Attorneys

GEORGE BEFELER GEORGE BEFELER
GEORGE BEFELER portrait

GEORGE BEFELER

gbefeler@homerbonner.com
(305) 350-5158

George Befeler has over 30 years of experience representing private and public clients in transactions involving corporate mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, asset and equity purchases and sales, debt transactions, joint ventures and other finance transactions in the U.S., South America, Europe and Asia. Mr. Befeler also has extensive experience in counseling clients with business start-up matters, formation, maintenance and dissolution of domestic and offshore companies, employment, shareholder, partnership and membership agreements, and drafting complex transactional agreements including partnership, limited liability company and corporate governance agreements.

Mr. Befeler counsels private and institutional lenders, developers, investors, buyers and sellers in commercial real estate transactions including purchases, sales, development, conversions, debt structuring, restructuring and refinancing. He also has extensive experience counseling banks and other financial institutions in structuring, negotiating and closing real estate and other asset-based loans, as well as negotiating and implementing workout and forbearance agreements.

Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships


  • Florida Bar
  • Dade County Bar Association
  • Expert Witness for The Florida Bar
  • Member in Grievance Committee for The Florida Bar
  • Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund, Inc.
  • Salvadoran-American Health Foundation, Inc.​

Bar Admissions


  • Florida

Education


  • University of Miami School of Law (LL.M., Taxation, 1984)
  • University of Miami School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1983)​
  • Florida International University (B.S., cum laude, 1980)

Languages


  • English
  • Spanish

Affiliations


  • Director of Executive National Bank, a National Banking Association
  • Chairman of Loan Committee of Executive National Bank
  • Chairman of The Befeler Group, a real estate investment, management and development company
CHARLES S. BRUMBY CHARLES S. BRUMBY
CHARLES S. BRUMBY portrait

CHARLES S. BRUMBY

cbrumby@homerbonner.com
(305) 350-5140

Charles Brumby represents banks, contractors, commercial landlords, and creditors in litigation throughout Florida. Charles recognizes that no two commercial lawsuits are the same, and that each matter demands its own unique approach. Having begun his legal career with the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s office, Charles uses his extensive trial experience to begin preparing business disputes for trial from their inception. From his years of representing institutional clients, Charles understands the value of obtaining positive results while minimizing costs and risks throughout the litigation process.

Representative Engagements

 


  • Obtained summary judgment for lender against business and guarantor, overcoming the debtors’ fraud defenses. Won dismissal of the debtors’ direct appeal on jurisdictional grounds. Successfully defended appeal of trial court’s refusal to reissue judgment to allow debtors to timely appeal. Darren Payne, M.D., LLC, et al. v. Cadence Bank, N.A., 2020 WL 1649695 (Fla. 5th DCA, July 25, 2019).
  • Represented contractor in jury trial against property owner. Prevailed on contractor’s claims against owner for nonpayment, as well as on contractor’s defenses to owner’s claims for fraudulent lien. Won severed foreclosure bench trial, obtained all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by client, and acquired title to property at issue for client following foreclosure sale.
  • Prevailed on defendant business’s motion for judgment as a matter of law, filed after multiple-week federal jury trial on competitor’s unfair business competition claim, nullifying the vast majority of substantial jury verdict.
  • Successfully collected entire sum of several large unsecured judgments obtained by subcontractor against contractors that failed to pay for services rendered.
  • Obtained judgment featuring permanent injunction preventing competitor from contacting client’s customers, and discharging an alleged substantial debt claimed by client’s competitor.
  • Defended a transferee in a unique dispute regarding ownership of hundreds of thousands of dollars of funds from wire transfers. Prevailed on summary judgment, on direct appeal, on entitlement to attorneys’ fees, and on appeal of the order granting entitlement to attorneys’ fees. Gazarian v. Pino, 182 So. 3d 654 (Fla. 3d DCA 2015); Castiglioni v. Pino, 207 So. 3d 337 (Fla. 3d DCA 2016).
  • Represented creditor with unsatisfied judgments in excess of one million dollars against a business and individual. Prosecuted fraudulent transfer claims against insiders and other entities. Obtained favorable resolution for client.
  • Defended a bank against a customer’s allegation that the bank improperly froze his account and withdrew a significant amount of funds without his authorization. Obtained a dismissal with prejudice at the pleading stage. Intertech TradingCorp. v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., 17-21091-CIV, 2017 WL 7792705 (S.D.Fla. Aug. 28, 2017).
  • Defended business in class action lawsuit brought by consumers for selling allegedly defective products. Obtained dismissal at the pleading stage. Koski v. Carrier Corp., CV16-25372-CIV, 2017 WL 9324356 (S.D. Fla. Aug. 18, 2017).
  • Successfully represented a bank in a federal lawsuit brought by its customers alleging that significant funds were wired from their account without authorization.
  • Defended a developer and its affiliates in a series of lawsuits brought by purchasers arising out of unsuccessful real estate transactions.
  • Brought lawsuit on behalf of a broker against an international real estate conglomerate for refusing to pay a multi-million dollar commission as part of a large, multi-state transaction.

Professional Recognition

 


  • Florida “Super Lawyers” Rising Star, 2017 — 2024

Professional and Civil Activities and Memberships

 


  • The Florida Bar

Court Admissions

 


  • Florida State Courts
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

Background

 


  • Miami-Dade Assistant Public Defender, 2011 — 2013

Education

 


  • University of Miami, J.D., 2010, magna cum laude
  • University of Georgia, B.A., English, 2007

 

LUIS DELGADO LUIS DELGADO
LUIS DELGADO portrait

LUIS DELGADO

ldelgado@homerbonner.com
(305) 350-5130

Luis Delgado oversees the Firm’s international litigation group and is a leading member of the business law and litigation practice, focusing his practice in Florida and Latin America.

Mr. Delgado represents individuals and corporations in the public and private sectors in various business transactions and complex commercial litigation cases in federal and state court. Clients include public and private corporations, banks and other financial institutions, governments, independent business owners, partnerships and limited liability companies.

Mr. Delgado counsels individuals and companies in the Caribbean, South and Central America. He has handled complex international arbitration and general litigation matters on behalf of clients in countries including Venezuela, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico and Ecuador.

Mr. Delgado has developed a distinct reputation for effective, high-stakes litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex cases involving breach of contract, intellectual property and general business disputes.

Mr. Delgado has significant experience handling claims under federal and state securities laws, Racketeer Influences and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), corporate governance contests, franchise disputes, asset tracing and cross-border interim relief.

Mr. Delgado has prosecuted and defended class action lawsuits involving multi-million dollar fraudulent investment operations on behalf of investors in the U.S. and abroad.

Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships


  • The Florida Bar

  • International Bar Association

  • American Bar Association, Section of International Law and Practice

  • Cuban American Bar Association

  • American Trial Lawyers Association

Professional Recognition


  • Florida “Super Lawyer” (2019)

  • Florida “Super Lawyer” (2020)

Bar Admissions


  • Florida

Court Admissions


  • Florida State and Appellate Courts

  • Florida Federal Courts

  • Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Education


  • Boston College Law School (J.D., 1984)

  • University of Miami School of Business (B.A., 1981)

Languages


  • English

  • Spanish

ANTHONY M. DIBLASI ANTHONY M. DIBLASI
ANTHONY M. DIBLASI portrait

ANTHONY M. DIBLASI

Adiblasi@homerbonner.com
(305) 350-5105

Anthony Diblasi’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, including banking matters, business torts, and shareholder and partnership disputes, and also includes probate, trust, and guardianship litigation, as well as probate administrations.

Raised in Miami, Anthony graduated from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, attended Dartmouth College, where he played football for four years, and attended the University of Miami School of Law.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and sports.

Bar Admissions


  • Florida

Court Admissions


  • Florida State Courts

Recognitions


  • Florida “Super Lawyers” Rising Star, 2023

Professional Associations and Memberships


  • Member – The Florida Bar
  • Member – Belen Alumni Lawyers Section
  • Member – Cuban American Bar Association
  • Member – Real Property, Probate, and Trust Section of The Florida Bar
  • Past Member – Miami-Dade County Probate and Guardianship Committee

Publications & Presentations


  • Anthony Diblasi, speaker, A Conversation with the Probate Bench & Bar, American Inns of Court’s Bench and Bar Conference, Miami, Florida, February 18, 2022
  • Anthony Diblasi and Amelia Crotwell, Using a Proactive Approach to Address Elder Care Conflict and Avoid Litigation, ACResolution, January 2020, at Pages 26-30
  • Anthony Diblasi, speaker, A Conversation with the Probate Bench & Bar, American Inns of Court’s Bench and Bar Conference, Miami, Florida, March 1, 2019.
  • Anthony Diblasi, Eldercaring Coordination Training, Fifth Judicial Circuit October 24, 2018 and Seventeenth Judicial Circuit October 30, 2018.
  • Anthony Diblasi, Arbitration: Solving Collegiate Football’s Compensation Problem, Vol. 8 American Journal of Mediation. 83-94 (2015).

Languages


  • English
  • Spanish
  • HOWARD GOLDFARB HOWARD GOLDFARB
    HOWARD GOLDFARB portrait

    HOWARD GOLDFARB

    hgoldfarb@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5115

    Howard Goldfarb represents a diverse clientele in a variety of business and commercial litigation.

    A large focus of Howard’s practice involves white collar defense, including representing defendants in enforcement actions brought by government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, Commodities Futures Trading Commission, and state Attorney Generals.  Howard also has experience conducting and assisting internal corporate investigations.

    Howard regularly advises clients on consumer protection issues, including reviewing advertising and promotional materials for compliance with state and federal regulations, and defending and counseling clients concerning allegations of unfair and deceptive trade practices and false advertising claims.

    Howard is experienced in securities and commodities disputes, including litigation in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings before the National Futures Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and has represented futures commission merchants, brokerage firms, and their principals and employees in reparations proceedings before the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

    Howard’s practice also includes employment litigation and related disputes, including litigation brought under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and state and federal discrimination acts, as well as the defense of consumer-oriented class actions and arbitrations, including proceedings before the American Arbitration Association.

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships

     


    • The Florida Bar

    Professional Recognition

     


    • Super Lawyers, Florida Rising Stars (2011-2019)
    • Super Lawyers (2023)

    Bar Admissions

     


    • Florida

    Court Admissions

     


    • Florida State Courts
    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

    Background

     


    • Judicial Intern, Florida Supreme Court, Central Staff (2004)
    • Judicial Intern, General Master H. Stephen Pennypacker, Eight Judicial Circuit Court in and for Alachua County (2003)

    Education

     


    • University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, Florida, (J.D., cum laude, 2005)
    • Law Journal: University of Florida Journal of Law & Public Policy (2004-2005)
    • Law Journal: Journal of Technology Law & Policy (2003–2005)
    • University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (B.S., 2002)

    Languages

     


    • English

    Publications

     


    • The Undocumented Worker: Fuller, Holmes, and the Bush Proposal Within Immigration and Labor Law Jurisprudence, 16 U. Fla. J. L. & Pub. Pol’y 179 (2005)
    • Standard-Setting Organizations: Determining a Duty to Disclose Among Industry Competitors, 8 J. Tech. L. & Pol’y 207 (2003)
    ANTONIO M. HERNANDEZ, JR. ANTONIO M. HERNANDEZ, JR.
    ANTONIO M. HERNANDEZ, JR. portrait

    ANTONIO M. HERNANDEZ, JR.

    Antonio Hernandez practices complex commercial litigation in state and federal court, as well as various arbitral forums, at both the trial and appellate levels. Tony’s practice involves technology issues, trade secrets, securities, education, banking, and commercial contract matters. Regarding technology issues in particular, Tony has handled numerous cases involving commercial software and computer hacking.

    Prior to joining the firm, Tony clerked for two years at the Florida Supreme Court for the Honorable Justice R. Fred Lewis, where he concluded his term as the most senior staff attorney in chambers. He also completed a semester-long externship at the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit for the Honorable Circuit Judge Adalberto Jordan. While at the firm, Tony has continued to build his appellate experience, having led several successful appellate representations at the Third District Court of Appeals and supported many other appeals in both state and federal appellate courts.

    A past summer associate at the Firm, Tony returned to the Firm after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. A lifelong south Floridian born to Cuban parents, Tony also attended the University of Miami for his undergraduate studies after graduating from Ransom Everglades.

    Outside the practice of law, Tony has experience with local government and small business, and enjoys boxing, practicing Pilates, traveling, and dancing Argentine tango.

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships

     


    • The Florida Bar
    • Board Member, Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory (2019)

    Bar Admissions

     


    • Florida

    Court Admissions 

     


    • Florida State Courts

    Background 

     


    • Judicial Clerkship, Justice R. Fred Lewis, Supreme Court of Florida (2015-2017)
    • Judicial Externship, Honorable Adalberto Jordan, Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (Spring 2014)
    • Judicial Externship, Justice R. Fred Lewis, Supreme Court of Florida (Summer 2013)

    Education

     


    • University of Miami School of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2015)
      • University of Miami Law Review, Member
      • Order of the Coif
      • Society of Bar & Gavel, Member
      • United States Constitutional Law I Dean’s Fellow to Professor Caroline Mala Corbin (Spring 2014)
      • Torts Deans Fellow to Vice Dean Osamudia James (Fall 2013)
      • Scholar, HNBA/Microsoft IP Law Institute
    • University of Miami (B.A., cum laude, general honors, 2012)

    Languages 

     


    • English
    • Spanish (Conversational)
    • French (Conversational)
    ANDREW R. HERRON ANDREW R. HERRON
    ANDREW R. HERRON portrait

    ANDREW R. HERRON

    aherron@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5117

    Andy Herron has been representing parties in commercial cases for nearly 30 years.  Mr. Herron regularly represents banks, other businesses and individuals before Florida’s state courts, federal district courts and bankruptcy courts in a wide variety of cases.  His practice includes bank litigation of various types, prosecution and defense of business torts, partnership and shareholder disputes, insurance coverage disputes and disputes involving Ponzi schemes and financial frauds.  Mr. Herron also has extensive experience in the arena of bankruptcy and debtor/creditor rights, regularly representing debtors, creditors, interested parties and litigants involved in bankruptcy cases or judgment collection. Additionally, Mr. Herron is certified by the Florida Supreme Court as Circuit Court mediator.

    Lead Counsel Engagements

     


    • Lead counsel for national bank in defense of $6 million case alleging negligence,fraud and civil RICO; jury returned a verdict for the bank.
    • Lead counsel for national bank in multiple federal cases seeking over $5 million in damages connected to Ponzi schemes run by bank customers; dismissals and summary judgments entered in favor of the bank by the trial courts.
    • Lead counsel in successful collection of substantial investment into Ponzi scheme;
    • Lead counsel in collection of $1.2 million judgment, resulting in substantial recovery.
    • Lead litigation counsel for local community bank, handling commercial foreclosures and collections, bankruptcies by borrowers, and the like.
    • Lead litigation counsel for local aircraft engine repair shop.
    • Lead counsel in successful prosecution of substantial fraudulent transfer lawsuit.
    • Lead counsel in successful representation of magazine publisher in $1 million dispute with insurer over unpaid business interruption claim.
    • Lead counsel for two family members in $90 million+ dispute over family business.
    • Successfully defended against wrongful involuntary bankruptcy petitions filed against prominent individuals in Puerto Rico.
    • Represented successful buyer of Islamorada marina and bar from a bankruptcy estate.

    Professional Activities and Memberships

     


    • Past member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Rules and Procedures of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • Member, Bankruptcy Bar Association for the Southern District of Florida

    Professional Recognition

     


    • AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbbell
    • Florida “Super Lawyer” as published by Thomson Reuters (2007, 2009-2023)
    • South Florida Legal Guide “Top Lawyer” (2012-present)
    • Florida Trend “Legal Elite” (selected years)

    Bar Admissions

     


    • Florida

    Court Admissions

     


    • Supreme Court of the United States
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit
    • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • Florida State Courts

     Education

     


    • University of Miami School of Law (J.D., with honors, 1990)
    • Articles and Comments Editor, University of Miami Law Review
    • Swarthmore College (B.A., Biology 1987)

    Prior Affiliations

     


    • Herron Ortiz 2013-2018
    • Herron Jacobs Ortiz 2005-2013
    • Homer & Bonner 1997-2005
    • Kelley Drye & Warren 1995-1997
    • Jenner & Block 1994-1995
    • Stroock & Stroock & Lavan 1990-1994

     Languages

     


    • English

     

    GREGORY W. HOMER GREGORY W. HOMER
    GREGORY W. HOMER portrait

    GREGORY W. HOMER

    Gregory W. Homer litigates labor and employment, commercial and class action matters. He has worked extensively with experts in statistics and labor economics in the preparation and execution of defense strategies and case analyses in complex class action and multi-plaintiff employment litigation, including several nationwide class actions.

    In addition to defending numerous individual discrimination and employment tort actions in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels, Greg has both defended and prosecuted breach of contract claims, particularly in the context of injunction proceedings and enforcement of covenants not to compete. He also has defended actions brought under ERISA involving denials of welfare benefits and allegations of breach of fiduciary duty.

    Greg regularly counsels clients on compliance issues involving the full range of federal and state laws concerning discrimination, wage and hour, and leave issues, with a focus on the additional obligations placed on federal and state contractors in the areas of affirmative action, prevailing wages, and reporting obligations.

    Greg co-authored Defending and Preventing Employment Litigation, an authoritative guide to help minimize employment lawsuits, published by Aspen Publishers, and The Model Employer, a comprehensive text on employment law, published by George Washington Law School. He frequently speaker on employment law topics for CLE providers, including National Employment Law Institute, Wake Forest University School of Law, and Northwestern School of Law.

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships

    • American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section

    Bar Admissions

     


    • District of Columbia

    Court Admissions 

     


    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

    Education

     


    • University of Virginia School of Law (J.D., 1979)
    • Yale University (B.A., cum laude, 1976)

    Languages 

     


    • English
    PETER W. HOMER PETER W. HOMER
    PETER W. HOMER portrait

    PETER W. HOMER

    phomer@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5139

    Peter W. Homer is one of the firm’s founders. He has a diverse and extensive business law and litigation practice at both the trial and appellate levels, and in various arbitral forums. Mr. Homer represents private and public companies, including financial institutions, in all manner of litigation, arbitration, regulatory enforcement proceedings, and investigations by governmental agencies or self-regulatory organizations. He also counsels clients on compliance issues and laws, rules and regulations at the federal and state levels of various regulatory organizations.

    Practice Experience

     


    Mr. Homer has significant experience representing organizations and individuals who have become subjects of investigations or enforcement proceedings by federal and state governmental agencies, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Education, Florida Attorney General, as well as other state regulators or industry self-regulatory organizations such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Clients include securities broker-dealers, investment advisors, investment companies, hedge funds, publicly-held companies, banks, insurance companies, for-profit schools, accounting firms, commodities firms, futures commission merchants, precious metals dealers, as well as the officers, directors, partners and employees of these companies. Mr. Homer has aggressively litigated against most governmental agencies on various issues, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and limiting the scope of or overturning orders involving asset freezes.

    Mr. Homer’s education law practice is one of the most extensive in the nation. He represents universities, colleges and career schools in a variety of litigated and regulatory matters. He counsels these clients on compliance with accrediting standards of public and private primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, as well as on state and federal regulations.

    Mr. Homer provides counseling and litigation services to banks and other financial institutions in all phases of consumer and commercial litigation, which includes drafting and interpreting contracts, leases, promissory notes, and security agreements. Clients include large national banks, local commercial and private banks, national commercial credit companies, and national commercial leasing companies, as well as foreign banking institutions. He is knowledgeable about the intricacies of federal and state banking regulations. He also provides representation in pre-litigation loan workouts and reorganizations through bankruptcy.

    Mr. Homer provides businesses with a full-range of employment-related legal services and has handled lawsuits involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour, breach of contracts, severance, employee benefits, non-competition, confidentiality, trade secrets, whistle-blower, invasion of privacy, and defamation claims. Clients include a broad range of domestic and foreign corporations.

     

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships

     


    • The Florida Bar
    • Maryland State Bar Association
    • Washington State Bar Association
    • Securities Dealers Association

     

    Professional Recognition

     


    • The Best Lawyers in America – Lawyer of the Year for Securities Regulation in Miami, FL (2021)
    • The Best Lawyers in America – Lawyer of the Year for Commercial Litigation in Miami, FL (2021)
    • The Best Lawyers in America – Lawyer of the Year for Litigation – Securities in Miami, FL (2013, 2019, 2021)
    • The Best Lawyers in America – Lawyer of the Year for Litigation – Mergers & Acquisitions in Miami, FL (2014-2021)
    • The Best Lawyers in America – Lawyer of the Year for Litigation – Banking & Finance in Miami, FL (2021)
    • The Best Lawyers in America  (2005-2021)
    • Lawyer Legal Awards -Educational Law – Lawyer of the Year – USA (2018)
    • Super Lawyers (2006-2023)
    • Florida Trend’s Legal Elite (2004-2006, 2008, 2013-2015)
    • Client Choice Award Winner for Litigation in Florida (2013)
    • AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

     

    Bar Admissions

     


    • Florida
    • Maryland
    • Washington
    • Supreme Court of the United States

     

    Court Admissions

     


    • Supreme Court of the United States
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
    • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
    • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
    • Florida State Courts
    • Maryland State Courts
    • Washington State Courts

     

    Background

     


    • Founding Member of Homer Bonner Jacobs Ortiz
    • Local Rules Committee, The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • Judicial Clerkship, Honorable Sidney M. Aronovitz, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (1979-1980)
    • Judicial Clerkship, Chief Judge Robert Murphy, Maryland Court of Appeals, (1978–1979)

     

    Education

     


    • University of Virginia School of Law (J.D./M.B.A., 1978)
    • University of Notre Dame (B.A., magna cum laude, 1974)

     

    Languages

     


    • English
    KEVIN P. JACOBS KEVIN P. JACOBS
    KEVIN P. JACOBS portrait

    KEVIN P. JACOBS

    kjacobs@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5143

    Kevin P. Jacobs has broad experience litigating in both federal and state court and various arbitral forums, including FINRA, JAMS, and the American Arbitration Association. His diverse practice includes class action defense, banking litigation, securities arbitrations, intellectual property litigation, employment litigation, consumer fraud defense, insurance coverage litigation, and other corporate defense work and counseling.

    Lead Counsel Litigation

     


    • Lead counsel for publicly-traded shipping conglomerate to enforce twenty-year old indemnity provisions in purchase and sale agreement, resulting in complete indemnity relating to asbestos claims.
    • Lead counsel for publicly-traded shipping conglomerate to enforce twenty-year old indemnity provisions in purchase and sale agreement, resulting in complete indemnity relating to asbestos claims.
    • Lead counsel defending publicly-traded company and its subsidiary in claim of trade secret theft relating to alleged misappropriation of software, resulting in dismissal of plaintiff’s claims for fraud on the court.
    • Lead counsel prosecuting counterclaim on behalf of a publicly-traded education company in trademark action, resulting in settlement requiring plaintiff to cease use of its infringing mark.
    • Lead counsel in suit on behalf of publicly-traded pet supply company to enforce its trademark rights, resulting in permanent injunction against defendant.
    • Lead counsel prosecuting defamation suit on behalf of publicly-traded education company against attorney, resulting in a settlement payment from attorney’s insurance carrier.
    • Lead counsel defending duty free and travel retailer against copyright suit, resulting in early dismissal of all claims.
    • Lead counsel for publicly-trade medical supplier in various non-competition cases.

    Other Litigation Highlights

     


    • Defended publicly-traded telecommunications company in technology trade secrets case brought against recently-acquired subsidiary, resulting in favorable settlement.
    • Defended numerous publicly-traded companies in consumer class actions in state and federal court and before the American Arbitration Association under its class action rules.
    • Represented realtors and defendants in False Claims Act cases.
    • Defended medical products manufacturer in defamation suit, resulting in summary judgment against plaintiff.
    • Defended airline against a defamation and tortuous interference suit brought by travel agent.
    • Defended companies in various employment-related disputes, including ones involving claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act, and for forms of discrimination or retaliation.

    Investigation & Government Actions

     


    • Represented publicly-traded and privately held companies responding to US Department of Justice, state attorney general, and state insurance commission investigations and enforcement actions.
    • Conducted numerous Sarbanes-Oxley, False Claims Act, and other whistleblower-related investigations.
    • Defended various companies against regulatory and enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities Exchange Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Commodities Futures Trading Commission, and federal and state departments of education.

    Transactional Work & Advisement

     


    • Drafted and negotiated various license agreements, employment contracts, arbitration agreements, and other business agreements.
    • Regularly advise businesses on employment, insurance, compliance, and contractual matters.

    Professional & Civil Activities & Memberships

     


    • Board President, Legal Services of Greater Miami Foundation (2015-2022)
    • Board Member, Legal Services of Greater Miami Foundation (2015-present)
    • Board, Executive Committee, Audit and Finance Committee, Strategic Planning, and Investment Committee Member, Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. (2011-2022)
    • Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Rules and Procedures for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (2010-2014)
    • Member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Rules and Procedures for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (2001-present)
    • Director, Federal Bar Association, South Florida Chapter (2010-2014)
    • Tocqueville Society Member, United Way of Miami-Dade (2015-2016)

    Professional Recognition

     


    • Ranked in Chambers USA in General Commercial Litigation (Florida) 2021 and 2022
    • AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
    • Florida “Super Lawyer” (2012-present)
    • South Florida Legal Guide “Top Lawyer” (2008-present)
    • Numerous commendations earned while serving in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps (1988-1992)

    Bar Admissions

     


    • Florida

    Court Admissions

     


    • Supreme Court of the United States
    • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • Florida State Courts
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit

    Education

     


    • University of Florida College of Law (J.D., with honors, 1998)
    • University of South Florida (B.A., Philosophy 1995)

    Languages

     


    • English
    YOLONDA P. JACOBS YOLONDA P. JACOBS
    YOLONDA P. JACOBS portrait

    YOLONDA P. JACOBS

     

    Yolonda P. Jacobs’s practice focuses on complex civil and commercial litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Jacobs practiced with the law firms of Herron Jacobs Ortiz and Holland + Knight. Ms. Jacobs also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Ursula Ungaro, District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Ms. Jacobs graduated from the University of Florida College of Law where she was a member of the Florida Law Review. Before attending law school, Ms. Jacobs was the director of a domestic violence and special assault diversion program with the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville, Florida.

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships

     


    • Past Director and Chair, Nominating Committee, Board of Friends of WLRN
    • Past Chair, Federal Magistrate Judge Reappointment Committee, United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
    • Member, Educational Excellence School Advisory Council, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (2013)
    • Advisory member and volunteer instructor, LegalUp! Program (2014-201
    • Tocqueville Society Member, United Way of Miami-Dade (2015-2016)

    Bar Admissions

     


    • Florida

    Court Admissions

     


    • S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • Florida State Courts

    Background

     


    • Judicial Clerkship, Honorable Ursula Ungaro, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (1999-2001)

    Education

     


    • University of Florida College of Law (J.D., with honors, 1998)
    • University of North Florida (B.A., Psychology, magna cum laude, 1988)

    Languages

     


    • English

     

    CHRISTOPHER KING CHRISTOPHER KING
    CHRISTOPHER KING portrait

    CHRISTOPHER KING

    cking@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5192

    Christopher King is a leading member of the firm’s Arbitration, Securities and Commodities Litigation, and Regulatory Enforcement practice groups. He has represented numerous clients both in arbitration and in court proceedings to confirm or vacate arbitration awards, and was on the front lines of many of the early disputes over class-based arbitration, including the successful vacatur of a clause construction award in the Fifth Circuit decision, Reed v. Florida Metropolitan University, Inc., 681 F.3d 630 (5th Cir.2012).

    Mr. King has also defended enforcement actions around the country at both the trial and appellate levels. As lead counsel, he argued Commodity Futures Trading Comm’n v. Wilshire Inv. Mgmt. Corp., 531 F.3d 1339, 1345 (11th Cir.2008), which limited the regulator’s ability to recover restitution for customer losses in the Eleventh Circuit, and has defended several actions seeking to regulate the foreign currency spot and precious metal markets.

    Mr. King also leads the firm’s appellate practice, having represented clients before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, and 11th Circuits, as well as at the State level in Florida, California, and Illinois.

    Mr. King has represented international clients from Switzerland, Panama, and Venezuela, and has extensive experience in securities litigation and in commercial and civil disputes both large and small.

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships


    • The Florida Bar

    • Dade County Bar Association

    Bar Admissions


    • Florida

    Court Admissions


    • Florida State Courts

    • United States Supreme Court

    • The Supreme Court of Florida

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit

    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

    • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

    • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

    • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

    Background


    • Judicial Clerkship, Honorable Norman C. Roettger, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (1997-2000)

    Education


    • University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, Florida (J.D., honors, 1997)

      • Journal of Law and Public Policy, Editor

      • Intern for Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen H. Grimes

    • Florida State University (B.A., cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa,1994)

    Languages


    • English

    JOSÉ A. ORTIZ JOSÉ A. ORTIZ
    JOSÉ A. ORTIZ portrait

    JOSÉ A. ORTIZ

    jortiz@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5113

    José A. Ortiz focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation.  His practice includes various areas of litigation, including banking, investment/financial fraud, business torts, shareholder and partnership disputes, healthcare and fraudulent transfers. Mr. Ortiz has particular experience in banking litigation, including disputes involving the Uniform Commercial Code, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, wire fraud and check fraud. He represents individuals and businesses in state and federal courts, administrative agencies and arbitration forums.

    Mr. Ortiz also counsels individuals and businesses on general legal matters.

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships


    • The Florida Bar
    • The Cuban American Bar Association (including as director from 2001 to 2002)

    Professional Recognition


    • Ranked in Chambers USA in General Commercial Litigation (Florida) 2020-2022
    • AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
    • Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2009, 2011-2012)
    • Super Lawyers (2013-2023)
    • South Florida Legal Guide “Top Lawyer” (2020-2021)

    Bar Admissions


    • Florida

    Court Admissions


    • Florida State Courts
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

    Background


    • Judicial Clerkship, Honorable James Lawrence King, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (1999-2000)

    Education


    • The Catholic University of America (J.D., 1999)
    • Florida State University (B.S., Finance, 1994)

    Publication


    • The Illegal Expropriation of Property in Cuba: A Historical and Legal Analysis of the Takings and a Survey of Restitution Schemes for a Post-Socialist Cuba; 22 Loy. L.A. Int’l& Comp. L. Rev. 321 (2000)

    Languages


    • English
    • Spanish

     

    PAUL L. ROBINSON PAUL L. ROBINSON
    PAUL L. ROBINSON portrait

    PAUL L. ROBINSON

    probinson@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5134

    Paul Robinson has over twenty-five years of experience representing organizations and individuals in transactional matters and in a variety of commercial disputes. Mr. Robinson represents hedge funds, private equity funds and private and public companies on mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financings, SEC compliance, corporate governance, employment matters, internal investigations, and commercial disputes, including securities, class actions, white collar, employment, intellectual property, and banking litigation.

    Private Practice Experience


    • Litigated complex commercial cases and counseled clients on a variety of litigation and corporate matters, including general commercial, contract, corporate, securities, international and white collar criminal investigations and arbitrations. Extensive pre‐trial and motion practice in federal and state courts. Conducted and defended depositions, interviewed and prepared witnesses for trial and arbitration hearings, negotiated complex settlement agreements and drafted pleadings, affidavits, legal memoranda and discovery requests and responses.

    In-House Experience


    • Directed, supervised and managed the worldwide legal operations for several NYSE and NASDAQ listed companies with a diverse array of operating subsidiaries across seven primary reportable segments, including Construction, Marine Services, Energy, Telecommunications, Life Sciences, and Insurance. Areas of focus included mergers and acquisition transactions, debt and equity financings, SEC compliance, corporate governance, litigation, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and employment matters. Substantial involvement in strategic and operational planning.

    • Provided counsel regarding securities, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisition transactions, intellectual property, litigation, employment matters, and operational and strategic planning. Formed a Special Committee of the Board of Directors to investigate the Company’s stock option and accounting practices, and management of response to investigations by the SEC and the Department of Justice. Supervised and managed in‐house legal departments and outside legal counsel worldwide.

    Government Experience


    • Counsel to the majority for the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, under Chairman Senator Fred Thompson, for its special investigation into illegal and improper campaign fund‐raising activities during the 1996 federal election cycle. Conceived and implemented the discovery and hearing phases of the investigation. Deposed and interviewed numerous individuals, including senior White House officials and hearing witnesses. Briefed and prepared senators and staff for hearings.

    Professional & Civil Activities & Membership


    • Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for HC2 Holdings, Inc. (2016-2017)

    • Chief Legal Officer, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary for Seacor Holdings Inc. (2007-2016)

    • Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Era Group Inc. (2007-2013)

    • Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Associate General Counsel for Comverse Technology, Inc. (1999-2007)

    • Director of Verint Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: VRNT) (2002-2007)

    • Director of Ulticom, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULCM) (2004 –2007)

    • Counsel, Special Investigation for United States Senate, Committee on Governmental Affairs (1997)

    Bar Admissions


    • New Jersey, 1992

    • New York, 1993

    • District of Columbia, 1995

    Court Admissions

    • New York Bar Association

    • New Jersey Bar Association

    Background


    • Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Behrens Investment Group, LLC

    • Founder of TRG International LLC (2014-present)

    • Founder of Paul L. Robinson, Esq. LLC (2018-present)

    • Director of Miso Robotics (September 2018-August 2019)

    • Director of Verint Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: VRNT) (2002-2007)

    • Director of Ulticom, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULCM) (2004 –2007)

    Education


    • Boston University School of Law, Juris Doctor, cum laude (May 1992)

    • State University Of New York At Binghamton, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, (May 1989)

    Languages

    • English

    RAQUEL A. TORAL RAQUEL A. TORAL
    RAQUEL A. TORAL portrait

    RAQUEL A. TORAL

    rtoral@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5112

    Raquel Toral’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and international arbitration. Ms. Toral represents domestic and international companies in various forums, including state and federal court and domestic and international arbitration bodies.

    In law school, Ms. Toral served as the Articles & Comments Editor of the University of Miami Business Law Review and received the Director’s Award in Forensics of Advocacy in International Arbitration. She also served as a judicial intern to the Honorable John O’Sullivan of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and as a law clerk to the Honorable Mercedes Bach (Ret.) of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. In addition to earning her J.D., Ms. Toral earned an LL.M. in International Arbitration from the University of Miami School of Law.

    Education

    • University of Miami School of Law, M. in International Arbitration, 2019
      • Director’s Award in Forensics of Advocacy in International Arbitration
    • University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 2019
      • Articles & Comments Editor, University of Miami Business Law Review
    • Florida State University, B.S. in Political Science and Government, 2014
      • Tri Delta Fraternity

    Admissions

    • Florida
    • United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
    • United States District Court, Middle District of Florida

    Practice Areas

    • Complex Commercial Litigation
    • International Litigation & Arbitration

    Publications

     Evolving Autonomous Vehicle Technology and the Erosion of Privacy, 27. U. Miami Bus. L. Rev. 153 (2018).

     Professional & Community Membership

    • Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Member (March 2022 – Present)
    • The American Bar Association, Member (July 2020 – Present)
    • Cuban American Bar Association, Member (October 2019 – Present)
    • Miami International Arbitration Society, Member (September 2019 – Present)
    • Spellman-Hoeveler Chapter, American Inns of Court, Member (September 2017 – Present)

    Languages

     English

    • Spanish
    GREGORY TRASK GREGORY TRASK
    GREGORY TRASK portrait

    GREGORY TRASK

    gtrask@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5155

    Gregory Trask focuses his practice on complex commercial and general business disputes and litigation, including banking litigation and disputes involving Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) matters. Mr. Trask has represented plaintiffs and defendants and has appeared in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels and in various arbitral forums.

    Mr. Trask has represented various institutional and corporate clients, as well as individuals, in a wide variety of complex commercial and general business disputes and transactions, including those involving commercial litigation, banking and finance, securities, employment, education, insurance coverage, corporate transactions, landlord and tenant, real estate, class actions, regulatory matters, international disputes, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships

     


    • Florida Bar
    • District of Columbia Bar
    • American Bar Association
    • Dade County Bar Association

    Professional Recognition

     


    • AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
    • South Florida Legal Guide “Top Lawyer” (2016, 2020, 2021)

    Bar Admissions

     


    • Florida
    • District of Columbia

    Court Admissions

     


    • Florida State and Appellate Courts
    • Florida Federal Courts
    • Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

    Education

     


    • Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 1995)
    • University of Miami (B.A., cum laude, 1992)

    Languages

     


    • English

    Representative Matters

     


    Representative matters handled by Mr. Trask resulting in published decisions include:

    • Successful representation of a real estate brokerage firm sued for alleged breach of contract involving splitting of fees from large commercial real estate development.
    • Successful representation of a parent entity in obtaining a stay of litigation in favor of international arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act based upon an arbitration clause in a subsidiary’s consortium agreement.
    • Successful representation of a leading national bank sued for alleged liability in connection with its issuance of a letter of credit for an international transaction.
    • Successful representation of a leading national provider of athletic and personal development programs sued in a mass action for alleged purported partner liability after the developer failed to complete real estate conversion project, leading to settlement.
    • Successful representation of a leading national bank and securities firm in compelling arbitration pursuant to arbitration clause incorporated by reference into account application.
    • Successful representation of a leading legal publisher sued in a putative class action for alleged liability under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act.
    • Successful representation of a former officer and director of a large Venezuelan bank sued for alleged fraud, RICO, breach of fiduciary duty, and other business torts.
    • Successful representation of a prominent officer and director of a public company sued for alleged short-swing profits.
    • Successful representation of a public company sued for alleged violations of SEC Act regulations.
    • Successful representation of a South American telephone company to recover damages for unpaid international long distance services.
    • Successful representation of an enterprise hosting corporation sued by entertainment company for alleged unpaid commissions.
    • Successful representation of a leading European bank sued for alleged False Claim Act violations.
    • Successful representation of a leading national bank sued for alleged garnishment liability involving official checks.
    • Successful representation of a party to a commercial settlement in obtaining judicial enforcement of the settlement and imposition of default remedies.
    ANDREW VITALI, III ANDREW VITALI, III
    ANDREW VITALI, III portrait

    ANDREW VITALI, III

    avitali@homerbonner.com
    (305) 350-5146

    Mr. Vitali represents clients in business and commercial litigation, regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, employment law, securities and commodities arbitrations, intellectual property law, shareholder and partner disputes, sports law and education law, in state and federal court as well as in various arbitral forums.

    Mr. Vitali counsels clients on compliance with laws, rules and regulations in their particular industry, and has experience representing organizations and individuals who have become subjects of investigations or enforcement proceedings by federal and state governmental agencies, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as well as other state regulators or industry self-regulatory organizations like the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

    Mr. Vitali advises businesses on labor and employment issues, and has handled litigation involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, violations of the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, breach of contract, severance, employee benefits, non-competition, and whistle-blower claims.

    Mr. Vitali counsels clients on intellectual property issues, including registering trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  Mr. Vitali also represents these clients in enforcing their trademark rights against infringers.

    Mr. Vitali’s sports law practice focuses on the representation of professional athletes and sports agents.

    Professional and Civic Activities and Memberships 

     


    • The Florida Bar
    • The District of Columbia Bar

    Professional Recognition

     


    • Named one of the 40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of Miami-Dade County by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (2016)

    Bar Admissions

     


    • The Florida Bar
    • The Michigan Bar
    • The District of Columbia Bar​

    Court Admissions

     


    • Florida State Courts
    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

    Education

     


    • The University of Miami School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2008)
      • Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board Member
      • Dean’s Certificate of Excellence in Civil Procedure II
      • Dean’s Certificate of Excellence in Legal Writing and Research
      • Intern with The Center for Ethics and Public Service-Children Youth Law Clinic
    • The College of William & Mary (B.A., 2004)
      • Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society

    Languages

     


    • English