Lawyers
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.
Graham Cox is an Associate in Lydecker’s Texas office. Mr. Cox’s practice involves all aspects of civil litigation, with a primary focus on representing clients in complex disputes from inception through resolution. He is experienced in managing cases across a wide range of matters, including commercial litigation, business disputes, general liability claims, as well as Directors and Officers liability and employment matters.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Cox practiced at a Texas based law firm where he managed a substantial caseload, taking an active role in all phases of litigation. His experience includes drafting pleadings and dispositive motions, conducting and defending depositions, appearing in court on behalf of clients, and negotiating favorable settlements. He has served as first chair attorney in depositions and has worked closely with clients to develop strategies tailored to their legal and business objectives.
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.
Megan Diefendorf is a Senior Associate in Lydecker’s Orlando office. Her practice focuses on insurance defense litigation, with an emphasis on personal injury and premises liability claims. Ms. Diefendorf represents and advises business owners and associations throughout Florida in both state and federal courts. Her practice areas at Lydecker include General Liability, Bodily Injury Defense, and Negligent Security. She is experienced in defending clients through all phases of litigation and works closely with insureds and carriers to develop practical strategies aimed at achieving efficient and favorable outcomes.
Ms. Diefendorf earned her Juris Doctor from Barry University Dwayne O’ Andreas School of Law.
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.
Jessica Dos Santos is an Associate attorney in Lydecker’s Miami office, where her practice focuses on Government Liability, Labor and Employment, and Tort Liability.
Mrs. Dos Santos earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University, where she interned with the United States Marshals Service for the Southern District of Florida. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University College of Law in May 2024. During law school, Ms. Dos Santos was an active member of the Trial Team and was recognized on the Dean’s List.
Ms. Dos Santos began working with Lydecker LLP as a law clerk during the summer of her first year of law school and continued with the firm throughout her legal education. Upon her admission to the Florida Bar in September 2024, she joined the firm as an Associate.
Udhaya Elangovan is an Associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office with approximately a decade of litigation experience. She is licensed to practice law in California and India and brings an international legal perspective to complex civil matters. Her practice spans a broad range of litigation, including products liability, toxic tort, real property disputes, employment matters, accident and personal injury claims, elder abuse, medical malpractice, immigration related issues, unlawful detainer actions, and family law.
Prior to practicing in the United States, Ms. Elangovan practiced at the Law Offices of Justice G.R. Swaminathan before the High Court of Judicature at Madras in India. During this time she handled a diverse docket of civil matters involving real property, employment disputes, accident claims, and family law proceedings. She was also appointed Advocate Commissioner by the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) in a significant labor dispute, where she assisted the court in fact finding and contributed to a resolution that protected the rights of hundreds of employees.
In addition to her litigation experience, Ms. Elangovan previously served as Compliance Counsel on Google’s Legal Investigations Team. In that role she advised an international team on issues involving data security, user privacy, and regulatory compliance, providing legal insight on sensitive and complex matters involving global technology operations.
Ms. Elangovan is deeply committed to serving diverse and immigrant communities and assisting clients through complex and often life changing legal challenges. She approaches her work with a combination of strategic legal analysis, clear communication, and empathy to help clients navigate difficult situations with confidence.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Elangovan served as Secretary of the Women Lawyers Association in India, where she helped organize and lead legal aid initiatives designed to expand access to justice for underserved communities.
Her professional philosophy is influenced by leadership thinkers such as Brené Brown and Simon Sinek, whose work on vulnerability, purpose, and leadership informs her client centered approach to the practice of law.
Justin Christopher Ellis is a Senior Associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. Justin is an experienced litigation attorney who focuses his practice on representing industry professionals in a wide range of disputes. Justin provides clients with strategic, results-driven advocacy across matters involving professional liability, real estate disputes, and other complex litigation.
Justin earned his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he received academic awards in Constitutional Law and Advanced Legal Research. His education, combined with years of hands-on litigation experience, allows Justin to offer clients both informed counsel and effective representation.
After his admission to the California Bar in 2020, Justin took a keen interest in high-stakes litigation. With a deep understanding of the legal and practical challenges faced by industry professionals, Justin develops tailored solutions which protect his clients’ interests.
Justin is known for his clear communication, thorough case analysis, and ability to navigate high-stakes negotiations. Dedicated to professionalism and client service, Justin is committed to delivering responsive, efficient, and knowledgeable legal support to professionals and businesses throughout California.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Graham Cox is an Associate in Lydecker’s Texas office. Mr. Cox’s practice involves all aspects of civil litigation, with a primary focus on representing clients in complex disputes from inception through resolution. He is experienced in managing cases across a wide range of matters, including commercial litigation, business disputes, general liability claims, as well as Directors and Officers liability and employment matters.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Cox practiced at a Texas based law firm where he managed a substantial caseload, taking an active role in all phases of litigation. His experience includes drafting pleadings and dispositive motions, conducting and defending depositions, appearing in court on behalf of clients, and negotiating favorable settlements. He has served as first chair attorney in depositions and has worked closely with clients to develop strategies tailored to their legal and business objectives.
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.
Megan Diefendorf is a Senior Associate in Lydecker’s Orlando office. Her practice focuses on insurance defense litigation, with an emphasis on personal injury and premises liability claims. Ms. Diefendorf represents and advises business owners and associations throughout Florida in both state and federal courts. Her practice areas at Lydecker include General Liability, Bodily Injury Defense, and Negligent Security. She is experienced in defending clients through all phases of litigation and works closely with insureds and carriers to develop practical strategies aimed at achieving efficient and favorable outcomes.
Ms. Diefendorf earned her Juris Doctor from Barry University Dwayne O’ Andreas School of Law.
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.
Jessica Dos Santos is an Associate attorney in Lydecker’s Miami office, where her practice focuses on Government Liability, Labor and Employment, and Tort Liability.
Mrs. Dos Santos earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University, where she interned with the United States Marshals Service for the Southern District of Florida. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University College of Law in May 2024. During law school, Ms. Dos Santos was an active member of the Trial Team and was recognized on the Dean’s List.
Ms. Dos Santos began working with Lydecker LLP as a law clerk during the summer of her first year of law school and continued with the firm throughout her legal education. Upon her admission to the Florida Bar in September 2024, she joined the firm as an Associate.
Udhaya Elangovan is an Associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office with approximately a decade of litigation experience. She is licensed to practice law in California and India and brings an international legal perspective to complex civil matters. Her practice spans a broad range of litigation, including products liability, toxic tort, real property disputes, employment matters, accident and personal injury claims, elder abuse, medical malpractice, immigration related issues, unlawful detainer actions, and family law.
Prior to practicing in the United States, Ms. Elangovan practiced at the Law Offices of Justice G.R. Swaminathan before the High Court of Judicature at Madras in India. During this time she handled a diverse docket of civil matters involving real property, employment disputes, accident claims, and family law proceedings. She was also appointed Advocate Commissioner by the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) in a significant labor dispute, where she assisted the court in fact finding and contributed to a resolution that protected the rights of hundreds of employees.
In addition to her litigation experience, Ms. Elangovan previously served as Compliance Counsel on Google’s Legal Investigations Team. In that role she advised an international team on issues involving data security, user privacy, and regulatory compliance, providing legal insight on sensitive and complex matters involving global technology operations.
Ms. Elangovan is deeply committed to serving diverse and immigrant communities and assisting clients through complex and often life changing legal challenges. She approaches her work with a combination of strategic legal analysis, clear communication, and empathy to help clients navigate difficult situations with confidence.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Elangovan served as Secretary of the Women Lawyers Association in India, where she helped organize and lead legal aid initiatives designed to expand access to justice for underserved communities.
Her professional philosophy is influenced by leadership thinkers such as Brené Brown and Simon Sinek, whose work on vulnerability, purpose, and leadership informs her client centered approach to the practice of law.
Justin Christopher Ellis is a Senior Associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. Justin is an experienced litigation attorney who focuses his practice on representing industry professionals in a wide range of disputes. Justin provides clients with strategic, results-driven advocacy across matters involving professional liability, real estate disputes, and other complex litigation.
Justin earned his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he received academic awards in Constitutional Law and Advanced Legal Research. His education, combined with years of hands-on litigation experience, allows Justin to offer clients both informed counsel and effective representation.
After his admission to the California Bar in 2020, Justin took a keen interest in high-stakes litigation. With a deep understanding of the legal and practical challenges faced by industry professionals, Justin develops tailored solutions which protect his clients’ interests.
Justin is known for his clear communication, thorough case analysis, and ability to navigate high-stakes negotiations. Dedicated to professionalism and client service, Justin is committed to delivering responsive, efficient, and knowledgeable legal support to professionals and businesses throughout California.
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.
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.
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.
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