Premises Liability
Premises Liability Team
When an owner of a business or home fails to secure the safety of those entering the premises, the owner may be responsible for harm or injuries that may arise.
Our premises liability attorneys represent property owners in claims arising from personal injuries, wrongful death, injuries caused by code violation, injuries caused by premises in disrepair and injuries due to the presence of toxic or any dangerous substances.
Premises Liability Team
Brian is Of Counsel as in the firm’s San Diego office; and specifically works in the Product Liability Department. Mr. Murphy’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus on product liability, premises liability, personal injury, and government liability. In his professional career, Brian has successfully represented corporate clients, private individuals, and government clients in all phases of litigation. His representation includes manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and major retailers in numerous areas within the field, such as mass and toxic tort litigation, product defect claims, as well as defending claims involving consumer and commercially available chemicals, substances, and materials.
Over the course of nearly 20 years, Mr. Murphy has represented a diverse range of clients, including large and small businesses in the biotech, chemical, communications, construction, education, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, law enforcement, manufacturing, pest control, private post-secondary school, retail, and transportation industries.
Mr. Murphy also has extensive experience defending municipalities (defending government entities and their employees and school districts) and employers. He is admitted to practice in California.He is admitted to practice in all California district Courts, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California.
He earned his law degree from University of San Diego School of Law and his undergraduate degree from University of California, Riverside.
Of Counsel
Kristal Aparicio is an Associate in the firm’s Miami office. Mrs. Aparicio’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation, with a primary focus on general liability.
Mrs. Aparicio’s General Liability experience includes premises liability, personal injury, property damage, professional liability, automobile and trucking accidents and wrongful death cases.
Ms. Aparicio regularly handles actions involving issues such as intentional torts, negligence, negligence security, premises liability, products liability, and slip and fall.
Associate
Timothy Armstrong is an attorney who serves as Of Counsel at Lydecker’s Jacksonville office. Mr. Armstrong’s practice involves all aspects of state civil trial litigation with a primary emphasis on premise liability, bodily injury defense, and tort liability.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Armstrong was the founding partner of his own law firm where he focused his practice on personal injury, family law, and criminal defense matters. Moreover, he previously worked as an insurance defense attorney for a medium-sized law firm where he concentrated his practice on complex civil litigation, serious bodily injury, and wrongful death cases. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Armstrong was previously a professor at Florida State College of Jacksonville where he taught Legal Research and Writing I and II to students in the paralegal program. Likewise, Mr. Armstrong previously taught business law at the college level and graduate school level.
Mr. Armstrong began his legal career at the Public Defender’s Office in and for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. While there he gained tremendous experience defending over two thousand cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex felony cases. Mr. Armstrong provides aggressive legal counsel and is committed to giving the highest level of legal representation to his clients at Lydecker.
Mr. Armstrong received his undergraduate degree from Jacksonville University in 1992. While there, he was a regular on the Dean’s list and was very active in both social and business fraternities. Following his graduation, he received his M.B.A. in international finance from American University in Washington, D.C. where he was likewise on the Dean’s list many semesters. Mr. Armstrong graduated at the top of his law class with honors cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 1999.
While in law school Mr. Armstrong was an Editor on the distinguished University of Miami Business Law Review. He was also a semi-finalist in the Moot Court competition while in his first year of law school. Similarly, he served in the Student Bar Association where he was elected twice by his fellow peers as a student senator. Mr. Armstrong is committed to thoroughly and aggressively representing clients at Lydecker, LLP.
Of Counsel
Victoria A. Arthington is an associate in Lydecker’s Orlando office where she concentrates her practice in civil litigation with a primary focus on personal injury and premises liability law. In her personal injury and premises liability practice, Ms. Arthington primarily represents and advises business owners and condominium associations in various civil matters, and litigation.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Arthington worked with investors and landowners by helping them navigate complex zoning and compliance issues with real estate investments. Ms. Arthington earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida School of Law, where she also served in the Conservation Law Clinic.
Mr. Arthington was admitted to practice in the State of Florida in 2020 and is an active member of the Florida Bar.
Senior Associate
Belissa Ardisson is an Associate with the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Ardisson’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, government liability, employment, and civil rights litigation.
Ms. Ardisson earned her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in May of 2021. While in Law School, Ms.Ardisson interned with the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office in the Domestic Violence division where she assisted with research and drafting pre-trial motions. Ms. Ardisson also worked as a research assistant and served as a member of the University of Miami Race and Social Justice Law Review.
Upon graduating, Ms. Ardisson served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office. During her time at the State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Ardisson handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to first degree felonies, handling all pre trial motions up to trial. Additionally, Ms. Ardisson served as a County Training Attorney where she trained new incoming attorney’s on how to prepare and argue different evidentiary hearings, pre trial motions, and assisted them in trial. During her time at the State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Ardisson litigated countless jury trials to verdict.
Associate
Kristoffer R. Budhram is a partner in the firm’s Jacksonville office and Georga (Atlanta and Brunswick) offices. Mr. Budhram’s practice involves all aspect of general litigation. Mr. Budhram has had experience in both Federal and State matters in Florida. Mr. Budhram earned his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law. Upon graduating Mr. Budhram spent time working on matters which included work spanning from complex commercial litigation, mass torts, and taxation. Mr. Budhram represents a wide range of clientele including governmental entities, products manufacturers, resorts, condominium associations, homeowners associations, pharmaceutical companies and various other establishments.
Partner
Jamie Baboolal is an associate with the firm’s Miami office. Her practice areas include products liability, premises liability, and general liability. Jamie graduated summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. During law school, Jamie received Dean’s List Honors, multiple CALI Excellence for the Future Awards, and was an active member of the Nova Moot Court Society and Nova Law Review. She also held positions as teaching assistant for Constitutional Law and research assistant for Health Law. While attending law school, Jamie worked as a law clerk at a boutique firm where she gained practical experience handling wills, estates, family law, and real estate transactions. Jamie also worked as a legal intern at a securities litigation firm where she gained valuable experience in securities class actions.
Associate
Angela M. Bekhit is an Associate in the Orlando office. She was born and raised in The City Beautiful Orlando and has resided in Florida her entire life. She earned her Juris Doctor at Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas in 2016 and her Bachelor of Science Degree from Nova Southeastern University.
Prior to joining the firm, Mrs. Bekhit was an associate at a general civil litigation firm practicing in the areas of family law, probate, homeowner’s association disputes, and estate planning.
Associate
Ms. Brice joined Lydecker as an associate in 2023. Ms. Brice has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She earned her law degree from Glendale University College of Law.
She currently focuses her practice on insurance defense litigation, products liability and personal injury. She also has experience in medical malpractice and worker’s compensation defense.
Ms. Brice is a member of the State Bar of California, California Lawyers Association, and Women’s Lawyer Association of Los Angeles, and is dedicated to promoting the full participation of women lawyers and judges in the legal profession. She is a vigilant advocate for each client she represents, taking great pride and interest in each case.
Associate
Rebecca A. Burstein is an Associate at the Boca Raton office. Mrs. Burstein’s practice includes general civil litigation, premise liability matters, and professional liability claims.
Mrs. Burstein obtained her law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law in 2019. During law school Mrs. Burstein participated in a judicial internship in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, was enrolled in a Civil Field Placement Clinic with Southeast Toyota Finance’s legal and compliance department, and was a law clerk at a large defense firm. Mrs. Burstein achieved Dean’s List recognition four consecutive semesters, and received the CALI Excellence for the Future Awards for receiving the top grades in Constitutional Law II, as well as in Law, Finance and Markets Seminar.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mrs. Burstein was practicing divorce and family law, and before that was an associate attorney at civil litigation firm where she specialized in complex litigation.
Associate
Yina Cabrera is an Associate in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Cabrera’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, government liability, and civil rights litigation. Ms. Cabrera also handles employment litigation matters, including FLSA and FMLA violations, and Title VII violations including discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment.
Ms. Cabrera earned her J.D. from Florida International University College of Law in May 2021, graduating with honors. During law school, Ms. Cabrera interned at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and was a research assistant at FIU Law, responsible for researching topics in employment discrimination. Ms. Cabrera was on the Executive Board of the FIU Law Review, serving as the Executive Comments Editor; her Law Review student note was chosen for publication in the FIU Law Review. Ms. Cabrera was also a member of the FIU Board of Appellate Advocates and was a semifinalist in the Intramural Moot Court Competition. Ms. Cabrera was the President of the Cuban American Bar Association, Vice President of the Employment and Labor Law Society, and served as a Student Ambassador. Furthermore, Ms. Cabrera was a Dean’s Scholar and was awarded an Excellence in Civic Engagement Medallion for her pro-bono work.
Associate
Denis M. Carey is Of Counsel in the firm’s New Jersey office. He is licensed to practice law in the federal and state courts of New Jersey and New York. He handles matters in the fields of premises liability, motor vehicle, construction defect, professional malpractice, construction casualty and insurance coverage. Mr. Carey has over 12 years’ experience in commercial litigation. He has been involved in numerous nationwide multidistrict litigations dealing with various product liability and drug injury cases. He’s also worked in securities fraud, data privacy, employment law, antitrust, and consumer fraud matters.
Of Counsel
Katrina Carrillo is an Associate at Lydecker handling Florida civil litigation matters. Ms. Carrillo has extensive experience in the defense of civil disputes. She maintains a varied practice in insurance defense and commercial litigation, including general bodily injury and casualty, and professional malpractice.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Carrillo was an Associate at a prominent Florida defense firm where she gained significant litigation experience representing numerous insurance carriers in First Party Property matters throughout Florida. While earning her Juris Doctorate, Ms. Carrillo clerked with the Honorable Judge Peter Lopez and also worked as a law clerk with boutique law firms in the Miami area who focused on insurance litigation at both the State and Federal levels.
Associate
Matthew Cassman is Of Counsel in the firm’s Jacksonville office. Mr. Cassman’s practice involves all aspects of general litigation. Mr. Cassman graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in May of 2015. While attending law school, Mr. Cassman was on the Moot Court team and earned Pro Bono Honors for volunteering more than 125 hours during his time in law school. Additionally, Mr. Cassman was in the inaugural “Fast Track” program, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in two years. Upon graduating, Mr. Cassman spent time working on first and third party property insurance claims, as well as personal injury matters.
Of Counsel
Ms. Centrone was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She attended Columbia College on their Presidential and Leadership scholarships and was a member of the Honors Program, Student Advisory Committee, and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Erin completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida where she was a founding member of the Mock Trial Association and active in Pre-Law Society. Erin is a cum laude graduate of Stetson University College of Law where she earned numerous Honor Roll distinctions as well as four book awards.
Ms. Centrone is a seasoned civil litigator with experience defending clients through agency investigations as well as litigation in administrative, state, and federal courts in Florida. Her practice includes representation in diverse first- and third-party claims, including personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice, D&O, bad faith actions, labor & employment matters, whistleblower, complex litigation, catastrophic claims, and SIU/fraud matters.
Ms. Centrone has been recognized as The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in each of its first three years, each year in three distinct areas of practice. She received the Ones to Watch designation for Labor and Employment, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Most recently, Ms. Centrone was named among The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation – 2024.
Of Counsel
Katherine Chin is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and an associate in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Chin represents corporations, entrepreneurs, media companies, entertainers, and municipal entities in all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation and arbitration. Ms. Chin’s practice is primarily focused in commercial litigation including contractual disputes, business torts, and intellectual property. Additionally, Ms. Chin represents public and private employers and insurers against civil rights, health, and disability related claims.
Outside of the courtroom, Ms. Chin advises employers on day-to-day operations, employment matters, and helps clients navigate compliance issues, including federal and state agency investigations before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Associate
Mr. Conto is a Partner at the firm’s Boca Raton Office. Mr. Conto began his career in law representing corporations in legal matters concerning maritime law. Mr. Conto then joined a well-known litigation defense firm with offices throughout Florida. There he focused his practice on defending corporations in construction defect matters, premises liability matters and negligent security matters involving claims of wrongful death. He also represented insurance companies in high exposure first-party property disputes.
At Lydecker Mr. Conto is concentrating his practice on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, environmental consultants, product manufacturers and insurance carriers in a variety of contexts arising from the construction and use of real property. Mr. Conto has successfully represented clients in all phases of litigation including trials, summary judgment proceedings and mediations.
Partner
Mr. Costa is an Associate Attorney at Lydecker, handling matters throughout the State of Florida, in both State and Federal Courts. He engages in a wide variety of insurance defense and commercial litigation areas, including general bodily injury and casualty. He also handles labor and employment matters and various other civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Costa handled civil rights claims, labor and employment claims, personal injury claims, and workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Costa obtained trial experience as first chair in multiple jury trials prior to joining Lydecker, and had received favorable judgments on behalf of his clients.
Associate
John P. Daly is based in Lydecker’s Orlando office where he serves as Of Counsel. He is a skilled litigation attorney with over 30 years of experience handling complex litigation in State and Federal Courts throughout Florida. He has tried multiple civil jury trials as lead counsel to verdict and handled scores of appellate matters, including oral arguments in the 1st and 2d District Courts of Appeal.
Mr. Daly’s practice areas include automobile negligence, premises liability, professional liability, and first- and third-party insurance claims.
Of Counsel
Eliz Demren is an Associate in the Products Liability department of Lydecker’s Miami office. Prior to working at Lydecker, Ms. Demren was an associate at a boutique complex civil litigation firm. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the Honors College at Florida International University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.
During law school, Eliz received the Dean’s Certificate of Achievement Award and CALI Excellence for the Future Award for receiving the top grades in her courses. She also competed in Moot Court, interned for Circuit Court Judge Spencer Eig, and externed for Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan. While earning her Juris Doctor, Eliz completed several internships at various law firms to fully maximize her time in law school before beginning to practice as an attorney.
Associate
Jacob Diamond is an Associate in the firm’s Jersey City office. Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Diamond served as a Law Clerk in the Superior Court of Essex County, New Jersey, where he clerked for several judges in matters relating to General Equity, Civil, and Family Law. Mr. Diamond’s practice area involves all aspects of Civil Litigation.
Associate
Ms. Diefendorf is an associate attorney at the firm’s Orlando Office. Ms. Diefendorf earned her J.D. from Barry University School of Law in 2022. While in Law School, Ms. Diefendorf interned with the Public Defender’s Office in the Seventh Judicial Circuit, located in Daytona Beach, where she assisted with research and drafting pre-trial motions.
During her third year of law school, Ms. Diefendorf was a Certified Legal Intern for the State Attorney’s Office in the Seventh Judicial Circuit, located in Daytona Beach, where she assisted the Misdemeanor and Felony Divisions with preparing cases for trial.
Ms. Diefendorf was admitted to practice in the State of Florida in 2023 and is an active member of the Florida Bar.
Associate
Cynthia Carrasco-Escalera is an Associate in the firm’s Orlando office. Ms. Carrasco’s current practice is primarily focused on personal injury.
Ms. Carrasco obtained her Juris Doctor from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University College of Law, with Cum Laude honors. While in law school, Ms. Carrasco worked as an educator in the State of Florida, where she taught career and technical courses.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Carrasco served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida. In this role, she gained extensive trial experience by conducting multiple jury trials of misdemeanor and felony cases.
Associate
I am litigation associate in the firm’s Orlando office, where I focus my practice area in a range of topics in general civil litigation. I graduated from Barry University with a Juris Doctor in 2018 and the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a behavioral forensics certification in 2015. During law school and prior to joining the firm, I worked in both state and federal litigation along with transaction contract work. Along with Florida state admission, I am also admitted in Middle and Southern District of Florida.
Associate
Lucero Ayala Feliciano is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Tampa office, where she practices civil litigation.
Ms. Feliciano earned her J.D. from WMU-Cooley Law School in December 2021, graduating with honors. During law school, Attorney Feliciano was a member of the Mock Trial Board, Law Review, and Phi Alpha Delta, while also volunteering at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Meals on Wheels, and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.
Ms. Feliciano passed the Florida Bar Exam in February, 2022, and she has experience in both criminal and civil litigation.
Associate
Paula Ferris-Richardson is an accomplished trial lawyer serving as Of Counsel at Lydecker LLP, specializing in premises liability. With an extensive background in personal injury and criminal law, she excels in litigation strategy and trial advocacy. Her dedication to her clients and profession is driven by her unwavering integrity and commitment to excellence.
Paula was born in the US Virgin Islands and raised in the Little River area of Miami-Dade County. From her humble beginnings, she earned a full athletic scholarship (volleyball) to Florida Memorial University. While at FMU, she excelled both athletically and academically, even after suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery. Never one to let adversity prevent progress, she rehabilitated her knee, served as Captain of the volleyball team, and was voted MVP. Simultaneously, she continued to prove her academic excellence, graduating Magna Cum Laude and speaking at her Graduation Commencement Ceremony.
After her undergraduate studies, Paula went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from FIU while serving as a Probation and Parole Officer for the State of Florida. Her excellent time management and ability to effectively multitask allowed her to graduate with a 3.5 GPA.
She then earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, graduating with honors. As a member of the UF Trial Team, she won several state and school competitions and awards, including the title of Best Advocate and the Order of Barristers. All while serving a Judicial Clerkship for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court (Ft. Lauderdale) and later as a certified legal intern with the State Attorney’s Office, 8th Judicial Circuit Court (Gainesville).
Paula’s legal career began as an Assistant State Attorney at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office in the 11th Judicial Circuit, where she earned the rank of “A”-level felony prosecutor in just 3 ½ years. She then transitioned to her civil career as in-house counsel, where she earned her position as a Senior Trial Attorney. During this time, she honed her civil litigation skills in handling both jury and non-jury trials, motion practice, and deposition of lay witnesses and experts. In total, between criminal and civil cases, Paula has won 36 out of 39 jury trials and 38 out of 40 non-jury trials.
Despite all her individual accomplishments, Paula is also a team player, having made significant contributions as a Partner at a notable local firm, where she was instrumental in developing their personal injury protection unit. She enjoys collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. Additionally, she has demonstrated strong leadership abilities and a passion for mentoring junior attorneys to foster professional growth and success.
Beyond her professional achievements, Paula also once worked as an adjunct professor at Florida Memorial University, teaching various law courses. She is committed to her community, participating in various organizations such as her sorority Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and providing pro bono work whenever possible.
Paula is a proud wife to a brilliant husband, stepmom to three amazing kids, and an active aunt to exceptional nieces. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and is passionate about mentoring the next generation.
Of Counsel
Ms. Franks is a partner in the firm’s Miami office, where she defends local, national, and international organizations, as well as individuals, and tries catastrophic personal injury actions, premises liability matters, professional liability claims, construction defect matters, and medical/substance abuse treatment malpractice claims throughout the State of Florida.
Ms. Franks is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to South Florida in 2002 to study journalism and political science. Prior to pursuing her law degree, Ms. Franks taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami in the Department of Political Science for five years. Her classes included Intro to American National Government, the Legislative Process, and Congressional Representation. Ms. Franks earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011.
Ms. Franks has considerable experience dealing with automobile negligence, professional malpractice, medical malpractice, and premises liability matters involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and extra contractual exposure, including a focus on evidentiary issues, dispositive motion practice, complex liability claims, and damages mitigation.
Ms. Franks earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Miami in 2004. She graduated cum laude with a double-major in journalism and political science. Ms. Franks went on to complete a Master’s degree in Communication at the University of Miami in 2005, also graduating cum laude.
Ms. Franks earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011. At the University of Miami School of Law, Ms. Franks was the recipient of the Hugh L. Wood Scholarship, Outstanding Merit Scholarship, and the Ehrich Scholarship. Ms. Franks served as a research assistant to multiple highly regarded University of Miami School of Law professors in the areas of environmental litigation and legislation, the first amendment, and communication regulation.
Partner
Carolyn Gachet is an attorney in the firm’s Orlando office. Carolyn has experience in insurance defense, personal injury protection (PIP), auto glass, plaintiff bodily injury from car accidents, automobile subrogation where she represented a national insurance company, debt collection and construction defect litigation.
She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with Highest Distinction from Emory University, a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Microbiology from the University of Central Florida and a J.D. from Mercer University School of Law. In law school, she served as a member of the Moot Court Executive Board.
She attended Emory University and Mercer University School of Law on full-tuition, merit scholarships. She was accepted into three medical schools previously.
Prior to joining Lydecker, she created an online bar exam tutoring company and she honed her skills in high-volume civil litigation.
Carolyn’s diverse background and emphasis on customer service enable her to provide creative solutions for her clients.
She enjoys traveling, exercising and fine dining experiences.
Of Counsel
Mr. Garcia is an associate attorney at the firm’s Tampa Office. While earning his Juris Doctorate, Mr. Garcia served as a law clerk for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, where he assisted several judges in civil matters. Mr. Garcia also represented indigent clients as part of his law school’s Youth Defense Clinic. Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Garcia practiced in the areas of PIP, auto negligence, landlord-tenant, and public records violations at a Plaintiff’s firm. Mr. Garcia now practices a range of topics in civil defense.
Of Counsel
Paola Garcia’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation, with a primary focus on general liability. Ms. Garcia’s General Liability experience includes premises liability, personal injury, property damage, professional liability, automobile and trucking accidents, wrongful death, cruise ship accidents, and negligent security cases. Ms. Garcia’s practice includes specific experience with a variety of lawsuits for one of the largest transportation network companies. Ms. Garcia regularly handles actions involving issues such as intentional torts, negligence, negligence security, premises liability, dram shop, products liability, and slip and fall.
Partner
Michael Goldman is a Partner at the firm’s New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania offices. His practice focuses in the area of employment law. Michael represents employers across a multitude of industries in litigation related to employment discrimination claims, wage and hour claims, and restrictive covenants. He also counsels clients on best practices.
Michael has extensive civil litigation experience and handles cases from inception through trial. He regularly appears in federal and state courts, as well as in administrative law and dispute resolution forums. Prior to joining the firm, Michael practiced as an associate at a prominent New Jersey firm, concentrating his practice in defense litigation on behalf of private and public entities, with an emphasis on tort liability, labor and employment law, and civil rights defense. He also represented clients in the areas of wage and hour claims, commercial litigation, construction law, and education law. Earlier in his career, Michael was an associate at a well-known litigation boutique where he focused his practice on representing public entities in matters involving tort liability, labor and employment law, and civil rights defense. Michael has been selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star list from 2019-2023.
Partner
Laura Gonzalez is an associate in the firm’s Miami Office. Ms. Gonzalez’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, governmental liability, and labor and employment litigation.
Ms. Gonzalez earned her J.D. from Florida International University College of Law. While completing her legal studies, Ms. Gonzalez was a member of the FIU Board of Appellate Advocates and served on the board. Additionally, Ms. Gonzalez was President of School of the Cuban American Bar Association and served as a Student Ambassador.
Associate
Katie Gudaitis is an associate in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Gudaitis’ practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in commercial litigation, professional liability, labor and employment litigation, premises liability, and government liability.
Ms. Gudaitis’ Labor and Employment litigation experience includes representing private and public employers in all phases of employment litigation, from administrative hearings through trial on matters arising under Federal, State and local employment laws. Ms. Gudaitis regularly handles Federal and State actions involving issues of civil rights violations, sovereign immunity, qualified immunity, 1983 actions, wrongful death claims, Chapter 119 violations, sexual harassment, FLSA compliance, discrimination, retaliation, Title VII, whistleblower claims, fraud, and a battery of common law torts.
Partner
Jeremy W. Harris is the Co-Chair of the Firm’s National Catastrophic Injury and Loss Defense Department. Mr. Harris has extensive trial and appellate court experience in complex litigation, with a special focus on the defense of claims involving wrongful death, paralysis, amputations, traumatic brain injury, sexual assault, and other serious injuries. These claims can result from a multitude of alleged causes, including construction site accidents and collapses, road construction accidents, commercial trucking and car accidents, premises liability, negligent security, and products liability, to name a few. Mr. Harris has specialized knowledge of each of the industries involved in these claims-knowledge that he uses to represent his clients to the best of his abilities.
Mr. Harris’s judicial philosophy involves every action being taken only if it is a purposeful step towards a favorable end result for his clients, whether that involves litigating a matter to conclusion or providing the best possible platform for settlement. He believes attention to the plaintiff’s claim is paramount, but opportunities for risk transfer must always be fully explored. This is especially true in cases involving catastrophic injury, as these claims often have millions or tens of millions of dollars at stake.
Mr. Harris also maintains a healthy construction law practice and represents architects, engineers, general contractors/subcontractors, and developers in all manner of construction/design defect litigation.
He has taken hundreds (if not thousands) of depositions and has attended hundreds (if not thousands) of hearings. Mr. Harris has tried cases before many trial courts throughout the state of Florida and has engaged in oral arguments in front of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Districts of the State of Florida. He obtained favorable results in the vast majority of these trials and appeals.
Mr. Harris serves as defense counsel from accident investigation to trial (and beyond if necessary) and also serves as monitor counsel/trial counsel for large claims that need a second look or additional help due to the complexity of the claims. When asked to join ongoing litigation, his approach is to immediately and forcefully take all action necessary to ready a case for trial.
Before joining the firm, Mr. Harris was a shareholder and managing attorney of a national firm’s Florida office, leading a large team of attorneys in complex litigation. Prior to going to law school, Mr. Harris was part of his collegiate and high school debate teams-qualifying in college for the prestigious National Debate Tournament. He is a proud husband and father of four boys and enjoys weightlifting in his free time.
Partner
Mr. Hendricks is the Managing Partner for Lydecker LLP. He practices out of the firm’s Miami and Boca Raton offices where he maintains an active trial and civil litigation practice in the Federal, State, and Appellate Courts throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Hendricks’ areas of practice include general civil litigation and trial practice, commercial litigation, professional liability/malpractice defense, insurance/tort liability defense, and labor and employment. He also serves as lead trial counsel for the firm’s clients and carriers and oversees the firm’s trial teams. He has over 25 years of experience representing clients and has successfully defended clients against multi-million dollar cases as lead trial counsel. He is often called upon to assist clients and carriers on high exposure and large loss claims in his capacity as monitoring counsel or co-counsel.
Upon graduating with Honors from the University of Miami School of Law, Mr. Hendricks began practicing as an associate Greenberg, Traurig, in the environmental litigation and land use department. Looking to further his litigation experience he accepted a position as a practiced commercial litigation associate with Kimbrell & Hamann. In 1990, Mr. Hendricks relocated to Palm Beach County where he spent several years practicing insurance defense and commercial litigation at Walton Lantoff. He subsequently joined the firm of Carman, Beauchamp and Sang as a senior associate and trial attorney. From 1999 thru 2007, Mr. Hendricks was employed as a partner at Panza, Maurer, Maynard & Noel where he served as a senior litigation partner and lead trial attorney for many of the firm’s corporate, institutional and governmental clients.
In law school, Mr. Hendricks was the winner of the University of Miami Law School’s Mock Trial Competition and member of the National Trial Competition Team. He also served as a member of the Inter-American Law Review, member of the Society of Bar & Gavel, Society of Wig and Robe, and was inducted into the school’s Moot Court Board.
Mr. Hendricks’ representative clients include private and public educational institutions, environmental, pollution and toxic tort defense, prison liability, prison healthcare and liability, public and private corporations, municipal governments, state agencies and political subdivisions, insurance companies and self-insured entities. Mr. Hendricks’ trial experience includes Federal, state and appellate proceedings including public procurements and bid protests.
Managing Partner
Sarah Hinton is a Senior Associate at the firm’s Orlando office, where her focus is on Florida civil litigation cases.
Mrs. Hinton has represented companies of all sizes in all phases of litigation with a variety of complex civil litigation matters with a focus on auto accidents and premises liability. Mrs. Hinton has conducted countless depositions and has a track record of success drafting and arguing motions at all stages of litigation.
Mrs. Hinton began her career as a Plaintiff’s litigation attorney and has since dedicated her career to being a Defense litigation attorney giving Mrs. Hinton a unique and vast amount of experience in civil litigation from both sides.
Mrs. Hinton achieved her undergraduate degree from Florida State University graduating cum laude and her juris doctorate degree from Barry University School of Law. During her legal career Mrs. Hinton has also been a Certified County Mediator, a Certified Legal Intern and a Guardian Ad Litem.
Senior Associate
John Jabro is an associate in Lydecker’s Orlando office where he practices civil litigation with a primary focus on personal injury and premises liability law. Mr. Jabro primarily represents business owners and condominium associations in various civil matters, and litigation.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Jabro worked as a legal assistant for a civil litigation firm located in Sarasota, Florida.
Associate
Gabrielle Johnson is an Associate Attorney in the Orlando, FL office where her primary focus is Premises Liability. She is originally from Miami, FL and resided there her entire life prior to migrating to Orlando in 2020.
Gabrielle received her Bachelor’s of Arts from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton where she majored in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science.
Thereafter, Gabrielle attended Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate. While in law school Gabrielle participated in the Juvenile Defense Clinic and the Collaborative Family Law Clinic. Gabrielle also had the opportunity to intern at a New York based corporation where she gained valuable experience in the area of Corporate Governance and Employee Benefits.
Prior to joining the Lydecker family, Gabrielle gained experience in Criminal Law as an Assistant State Attorney at the State Attorney’s Office in the 9th Judicial Circuit in Orlando, FL.
Associate
Alan is a senior associate at the Firm’s Los Angeles office and a trial attorney for the Firm’s Product Liability Department.
Alan has represented companies of all sizes in all phases of litigation before State and Federal Courts in connection with a variety of complex civil and commercial litigation matters with a focus on product liability and premises liability. Recently, Alan served as trial counsel for an international corporation on a forty-four-day long jury trial involving novel issues of law and some of the nation’s most prestigious experts in both medicine and industrial hygiene.
Throughout his career, Alan has defended a wide spectrum of clients including manufacturers of building materials, personal cosmetic products, automotive parts, tools, naval equipment, ceramics, vehicles, electrical cable, televisions, and cooking appliances as well as premises owners such as apartments, hotels, shopping malls, and grocery stores.
Mr. Khlevnoy is originally from Los Angeles and attended law school at the University of San Diego School of Law. During law school, Mr. Khlevnoy won first place at the American Association for Justice Mock Trial Competition and he was nominated by one of his professors to study at Georgetown University School of Law and work for a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Alan’s favorite teams are the Lakers, Dodgers, Kings and Rams.
Senior Associate
Young Kim is an Associate located in Lydecker’s Jersey City office. He is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Kim’s practice area involves all aspects of Civil Litigation in the state courts of New York and New Jersey.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Kim served as a Law Clerk in the New York State Supreme Court Civil Division, and he also practiced as a trial and appellate counsel handling civil matters involving real property disputes and mortgage foreclosure defenses.
Mr. Kim attended New York Law School, as a Global Law Fellow receiving a merit-based full scholarship. During the second year in Law School, Mr. Kim participated in the New York City Municipal Litigation Defense Clinic and worked for the Tort Division of the New York City Law Department. In his third year, Mr. Kim was accepted into the New York State Pro Bono Scholar program and worked at the Legal Services NYC.
Prior to law school, Mr. Kim worked as a legislative aide to a member of the New York State Assembly.
Associate
Shaun Robert Koby is a Shareholder with the Firm’s Florida offices. His practice focuses in the areas of complex commercial litigation, professional malpractice, insurance defense, and constitutional law.
Mr. Koby earned his undergraduate degree from the Florida State University in 2004. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminology. Mr. Koby graduated first in his class out of over 9000 students.
Besides academics, he was also actively involved in Student Government and created two community service organizations that enabled students to perform countless hours of service to the FSU campus and surrounding community. During the summer before graduation, Mr. Koby was an intern in the Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs for Governor Jeb Bush.
Mr. Koby earned his Juris Doctor Degree, with honors, from the University of Florida in 2007. He was a Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing, Appellate Advocacy, and Trial Practice. Mr. Koby also created a community service organization named Gators United Together for Service and was awarded a Community Service Certificate upon completion of law school.
Partner
David B. Kowalski is a partner in the Orlando office of Lydecker. He has extensive experience in the defense of civil disputes. Mr. Kowalski represents a wide range of clientele, including condominium associations, homeowners associations, governmental entities, trucking companies, products manufacturers, resorts, restaurants, and other establishments within the hospitality industry. This diverse background provides him with a unique perspective on the needs of each individual client. He has significant experience in cases of catastrophic personal injury, large settlement negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
While earning his Juris Doctorate, Mr. Kowalski worked as a law clerk with Jacksonville area law firms where he focused on complex commercial litigation. During the course of his clerkships, he gained experience litigating high value cases in state courts as well as the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. His interest in litigation lead him to Lydecker where he now practices a range of topics in civil defense.
Mr. Kowalski earned his Juris Doctorate in 2013 from the Florida State University College of Law where he graduated cum laude. There, he was an active member of the Dispute Resolution Society, Business Law Society, and Estate Planning & Elder Law Society. During the course of his legal education, Mr. Kowalski received numerous merit-based scholarships and was a five time recipient of the Dean’s List award. Prior to law school, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University.
Partner
Jessica is a partner at the Firm’s California and Florida office and the Head of the Firm’s Product Liability Department. In her professional career, Jessica has successfully represented both corporate clients and private individuals in all phases of litigation before Local, State and Federal Courts in connection with a wide variety of complex civil and commercial litigation matters, with a primary focus on product liability and premises liability. Her representation includes global manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and major retailers in numerous areas within the field, such as class action, mass and toxic tort litigation, recalled product claims, as well as defending claims involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials.
Jessica is originally from New York and attended college at the University of Connecticut, where she was a team captain of the Ski Team. Before beginning law school, she went on to commit two (2) years to Teach for America in Miami-Dade County. Teach for America is a highly-selective non-profit organization which recruits leaders with a record in achievement to expand educational opportunities and close the achievement gap in low-income communities. Afterward, she attended the University of Miami School of Law and joined Lydecker early in her career. Currently, in addition to her role as the head of the Product Liability Division for the firm, she is involved in mentorship of younger attorneys and leading the law clerk program.
Partner
Quinn LaHiff is Of Counsel in the firm’s Tampa office where his practice encompasses a broad range of civil defense matters.
A Florida native, Quinn received his Bachelor of Science of Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Stetson Law, where he served as Deputy Chief of the Stetson Ambassador and Mentorship Program. Upon graduation, Quinn began his practice as a civil litigation attorney representing clients in both state and Federal Court in a broad range of cases. In addition to litigating, Quinn also spent a significant portion of his career working in private capital and investment advisory firms serving as in-house counsel and chief compliance officer.
In his free time, Quinn enjoys spending time with his family in the great outdoors immersed in the natural beauty that his home state has to offer.
Of Counsel
Valentina Lopera is an Associate at the Firm’s Miami office. Valentina’s practice focuses on civil litigation and insurance defense. Valentina has experience defending claims for personal injury sounding in auto negligence, premises liability, and construction negligence, as well as defending first party property damage claims, civil rights claims, employment-based claims, and workers’ compensation claims.
After graduating cum laude from Florida International University with a degree in Political Science, Valentina obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. While in law school, Valentina was a Junior Associate and Bilingual Translator for the school journal, ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law.
Valentina has a commitment to pro-bono work and received an honorary distinction for completing more than 200 hours of pro-bono services during law school career. Valentina interned with Mission United Veterans Pro Bono Legal Aid Services of Broward County, where she helped low-income veterans appeal their military discharge status and/or their benefits; as well as assisting veterans in various civil matters including evictions and child custody disputes. Valentina also interned at the Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Law Clinic, providing legal assistance services to caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Valentina has experience having interned with the Miami-Dade Public Schools Board of Education.
After graduating cum laude from Florida International University with a degree in Political Science, Valentina obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. While in law school, Valentina was a Junior Associate and Bilingual Translator for the school journal, ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law.
Valentina has a commitment to pro-bono work and received an honorary distinction for completing more than 200 hours of pro-bono services during law school career. Valentina interned with Mission United Veterans Pro Bono Legal Aid Services of Broward County, where she helped low-income veterans appeal their military discharge status and/or their benefits; as well as assisting veterans in various civil matters including evictions and child custody disputes. Valentina also interned at the Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Law Clinic, providing legal assistance services to caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Valentina has experience having interned with the Miami-Dade Public Schools Board of Education. Valentina continues to do pro-bono work.
Associate
Christopher Lutzel is an associate at the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Lutzel concentrates his practice in Commercial and Homeowner’s First-Party Disputes, with an emphasis on Property Practice, Insurance Coverage and Extra-Contractual Litigation. Mr. Lutzel graduated from the FIU College of Law. While in Law School, Mr. Lutzel was president of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Society.
Associate
Natalia Pinzon Martinez is an associate in the firm’s Miami Office. Ms. Pinzon Martinez’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, governmental liability, and labor and employment litigation.
Ms. Pinzon Martinez earned her J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law, graduating with honors and a certificate in Human Trafficking. While completing her legal studies, Ms. Pinzon Martinez was part of the St. Thomas University School of Law Appellate Litigation Clinic, where she handled two appeals for the appellants in two criminal cases. Additionally, Ms. Pinzon Martinez was a member of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review and served as Vice President of Membership in the St. Thomas University School of Law Moot Court team, attending competitions in New Jersey and San Diego.
Upon graduating, Ms. Pinzon Martinez served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office. During her time at the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Pinzon Martinez handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to punishable by life offenses, from intake up to trial. Additionally, Ms. Pinzon Martinez served as the Assistance Chief of the Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Unit and Chief of Litigation. While in this position, Ms. Pinzon Martinez was in charge of the training of over twenty Assistant State Attorneys in areas ranging from court decorum, motion calendar practice, plea negotiations, to trial advocacy
Associate
Mr. Masson is an experienced civil litigator with a history of success in handling a broad array of complex and high exposure civil matters for individuals, insurers, and other business entities. Mr. Masson prides himself on being an out of the box thinker that is dedicated to meeting his client’s specific needs, providing them with superb legal representation, and obtaining very favorable results.
Of Counsel
Mewerick Mozza is an associate attorney at the Lydecker’s Miami office. Mr. Mozza concentrates his practice in all aspects of federal and state civil litigation.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Mozza worked for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida at the Chambers of Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan, where he aided with matters from Social Security Disability determinations, maritime personal injury cases, to international breach of contracts. Furthermore, Magistrate Judge O’Sullivan and Mr. Mozza were invited to Bolivia to provide an international conference where they were awarded Distinguished Visitor status and laws passed under their names for aiding the judiciary system in Bolivia. Additionally, Mr. Mozza worked for Mozza & Abogados Asociados exposing him to a different legal system. He counseled in the administration and legal transactions of the clients’ international businesses throughout South America and in the United States, including the purchasing and leasing of real estate and their international commercial transactions. Furthermore, Mr. Mozza was the recipient of the Law Awards 2022 by Latin American Quality Institute due to the exceptional performance in representing clients in international business transactions. In addition, Mr. Mozza worked at the Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine, P.A., where he handled personal injury claims and property damage claims in the pre-litigation and litigation departments. Mr. Mozza is committed to providing aggressive representation for all his clients and ensuring all clients receive effective legal representation.
Mr. Mozza graduated from the Trinity University with a Bachelor of Arts and Majors in Political Science, Philosophy, and International Studies in addition to a Minor in Human Communication in 2011. Mr. Mozza graduated Cum Laude from his Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2015, and was a member of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review. Subsequently, Mr. Mozza graduated from a Master in Law in International Commercial Arbitration from the University of Miami in 2017. Mr. Mozza additionally obtained a Bachelor of Humanities in Political Science from Universidad Autónoma Gabriel Rene Moreno, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, in 2022. In addition to being a member in good standing of the Florida Bar, Mr. Mozza is also a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Senior Associate
Daniel Muggeo is an associate in the firm’s Boca Raton office. Mr. Muggeo focuses his practice on civil litigation including the defense of negligence, traumatic bodily injury, wrongful death, and malpractice. Mr. Muggeo is admitted to practice law in Florida state courts. Mr. Muggeo received his Juris Doctorate from the Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University where he was a member of the ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law and the Nova Trial Association. He earned his undergraduate degree from Nova Southeastern University where he received his degree in legal studies.
Associate
Ms. Negrette is an associate at the Boca Raton office. Ms. Negrette’s practice includes construction defect litigation focused on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals. Ms. Negrette joined the firm in May 2023. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Negrette focused her practice in the areas of insurance coverage, first-party property defense, general liability, and complex commercial litigation.
While in law school, Ms. Negrette competed in four moot court competitions, including the National Puerto Rican Bar Moot Court Competition, where her team was awarded Best Brief at Nationals. Ms. Negrette graduated magna cum laude and received Book Awards in Contracts, Evidence, and Appellate Practice Workshop. During law school, Ms. Negrette also completed a judicial internship with the Honorable Tim Bailey of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.
Associate
Mr. Norris’s practice primarily involves representing, defending, and counseling business owners regarding a diverse array of legal issues. Mr. Norris has had the privilege of successfully representing hotel operators and other hospitality businesses, medical practices, airlines, MROs, universities, banks, governmental entities, large institutional clients, and small businesses.
Mr. Norris has extensively litigated matters involving labor and employment law, commercial law, professional liability, hospitality law, premises liability, ADA accessibility, real estate, admiralty and maritime, wrongful death, and various types of negligence. Mr. Norris has defended private and public employers in all phases of litigation, from administrative hearings through trial on matters arising under Federal, State and local employment laws.
Mr. Norris also has extensive experience servicing business owners in the preparation and negotiation of contracts, including stock purchase and asset purchase agreements, ensuring compliance with laws, rules, and regulations, and providing guidance to mitigate risk and limit liability.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Norris served as in-house counsel for a successful Real Estate Investment Company that focused on acquiring and re-positioning distressed assets.
Partner
Yanina Onyewenjo is an Associate at the firm’s Tampa office. Ms. Onyewenjo’s practice involves a range of topics, including personal injury, premises liability, and other topics in civil defense.
Ms. Onyewenjo obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Florida International University College of Law in May 2022, graduating as a Dean’s Scholar. During her tenure in law school, Ms. Onyewenjo refined her legal advocacy and negotiation skills through active participation in the FIU Law Negotiation & Mediation Team (“NAMT”). As a Finalist in the 18th Annual FIU Law Intramural Negotiation Competition, Ms. Onyewenjo was subsequently chosen to represent FIU Law at the 2021 ABA Regional Negotiation Competition in Chicago, competing against 24 teams nationwide. Her outstanding performance in four national and international competitions, along with her contributions to the negotiation team, led to her selection for the FIU Law 2022 Outstanding Negotiation Skills Award and FIU Law 2022 Outstanding Service Award.
Ms. Onyewenjo’s legal experience includes a judicial internship under the esteemed Honorable Judge Patricia Seitz. In this role, she gained profound insights into the federal court system and contributed to Judge Seitz’s pro bono re-entry program for ex-convicts. Ms. Onyewenjo also served as a law clerk at an international securities law firm supporting the legal department’s management of German class actions.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Onyewenjo worked as an Associate Attorney for a Florida insurance defense firm. In this capacity, she represented clients in general liability matters, including premises liability, automobile negligence, negligent security, and other issues related to liability and casualty defense. Ms. Onyewenjo has represented clients across various industries, including retail, hospitality, and insurance.
Ms. Onyewenjo’s hobbies include playing with her dog Bella, enjoying Florida’s art and music scene, bodybuilding, and discovering new vegan recipes.
Associate
Sienna Osta is an experienced civil litigator and focuses her practice on personal injury litigation including matters related to motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, negligent security, slip and fall, and medical malpractice cases. She has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a number of jury trials and bench trials, throughout the state of Florida, placing her in an advantageous position to strategically navigate proceedings in the best interest of her clients.
Sienna takes pride in creating and maintaining individualized, personal relationships with each and every client through open and direct communication. She provides frequent updates at all stages of litigation, and is always responsive and available to her clients. Sienna approaches every case with the aggressive dedication it takes to gain the best possible outcome.
Of Counsel
Mr. Sanchez Parraga is a partner at Lydecker’s Miami and New York offices. He counsels insurers on insurance coverage, claim adjustment, and contract interpretation on first-party property homeowners and commercial losses, bad faith litigation, fire/theft/fraud investigation, and windstorm coverage. In addition to handling matters of insurance coverage, Mr. Sanchez Parraga frequently represents insurers in trial and appellate courts in first-party property and bad faith litigation. He is also a frequent lecturer on seminars regarding first-party property claims and litigation topics.
Of Counsel
Mr. Polk is an Associate at Lydecker, handling matters in Florida at the State and Federal Court levels. He maintains a wide variety of insurance defense and commercial litigation practice areas including general bodily injury and casualty, construction defect litigation, employment litigation, product liability, professional malpractice, municipality litigation, and various other civil litigation matters.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Polk was a prosecutor for the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, Assistant Attorney for the Office of the Sarasota County Attorney, and has practiced general liability insurance defense since 2016 where he obtained extensive criminal and civil trial experience.
Associate
Stephanie Pidermann (Woodard) is a shareholder in the firm’s Miami, Florida office. Ms. Pidermann concentrates her practice on commercial litigation matters, as well as, defending, significant labor & employment, personal injury, premises liability, and professional liability lawsuits. She represents major hotels, grocers and retailers, Fortune 500 companies, insurers, governmental entities, and transportation companies in state and federal courts throughout Florida and the United States.
Ms. Pidermann’s Labor and Employment litigation experience includes representing private and public employers in all phases of employment litigation, from administrative hearings through trial on matters arising under Federal, State and local employment laws. Ms. Pidermann regularly handles Federal and State actions involving issues of civil rights violations, False Claims Act litigation, sovereign immunity, qualified immunity, 1983 actions, wrongful death claims, sexual harassment, FLSA compliance, discrimination, retaliation, Title VII, whistleblower claims, fraud, and a battery of common law torts.
Ms. Pidermann also regularly represents Directors and Officers in actions involving violations of consumer protection laws, misrepresentation, fraud, malpractice, breaches of fiduciary duties, violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and generalized negligence. She has represented insurance brokers, accountants, brokers, real estate professionals, title agents, closing agents, appraisers, home inspectors, escrow agents, and health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, physician’s assistants, and mental health practitioners involved in a wide array of claims.
Ms. Pidermann has been consistently recognized as a Florida Super Lawyers “Rising Star” since 2014 and has been recognized as a Legal Elite lawyer by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite since 2014.
Partner
Yehuda brings a wealth of experience as an associate attorney at our Jersey City office. He earned his J.D. from New York Law School in 2023. During law school, Yehuda served as an editor on a regulatory law database at an Amlaw 100 Firm and interned for special counsel at the District Attorney’s office, focusing on appellate matters.
Yehuda is a certified Mediator and is admitted to practice law in both New York and New Jersey. Prior to joining our firm, he worked on estate planning and general litigation matters.
Associate
Michael Poreda is Of Counsel in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania offices of Lydecker. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and is admitted to practice in five of the federal jurisdictions in those states.
He is an experienced litigator who has practiced widely in the areas of discrimination, civil rights, health care, personal injury, consumer fraud, and professional malpractice. His past clients have included municipal entities such as school boards and police departments, a variety of for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, and political candidates.
Michael clerked for the Honorable Hector R. Velazquez of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Hudson County and for the Honorable William J. Martini of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark.
Michael graduated with highest honors from Rutgers University with a B.A. He has an M.A. from Teachers College – Columbia University. He earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Seton Hall University School of Law where he was a law review editor. Before attending law school, Michael taught high school history in New Jersey and has served as adjunct faculty at Rutgers University. He is the 2024-25 Chair of the LGBTQ Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Of Counsel
Mr. Quetglas is an associate in the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Quetglas’ practice involves defending organizations and individuals involved in personal injury actions, premises liability matters, negligent security claims, professional liability claims, and construction defect matters throughout the State of Florida.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Quetglas was an associate at a boutique defense litigation firm based in Downtown Miami, Florida, where he represented insurers in complex insurance coverage litigation, claims handling, general liability claims, first-party property coverage, and bad faith litigation.
During law school, Mr. Quetglas worked as a Law Clerk at a national firm in Downtown Washington, D.C. specializing in the litigation of complex personal injury, medical malpractice, negligent security and civil rights matters.
Associate
Michael Rawlinson is a partner in our New York office. Mr. Rawlinson’s practice involves all aspects of Federal and State civil trials litigation with a primary focus on architects and engineers, construction (New York Labor Law and construction defect), premises liability and transportation.
Mr. Rawlinson’s trial experience includes trials brought under Labor Law Sections 200, 240, 241(6).
Mr. Rawlinson earned his J.D. degree from Fordham University with honors in litigation and participated in moot court.
Upon entering the workforce, Mr. Rawlinson continued his career in litigation. He has over 120 verdicts in his various practice areas.
Partner
Ana Reyes is an associate attorney in the firm’s Tampa office. Ms. Reyes’ practice involves all aspects civil litigation with a primary focus in labor and employment, personal injury, and premises liability law.
Ms. Reyes earned her J.D. from Western Michigan Cooley Law School, graduating at the top percentile of her class, receiving her Juris Doctorate with Magna Cum Laude honors. During law school, Ms. Reyes received Dean’s List Honors, Book Awards in Contracts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, and Business Organizations. Further, Ms. Reyes was a part of the Law Review Journal and served as the associate editor.
Associate
Mr. Richardson is an Associate in the Products Liability department of Lydecker’s Miami office. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University) and his Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School.
While earning his Juris Doctor, Jordan was an intern for a legal center for women and children. After finishing law school, he worked as a law clerk, gaining experience in maritime and personal injury law for a firm in Miami.
Associate
Ms. Robles is an Associate at Lydecker, where her focus is on Florida civil litigation. She maintains a varied practice in insurance defense and commercial litigation, including general bodily injury and casualty, and first-party property, as well as professional malpractice.
Before joining Lydecker, Ms. Robles was an Associate at Cole, Scott & Kissane in their First-party Property Group, representing carriers throughout South Florida and gaining extensive litigation experience.
Associate
Dianera Rodriguez is an Associate in the Products Liability department in the firm’s Miami office. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Rodriguez was an associate at a civil defense litigation firm where she handled premises liability claims, personal injury claims, property damage claims, and workers’ compensation claims.
Ms. Rodriguez earned Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice along with a Minor in Business from Florida International University. During law school, Ms. Rodriguez received the Dean’s Honor Award and CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Criminal Justice.
Associate
Kristina Sargent served as an enlisted soldier in the United States Army and Army Guard for over 15 years. Kristina graduated from the University of Baltimore and was a prosecutor in Baltimore City prior to moving to Florida in 2021. After spending 8 years practicing criminal law, Kristina shifted her focus to civil litigation. Kristina has extensive trial experience leading dozens of jury trials and high-profile cases.
Of Counsel
Geoffrey Sanders is a civil litigator in our Orlando office with extensive trial and appellate court experience. He practices general litigation and represents insurance companies in third party insurance disputes.
Mr. Sanders also defends clients in all manner of catastrophic injury cases, including wrongful death, amputations, and other serious injuries.
Mr. Sanders has spent thirteen years conducting thousands of trials, depositions and hearings. Some of his case experience is with auto negligence, auto glass PIP work, insurance defense and premise liability.
He has practiced in every trial court throughout the State of Florida, and has received favorable results for his clients across the state.
Prior to seeking his law degree, Mr. Sanders graduated from Kenyon College in 2001, where he specialized in International and Political Science.
While in college, Mr. Sanders became fluent in Mandarin Chinese, and spent several years as a student in Beijing, China.
After graduating from these institutions, Mr. Sanders practiced in the field of accounting and finance in Boston, Massachusetts. He later attended and graduated from Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International Management, where he furthered his specializations of accounting and finance with an MBA/MIM advanced degree.
Mr. Sanders subsequently worked on Wall Street in New York, before pursing his final passion with the law.
Of Counsel
Kyle Scher is an associate attorney in the firm’s Tampa office. Mr. Scher earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in 2022.
During his time at Stetson, he completed nearly 200 hours of pro bono service, and was recognized with the William F. Blews pro bono award. Prior to joining Lydecker in 2023, Mr. Scher gained experience through internships involving civil litigation matters. This included a summer at the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida where he assisted a family law judge.
Associate
Mr. Schlossberg is Of Counsel in Lydecker’s Boca office, where he defends clients in all manner of catastrophic injury cases, including wrongful death, paralysis, amputations, and other serious injuries. Mr. Schlossberg also practices construction defect litigation, where he represents general contractors, subcontractors and developers.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Schlossberg spent over 16 years practicing primarily in the area of insurance defense, where he defended clients in various premises liability, automobile negligence, property damage, and personal injury cases.
Of Counsel
Ms. Shraiteh is an Associate in the firm’s West Palm Beach Office.
Ms. Shraiteh earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law. Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Shraiteh was an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender for the 15th Judicial Circuit, representing hundreds of individuals in misdemeanor and felony court from arraignment to trial.
Associate
Brittany Singletary is Of Counsel in the firm’s Miami office. Her practice is concentrated in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, and vehicle negligence.
Ms. Singletary is a Miami native. After graduating from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Coral Reef Senior High School, she received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Florida International University. She went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law. Throughout law school, she clerked at a local prominent civil trial firm, and also served as a Fellow at the Children and Youth Law Clinic, where she represented children in foster care and former foster youth in dependency, health care, disability, immigration, and other legal matters. She also clerked at Legal Services of Greater Miami, where she represented low-income tenants to help them avoid homelessness and preserve their housing. Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Singletary practiced at a large Florida corporate insurance defense firm in the areas of wrongful death, premises liability, security negligence, condominium and homeowners’ association law, construction litigation, vehicle negligence, and trucking accident defense.
Of Counsel
James Spratt is Of Counsel in the firm’s Los Angeles office and practices in all courts in California. His primary areas of practice include complex commercial litigation, tort practice in products liability, real property and construction defect.
Mr. Spratt earned his Juris Doctor Certificate from University of La Verne and his Bachelor’s degree in History from University of California, Santa Barbara. While in law school, Mr. Spratt has held numerous legal internships, including Office of Legislative Affairs for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
In Mr. Spratt’s practice, he has held various partner positions with national law firms and has worked for national insurance companies, as staff counsel. He has worked defending national insurance companies in professional negligence, commercial trucking negligence, premises liability and habitability claims.
Mr. Spratt is active in conservation efforts of Santa Monica Mountains Restoration Trust and enjoys snow skiing and swimming in his spare time. He also enjoys spending time with his family and his German Shepard dog. Mr. Spratt is also a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Of Counsel
Carrie E. Stricklin is a partner in the firm, who works out of the Boca Raton office. She practices general civil litigation, concentrating in the areas of insurance defense litigation, including bodily injury; attorney malpractice; negligent security; and workers’ compensation litigation. Ms. Stricklin is admitted to practice in Florida and is a member of the Florida Bar Association.
Ms. Stricklin received her Juris Doctorate from the Shephard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University, where she was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and a Law Student Advisor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in History from Florida Atlantic University. During graduate school, Ms. Stricklin served as the President of the school’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, History Honor Society.
Partner
Ms. Sweet is a bilingual (English and Spanish) and highly experienced attorney. She has a proven track record of success in handling complex trials and high-profile cases. Ms. Sweet is committed to providing her clients with the highest level of legal representation, tailored to meet their specific needs.
Ms. Sweet was an Assistant State Attorney in Florida for over four years, where she gained extensive experience in handling complex cases and over dozens of jury trials. She then moved to work as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas. She moved back to Florida in 2023 and has been providing outstanding legal services in the civil litigation area of law ever since.
Ms. Sweet is committed to staying up to date on the latest developments in the law, and regularly is attending courses to keep her knowledge and skills sharp.
Partner
Robert Sylvester Jr. is a partner in the firm’s Tampa office. Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Sylvester served as a law clerk for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, where he assisted several judges in matters relating to civil, criminal, and family law. While earning his Juris Doctorate, Mr. Sylvester gained legal experience through his work with the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Harris Corporation, and the First District Court of Appeal. A strong interest in civil defense litigation brought Mr. Sylvester to Lydecker, where he practices a range of topics in civil defense.
Partner
Hunter Trubatch is a senior associate in the firm’s Miami Office. Mr. Trubatch’s practice focuses on the defense of different liability claims including serios bodily injury, premises liability, product liability, and general tort liability. Mr. Trubatch has a strong background in defending insurance carriers and employers against various types of lawsuits. Mr. Trubatch understands that every claim has its own nuisances and serious injuries carry a high risk of increased exposure. Mr. Trubatch believes that every case should be treated as such with the best possible outcome for his client at the forefront of his litigation strategy.
Prior to joining the firm in 2024, Mr. Trubatch worked as a workers’ compensation defense litigator for over five years defending insured employers, insurance carriers and uninsured employers against an array of claims from minor injuries to catastrophic ones involving amputations or paralysis.
Mr. Trubatch obtained his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University in Boston Massachusetts. While in law school, Mr. Trubatch was a student attorney in his schools Indigenous People’s Rights Clinic advising unrecognized tribes how to incorporate to gain a more concrete governing structure.
Senior Associate
Francisco is an Associate in the firm’s Miami Office. Mr. Varona’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, premises liability, and government liability.
Mr. Varona earned his J.D. from Florida International University College of Law and graduated Cum Laude. During law school, Mr. Varona served as the vice president of the Student Bar Association. Mr Varona was on the Executive Board of the FIU Law Review, serving as the Executive Alumni Relations Editor; his Law Review student note was published in the FIU Law Review. Mr. Varona also served as the vice president, and founding member, of the FIU chapter of the American Constitution Society. Mr. Varona was a Dean’s Scholar and received the CALI Book Award for Legal Skills and Values III.
Associate
J.W. Webb is a Litigation Partner in the firm’s Orlando office, where he maintains an active trial and civil litigation practice in Federal and State Courts throughout Florida.
Mr. Webb has considerable experience dealing with automobile negligence, arson, medical malpractice, premise liability and product liability cases resulting in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Mr. Webb has also handled cases dealing with bad faith, commercial transaction disputes, construction defects, declaratory actions, land disputes and property damage. He has successfully tried cases in Brevard, Broward, Marion, Orange, Palm Beach, Seminole, and Volusia Counties.
Mr. Webb began his legal career with Hightower and Rudd, P.A. a Miami based insurance defense firm. Shortly after joining the firm, Mr. Webb became the managing attorney of its West Palm Beach office.
After two years in practice, Mr. Webb was invited to join Kubicki Draper, P.A. a State-wide insurance defense firm, where he became a shareholder and was chosen by the firm’s managing partner to start its Orlando Office, which he ran for six years before opening his own law firm.
Mr. Webb has given lectures throughout the country on many subjects during his career. He lectures to insurance carriers on issues ranging from hospital liens and personal injury protection to complicated medial claims and high exposure cases.
Mr. Webb is licensed to practice law in all Florida State Courts and the . He has also served as a Guardian ad Litem for children in the Central Florida area.
Mr. Webb graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas in 1989 with a B.A. in business and a concentration in economics. Before going to law school Mr. Webb worked in the business world for a number of years managing companies in Texas, California, Illinois, and Florida.
Mr. Webb returned to his home state of Michigan to obtain his Juris Doctorate – Cum Laude, from Michigan State University. While attending law school, Mr. Webb served as Managing Editor of Business and Production for the Michigan State Law Review, as an intern for United States Federal District Judge Gerald E. Rose, and as a law clerk for the Department of Justice: United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan. During his tenure with the Department of Justice, under the internship section of the program, Mr. Webb functioned as lead counsel for the prosecution and trial of numerous misdemeanor cases.
Partner
Ronald (Ronn) S. Whitaker is a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office and brings a wealth of litigation experience in the both the public and private sectors. He has represented corporate clients, public entities and private individuals in all phases of litigation in both State and Federal Courts with an emphasis in the defense of product liability, class action, personal injury, civil rights, professional liability, and premises liability cases. He also has extensive experience in employment litigation, including being admitted in pro hac vice in the State of Arizona to successfully defend a large national corporation against claims of wrongful discrimination and racial discrimination. Prior to joining Lydecker, Ronn had a lengthy career in defending high exposure claims on behalf of both corporate and governmental clients, including a number of high-profile parties in high stakes litigation. He has represented multinational corporations, and has a deep understanding of the complexities in defending large corporate entities and institutions, including providing legal and strategic advice which contemplates the impact of large scale litigation and claims on the client’s competing needs.
As a trial attorney for Lydecker’s Environmental Mass Tort, Product Liability Department and General Liability Department, Ronn has tried in excess of sixty (60) jury trials as lead trial counsel with an outstanding record of success. At Lydecker, his primary focus is utilizing his extensive experience and unique background to vigorously defend global manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and other business owners from the inception of a claim through trial, as well as in spearheading new and emerging litigation in the mass and toxic tort arena.
Ronn completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA, and then obtained his law degree from the UCLA School of Law, where he was selected as a Distinguish Advocate in the Moot Court Honors Program.
Partner
Saasha Williams is an Associate Attorney at Lydecker with extensive experience in handling all aspects of civil litigation.
Saasha is a Central Florida native and member of the Florida Bar Association. Saasha graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. At Stetson, Saasha was involved in mentorship, community outreach, and fundraising for disabled Veterans.
Thereafter, Saasha earned her Juris Doctorate from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law in Orlando, Florida. After earning her J.D., Saasha devoted her career to serving the State of Florida as an Assistant State Attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit and a Senior Attorney for the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Prior to joining the Lydecker, Saasha gained significant litigation experience in a variety of areas of law making her a well rounded asset to the Lydecker family.
Associate
Demetrius Wilson is Of Counsel in the firm’s Orlando office. He earned his Juris Doctor from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of South Florida.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Wilson was an associate at a general civil litigation firm practicing in the areas of personal injury and nursing home defense.
Of Counsel
In Mr. Zaverl’s practice, he has held various positions with national and local law firms handling many different types of litigation. Mr. Zaverl most recently worked for a national insurance company, as staff counsel where he tried multiple cases a year for the past five years. He has worked defending individual policy holders as well as many well-known corporations in personal injury, premises liability, and product liability claims.
Mr. Zaverl, in his spare time, enjoys ice hockey (playing, coaching, watching) and photography. He also enjoys spending time with his children and his chocolate Labrador, Aldo. Mr. Zaverl is also a member of the Ventura County Bar Association.
Of Counsel
