J.D. was born in Tallahassee, Florida and is a life-long resident. J.D. worked for Talbot (“Sandy”) D’Alemberte, President Emeritus of Florida State University, while he was in law school. Upon graduation he worked as a litigator with Akerman (formerly Katz, Kutter, et al) before forming a real estate development company. J.D. joined the firm in June of 2006. He became Board Certified as an expert in Real Estate Law in 2010.
He represents property owners and lenders throughout the southeast in all phases of residential and commercial real estate acquisition, development, and sale. He has experience with the bulk purchase, sale, and acquisition of condominium units, residential lots, and commercial real estate developments. J.D. has handled the purchase and sale of various businesses in transactions that included secured financing and environmental reviews. He often assists clients in due diligence and financial feasibility investigations before real estate and business acquisitions. Drawing on his experience with commercial transactions, J.D. also represents clients in all types of commercial and probate litigation, including disputes about contracts and fiduciary obligations.
J.D. represents parties in family law disputes in northern Florida. Drawing on his real estate and business experience, he focuses his family law practice on divorces with complex financial issues or large real estate holdings. He has represented high net worth clients in complex divorces throughout northern Florida, including Tallahassee, Panama City, Destin, and Pensacola.
Education
Florida State University, J.D., 2003 (Magna Cum Laude); Florida State University, B.S., 1999.
Certifications & Achievements
Board Certified in Real Estate Law
Selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers (multiple years)
Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
Admitted
Florida Bar, 2003; Georgia Bar, 2014; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida.
Academic Honors
Order of the Coif; Order of Barristers; Florida State University Law Review (Notes & Comments Editor and Legislative Editor); Moot Court Team.