a connected platform that bridges financial gaps and aligns interests across insurers, providers, and consumers. Their platform has transformed the financial experience for over 700 payers, including major national health plans, BCBS insurers, regional health plans, TPAs, self-insured employers, and millions of providers and members.
Zolfo's previous roles include serving as Director of Contracts & Pricing at Sandoz Inc and a Partner at Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. Earlier in his career, he was an Associate General Counsel and Corporate Vice President at Paine Webber. Zolfo holds a JD from the University of Miami School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from St. John's University.
37. Marshall Rainey
Partner, Burr & Forman LLP
Marsh Rainey is an Equity Partner in Burr & Forman’s Tampa office. Rainey's practice is concentrated in the areas of commercial litigation, commercial real estate transactions, and a variety of real property related matters such as construction and eminent domain. Over the past decade, Rainey has represented clients in dozens of transactional matters, primarily representing lenders or commercial landowners in connection with the acquisition and financing for horizontal and vertical development of new projects. For more than a century, Burr & Forman has served clients at the intersection of business and government with local, national, and international interests in numerous industry and practice areas. A Southeast regional law firm, Burr & Forman boasts 350 attorneys working out of 20 offices.
In 1971 Rainey moved to the Tampa Bay area and was raised in Brandon, Florida. As a native to the Sunshine State, Rainey currently resides in Lithia, Florida, and is an active member of various business and civic organizations both in his hometown community of Brandon, as well as in Tampa. His involvement includes service over the past two decades as Chairman of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce (2008), Director and Executive Committee Member of the Downtown Tampa Partnership (2011-present), and Consulting Attorney to the Brandon Community Advantage Center (2007-2012). Rainey graduated from the University of Florida’s Fredric G. Levin College of Law with a JD.
38. Kate Hiles
General Counsel, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa
Kate Hiles began serving as Pinch A Penny’s General Counsel in March 2017. A legal professional with a background in corporate law, she oversees all legal aspects of the company’s franchise operation and works with outside counsel on other franchise- and corporate-related matters. Prior to Pinch A Penny, she was corporate counsel to Tampa Bay-headquartered companies HSN and Kforce. She earned her law degree at Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America; and her bachelor’s from George Washington University.
Pinch A Penny is the largest franchised retail pool, patio and spa company in the United States. Pinch A Penny carries a wide variety of swimming pool products such as chemicals, equipment, patio furniture, giftware, toys, and floats. They strive to be unrivaled in providing value, quality, and service to their customers. That's why they're now 260 stores strong and growing in multiple states across the Southeast. They have more Certified Pool Operators than any other company and their continuing education programs are unparalleled. Their 45+ years of experience make them #1 in pool service and supplies.
39. Karl Brandes
Partner, Phelps Dunbar LLP
Karl Brandes is a Partner at Phelps Dunbar LLP. His practice focuses on civil trial and commercial litigation, covering a broad spectrum of areas including petroleum marketing, franchise regulation, trademark disputes, class actions, environmental matters, construction, condominium issues, ADA accessibility, professional liability, non-compete agreement disputes, personal injury defense, toxic tort, product liability, insurance coverage, and real property.
Phelps is a regional law firm of more than 300 attorneys uniquely equipped to serve clients in the major commercial centers of the burgeoning “Third Coast” of the United States. With offices positioned along the Gulf Coast from Houston to Tampa
He also serves as a mediator, certified by the Supreme Court in Circuit Civil, handling diverse cases in both state and federal courts, including labor and employment disputes. Additionally, he is Phelps' Florida Pro Bono partner. Brandes earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law and holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
40. Ryan Foster
Managing Director, Deputy General Counsel, Riveron
Ryan Foster is a Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel at Riveron. He first joined the company in 2021. Riveron is a national business advisory firm that partners with investors and CFOs to elevate performance and expand possibilities across the transaction and business lifecycle. Their thoughtfully integrated teams bring industry perspective and deep functional expertise across accounting, ESG, finance, operations, strategic communications, tax, and technology – to generate tailored solutions for any challenge.
Previously, Foster was a general counsel, EVP of human resources, compliance and corporate secretary at Digital Media Solutions. Before that, he was the chief compliance officer at Regional Finance. Earlier in his career, he worked with Thirteenth District Court of Appeals as a briefing attorney and judicial law clerk. Foster earned a JD from SMU Dedman School of Law and an undergraduate degree in economics and marketing from Southern Methodist University.
41. Drew Lewis
Partner, Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer P.A
Andrew J. Lewis is a Partner in the Tampa office of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. He focuses his practice in the areas of: insurance defense, insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, automobile liability claims, toxic torts, and first party and third party property casualty claims. He also serves as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit and County Court Mediator. Notably, QPWB is the largest minority and women owned law firm in the nation. The firm is composed of exceptional lawyers and staff who all have unique and different backgrounds, experiences, personalities and ideas to guide the firm to success and address their clients’ needs.
Previously, Lewis was a partner with a civil litigation law firm in Tampa. He has focused his practice throughout west central Florida in the defense of personal and commercial litigation, bad faith claims, and in matters involving the representation of insurance carriers and their insureds, as well as self-insureds. Lewis received his JD, with honors, from Florida State University College of Law in 1992 and BS, cum laude, from Florida State University in 1989, graduating with a major in finance. While in law school, he was a member of Phi Delta Phi.
42. Brian Albritton
Partner, Phelps Dunbar LLP
Brian Albritton began his professional career 35 years ago. Today, he is a Partner at Phelps Dunbar LLP. With offices positioned along the Gulf Coast from Houston to Tampa, Phelps is a regional law firm of more than 300 attorneys uniquely equipped to serve clients in the major commercial centers of the burgeoning “Third Coast” of the United States. Whether doing business with the expanding economies of Latin America or involved in the vibrant energy industry, Phelps can help. They are recognized for their admiralty, business, employment, health care, insurance and litigation services.
Albritton got his start in 1988 as a law clerk at U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges. From there, he went on to Stetson University College of Law, before eventually rising to U.S. attorney at U.S. Attorney Middle District of Florida, his most recent position prior to joining Phelps Dunbar LLP. Albritton graduated from Boston College Law School with a JD, from Harvard Divinity School with a master’s in theological studies and from New College of the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree.
43. Nina Lacevic
General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Amscot Financial
Nina Lacevic is the General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Amscot Financial. She first joined the company in 2012. Founded in 1989, Amscot Financial is an American financial services company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. They provide consumer financial services through a network of 237 retail branches located exclusively within Florida.
The company's core services include check cashing, bill payment, prepaid access cards, short-term cash advances, money orders, ATMs in every branch, wire transfers, notary services, fax services, and postage. Amscot’s brand is The Money Superstore. Lacevic earned a JD from the University of Florida’s Fredric G. Levin College of Law, an LLM from Georgetown University Law Center and an undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida.
44. Campbell McLean
Partner and Attorney, GrayRobinson P.A
Campbell McLean is a Partner and Attorney at GrayRobinson P.A. GrayRobinson is a multidimensional team of attorneys, advisors, and consultants – recognized as one of the most influential firms in Florida. Its nearly 300 professionals partner with successful businesses and enterprising individuals to resolve disputes, anticipate industry shifts, and harness forward momentum. The firm serves clients nationally from 15 offices across Florida and Washington, D.C.
Before joining GrayRobinson in 2000, McLean worked in the land use section of the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office for nearly two and a half years, focusing on eminent domain and land use litigation. He was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. In 1991, he graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in history and a minor in American studies. McLean went on to receive a MA in history from Emory University in 1995 and that same year returned to the University of Florida to begin earning his JD. He is also an Eagle Scout.
45. Brandon Szymula
Partner, Hall Booth Smith P.C
Brandon Szymula is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s Tampa, Florida office. Established in 1989, HBS is a full-service law firm with 29 offices across the United States. Experienced across a wide range of legal disciplines, HBS attorneys pride themselves on providing knowledgeable, proactive, client-specific counsel to individuals, domestic and international corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Notably, Szymula came to HBS with extensive experience with aging services and general liability matters, representing numerous nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare providers.
Szymula has also successfully represented financial institutions, businesses and individuals in consumer finance litigation, real property litigation, intellectual property litigation, and general business litigation. He received his JD from Stetson University College of Law, his MBA. from Stetson University, and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Szymula also sits on the board of directors for the non-profit organization, Johnny Valenti Memorial Inc., which is dedicated to honoring the memory of attorney and friend, Johnny Valenti. Szymula is also part owner of a Tampa-based brewery, an avid Gator fan, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.
46. Bob Boos
Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
Bob Boos is a Partner at Adams and Reese LLP. As a litigator with nearly 40 years of lead counsel experience, Boos approaches his work with the notion that every client’s situation is different. Some clients expect to take an aggressive no-stone-left-unturned approach, while others may prefer to resolve a case early on in the process, as expeditiously and inexpensively as possible. An industry veteran, Boos is able to develop strategies at either end of the spectrum, as well those in between, to achieve his client’s objectives.
Boos represents clients both at trial and in arbitration/mediation across the country in litigation involving products, contracts, shipping, commercial leases, employment, construction, real estate, banking, securities, insurance and health care – in virtually any type of business dispute. He has also handled class action defense matters, both in state and federal courts. Boos earned a JD from the University of California, Los Angeles-School of Law and an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame.
47. Robert Beckmann
General Counsel & Secretary, BlueGrace Logistics
Robert Beckmann is the General Counsel & Secretary at BlueGrace Logistics. Founded in 2009, BlueGrace Logistics is one of the largest third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the United States. With over 500 employees and working with over 10,000 customers to provide successful shipping solutions, the company has achieved explosive growth in its 10-year operating history. Backed by a $255 million investment by private equity firm Warburg Pincus, the company operates 12 locations nationwide. Its headquarters are in the sunny Tampa Bay area of Florida.
Beckmann joined Blue-Grace in 2010. He has spent the last 25+ years working for national companies as in-house counsel with specializations in M&A, employment and franchise law. Beckmann received a BSBA in Accounting/Computer Information Systems and a JD from the University of Arkansas. He also holds a Masters of Corporate Law from New York University. Additionally, he is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Before joining Blue-Grace, Beckman had the privilege of working for The ServiceMaster Company and AutoZone Auto Parts.
48. Kimberly Jones
Partner, Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP
Kimberly Jones is a Managing Partner at Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman’s Tampa office. WSHB offers world-class representation for clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 500 corporations, with an emphasis on small to middle market firms. In her current role, Jones supervises complex insurance and general liability litigation, from the claim stage to appeal. She represents admitted and surplus lines insurance carriers, providing advice to clients in first- and third-party coverage matters. Prior to joining the firm, Jones served as in-house staff counsel for an insurance carrier. Jones also previously clerked at the Florida Supreme Court and at the Second District Court of Appeal.
Furthermore, Jones’ background as staff counsel for an insurance company and judicial law clerk allows her to provide targeted advice to clients from an economic and strategic perspective in Florida’s unique litigation environment. She currently serves as Immediate Past Chair for the Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar, and is a member of WSHB’s National Diversity Task Force. She was a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2014-2016. Additionally, she actively publishes and speaks at seminars on insurance coverage and appellate issues. Jones graduated from Boston University School of Law with a JD and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in English and journalism.
49. Luis Artime
General Counsel, Drillmec Technologies
Luis Artime is the General Counsel at Drillmec Technologies. He first joined the company in 2015. Drillmec Technologies is a global OEM company that engineers cutting edge and responsible solutions to the oil and gas industry enabling to perform in a constantly changing environment, through its ability to overcome complexities by integrating and adapting while applying over 100 years of history
Previously, Artime was a counsel at Alvarez Arrieta & Diaz-Silveira LLP. Before that, he served as a chief legal and compliance officer at Global Legal and Compliance Executive. Earlier in his career, he worked with AHI Healthcare Systems as a SVP and general counsel. Artime earned a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and an undergraduate degree in political science and latin american studies from Fordham University.
50. Alexis Connell
Partner, Burns White LLC
Alexis Connell is a Partner at Burns White LLC, a law firm that was established in 1987. Since then, they have grown from their original five members to more than 150 innovative lawyers. With over 15 years of legal experience, Connell specializes in defending physicians, nurses, administrators and other health care professionals in complex medical malpractice, aging services, professional liability and general liability matters. Connell has handled numerous cases for nursing homes and other health care systems, and represents clients in all aspects of civil litigation including settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration and trial.
Earlier in her career, Connell worked at two major defense firms in Florida, where she focused on nursing home defense, professional liability, general liability and insurance defense matters. Before entering private practice, Connell represented indigent parties in juvenile dependency cases in a newly formed Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel in Hillsborough County, Florida. Connell earned her JD with a Sports Law Certificate from Florida Coastal School of Law. She also completed a BA in criminology with a minor in anthropology at the University of South Florida.
