Insurance Agents and Brokers
Our firm specializes in defending insurance agents and brokers in a wide range of legal matters, providing comprehensive legal representation tailored to the unique challenges faced by these professionals. We understand the complexities of the insurance industry and the critical role that agents and brokers play in serving their clients. Our experienced team is well-versed in handling disputes related to errors and omissions (E&O) claims, professional liability, regulatory compliance, and contractual issues.
We work diligently to protect the reputations and careers of insurance agents and brokers, utilizing strategic defenses and expert knowledge of the industry’s standards and practices. Whether navigating litigation, arbitration, or regulatory investigations, our attorneys are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. With a focus on minimizing risk and resolving disputes efficiently, we provide the legal support that insurance professionals need to continue their work with confidence.
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Insurance Agents and Brokers Team
Hagen Brody is Of Counsel in Lydecker’s Tampa office and the former Mayor of the City of Sarasota. Hagen was a felony prosecutor for Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. As an experienced trial attorney, he now focuses on representing clients in civil and commercial disputes across Florida.
Hagen is also a committed community member and recipient of the prestigious Sarasota County Bar President’s Award for Community Service having served several governmental, non-governmental, and philanthropic organizations over the years including:
Sarasota City Commission
Sarasota County Bar Association Board of Directors
Twelfth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Advisory Board
Sarasota County Tourist Development Council
Sarasota Bay Park Improvement Board
Sarasota Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Florida League of Cities, Land Use & Economic Development Committee
Teen Court of Sarasota Board of Directors
Brandi’s Wish Foundation Board of Directors
Booker High School Mock Trial Team Coach
Mayors Feed the Hungry
Hagen Brody is a Florida native, a graduate of Sarasota High School where he won a Men’s Tennis State Championship. The sport took him out west where he captained his Division I Men’s Tennis team at The University of California, Santa Barbara where he earned his undergraduate degree. Hagen returned to Florida to earn his law degree from The University of Miami and now lives in southwest Florida—but remains a Miami Hurricane fan.
Therese Adipietro is the Office Lead and Supervising Attorney in Lydecker’s Jacksonville Office. Ms. Adipietro’s practice includes all aspects of civil litigation. Ms. Adipietro has litigated numerous cases through trial throughout Florida, including bodily injury, premises liability, negligent security, product liability, foodborne illness, construction defect, third-party and first-party property, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Ms. Adipietro earned her B.A. and J.D. from Stetson University and was a member of the Stetson University Women’s Golf Team.
Peter Agola is an Associate in Lydecker’s Miami office. Peter is a 2023 graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, and a member of the Florida Bar. Prior to joining Lydecker, Peter spent time as a law clerk at a boutique complex commercial litigation firm, and an insurance defense firm, both located in Miami.
Oluwatomi Ajimatanrareje is an Associate in Lydecker’s San Francisco office. His practice focuses on civil litigation, construction defect, labor and employment, workers’ compensation, with an emphasis on product liability and mass torts.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with an emphasis in Political Theory, from the University of California, Berkeley, before earning his Juris Doctor at Penn State Law.
While in law school, Mr. Ajimatanrareje completed concentrations in Labor and Employment Law; Arbitration, Mediation, and Negotiation; Advocacy and Litigation; and Corporate Law and Practice. He was also an active member of the Black Law Students Association.
Before joining Lydecker, Mr. Ajimatanrareje began his legal career as a law clerk at a civil litigation firm, bringing valuable experience to serve the needs of the firm’s clients.
Dianna L. Albini, a Partner at Lydecker’s California Offices, has been a trial attorney for more than 34 years. She is recognized by Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™, and the Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™ Judicial Edition as an AV Rated-Preeminent member.[1]
Ms. Albini primarily handles complex catastrophic injury litigation, as well as mass tort litigation involving environmental, medical device implant, and pharmaceutical matters, and civil litigation. Ms. Albini has been admitted Pro Hac Vice as a trial attorney throughout the United States, including New Jersey, Florida, Montana, Georgia, Minnesota, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, and Illinois.
Ms. Albini founded her boutique law firm in San Francisco, California. As the firm’s trial attorney, she secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, and over the course of her career thus far, her clients have recovered more than $100 million. Ms. Albini also served on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Trial Lawyers. She is a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Trial Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Trial Lawyers Association. Ms. Albini, is a California and San Francisco Trial Lawyer of the Year Finalist on numerous occasions.
Ms. Albini is a member of the United States District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California and has appeared in the Court of Appeal of California, First, Second, and Fifth Appellate Districts.
Ms. Albini has served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Counties of Contra Costa, Alameda, and San Francisco, in the State of California. She has also volunteered as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco, Hastings, and Golden Gate University Law Schools.
Ms. Albini received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management and Administration from the University of San Francisco, where she attended on a full-ride athletic scholarship. Ms. Albini was the third female athlete inducted into the University of San Francisco Athletic Hall of Fame. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, where she made the Dean’s list.
[1] AV-Preeminent ratings are the Highest possible rating, reflecting the confidential opinions of California Bar and Judiciary members who know Ms. Albini’s legal ability and ethical standards.
Tiran Alon is an associate in the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Alon’s practice focuses on construction defect litigation. Mr. Alon’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and construction litigation. In his practice, Mr. Alon represents developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and insurance carriers in a variety of contexts arising from the construction and use of real property. Mr. Alon joined the firm in November 2020.
Mr. Alon obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law with Cum Laude honors. While in law school, Mr. Alon interned with the in-house counsel of two different corporations, where he ensured compliance with a wide range of regulatory matters. Mr. Alon was also the Vice President of the Intellectual Property Legal Society and served on the International and Comparative Law Review.
Forrest Andrews is the Chair of Lydecker LLP’s Errors & Omissions Department and Co-Chair of its Commercial Department. Forrest has extensive experience defending claims against attorneys, insurance agents and brokers, real estate agents and brokers, property managers, directors and officers, and other types of professionals. Forrest understands that his clients have spent years establishing their businesses and reputation, which is why he focuses his practice on providing effective legal strategies and solutions to protect those interests.
With respect to environmental claims, Forrest handles cases involving mold damage and exposure, air and water pollution, and other contaminates.
Forrest is also Chair of Lydecker LLP’s Appellate Department and is Board Certified in Appellate Practice by The Florida Bar. Forrest handles all types of appellate proceedings, including extraordinary writs, in state and federal courts, and provides litigation support services to trial counsel by developing effective strategies at the trial level in anticipation of an appeal.
Before joining Lydecker LLP, Forrest had an extensive career in the public sector, including serving as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Miami where he represented the City of Miami in many federal civil rights suits, personal injury, commercial, and appellate cases.
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.
Victoria A. Arthington is Of Counsel 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.
Jamie Baboolal is an Senior 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.
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.
Matthew Biondi is a partner in Lydecker’s New Jersey and New York office and has since established a solid reputation across a broad range of legal fields. His practice areas include construction litigation, general liability, New York Labor Law, professional liability, commercial litigation, and insurance coverage. Matthew is skilled at navigating the complex legal landscapes of both New York and New Jersey, where he is fully licensed to practice.
Matthew has developed a focus in defending construction defect claims on behalf of developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals, such as architects and engineers, in New Jersey and New York state and federal courts.
Matthew’s commitment to legal excellence is evident in his meticulous approach to case preparation and client advocacy. His analytical skills and comprehensive knowledge have led to successful outcomes in numerous high-stakes cases. He is particularly noted for his strategic use of pre-trial motions, which often result in favorable resolutions for his clients.
Upon earning his law degree, Matthew had the honor of serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Jamie S. Perri, J.S.C., in the Law Division of Monmouth County. This role provided him with invaluable insights into judicial processes and deepened his understanding of civil litigation, directly influencing his practical and thorough approach to legal challenges.
In addition to his courtroom achievements, Matthew is dedicated to the legal community, regularly contributing to legal journals and speaking at conferences focused on his areas of expertise.
Matthew’s professional principles are characterized by a steadfast commitment to justice and integrity, making him a respected figure in the legal profession and a trusted advocate for his clients.
Shyla A. Bostick is an attorney in Lydecker’s Jacksonville office and brings almost a decade of experience in criminal and civil litigation. She began her legal career as a solo practitioner, representing clients in criminal defense, family law, and civil disputes. Her practice evolved to include contract litigation, felony criminal trials, and complex family matters. Her exceptional communication and organizational skills allow her to navigate challenging legal environments while maintaining client trust and delivering efficient, respectful advocacy.
Ms. Bostick’s passion for defense litigation led her to expand into general liability and insurance defense, where she has successfully managed high-stakes civil cases from inception through trial, as well as skillfully advocating in mediation and courtroom settings. Beyond her practice, she is deeply passionate about community impact and dedicates time to pro bono work that uplifts underserved populations.
Ms. Brandspiegel earned her J.D. from Rutgers University Newark School of Law in May 2023. During law school, Ms. Brandspiegel interned for the New Jersey Attorney General Office. She also clerked for the law firm of Blume Forte Fried Zerres and Molinari during her third year of law school. Ms. Brandspiegel was on the Executive Board of the Rutgers Law Record, serving as the Executive Notes Editor.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Brandspiegel served as the Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Martha D. Lynes, J.S.C. Ret. And the Honorable Keri Ann Eglentowicz, J.S.C. in Hudson County, New Jersey.
Jane M. Braugh is a partner in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office and received her B.A. in English from the University of Kentucky. She attended law school at the University of Houston, Law Center in Houston, Texas. During law school, Jane M. Braugh studied abroad in Innsbruck Austria and Mexico City, Mexico, where she completed a law internship at Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), Mexico’s state-owned petroleum company.
After obtaining her juris doctorate degree, Jane M. Braugh was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas in the Financial Crimes Division, and practiced in Austin, Texas from May 1995 through December 1999. While an Assistant Attorney General, Jane M. Braugh took her first jury trial to verdict obtaining a judgment for the State of Texas against a nightclub owner in Fort Worth. Ms. Braugh co-authored the Texas County and District Attorney’s Practice Guide on Asset Seizure and Forfeiture, drafted proposed legislation and testified before Legislative committees regarding pending legislation.
Jane M. Braugh then transferred her practice to Southern California in January 2000 where her practice focused on a variety of complex litigation matters involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, product liability, premises liability, vehicular and trucking accidents, aircraft accidents, workplace accidents, labor and employment claims, and a variety of business and commercial disputes. Included in her practice is the participation in the complex courtrooms of Los Angeles County Superior Court, Judicial Council Coordination Proceedings (JCCP) for products liability cases involving auto and tire manufacturers. Such complex coordinated matters included those filed in, In Re Firestone Tires (including a jury trial to judgment in Ramon Moreno Sr., et al. v. ATV, Inc.) and In Re Winston Tires. Jane M. Braugh was part of the trial team that obtained a judgment after jury trial in the products liability case of Mendoza v. Ford Motor Co., in Kern County Superior Court.
Jane M. Braugh is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the State Bar of California. She is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern, and Western Districts of Texas, as well as the Central District of California. Jane M. Braugh is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Jane M. Braugh, a Native American, is also a member of the judiciary. In 2004, Jane M. Braugh was elected District Court Judge of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) of which she is a tribal member, where she served until 2010. On June 26, 2010, Jane M. Braugh was elected Associate Supreme Court Justice of the CPN Supreme Court where she remains serving for multiple consecutive terms.
Ms. Brice is a Senior Associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. 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.
Samantha Brown is an Associate in the firm’s Boca Raton office. Ms. Brown’s practice involves Catastrophic Injury & Loss Defense, Complex Commercial Litigation, Professional Liability, Municipal Defense, Environmental / Toxic Tort, Premises Liability, Products Liability, and Transportation Liability.
Ms. Brown earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, a minor in Legal Studies, and a Certification in Criminal Profiling and Intelligence and National Security from the University of Central Florida in May 2020.
Ms. Brown earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Upon graduation, Ms. Brown was inducted into the Order of Barristers, a national honor society. During law school, Ms. Brown was part of the honor program and received the Dean’s List award every semester. Ms. Brown served as NSU’s Trial Association’s Vice President of External Operations. She was a national competitor for the NSU Trial Team and NSU’s Moot Court Honor Society. Ms. Brown was a Senior Associate of Nova Law Review and a teaching assistant for criminal law and criminal procedure classes. Ms. Brown was President of NSU’s Federalist Chapter and National Security Society.
Before joining the firm, Ms. Brown was a Judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Weekes. Ms. Brown previously worked at a large defense firm practicing vehicular negligence.
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.
Abril Smith Caeiro is an Associate in Lydecker’s Miami office. Her practice centers on a broad range of Commercial Litigation matters, including business disputes, employment law and discrimination claims, as well as defending businesses against negligence and breach of contract claims.
Abril earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Science from Florida International University, graduating magna cum laude as a member of the Honors College. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law. During law school, Abril interned with a Fortune 200 company and served as a professor’s assistant for two consecutive years. She also dedicated over 300 hours to clinical and pro bono work, providing critical support to individuals navigating complex immigration proceedings.
Christopher J. Campbell is a Partner at Lydecker’s Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco offices, serving as lead counsel in state and federal courts, as well as high-stakes arbitration. Mr. Campbell’s practice focuses on defending companies across materials, industrials, utilities, healthcare, information technology, financials, and consumer discretionary sectors. Mr. Campbell prioritizes organizational objectives over legal convenience to secure favorable verdicts, settlements, and dispositive judgments.
As a trial attorney for Lydecker’s EPLI Department, Environmental Mass Tort, Product Liability Department and Professional Liability Department, Mr. Campbell has defended against complaints involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials, class action, mass, and toxic tort litigation, and recalled products claims. Mr. Campbell spearheaded growing nationwide silicosis litigation by bringing its bellwether case to verdict in Los Angeles County. His work with EPLI offers clients invaluable guidance on navigating the complex landscape of employment law. With a focus on defending employers in employment-related claims, Mr. Campbell has experience handling a wide range of workplace issues, including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and wage and hour disputes. Mr. Campbell has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in professional liability cases and is committed to protecting the reputations and careers of his clients. His dedication to delivering tailored solutions and safeguarding his clients’ interests makes him a trusted advocate in professional liability defense.
Finding his roots in the in-house legal department of an international company with over 13,000 employees, Mr. Campbell brings a unique perspective to the courtroom, tailoring litigation strategies to his clients’ executive philosophies and microeconomic constraints to advance long-term organizational goals through a trial-focused approach that forces outcomes on his clients’ terms. This has allowed Mr. Campbell to adopt a proactive methodology in developing internal employment policies and procedures to reduce risks and avoid costly litigation in the first place.
Mr. Campbell’s representative clients are diverse, ranging from multinational corporations, medical device and pharmaceutical companies to local business and municipal governments, as well as global manufacturers, distributors, and major retailers. Mr. Campbell specifically focuses on defending companies against complaints involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials, class action, mass and toxic tort litigation, recalled products claims, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage disputes.
Before joining Lydecker, Mr. Campbell defended businesses operating throughout California, and has acted as lead trial counsel throughout strategic discovery, pre-trial motion practice, and to completion of trial. His prior experience includes a range of manufacturer defect, fraud, employment, and regulatory compliance litigation on a state and federal level. In law school, Mr. Campbell was a Dean’s Merit Scholarship Recipient, and finalist and Best Opening Statement winner in University of California, Irvine School of Law’s Mock Trial competition. Mr. Campbell continues to participate in the development and mentorship of aspiring civil litigators.
Christopher Cancio is an Associate in Lydecker’s Miami office and is part of the Construction Defect Litigation team. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Christopher has a strong foundation in law and litigation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Puerto Rico, graduating cum laude in 2018. His pursuit of legal excellence continued at the Interamerican School of Law in San Juan, where he received a Juris Doctor in 2022. After gaining admission to the Florida Bar in 2023, Christopher launched his legal career as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office for Miami-Dade County.
During his tenure as a prosecutor, Christopher gained significant trial experience, handling a wide range of cases in both bench and jury trials. He was instrumental in the successful prosecution of numerous cases, honing skills in courtroom litigation, case strategy, and legal research. This invaluable experience laid a solid foundation for his transition into insurance defense at Hicks, Porter & Stein, P.A., where he represented corporate and insured clients in a wide range of civil matters, including premises liability, personal injury, and general negligence claims across Florida. Building on that litigation background, he later joined Lydecker, where he now focuses on complex construction defect litigation involving residential and commercial properties.
Christopher brings a results-driven approach to every case, ensuring that clients receive dedicated and effective representation. With a commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice, he is an integral part of the Lydecker team.
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.
Filippo Carnazzi is an associate in the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Carnazzi’s practice focuses on construction defect litigation. In his practice, Mr. Carnazzi represents developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals in a variety of contexts arising from the construction and design defect. Mr. Carnazzi joined the firm in February 2022.
Mr. Carnazzi was born and raised in Italy and he obtained his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in International Arbitration from the University of Miami School of Law. While in law school, Mr. Carnazzi interned with the in-house counsel with two multinationals companies, and he started his practice of law in Miami based law firm as an associate to assist companies in litigation and transactional matters.
Hannah Cast is an Associate located in Lydecker’s Jersey City office. Hannah’s practice focuses on representing insurers, businesses, professionals, and property owners in a wide range of civil litigation matters. She defends clients in complex construction accident claims and advises on construction and design contracts, working closely with contractors, developers, and design professionals. Hannah also has experience handling high-stakes directors and officers (D&O) and errors and omissions (E&O) claims, where she is committed to protecting the interests of executives, boards, and professionals.
Her work extends to general liability and premises liability matters, where she provides strategic defense to corporations, landlords, and commercial property owners facing claims of negligence or injury. In addition, Hannah practices in professional liability, representing a broad range of licensed professionals, and in transportation liability, where she defends motor carriers, logistics companies, and drivers against claims arising from roadway and cargo incidents. She also regularly advises employers in labor and employment disputes, including discrimination, wrongful termination, and workplace policy matters.
She obtained her J.D. from Seton Hall Law School. Hannah is licensed to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Hannah clerked for the Honorable Ana Esteves at the New Jersey Superior Court in Essex County.
Christopher Chapaneri is the managing partner for our offices in Texas and Oklahoma and the founding partner of our Dallas office. Christopher is a strategic, results-oriented litigator obtaining favorable settlements where appropriate and trying cases before a judge or jury when needed, including first and second chair jury trial experience in state and federal courts. Christopher intuitively anticipates litigation methods pursued by all parties in a lawsuit, allowing him the ability to engage in “outside the box” strategies where appropriate.
Christopher is experienced in and enjoys practicing in a wide array of cases involving commercial litigation, wrongful death/survivor actions, products liability, premises liability, construction defect, catastrophic injury, transportation matters, employment litigation, commercial landlord-tenant disputes, professional liability for engineers, amusement park law, and environmental law. Moreover, Christopher has handled a variety of appellate matters to the Texas Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Christopher has taught the following Lydecker U courses “Handling Complex Litigation in Amusement Park Industry in Texas” and “Enforcement of Arbitration & Pre-Injury Waivers Against Minors in Texas” for CE/CLE credit.
Mr. Clouser is an Associate Attorney in the Lydecker Miami office. Mr. Clouser began his career in the legal field in 2021 working as a law clerk for a prominent law firm based in Miami, Florida, where he gained an integral and fundamental understanding of the complex issues and processes surrounding civil litigation in Florida. Upon graduation from Capital University Law School in May 2023, Mr. Clouser sat for the Florida bar in July 2023. After passing the bar, Mr. Clouser was admitted to practice as a licensed attorney in the State of Florida in September 2023.
Following bar admission, Mr. Clouser began his career as an attorney working for a national full service law firm based out of Miami, Florida, where he handled a variety of complex civil litigation cases prior to joining Lydecker.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Laura was a partner at an insurance defense firm in Tampa for 12 years.
After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from the University of The South (Sewanee), Laura returned to her home state of Florida and graduated from Stetson University College of Law.
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.
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.
As the Director of Operations & Human Resources, Danielle leads and oversees the firm’s Human Resources and Operations. She ensures legal compliance and the implementation of the organization’s mission and talent strategy while overseeing the day-to-day activities of the firm, ensuring efficient and effective management and performance.
A Miami native, she attended FIU and completed her undergraduate studies in business management and graduate studies in business administration. She also participated in FIU’s study abroad program, studying international business and strategic management in Dubai, UAE.
In her free time, you can likely find her enjoying the outdoors with her husband and Goldendoodle. Her passion for adventure and relaxation outside the office reflects her balanced approach to life and work.
Felix is a highly accomplished accounting professional with over 25 years of experience in accounting and management, with a specialization in the legal field. His career has seen him contribute significantly to prestigious law firms across New York and Florida, where he has honed his expertise in developing robust accounting infrastructures and implementing innovative practices to enhance the efficiency and financial health of the firm.
His extensive knowledge encompasses financial reporting and planning, as well as establishing effective systems of internal controls and overseeing comprehensive finance functions. His role includes managing operational accounting, leading the production of financial reports, maintaining the accounting system, and ensuring optimal cash flow. As a vital member of the management team, Felix is responsible for crafting and executing financial reporting that safeguards the firm’s stability and overall economic well-being.
Felix’s exceptional financial acumen and strategic insight are crucial in upholding the high standards of quality and excellence that Lydecker is known for. His contributions ensure that the firm’s financial operations are aligned with best practices and emerging technologies in his Controllership management.
Felipe Curiel is an associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office, where he defends policy holders in personal injury, premises liability, product liability, and employer liability claims.
A native of the Inland Empire (Ontario, California), Mr. Curiel attended the University of California at Irvine before pursuing his Juris Doctor at The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL). He enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Mr. Darmanin is Of Counsel based in Lydecker’s Miami office. Mr. Darmanin’s practice primarily includes first- and third-party property claims, including bad faith litigation, and spans across various types of property claims. Within his practice he is responsible for handling matters throughout the entire claims process beginning pre-suit and extending all the way through trial.
Mr. Darmanin has experience handling hundreds of cases within his practice, which includes casework for high exposure commercial losses. Mr. Darmanin has extensive experience litigating cases in both State and Federal court within his current practice as well as prior litigation practices.
Troy also advises clients in Directors & Officers (D&O) condominium litigation, where he counsels boards of directors, property managers, and insurers in navigating disputes involving governance challenges, coverage questions, and liability claims. His experience in this area allows him to anticipate issues unique to condominium associations and deliver efficient, practical solutions for his clients.
Known for his results-driven approach, Troy has successfully resolved matters through both trial and negotiated settlements, protecting his clients’ interests while minimizing risk exposure.
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.
Anoop Desai is an associate in Lydecker’s Orlando office, where his practice is focused on construction defect litigation and complex civil matters. These representations include construction and design defect disputes, construction transactions, construction contract/payment disputes, environmental/pollution claims and construction accident claims.
Mr. Desai handles matters involving construction and design defects, construction delay claims, payment and lien disputes, breach of contract, professional liability, and regulatory issues. He is known for his practical, detail-oriented approach and commitment to achieving efficient, results-driven outcomes for his clients throughout all phases of litigation, including pre-suit resolution, mediation, arbitration, and trial.
Anoop earned his J.D. from Barry University School of Law and his B.S. from the University of Miami. While in law school, he served on the Executive Board of Phi Alpha Delta and gained valuable experience that informs his strategic approach to complex litigation.
Amanda DeVito is an associate in Lydecker’s Jersey City office. Amanda is a 2023 graduate of New York Law School and a member of the New York and New Jersey Bar. Prior to joining Lydecker, Amanda worked in-house at an entertainment media company. Amanda also worked at a commercial real estate and environmental law firm.
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.
Mrs. Diverio is a shareholding partner at Lydecker’s Miami office and is the chair of the property practice group. She is a trial and appellate attorney for first and third party lawsuits. She handles bad faith claims, third party claims nationally, fire/theft/fraud investigations, windstorm coverage insurance defense, personal injury, general liability, subrogation claims, fraud investigations, and all types of property damage claims.
In addition to her broad insurance coverage practice, Ms. Diverio has significant experience in Directors & Officers (D&O) condominium litigation, where she represents boards, associations, and insurers in matters involving governance disputes, fiduciary duty claims, and coverage issues. Her work in this area provides clients with strategic counsel on both preventative risk management and litigation defense.
Mrs. Diverio litigates insurance disputes involving high exposure commercial and personal lines in both State and Federal court. Mrs. Diverio’s practice group handles claims from pre-suit investigations through trials and appeals.
Mrs. Diverio has handled a multitude of appellate and trial matters and has been first-handedly involved in changing and upholding Florida Statutes on significant current insurance defense issues.
Most importantly, Mrs. Diverio’s strength lies in client relations and professionalism. She maintains an open line of communication with her clients during all phases of litigation, settlement of a dispute, and works in conjunction with her adjusters to quickly and efficiently resolve claims.
Mark A. Emanuele, a Partner at Lydecker and an AV-rated member of The Florida Bar, has practiced law in South Florida for over 35 years. His primary areas of practice include environmental litigation, healthcare, and administrative and regulatory litigation.
Mr. Emanuele has appeared before the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), Circuit Courts, and Appellate Courts throughout Florida on various matters. His experience includes participation in Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (Agency) workshops, drafting development and implementation of Agency Rules in accordance with the Florida Administrative Procedures Act, defending Agency Rules as a valid exercise of delegated legislative authority, and challenging Agency Rules deemed unconstitutional or in violation of the Florida Administrative Procedures Act. Additionally, he has handled extensive healthcare litigation matters involving formal administrative proceedings under Chapters 120 and 408 of the Florida Statutes.
Mr. Emanuele has represented multiple publicly traded healthcare companies, including acute care hospital systems, long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH), comprehensive medical rehabilitation facilities (CMR/IRF), nursing homes, and hospice entities. His administrative litigation experience encompasses various proceedings involving licensure matters, compliance issues, and certificate of need matters. Furthermore, his practice involves challenges to procurements, bid protests, and related proceedings before various governmental agencies and DOAH.
Mr. Emanuele is a member of the United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida, as well as the United States 11th Circuit Court of Appeal. He has practiced before all Florida courts, including County Court, Circuit Court, DOAH, District Courts of Appeals, and Bankruptcy Court. Additionally, he holds memberships with the Broward County Bar Association, the American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA), and the Administrative Law, Labor and Employment Law, Trial Law, and Health Law Sections of The Florida Bar.
Mr. Emanuele is a native of Hartford, Connecticut and has resided in Florida since 1973. He earned his Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center in 1985 and his Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Thomas University in 1980. While earning his Bachelor and Juris Doctorate Degree, Mr. Emanuele worked as a police officer with the Cities of Hollywood and Hallandale. Mr. Emanuele lives in Broward County, Florida, is married to Claudia Emanuele, and has two (2) children.
Javkhlan Enkhbayar is an Associate who works out of the firm’s San Francisco office. Ms. Enkhbayar’s practice involves all aspects of civil litigation with a focus on product liability.
Ms. Enkhbayar earned her law degree at the University of San Francisco School of Law in May 2019. During law school, Ms. Enkhbayar was involved in USF’s Maritime Law Journal, Intellectual Property and Technology Law Journal, International Law Society, and Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. She also served on the boards of the Moot Court Program and USF Law Review, and competed in the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition. Additionally, Ms. Enkhbayar participated in USF’s Internet & Intellectual Property Justice Clinic and worked as a research assistant for the USF Zief Law Library.
Naomi Estella is an associate in the firm’s Orlando and Miami offices. Her practice focuses on products liability, premises liability, and general liability matters.
She earned her J.D. from Barry University School of Law, Dwayne O. Andreas, in 2024, and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Estella gained valuable experience as an associate at a general civil litigation practice, focusing on bodily injury defense.
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.
Tevon M. Etienne is an Associate in Lydecker’s Jacksonville office. Mr. Etienne’s practice involves all aspects of civil litigation, with a primary focus on insurance defense matters, including construction defect, automobile negligence, and personal injury claims. He represents individuals, corporations, and insurers throughout Florida in both state and federal court.
Mr. Etienne earned his J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, in 2021. During law school, Mr. Etienne fostered his professional development through multiple externships and field placements, gaining practical experience in civil litigation and insurance defense.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Etienne cultivated his skills at a prominent Florida insurance defense firm, where he handled complex litigation matters involving bodily injury, premises liability, and construction-related disputes. His practice is defined by thorough case preparation, strategic discovery management, and a results-oriented approach focused on achieving efficient and favorable outcomes for clients.
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.
Jacqueline Figueroa is a partner in our Miami office. Since 2010, Ms. Figueroa has focused her practice on insurance coverage matters, counseling and representing clients as to insurance coverage determinations and when necessary litigation. Ms. Figueroa has represented national and local insurance carriers in state courts. She assists clients in the investigation of claims involving primarily property claims, provides coverage opinions, and litigates coverage disputes.
Before joining the firm, Ms. Figueroa represented insurance carriers involving first party homeowners insurance claims. Prior to working in Florida, Ms. Figueroa practiced at a New York City firm specializing in litigating personal injury protection matters on behalf of insurance carriers. She has experience assisting carriers in coverage matters including pre-suit fraud investigations, conducting examinations under oath, and providing coverage evaluations of complex insurance claims. She has litigated and defended cases brought against insurers in courts throughout the State of Florida and New York. Prior to entering the legal field, Ms. Figueroa worked as an investment banker in the venture capital division of a highly recognized international financial firm.
Ms. Figueroa served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Florida State University Business Review and as an Article and Notes editor on the Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law. She was also presented with a Book Award in legal research and writing during law school. Ms. Figueroa was appointed as a legal clerk with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division. She is also fluent in Mandarin and conversational Japanese.
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.
Peter Gabriel de Armas is an associate in Lydecker’s Miami office. Mr. de Armas has been working in civil trial litigation for over three years, specifically in the practice areas of insurance defense, first party property, general premises liability, complex corporate and business litigation, condominium foreclosures, and mechanics’ liens, amongst others.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. de Armas worked in insurance defense where he defended clients in personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, and property insurance claims, providing successful and positive results for both private and corporate clients. Mr. de Armas has also been involved in cases which went to trial, and handled various aspects of trial including voir dire and direct and cross examination. Mr. de Armas also handled and reviewed corporate documents, including LLC restructuring, assignments of benefits, articles of organization and incorporation, and transfers of membership interests.
Carlota Gonzalez is originally from Spain where she received her Law degree from University of Barcelona in June 2021. While studying at University of Barcelona she was selected and granted a full scholarship to participate in the Dual Degree Law Program between University of Barcelona and Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where she went to earn her Juris Doctor degree.
In May 2023 she graduated from Nova Southeastern University cum laude and earned Dean’s List honors for all semesters. Carlota has now passed the Florida Bar Exam. Carlota served as a Junior Associate of the ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law and was selected to publish her article for the 29 Volume Bilingual Edition.
In addition, Carlota was a member of the Nova Law Moot Court Honor Society and a competitor in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Competition. While enrolled in law school, Carlota was a Research Assistant for Associate Dean Vicenç Feliu.
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.
Matthew Gelder is an Associate in Lydecker’s Jersey City office. Mr. Gelder’s practice involves all aspects of state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in insurance litigation.
Mr. Gelder earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in May 2024. During law school, Mr. Gelder interned at the New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control (NJABC), where he was responsible for researching issues relating to alcohol licensing enforcement. Mr. Gelder also earned a concentration in gaming, sports, entertainment, hospitality, and administrative law while at Seton Hall Law. Furthermore, Mr. Gelder was a member of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. Mr. Gelder spent the year after graduating law school clerking in the New Jersey Superior Court Family Division.
Doug Gerber is Of Counsel with Lydecker and works in the Firm’s Orlando office. Mr. Gerber been a member of the Florida Bar since 2005 and the Middle District of Florida since 2006. Mr. Gerber’s areas of practice include but are not limited to civil litigation, commercial litigation, general liability litigation, premises liability, property practice, and business law throughout the State of Florida. He has extensive experience in representing business entities, insurers, and individuals in litigation often involving motion practice, mediations, and trials.
A native Floridian who was born in and raised in South Florida and who has lived in Central Florida for more than 25 years, Mr. Gerber is a double Gator, having earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida in 1992 and his master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Sciences with a Specialization in Sports Management from the University of Florida in 1996. While at the University of Florida, Mr. Gerber was admitted and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
After working for various sports organizations in Central Florida involving amateur sports events, college bowl games, NFL exhibitions, and the 1996 Olympic Games, Mr. Gerber attended the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University, where was first a Staff Member and then became an Articles Editor for the Nova Law Review. Mr. Gerber had his article on the validity of arbitration clauses in personal injury suits involving minors published in the Fall 2003 issue of the Nova Law Review. He was also a member of the Pro Bono Honor Society while at the Shepard Broad Law Center after interning with the Administrative Judge for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida and with the City Attorney’s Office with the City of Coral Springs.
Mr. Gerber has served as the Chairman of the Real Property Law Committee of the Orange County Bar Association, was a member of the Small Claims Rules Committee of the Florida Bar, and most recently served as the Chair of Section C of the Grievance Committee of the Florida Bar for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Madeleine Gerdes is an Associate in the firm’s Dallas office. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a Minor in Legal Studies, from the University of Mississippi. Madeleine returned to her home state of Texas to pursue her Juris Doctor at the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law.
During law school, Madeleine demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. She volunteered with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, assisting veterans through the program’s legal clinic. She also served at UNT Dallas’s Community Lawyering Center, providing pro bono legal assistance in a variety of civil matters to underserved communities across North Texas.
Following her admission to the bar, Madeleine began her legal career as a plaintiff’s personal injury attorney, where she managed a range of personal injury cases throughout the litigation process. She joined Lydecker with valuable experience advocating for clients in complex civil matters.
Morgan Taylor Gieser is an associate in the Miami and Tampa office. Ms. Gieser represents clients throughout the state in a variety of federal and state civil litigation claims with a focus on labor and employment. These claims involve allegations of violations of Title VII, whistleblower claims, ADEA claims, Title IX, EPA claims, ADA claims, Family and Medical Leave Act claims, Fair Labor Standards Act claims and Florida Civil Rights Act violations. As part of her practice, Ms. Gieser represents clients in pre-suit claims, in addition to handling charges filed with government agencies such as the EEOC and NLRB.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Gieser represented private companies in all aspects of labor and employment litigation. Ms. Gieser has additional litigation experience in insurance defense, defending clients in a wide array of general liability matters as well as property damage cases.
Brett Goldman is an Partner in the firm’s New York and New Jersey offices. His practice focuses on employment law including discrimination and retaliation cases before state and federal courts and agencies, professional liability matters, and insurance coverage, as well as general liability cases and commercial disputes. Brett has represented health care, treatment and long term care facilities and professionals in cases involving employment claims , professional liability, personal injury, and other matters.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Brett spent two years at a large insurer in Jersey City, New Jersey handling employment practices liability claims, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation matters. While a claims representative, Brett provided litigation and claims management services, made coverage decisions, and oversaw settlement discussions and mediations. Insured clients, found nationwide, ranged from large education networks to healthcare institutions, as well as car dealerships and supermarket chains.
Additionally, Brett spent time as a management consultant for the advisory services division of a Big 4 accounting firm, for which he provided consulting services to clients in the financial services industry. His projects included mortgage remediation for a large U.S. bank and project management for a notable financial services corporation’s anti-money laundering efforts. Brett also gained valuable experience as a volunteer attorney for the New York State Unified Court System’s Access to Justice program, assisting pro se litigants in New York and Kings County Housing Courts.
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.
Mr. Gruber is a partner at Lydecker’s Miami office. Mr. Gruber’s practice spans first- and third-party property claims, including bad faith litigation, fire/theft/fraud investigation, and windstorm coverage and defense. Mr. Gruber litigates insurance disputes involving high exposure commercial and homeowner losses and bad faith issues in both State and Federal court. His practice includes all aspects of pre-suit, appraisal, trial, and appellate litigation. Mr. Gruber has successfully handled hundreds of lawsuits with various degrees of exposure.
Mr. Gruber received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Florida State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. While in law school, Mr. Gruber was an executive member of the University of Florida Trial Team and chaired multiple criminal trials as a Certified Legal Intern for the Office of the Public Defender for the 8th Judicial Circuit.
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.
Emily Gunderson is an Associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office, where her practice focuses on General Liability litigation. She represents individuals, businesses, and insurers in a variety of civil matters, including bodily injury, premises liability, property damage, and related tort claims. Ms. Gunderson is known for her sharp legal analysis, client-focused approach, and commitment to strategic, cost-effective defense.
Ms. Gunderson earned her J.D. with honors from Seattle University School of Law, where she served as Research and Technical Editor for the Seattle Journal for Social Justice. She was actively involved in the Women’s Law Caucus, acting as the King County Washington Women Lawyers Liaison.
While in law school, Ms. Gunderson completed a high-level internship with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., and served as a judicial extern with the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Before joining Lydecker, Ms. Gunderson worked as a judicial law clerk with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of civil litigation matters. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Fordham University.
Mr. Harutunian was born and raised in suburban Boston, Massachusetts. He practices in the areas of bankruptcy law, commercial litigation, and labor and employment law.
Mr. Harutunian has litigated numerous bankruptcy, commercial, and employment cases in federal and state courts in Florida and New York. Prior to joining Lydecker, he worked as an Associate attorney at Phillips Nizer LLP, a medium sized general practice law firm, and Gazes LLC, a bankruptcy boutique, in New York, New York. Mr. Harutunian negotiated and litigated matters in large scale bankruptcy cases, including complex claims in the Enron Corp. and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. bankruptcy cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Harutunian also has litigated a variety of commercial disputes involving shareholder liability, insurance law, sales agreements, and other matters. From 1997-2000, he worked as an Associate attorney at Ford & Harrison LLP, a national labor and employment law firm, in Tampa, Florida. He litigated numerous employment discrimination cases including class action and other cases involving national retailers and grocery chains. After graduating from Tulane Law School, Mr. Harutunian served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Thomas B. McCoun III at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa.
Mr. Harutunian has counseled clients, given lectures, and authored articles on a variety of legal subjects in his practice areas. His publications include Trademark License Agreements: The Rights of a Debtor/Licensee to Assume, or Assume and Assign, are Uncertain, Vol. 237, No. 42, P. 10, New York Law Journal (March 5, 2007), focusing on whether a bankruptcy trustee or debtor in possession as licensee may assume, or assume and assign, trademark rights, and Market Value Is Key For ESOP Buys, Vol. 24, No. 47, P. B8, National Law Journal (August 12, 2002), exploring the duties of fiduciaries of Employee Stock Ownership Plans in light of the accounting scandals at Enron, WorldCom, and Arthur Andersen.
Ariel Hassine is an Associate at Lydecker, focusing on litigation matters. Before joining Lydecker, Mr. Hassine worked as an Associate at Florida defense firms, representing insurance carriers in first-party property cases across Florida. He also served as In-House Counsel for an insurance carrier and has experience in plaintiff-side employment law.
Mr. Hassine is licensed to practice law in Florida and New York. He also holds a Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law.
Bobbie Ann Henderson is Of Counsel in Lydecker’s Atlanta office. Ms. Henderson has over 25 years of experience representing clients in all aspects of civil litigation. Her practice is focused on complex commercial and business litigation, insurance tort liability/defense, and premises liability/negligent security matters.
Ms. Henderson began her legal career with a 15-year focus on construction law, in which she represented sureties, developers, contractors, owners and design professionals in complex construction matters. Her work included payment and delay claims, regulatory compliance, construction defects and performance claims. A significant part of her practice involved business transactions and disputes and the assertion of creditor rights.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Henderson’s practice included defense of insurance companies and their insureds in matters involving first and third party insurance claims, complex civil litigation, serious bodily injury, and wrongful death cases.
Ms. Henderson received her undergraduate degree and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida. She is admitted to practice in the states of Georgia and Florida.
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.
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.
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.
Mr. Johnson specializes in the representation of professionals, corporations and insurers in a broad range of business and tort matters, including employment claims, environmental claims and other complex actions. Mr. Johnson also has experience litigating government municipal matters throughout the state of Florida, as well as representing journalists and media companies in intellectual property and defamation litigation. Mr. Johnson’s practice also includes the defense of attorneys, accountants and real estate professionals in professional liability matters and non-profit corporations as well as their directors and officers in a range of matters.
Before joining Lydecker, Mr. Johnson began his career as an associate in the Miami office of a business litigation boutique headquartered in New York, where he represented banking and corporate interests in multiple international business and commercial disputes. Mr. Johnson is also an experienced and accomplished appellate attorney, having multiple published Federal and Florida opinions, as well as oral arguments and appellate mediations across multiple appellate courts.
In addition to his professional commitments, Mr. Johnson recognizes his responsibility to serve the community. He is a member of the 100 Black Men of South Florida, one of the leading youth mentoring organizations in the country, as well as the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board. He is also a director of BAC Funding Corp. a non-profit state funded lender for disadvantaged business. He is also Secretary of the Coppin State University Development Foundation which raises money for scholarships to his alma mater, Coppin State University. He also Serves as Vice Chair of the Miami-Dade School District Audit and Budget Committee. He has also served as a member of the Executive Board of the Miami-Dade Chapter of NAACP and the Polemarch (President) of the Richmond-Perrine (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
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.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Koch served as a Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orlando, Florida. During his time as a Public Defender Mr. Koch handled cases ranging from felonies to misdemeanors, from intake to trial preparation. He has extensive litigation experience, including representing businesses and associations in state court. Mr. Koch finds success in securing favorable outcomes for his clients, including a full defense verdict during a four-day jury trial in May of 2023 which saved his clients from a potential million-dollar liability exposure.
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.
Mr. Isalgue is an associate at Lydecker’s New York and New Jersey offices. Mr. Isalgue has nearly half a decade of insurance defense experience, ranging from misrepresentation actions to first-party property defense. He is passionate about learning and applying my communication and problem-solving skills to the field of insurance and compliance.
Mr. Isalgue has been in the legal field in 2017, where he started as a Research Contracts Administrator for Office of Research and Economic Development at Florida International University (“FIU”). Mr. Isalgue has also worked in the community, such as when he earned the Pro Bono Service Award for completing more than 130 hours of pro bono work during law school, where he also served as an intern for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. Mr. Isalgue graduated cum laude from the FIU’s College of Law, where he was a founding member of the NIGHTOWLS, a student organization dedicated to supporting part-time and working law students.
Ms. LaFaurie is a Lydecker Partner overseeing teams throughout the Firm’s Florida and California offices, with extensive experience handling a wide variety of high exposure and complex general liability and personal injury matters. Ms. LaFaurie is the Head of the Firm’s Product Liability Department and the co-chair of the Mass Tort Department. She is one of the firm’s trial attorneys, who regularly handles matters through all phases of litigation, from evidentiary hearings, arbitrations, and through trial, before Local, State and Federal Courts in connection with a wide variety of complex civil and commercial litigation matters.
Ms. LaFaurie’s general liability, product liability, and mass tort litigation experience includes representing premises owners and operators, local and global manufacturers, as well as major national retailers in numerous areas within the wider tort-based field, such as catastrophic injury, premises liability claims, class action, mass and toxic tort litigation, recalled product claims, as well as defending claims involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials. Her experience includes high exposure injury, wrongful death, and commercial matters. Ms. LaFaurie proactively manages and advises her clients on legal and factual matters of first impression, including efforts to mitigate and limit the prospective of emerging and anticipated claims, future class action and large-scale legal exposures.
Ms. LaFaurie is actively involved in leadership and mentorship in several national organizations focused on defense of business owners of all kinds. She sits on several committees with a focus which reflects her practice in civil litigation, product liability and mass tort.
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.
Jessica Less is an Associate at Lydecker’s Bankruptcy and Insurance Receivership Practice Group in Miami, Florida. Her practice involves representing clients in both federal and state court litigation with a primary focus on insolvency and creditors’ rights related cases. She regularly provides legal counsel to court-appointed receivers, secured creditors, and unsecured creditors in federal and state courts cases.
Prior to joining the firm in 2024, Ms. Less served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Pamela Ruest, Center County Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. She earned her J.D. from The Pennsylvania State University, The Dickinson School of Law. During her legal studies, Ms. Less also served as President of the Black Law Students Association and chaired the Student Bar Association’s Diversity Committee.
Mr. Lewis is Of Counsel to the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Lewis spent over 35 years as a partner at a well known Miami insurance defense firm. Mr. Lewis concentrates his practice on defense of large corporations and insurance companies in premises liability, negligent security, products liability, legal malpractice and general tort liability.
At Lydecker Mr. Lewis serves as senior trial counsel having tried over 100 jury trials. Mr. Lewis has secured defense verdicts throughout the State of Florida, is AV rated and admitted to practice in all state and Federal Courts in the State of Florida.
Jonathan J. Levy is of counsel to the firm and based out of the Boca Raton office. Mr. Levy’s practice includes Construction and Design Defect claims focusing on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, including architects, engineers, and surveyors, as well as environmental consultants, and product manufacturers.
A large portion of Mr. Levy’s practice involves construction and design defect disputes, including representation of clients during the Chapter 558 pre-suit process, litigation and arbitration.
Additionally, Mr. Levy has experience working on construction transactions matters, construction contract/payment disputes, environmental/pollution claims, design claims, and construction accident claims.
Mr. Levy joined the firm in March 2022. Prior to joining the firm Mr. Levy was an associate attorney at a boutique law firm specializing in Foreclosure Defense, Complex Business and Commercial Litigation, Appellate Advocacy, and Corporate Transactional Law.
Mr. Levy obtained his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law in 2019. During law school Mr. Levy served on the executive board for the Jewish Law Society and was a student delegate at AIPAC Policy Conference. Mr. Levy was also a law clerk at NSU’S Berger Entrepreneurship Clinic, providing legal work to underserved small businesses, and achieved Dean’s List for multiple semesters. Prior to law school Mr. Levy worked for high tech companies in Tel-Aviv, Israel, garnering substantial international business experience.
Cuiyun Li AKA Laura Li is an Associate in the firm’s Jersey City office. Prior to joining Lydecker, Laura has engaged in several firms litigating employment issues, commercial issues, real estate issues, and other civil issues. Laura has zealously represented clients to resolve employment issues under the Title VII of Civil Rights of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York City Human Rights Law, the New York Labor Law, etc. Laura also represented clients in commercial litigation where contract disputes require meticulous interpretation. Real Estate Disputes regarding ownership and partition are orthodox and perplexing where Laura undertook painstaking.
Crystal Lichtenberger is an Associate in Lydecker’s Jersey City office, where she focuses her practice on Labor and Employment law.
Ms. Lichtenberger earned her J.D. from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in 2024, graduating magna cum laude. While at Pace, she was a Merit Scholarship recipient, served on the Executive Boards of the Latin American Law Students Association and the Sports, Entertainment & Arts Law Society, and co-authored a published article on tax policy in the George Washington Business & Finance Law Review. She also competed in the Baseball Filing Day Negotiations Competition and served as a peer mentor to fellow students.
Following law school, Ms. Lichtenberger served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Stevie D. Chambers in the New Jersey Superior Court, where she drafted judicial opinions and orders, managed case communications, and facilitated consent conferences with litigants. Her prior legal experience includes externships and internships with Jaguar Land Rover North America, NUS Consulting Group, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Pace Women’s Justice Center, and Jeffries & Corigliano, LLP. Through these roles, she gained experience in litigation, corporate contracts, compliance, family law, and immigration matters.
Ms. Lichtenberger is admitted to practice law in New Jersey. She is a member of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey and the Hudson County Bar Association. Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and strength training.
Alberto Llorente is an Associate in the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Llorente’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in personal injury, general liability, and premises liability. Mr. Llorente also handles Construction defect litigation, and commercial litigation.
Mr. Llorente earned his J.D. from Saint Thomas University school of law in 2022 and was admitted to the florida bar the following year. After his admittance Mr. Llorente began his career as an attorney working for a national full service law firm based out of Miami, Florida, where he handled a variety of complex civil litigation cases prior to joining Lydecker.
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, product 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. Valentina continues to do pro-bono work.
Andrea is a trial lawyer in Lydecker’s Los Angeles and Newport Beach and concentrates her practice in product liability matters and business litigation. She has served as national counsel for an elevator/escalator manufacturer and a coatings manufacturer and serves as regional counsel for other product manufacturers. She regularly represents clients in high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country and has tried cases to successful verdicts in both state and federal courts.
Andrea utilizes her experience to create strategies to defend the products in catastrophic injury litigation and to convey highly technical issues in an easily understandable manner. Andrea’s ability to understand clients’ businesses and products has made her a trusted advisor to multiple clients who regularly trust her to handle some of their most significant matters.
Since 2018, Andrea has been recognized a number of times as a Rising Star ® by Thomson Reuters. When Andrea is not practicing law, she enjoys surfing and attending Lakers basketball games.
Christopher Lutzel is an associate at the firm’s Dallas and Miami offices. Mr. Lutzel is a detail-oriented, communicative litigator experienced in providing tailored strategies that conclude with superb results for his clients whether through favorable settlements or other means of resolution. Mr. Lutzel provides in-depth analysis of all facets of a case from presuit investigation through trial preparation in order to provide his clients with optimal strategy recommendations based on how any case develops through the course of litigation.
Mr. Lutzel concentrates his practice in cases involving Bodily Injury, Premises Liability, and Commercial and Homeowner’s First-Party Disputes. His experience involves matters dealing with traumatic brain injuries, physical altercations resulting in injury, slip/trip and fall, and motor vehicle accidents among others in addition to his experience in property matters centered around catastrophes, weather, and non-weather related property damage.
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. While in college, Mr. Lutzel was a member of the Baylor University football team.
Richard Lydecker is a founding partner at Lydecker, a full-service AV-rated national law firm with offices throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, and Georgia. As a distinguished leader and visionary in the legal community, Richard has played an instrumental role in shaping the firm’s reputation and success since its inception in 1994 as an aggressive and responsive law firm.
With a career spanning over several decades, Richard J. Lydecker has established himself as a formidable force in the field of defense litigation. His practice predominantly focuses on complex commercial litigation, professional liability, bodily injury, auto negligence, environmental law, employment, D&O, E&O, accounting malpractice, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, bad faith litigation, and insurance coverage. His extensive background in these areas has earned him recognition as a trusted and skilled litigator, consistently delivering exceptional results for his clients. Richard’s diverse and extensive background makes Lydecker a premiere law firm.
Richard’s legal journey began with a robust education and training, laying the foundation for his future accomplishments. He earned his Juris Doctor from a prestigious law school and quickly rose through the ranks, gaining invaluable experience and expertise in civil litigation. Over the years, Richard has handled a wide array of cases, ranging from intricate commercial disputes to high-stakes professional liability claims.
Prior to Richard’s career in civil practice, he was a Senior Major Case Bureau Prosecutor in New York with an outstanding record of success in preparing, managing, and trying high-profile cases. Casework involved high-profile, high-visibility criminal prosecution of homicides, robbery, arson, rape, and burglary. Richard successfully tried in excess of 100 criminal cases, many resulting in guilty verdicts carrying life sentences. Before accepting his appointment to the District Attorney’s Office, Richard was an attorney at a prestigious Wall Street, N.Y. law firm.
Richard Lydecker’s remarkable career as a founding partner of Lydecker showcases his expertise in defense litigation, his leadership within the firm, and his dedication to client success. His diverse background and extensive experience have made him a respected figure in the legal community, and his contributions continue to shape the firm’s reputation as a premier law firm nationwide.
Today Lydecker has ten main practice areas:
- Appellate
- Bankruptcy and Banking
- Business, Corporate and Transactional
- Condominium & HOA
- Construction Design & Environmental
- Employment
- General Liability
- Government
- Insurance
- Professional Liability
Lydecker has the following sub practice areas:
Accounting Malpractice, Admiralty and Maritime, Appellate Advocacy, Appellate Practice, Architects and Engineers, Attorney Malpractice, Bad Faith Litigation, Banking and Financial Services Litigation, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights, Bodily Injury Defense, Business Law, Business Reorganization, Catastrophic Injury & Loss Defense, Class Action Defense, Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property, Complex Commercial Litigation, Condominium & Homeowners’ Association Law, Construction & Design Contracts, Construction Accident Claims, Construction Defect Litigation, Construction Payment, Delay and Lien Disputes, Corporate Law, Corporate Liability, Coverage Disputes, Cyber Liability ⁄ Internet Law, Defamation, Directors and Officers, Education Law, Environmental Law, Errors and Omissions, Financial Litigation, General Liability, Government, Government Liability, Healthcare, Hospitality, Insurance, Insurance Agents and Brokers, Insurance Coverage and Extra-Contractual Litigation, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Land Use and Zoning, Mass Environmental Toxic Tort Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Negligent Security, Premises Liability, Products Liability, Property Practice, Real Estate Practice, Residential Property, Tort Liability, Transportation Liability and Workers Compensation.
Complex Commercial Litigation: Richard’s proficiency in complex commercial litigation is well-known. He has successfully represented clients in multifaceted legal battles, navigating intricate legal frameworks and securing favorable outcomes. His strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail have been pivotal in resolving disputes efficiently and effectively.
Professional Liability: Richard has extensive experience defending professionals across various industries against liability claims. His deep understanding of the nuances of professional conduct and standards enables him to provide robust defense strategies, protecting his clients’ reputations and careers.
Bad Faith Litigation: Richard is a recognized authority in bad faith litigation, representing clients in cases involving insurance companies. His tenacity and commitment to justice have resulted in significant victories, holding insurers accountable for their obligations.
Insurance Coverage: Richard’s expertise extends to insurance coverage matters, where he advises clients on complex coverage issues and disputes. His comprehensive knowledge of insurance law ensures that his clients receive the coverage they are entitled to, and he has successfully litigated numerous coverage cases.
Leadership and Oversight
As a founding partner, Richard oversees the firm’s practice groups and manages the firm’s relationships with its clients and carriers. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and client-centric service. Richard is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment within the firm, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and tailored legal solutions.
Richard’s strategic vision has been instrumental in the firm’s growth and expansion. Under his guidance, Lydecker has become a nationally recognized law firm, known for its dedication to client success and its ability to handle complex legal challenges. His emphasis on continuous improvement and professional development has cultivated a team of highly skilled attorneys who share his passion for legal excellence.
Commitment to Clients
Richard’s client-centric approach is at the heart of his practice. He believes in building long-standing relationships grounded in mutual trust and respect. By understanding each client’s unique needs and goals, Richard provides strategic counsel and representation that aligns with their best interests. His ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and deliver practical solutions has earned him a loyal client base and numerous accolades within the legal community.
Personal and Professional Values
Beyond his professional achievements, Richard is known for his unwavering commitment to integrity, ethics, and community service. He actively participates in various professional organizations and contributes to legal scholarship through speaking engagements and publications. Richard’s dedication to giving back to the community is reflected in his involvement in pro bono work and charitable initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As Lydecker continues to grow and evolve, Richard remains dedicated to leading the firm towards new heights of success. His vision for the future includes expanding the firm’s capabilities, embracing technological advancements, and maintaining the highest standards of legal practice. Richard’s legacy is one of excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Maegan Madrigal is an associate in Lydecker’s San Diego office. She received her B.A. in History from the Drexel University. She attended law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego, CA. While at California Western, she externed at California Department of Industrial Relations.
Ms. Madrigal focuses her practice on a broad range of labor and employment litigation, with a focus on PAGA and wage and hour matter. She also has experience in general liability including premises liability, products liability, and professional liability. Ms. Madrigal is known for her sharp legal analysis and commitment to strategic, cost-effective defense.
Ms. Madrigal has previously worked at a small plaintiff’s firm focusing on PAGA claims. She then worked at a large defense firm where she settled multiple insurance defense cases for nuisance value.
Matthew is a partner in our Philadelphia and New Jersey offices and a seasoned civil litigator with extensive experience representing clients in administrative proceedings and in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. His diverse practice encompasses complex litigation matters, with a strong focus on construction litigation, professional liability, general liability, commercial litigation, insurance-related disputes, and the defense and counseling of clients in the financial services industry.
Construction
Matthew has developed a particular emphasis in defending developers, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in public and private construction disputes. He regularly handles matters involving construction defects, accidents, and contract disputes, and serves as outside counsel to contractors in Pennsylvania and New Jersey on issues including contract negotiation, risk transfer, and construction payment claims. For example, Matthew practice includes:
- Representing a national engineering firm in a multi-day, seven-figure arbitration over a public project dispute, resulting in a favorable settlement;
- Defending numerous engineering and architectural firms in construction defect litigation in New Jersey and Pennsylvania;
- Representing developers, general contractors, and subcontractors in construction defect litigation involving low-, mid-, and high-rise projects;
- Defending developers and contractors in seven- and eight-figure construction accident cases; and
- Defending residential contractors in construction defect, warranty, consumer fraud, and breach of contract claims.
Professional Liability
In the professional liability space, Matthew is widely recognized for his defense of attorneys, insurance brokers, real estate professionals, title agents, accountants, and other licensed professionals in malpractice actions, licensing board matters, and disciplinary proceedings. Notable successes include:
- Securing summary judgment for a New Jersey law firm and its principal in a legal malpractice action in federal court;
- Successfully defending commercial and residential real estate brokers in post-transaction litigation;
- Defending a title agency against mortgage fraud allegations and an accounting firm in a malpractice dispute;
- Representing financial professionals in FINRA proceedings, including suitability claims brought by investors; and
- Resolving numerous legal and insurance broker malpractice claims through early resolution.
Insurance Coverage
Matthew also has a robust insurance coverage practice, representing insurers in high-stakes disputes involving complex policy interpretations and bad faith allegations. He has:
- Secured dismissals for insurance carriers in a declaratory judgment and breach of contract actions;
- Successfully represented insurance carriers in coverage litigation before state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels affirming no duty to defend or indemnify;
- Represented a reinsurer in an insurance coverage action; and
- Represented a hospital in a multi-year insurance coverage battle involving multiple appeals.
Commercial Litigation
Outside of the insurance context, Matthew also represents individuals and corporate clients in sophisticated, high-profile commercial disputes involving business dissolution, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, trade secrets, products liability, and employment-related matters including ERISA, discrimination, harassment, whistleblower, and wrongful termination claims such as:
- Defended corporate clients in matters involving business dissolution, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and trade secrets;
- Defended companies and their owners in corporate raiding cases;
- Successfully represented an owner of a closely held corporation in a judicial dissolution action and a breach of fiduciary duty action;
- Successfully defended a national staffing agency and various employees in a corporate raiding matter; and
- Successfully represented medical professionals in RICO, insurance fraud, and licensure cases.
Matthew’s strategic, results-driven approach and breadth of experience make him a trusted advisor to professionals, insurers, and corporate clients facing complex and high-stakes litigation.
Ms. Maken is a partner at Lydecker and has substantial experience in handling complex business litigation and appellate matters in both Florida and in Mississippi. Over her career, she has authored hundreds of briefs filed in the Florida Supreme Court, Florida’s District Courts of Appeal, the Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. Her practice areas include banking-foreclosure law, commercial litigation, torts, insurance defense, employment law, parental rights, criminal law, and challenging unconstitutional state action.
Ms. Maken is a former Assistant United States Attorney with the Southern District of Florida. As Lydecker LLP’s lead counsel, she successfully represented the Florida Department of Financial Services as Receiver in its suit against the statutory auditors (a big 5 accounting firm) of a failed insurance company (whose insolvency exceeded a billion dollars).
She clerked at the Third District Court of Appeals and the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Spencer Mallard is a Board Certified Construction Lawyer with a statewide practice in all facets of construction and oversees the Firm’s construction practice. Mr. Mallard represents developers, general contractors, design professionals, environmental consultants, subcontractors and product manufacturers in a variety of contexts. These representations include construction and design defect disputes, construction transactions, construction contract/payment disputes, environmental/pollution claims and construction accident claims.
A large portion of his practice involves construction and design defect disputes, including representation of clients during the Chapter 558 pre-suit process, litigation and arbitration.
Mr. Mallard has handled countless construction and design defect related disputes, including matters premised on building code violations, breaches of statutory implied warranties, contracts, indemnity agreements, and negligence. These disputes include alleged water intrusion through building exteriors, structural instability/cracking/settlement, mechanical/electrical/plumbing/fire suppression system performance/durability issues, inadequate building/site drainage and exterior coating/cladding failures. In addition to defending all clients from these claims, Mr. Mallard frequently represents developers and general contractors in the presentation of pass-through claims. He also has extensive experience litigating and advising on insurance coverage issues pertaining to construction and design defect claims. Mr. Mallard’s practice also includes representation of owners, contractors and design professionals in construction transactions.
This includes drafting/negotiation of contracts, advising clients during planning of developments, assisting with administration the construction process, resolving issues during project close-out and pre-turnover of condominium.
Daniel Mankaryous is an associate in Lydecker’s Miami office, practicing construction defect litigation, and represents a diverse group of clients including general contractors, subcontractors, and insurance carriers. His practice is focused on delivering strategic and effective legal solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the construction industry.
Mr. Mankaryous earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2025. During law school, he gained practical experience as a law clerk at multiple firms, sharpening his litigation skills and deepening his understanding of client advocacy. Originally from Canada, Mr. Mankaryous holds a Bachelor of Commerce with honors from Toronto Metropolitan University, where he built a strong foundation in business and finance, an asset that continues to inform his legal approach and client service.
Meliz Martin is a Partner in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Martin represents developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and insurance carriers in a variety of contexts arising from the construction and use of real property. These representations include construction and design defect disputes, construction transactions, construction contract/payment disputes, environmental claims, and construction accident claims involving catastrophic injuries. Her practice involves disputes arising from water intrusion through building exteriors; structural integrity; mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression system performance issues; inadequate site drainage; and exterior coating and cladding failures.
A large portion of her practice involves construction and design defect disputes, including representation of clients during the Chapter 558 pre-suit process, litigation and arbitration. Ms. Martin’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state trial litigation. She has taken hundreds of depositions and has attended hundreds of hearings. She obtained favorable results in the vast majority of these matters.
Ms. Martin’s litigation philosophy involves having an eye towards detail, this is especially true in design and construction litigation, as these claims have multiple parties and voluminous multiyear records for the life span of a construction project. Equally important is a focus on plaintiffs’ claims, which typically involve tens of hundreds of defect items. Understanding these complex facts and issues facilitates opportunities for risk transfer and early resolution of matters.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Martin was practicing in the areas of condominium and homeowners association, construction and real estate litigation.
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.
Eric McAliley brings more than two decades of legal experience to his representation of professionals in E&O claims and of clients with respect to high exposure personal injury and CGL claims. He draws on his education in accounting/tax, and unique prior career experience in engineering with Pratt & Whitney and the South Florida Water Management District to bring added value to his practice.
Eric defends cases on behalf of clients involving E&O Claims including, legal malpractice, negligence, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and other common law and statutory claims. Eric represents attorneys, financial professionals, including securities brokers-dealers, accountants, retail and wholesale brokers and insurance agents. Eric also is part of the Appellate Practice team and handles all types of appellate proceedings and provides litigation support services to trial counsel by developing effective strategies at the trial level in anticipation of an appeal.
Eric’s CGL practice consists of defending claims involving physical and emotional injuries including, but not limited to, automobile negligence, negligent security, premises liability, 1983 claims, and intentional torts. With respect to claims against governmental entities, Eric regularly handles cases involving complex issues of constitutional law, sovereign immunity, civil rights, torts, and common law claims.
Eric also serves as trial counsel for the firm’s clients and carriers and assists with the firm’s trial teams.
Mark Mercer is Of Counsel in Lydecker’s Los Angeles and San Diego office. He has over 20 years of experience representing companies and public agencies on complex legal issues. His career legal started with personal injury defense, which then lead him to representing sureties in construction litigation. From there, his practice transitioned to the public sector where he represented and advised public agencies with a variety of construction and environmental compliance issues. In addition, to practicing construction law, Mark has worked in other areas of the law such as real estate, project entitlement and insurance coverage.
Ms. Mevers is the Chair of the Employment Practices Liability Division. During her practice, Ms. Mevers has been involved in complex litigation and administrative proceedings in the areas of education, labor and employment, professional liability and governmental immunity.
Ms. Mevers has also represented creditors in both Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) claims including class actions. We look at each claim with a view of costs, benefits while also seeking to limit risk and liability.
She has provided training and lectures to a vast array of corporate, public and private entities on the following topics: Corporate Compliance issues involving the following: Title VII, HIPAA, Sexual Harassment, ADA, Student Admission Issues and Standards, and Student Disciplinary Issues. Ms. Mevers has also developed and implemented corporate compliance plans for multiple public, private and governmental entities.
Ms. Mevers has been responsible for managing labor and employment matters from pre-suit, including prior to an administrative filing through trial. She has represented a private university at the administrative stage as well as in both federal and state courts in areas of labor and employment, educational law, and contract negotiations. Ms. Mevers has developed and implemented voluntary compliance programs for private educational institutions including training, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and provision of services by outside vendors in conjunction with regular audits.
As part of her litigation practice, Ms. Mevers has investigated a number of cases of alleged discrimination, including sex/gender discrimination, disability claims, sexual harassment claims, national origin claims, marital status claims, sexual orientation claims, workers’ compensation retaliation claims, religion claims, age claims, and race discrimination claims. She has investigated hostile work environments and made recommendations to eradicate long-standing discriminatory practices. Besides investigations, Ms. Mevers has handled numerous employment claims in both state and federal courts involving allegations of violations of Title VII, whistleblower claims, ADEA claims, Title IX, EPA claims, ADA claims, Family and Medical Leave Act claims, Fair Labor Standards Act claims and Florida Civil Rights Act violations, favorably handling these cases.
Ms. Mevers received accolades for her involvement and leadership in the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program, providing free tax assistance to low-to-moderate income individuals.
Bryan Miller is a partner in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office and is an experienced senior level attorney and advisor with more than twenty-five years of success providing legal analysis and strategy to craft options and winning solutions for clients.
Bryan effectively represents parties in trial proceedings or artfully crafted approaches in arbitration, mediation, or alternative dissolution proceedings.
Bryan is able to through listening, engagement, and opening opportunities for resolution, is often able to guide diametrically opposed parties to come to acceptable resolution actions and results. Bryan balances attention to detail and management methodologies to expertly maintain a ‘big picture’ focus while minimizing client /company exposure to risk. He leverages powerful courtroom presence and consistently drives case strategies to achieve favorable outcomes for individual and corporate clients through the application of critical thinking and creative negotiation tactics.
He was a named equity partner in the civil rights firm of Litt, Estuar, Harrision, Miller and Kitson, LLP where he practiced high-impact, class-action litigation. He worked as counsel, co-counsel, trial counsel, and co-trial counsel.
Serving as Of Counsel at Norton & Melnik, APC, he litigated insurance defense cases in personal injury fraud, products liability, and intentional torts while practicing all forms of ADR. He settled multiple insurance defense cases for nuisance value, protecting his clients from exposure to significant damages.
While studying for his LL.M. in the Netherlands, he was a volunteer lawyer for the Israeli Embassy to The Hague, working for Ambassador Harvey Kney-Tal.
More recently he worked at the Wade Law Group as a Senior Trial Lawyer practicing real estate and labor and employment law.
He has practiced in all four district courts in California, argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and is admitted before the United States Supreme Court.
Crystal Miller-O’Brien is a partner in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. Her labor and employment law practice includes counseling and defending multiple sectors of businesses against all workplace obstacles involved in employing labor (start-ups, small private, non-profit, public, and large companies). She is an experienced litigator and enjoys providing advice and counsel to help businesses manage restructuring, establishing corporate governance, responding to union organization concerns, defending wage & hour class actions, responding to state and federal harassment/discrimination/retaliation claims, and more.
Ms. Miller-O’Brien is licensed to appear in all courts in California. She has practiced law with large and boutique firms throughout the West Coast. She has provided counsel as Corporate and General Counsel to private and public employers. As a graduate of Willamette University in Oregon, she had the distinction of serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Willamette Law Online, a Forms Editor for the Willamette University Law Review, the Student Liaison to the Oregon State Bar’s Affirmative Action Committee, and was elected by her peers to serve as the Chair of Willamette University’s Minority Law Student Association.
Mr. Miller is Of Counsel at Lydecker’s Jacksonville and Tampa offices. Mr Miller has been practicing civil litigation for over 25 years. His practice is primarily focused on third party civil defense litigation, with an emphasis on premises liability, negligent security, wrongful death, auto negligence, commercial transportation, dram shop, construction defect.
Mr. Miller has handled high exposure negligence and wrongful death cases, including negligent security, drowning, trucking, construction and racetrack accidents. He represents his clients with professionalism, diligence, and aggressiveness in their defense. Mr. Miller has first chaired numerous successful jury trials in various Florida jurisdictions. Mr. Miller is admitted to practice in all state and Federal Courts in the State of Florida.
Steven Moskowitz is an Associate in Lydecker’s Jersey City office, where he focuses his practice on Insurance defense and Labor & Employment matters. He is admitted to practice law in both New York and New Jersey.
Mr. Moskowitz earned his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in May 2024, where he was awarded the Rutgers Law Merit Scholarship. During his time at Rutgers, he gained hands-on experience as a Clinical Law Student in the Education and Health Law Clinic. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in May 2019.
Before joining Lydecker, Mr. Moskowitz served as a Law Clerk at Hirsh Business Law P.C. during his third year of law school, where he supported a variety of corporate and litigation matters
Mewerick Mozza is an Of Counsel 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.
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.
Janeally R. Munoz is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s San Diego office. Ms. Munoz has gained valuable experience representing Clients in a wide range of matters and has participated in several trials, both serving as second chair and conducting them on her own. She has courtroom experience and is skilled in drafting and arguing the motions in Court. Her diverse background has provided her with a strong foundation in litigation, client advocacy, and case strategy.
Ms. Munoz earned her J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in May of 2023. During law school, Ms. Munoz she was an active member of the Mock Trial team and held various leadership positions, including serving La Raza, where she continues to be an active member today.
Brian is Litigation Partner in Lydecker’s San Diego office with more than twenty years of success providing legal analysis, strategy and endeavors to look at all options for purposes of protecting clients. Brian represents parties from incept to trial in proceeding, including alternative dispute resolution.
Brian balances attention to detail and management methodologies to maintain a ‘big picture’ focus while minimizing client /company exposure to risk. He develops working relationships with all counsel in all litigation matter to ensure organization, steer the litigation towards the best resolution, and leverages these relationships to control client expenses.
Brian maintains a strong courtroom presence and drives case strategies to achieve favorable outcomes for individual and corporate clients through the application of critical thinking and outside the box.
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.
Patrick Naranjo is an Associate at Lydecker’s Orlando office. Mr. Naranjo’s practice includes Construction Defect Litigation, focusing on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, environmental consultants, and product manufacturers.
Mr. Naranjo earned his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law. During law school, Mr. Naranjo served as a judicial extern at the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals under the Honorable Judge Charles Sulek. His leadership roles included serving as President and co-founder of the Latino/a Law Students Association, President of the University of Toledo Graduate Student Association, and Treasurer of the International Law Society. In these positions, Mr. Naranjo played a critical role in promoting diversity, fostering community, and advancing student engagement. Additionally, Mr. Naranjo was a member of the University of Toledo’s Strategic Planning Committee, where he contributed to shaping a bold, comprehensive plan to guide the university’s future. He also served on the SHIP RFP Committee, working to select a health insurance provider that balanced quality coverage with affordability for the university’s student population.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Naranjo worked as a Law clerk and Associate Attorney at a Florida-based insurance defense firm, representing clients in general liability matters, including premises liability, negligent security, and casualty defense.
