Lawyers
Laura Compton is Of Counsel at the Tampa office of Lydecker. Laura’s has represented individuals, small business owners, global corporations, and insurance companies in a wide array of civil litigation defense matters, including premises liability, automobile and trucking negligence, products liability, Dram Shop, and wrongful death, as well as counseling clients on coverage and bad faith issues.
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.
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.
Jacob Diamond is an Associate in the firm’s Jersey City office. Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Diamond served as a Law Clerk in the Superior Court of Essex County, New Jersey, where he clerked for several judges in matters relating to General Equity, Civil, and Family Law. Mr. Diamond’s practice area involves all aspects of Civil Litigation.
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.
Marianne Elias an Associate in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Elias’ practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a focus in labor and employment, civil rights litigation and governmental immunity.
Ms. Elias earned her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. While completing her legal studies, Ms. Elias was Director of Public Relations for the Latin American Law Students Association and was a member of the Trademark Law Moot Court team.
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.
Laura Compton is Of Counsel at the Tampa office of Lydecker. Laura’s has represented individuals, small business owners, global corporations, and insurance companies in a wide array of civil litigation defense matters, including premises liability, automobile and trucking negligence, products liability, Dram Shop, and wrongful death, as well as counseling clients on coverage and bad faith issues.
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.
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.
Jacob Diamond is an Associate in the firm’s Jersey City office. Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Diamond served as a Law Clerk in the Superior Court of Essex County, New Jersey, where he clerked for several judges in matters relating to General Equity, Civil, and Family Law. Mr. Diamond’s practice area involves all aspects of Civil Litigation.
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.
Marianne Elias an Associate in the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Elias’ practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation with a focus in labor and employment, civil rights litigation and governmental immunity.
Ms. Elias earned her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. While completing her legal studies, Ms. Elias was Director of Public Relations for the Latin American Law Students Association and was a member of the Trademark Law Moot Court team.
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.
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