SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

HOW DO I FIND A LAWYER?

Florida has more than 85,000 licensed lawyers practicing in the state. How do you know which one is right for you?

First, make sure the person you are considering hiring is an attorney. You can do this by going to The Florida Bar website at www.floridabar.org. If you have questions, call membership records at The Florida Bar at 850-561-5832. If you believe the person is not an attorney but is claiming to be one, call The Florida Bar Unlicensed Practice of Law Department at 850-561-5840.

Make a careful search for your lawyer; it’s an important decision. Your goal should be to find a lawyer you are comfortable with as a person and as a professional. Many legal matters involve personal considerations, and your lawyer often will need to know confidential information about you, your family and your finances to be truly effective in serving you.

In your preliminary research, you should focus on compiling a list of the names of lawyers who may be qualified to handle your case. Your ‘follow-up’ research will include making phone calls to those lawyers’ offices then visiting one or a few to find the attorney you want to handle your case.

To begin, consider a lawyer’s reputation. Have you heard people speak highly of a particular attorney’s talents or work? Think about your acquaintances who are, or may know, lawyers. Ask those who work with attorneys in their profession, or someone whose opinion you respect — an employer, lawyer at your workplace, banker, teacher, minister, doctor or other professional, relative, neighbor or friend.

The best recommendations often come from people who hired a lawyer to successfully resolve a problem similar to yours. Another check you can do is to see if the attorney has a discipline history — meaning the person has received a professional discipline for violating the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. You can find out this information by going to the attorney’s profile page on The Florida Bar website. Once the attorney’s page appears, scroll down until you see the words: ‘10-Year Discipline History.’ If there is no discipline, the word ‘None’ will appear to the right of the name. If there is a history, the word ‘Yes’ will appear, with a link to documents regarding the discipline. You can use that information to ask the attorney about this episode. You also may call 866-352-0707 and follow the prompts to check a lawyer’s discipline history.

A new and growing development in Florida and other states is the prepaid legal services plan. Through a prepaid legal program, an individual or group pays a premium, something like health insurance, to receive such services as free consultations and advice, with prescribed fees for follow-up services. Before hiring an attorney or before you even think you might need one, you should check to see if your employer, union or other organization of which you are a member offers a prepaid legal service plan as a benefit.

Most areas in Florida also have legal aid and public defender offices, which provide legal help without cost or at a nominal fee to people who cannot afford to pay a lawyer. Legal aid offices provide advice in some non-criminal cases such as those relating to small money claims for wages; disputes between borrowers and lenders; landlord-tenant problems; and domestic relations matters. Public defender offices handle criminal cases for indigent people. A potential client also can use regional, state or national directories of lawyers and law firms, some containing detailed biographical information and client listings. These volumes — some specially produced for consumer education, and others used by lawyers to identify attorneys in other localities — often can be found in public libraries.

Lists of recommended attorneys are also circulated within special interest groups.

Aside from this information, some lawyers are now using consumer advertising on radio, television, newspapers, magazines, in other media and on the web to inform the public of their services and charges for certain routine legal matters.

Comment: Orlando Style Magazine has received lawyer recommendations from many peers and our readers. The results are presented in the following list and in addition, several professionals have taken the opportunity to present their experiences and profiles to you in the following special feature.

Photo By Kimberly Jefcoat

Edgar B. Reilly

Focused on Client Wins when Buying or Selling a Business.

Helping business owners efficiently navigate legal complexities so they can focus on maximizing their business and achieving their goals is why Edgar has enjoyed practicing law for the past 30 years. Contributing to a winning team as a valued member is what drew him to leave his job in finance as a commercial banker and pursue a career in corporate law. Now, as a corporate partner in L&G Law Group’s Florida office, he feels he has found where he can have the greatest impact on the lives of his clients. “Business owners often struggle to find an experienced advisor they can trust to successfully manage the ‘last, great test of entrepreneurship,’ transitioning their business,” he notes. Although Mr. Reilly represents clients on the full spectrum of financial and corporate matters, Edgar sees another level of purpose when he helps someone (or a family) transition a business to a new owner. “For an entrepreneur, selling their business is very personal and the process is almost more transformational for the whole family than merely a business transaction,” he notes.

In 2016, when Edgar moved with his family from Chicago to Orlando, he wasn’t sure how active the Central Florida market was for entrepreneurs and was pleasantly surprised. His mergers and acquisitions practice is split nearly evenly between representing buyers and sellers with transaction valuations spanning a wide range from $1 - $200 million. He has represented numerous owners in Florida selling their businesses to buyers representing large publicly-traded companies, other privately-held businesses, financial investors and next generation entrepreneurs. “Every situation is unique and that’s exciting, but, more importantly, every situation is the same because it involves people working on something extremely important to them – it may be the culmination of their life’s work - and that’s meaningful.” Edgar notes that he truly feels honored when close friends trust him with the transition of their most important financial asset – whether it’s representing his martial arts training partner or his college roommate (both are clients), the personal relationships that are deepened are incredibly rewarding.

There is a planning gap and risk to business owners that Edgar is working to mitigate for clients. Using his unique perspective gained from a varied legal and business background having worked as a commercial lender, large firm corporate attorney and lead in-house counsel, he helps clients address the difficult issues. Sometimes there is a reality check that needs to take place by assessing preparation against the risks of unexpected events forcing an urgent (and discounted) sale. In other cases, he points to the study from the Exit Planning Institute that although 76% of private companies plan to transition ownership within 10 years, out of this same group, 83% report that they don’t have a formal plan to accomplish a transition. Also, most owners admit they don’t understand all their exit options, how different alternative transaction structures work or the varying challenges between internal buyers (family, management or co-owners) and external buyers (strategic or private equity). Edgar says, “That is where a good team of advisors makes life much easier for an owner if they work efficiently together. In my experience, when the accountant, lawyer and other professionals understand the business and focus on the needs of the owner, you maximize the after-tax proceeds and minimize stress on the people and business. And that’s how we win.”

Education and Admissions: Mr. Reilly received his undergraduate business degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame in 1987 and his Juris Doctorate from The Law School at the University of Chicago in 1995. He is admitted to the bar in Illinois and Florida.

280 W Canton Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 175 W Jackson Blvd., Suite 950, Chicago, Illinois 60604 P: 815-919-0027 | www.lgcounsel.com | ereilly@lgcounsel.com

Kendell K. Ali

Ali & Blankner | Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Trial Attorney

“You need Ali in your corner!”

Mr. Ali is a partner at Ali & Blankner where he practices primarily criminal defense and personal injury. Mr. Ali has tried numerous types of cases including several high-profile cases ranging from home invasion robbery to first-degree murder, sexual battery and many more. The Law office of Ali & Blankner is a staple in the Central Florida Community with its main office located overlooking beautiful Lake Ivanhoe since 1986 and a second office in Titusville Florida. This firm has fought for decades for their clients and Mr. Ali keeps the that zealous and aggressive mentality alive within the walls of his firm.

Mr. Ali started his law career as an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. There he prosecuted crimes from the lowest offense all the way up to the most serious and he uses this knowledge of the system to help his clients get the best results in court. Prior to his graduation from the University of Florida College of Law, Mr. Ali was a member of the University of Florida Trial Team and a teaching assistant for the Trial Practice Program. These experiences allowed Mr. Ali to master the intricacies of effectively litigating and trying a case. Mr. Ali completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida with a major in Legal Studies and a minor focus on Criminal Law and Individual Liberties.

Mr. Ali has received the National Association of Distinguished Counsel’s Top 1% 2019-2021; American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys 10 Best Attorneys 2017-2021; American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys 10 Best Law Firms 2019-2021; National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys 2019-2021; National Registry’s Superior A+ Rating; AVVO’s Superb 10.0 Rating; Martindale Hubble AV Preeminent; Super Lawyers rising star as well as many other distinguishments.

Mr. Ali strongly believes that a person’s inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness can be called into question at any time by mere accusations. The Government has the burden of proving its case with evidence at a trial beyond and to the exclusion of every reasonable doubt. For this reason, Mr. Ali ensures his clients’ rights are protected and that each case is resolved in a way that concludes in the most favorable outcome possible. He pursues each case vigorously and aggressively.

217 NE Ivanhoe Blvd Orlando, FL 32804 | P: 407-894-0341 www.orlando-criminaldefensefirm.com | AliGroup@AliBlankner.com

Allison L. Cochran

Cochran Law Firm, P.L.

For attorney Allison Cochran, the strong women in her family provide her greatest motivation. From a young age, she watched her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother work hard for their family and persevere through hardships. She carried these values of dedication and grit into her career, becoming a celebrated lawyer and business owner specializing in real estate, small business, estates, and trusts.

Practicing in Florida, Allison is renowned for her unique skill set and perspective built from an extensive background in real estate and corporate compliance. She attended the University of South Florida, where she earned a bachelor's degree in management, followed by a Juris Doctor degree in law from the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law.

From property management to home sales, Allison spent more than 20 years immersed in the real estate industry. In addition, she worked as a corporate compliance officer before moving into the role of in-house counselor for one of Florida’s largest trade organizations. In 2020, she discovered a deep passion for helping small businesses. During the devastating global pandemic, she witnessed many small businesses struggling due to lockdowns and supply chain issues. Compelled to make a difference in the longevity of her clients’ businesses, Allison launched Cochran Law Firm, P.L.

Through her law firm, Allison serves her small business clients using a proven comprehensive approach that brings added value. Rather than simply addressing their current issues, she takes the time to educate her clients on what it takes to build wealth and legacy from a legal perspective. Allison takes pride in serving her small business and estateplanning clients through multi-meeting processes and by maintaining open communication. Considering her clients’ success to be her success, Allison is dedicated to keeping the best interests of others in mind at all times.

When she is away from work, Allison enjoys volunteering in her community and offering her expertise to leave the world a better place. She is currently a board member of A Little Light, Inc., a nonprofit focused on aiding breast cancer patients and survivors. Even in her spare time, Allison is consistently researching the legal sector to stay updated on today's industry best practices. After all, it is her ongoing mission to provide her clients with superior representation backed by proven strategies and client education.

www.cochranesquire.com | P: 407-504-1020 | info@cochranesquire.com

John W. Foster

Family Complex Litigation & Collaborative Group

618 E South St., Suite. 110 Orlando, FL 32801 P: 407-757-2877 www.fclcgroup.com info@fclcgroup.com

Attorney John Foster is one of Orlando's top family law attorneys. His passion, mixed with his decades of experience, allows him to offer his clients service that is hard to compare. As president of Family Complex Litigation and Collaborative Group (FCLC Group), John works with a fierce dedication to serving every client. "Our clients are more than just clients. They are people who come to us for help, and we want to deliver on our promise that we are your lawyers from start to finish," says John.

Born and raised in the Orlando area, John has deep roots in his community. With more than 41 years of complex litigation experience, he is positioned to handle divorce and family law cases in the Orlando area and beyond. His practice now focuses exclusively on the resolution of complex divorce and family law cases, whether resolved through settlement, the litigation process and trial, mediation, the collaborative process, or the appellate process. In addition, John works with matters involving alimony, child support, custody, divorce, paternity, property division, and other marital and familyrelated issues.

Before directing his focus exclusively to family law, John litigated numerous state and federal cases and appeals that put him in direct contact with sophisticated businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and general or corporate counsel responsible for litigation management. In many divorce and family law cases, the business entities with which a spouse is employed or involved may be added as parties or may become entangled in the discovery process. John's background and experience place him in a unique position for remaining sensitive to the impact of divorce on his client's business interests.

John's accomplishments have earned him recognition and honors over the years. He has achieved the highest AV rating by Martindale Hubbell, and he is ranked by Chambers USA. John has been named one of America's Best Lawyers, as Florida Legal Elite for Marital and Family Law by Florida Trend, and has been named a Super Lawyer for 10 consecutive years. By invitation, John is a member of the National Advocates "Top 100."

John is actively involved in the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar Association. He currently serves on the Family Law Section's Executive Council and Legislation Committee and is a member of the Children's Issues Committee and the Domestic Violence Committee. John also served as Chair of the Health & Wellness Committee of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar Association, a committee designed to promote the health and wellness of members who passionately serve Florida's families in their family law matters.

Another topic John is highly passionate about is recovery from addiction. After a long battle with addiction, his son finally found recovery. However, in 2013, a year and a half into his recovery, his son relapsed and fatally overdosed. John channels his passion for recovery by remaining involved in the recovery world. He is fortunate to be a founding member of Mind, Body & Soul Recovery Housing (“soberlivingorlando.com”), which owns and operates sober-living homes in the Orlando area. John is also a founder of The Mind, Body & Soul Surfing Club’s Recovery Foundation, which is a 501(c) (3) entity that raises charitable donations for recovery from addiction through events like the annual Run for Recovery, which will be held in Orlando at Lake Baldwin on Saturday, November 5, 2022.

"Addiction can affect anyone, no matter age, race, socioeconomic status, or location," says John. "While death is the reality of addiction, life is the reality of recovery. Our goal is to give someone a chance and help them find life through recovery."

Joyce Fuller, Esq.

J.C. FULLER, P.A. | Representing Communities, Associations & Neighborhoods

Joyce Fuller grew up in Hyattsville, MD, Falls Church, VA and moved to Honduras Central America as a teenager to live among and serve the poor. When she returned to the United States, Joyce moved to Florida and earned her AA degree Summa Cum Laude from Manatee Community College where she learned for the first time that she is the Great Grand-Niece of the late Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Melville Weston Fuller 1888-1910.

Joyce earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with Distinction from Eckerd College With Distinction and her juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law where she earned multiple scholastic recognitions.

Joyce is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Arbitrator, and is a Florida Bar Attorney Fee Arbitrator. She has worked with The Florida Bar in helping lawyers, members of the public and the judiciary in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.

After being mentored by Robert Taylor, Esq. and Harry Carls, Esq. of the Taylor &Carls law firm, Joyce and her devoted dear friends and family established the law firm JC FULLER, PA.

Joyce is also a published writer, oil painter, and singer. When she is not in her office, or in an Ocala warehouse loading donated animal product, or in a courtroom: you can find her singing around town with Marty Jones and the Delicate Balance Duo band. You can check them out on Facebook at Delicate Balance Duo.

When asked about the secret to her success, Joyce explains: “My family, friends and clients are responsible for my success. They are priceless. I also don’t take myself too seriously. I surround myself with positive wonderful friends and clients and take time to work with animal rescue. We are always trying to find that balance between work and self-care, because the better we take care of ourselves, the better we can take care of one another and our awesome clients. I am blessed far more than I deserve.”

Photo By Kimberly Jefcoat

AV Rated Martindale Hubbell* Member Bankruptcy Bar* Admitted Middle District of Florida*Florida Supreme Court Certified Arbitrator*Florida Bar Attorney Fee Arbitrator* Licensed to Practice law in US District Court Middle District of Fla.* 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 America’s Most Honored Professionals 2020, 2021, 2022 Orlando Style Magazine Attorney of the Year

1700 N Maitland Ave., Maitland FL 32751 | collections@jcfullerpa.com | www.jcfullerpa.com | P: 407-641-5292

Faith Keating

Law Offices of Faith Keating

Photo By Kimberly Jefcoat

Faith Keating has 36 years experience representing the injured and disabled in the Central Florida community. In 2019, she founded the Law Offices of Faith Keating representing those injured in personal injury claims, work-related injuries and Social Security disability. Previously, Attorney Keating provided legal services under Faith O. Horning-Keating, PA which she founded in 1989.

Faith Keating received her BA and JD from the University of Florida. In law school, Faith Keating worked as a graduate research assistant to a Labor law professor editing National Labor Relations Board publications and other research materials.

Subsequently, Ms. Keating became House Counsel to The Travelers Insurance Company which provided invaluable training in Insurance law. After successfully prevailing in litigation on behalf of Travelers on a number of difficult claims, Travelers assigned Ms. Keating to their National accounts. Faith Keating sustained injuries investigating a workers compensation claim, and became determined to overcome her injuries and then provide counsel to others in similar situations.

Faith Keating served as both Section Chair and Secretary to the Workers Compensation Section of the Florida Bar. She was also published twice in the News & 440 Report, for the Workers Compensation Section of the Florida bar.

In recent years, Ms. Keating has utilized her litigation expertise to pursue and resolve complex personal injury litigation with multiple defendants in both circuit civil, district courts of appeal as well as practicing before the Judges of Compensation Claims and the Administrative Law judges. Ms. Keating has pursued all types of personal injury claims including wrongful death claims, products liability, motor vehicle, truck collisions, slip and fall, etc.

Ms. Keating’s legal work successfully secured and continues to secure millions in recoveries and awards by providing close attention to detail and having a passion for improving the lives of those injured who must endure chronic pain and suffering.

In her personal life, Ms. Keating is married and resides in Chuluota, Florida where she enjoys time with her twin daughters, her grandson, dogs, cats, horses, as well as, travel, reading and outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

At the Law Offices of Faith Keating each client is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Ms. Keating believes to be impactful as a counselor one must educate their clients in the law and their options to allow the client to make well informed decisions. She takes pride in providing exceptional legal services and counsel to individuals from all walks of life and all races and nationalities without exception. New clients are welcome in her Orlando office.

1225 Mount Vernon St Orlando, Fl 32803 | P: 407-895-4927 www.lawofficesoffaithkeating.com | Faithkeatinglaw@gmail.com

Mark N. Longwell, Esq.

Founding Attorney of Longwell Lawyers and Former State Prosecutor

Attorney Mark Longwell has a clear vision and a proven strategy for effectively representing his clients. By utilizing his extensive knowledge and his effective courtroom capabilities, Mark believes he can provide his clients with the best legal representation possible. Additionally, Mark recognizes that his clients also deserve to be treated like valued customers. As such, Mark strives to ensure excellent communication with his clients so that they are fully informed and well-advised about their cases. Furthermore, Mark is committed to providing his elite level legal services for a fair and reasonable fee.

Mark Longwell was born in the Washington, D.C area where he spent his early youth. He also grew up in the Detroit area and graduated High School in1983 from Grosse Pointe South High School. He earned a multi-disciplinary bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Political Science and Psychology from Michigan State University in 1987. After returning to D.C., Mark earned his Juris Doctor Law Degree from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, in 1990. After completing an internship at the Office of the United States Attorney in Washington, D.C, Mark moved to Orlando, Florida, where he accepted a position as an Assistant State Attorney, for the Office the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit, under Lawson L. Lamar. Attorney Mark Longwell quickly established himself as a highly effective prosecutor during his tenure with the State Attorney’s Office.

In 1993, Mark founded the law firm that is now known as Longwell Lawyers. For nearly 30 years, Orlando attorney Mark Longwell and the attorneys at Longwell Lawyers have solved the legal problems of thousands of clients in both criminal defense and family law cases. Over the years, Mark has built a team of highly skilled attorneys and staff at Longwell Lawyers who share his passion and drive to provide the best legal representation possible.

Mark’s philosophy and strategy in representing clients is focused on getting the best possible result. Relying on his extensive knowledge and trial experience, Mark uses a trial-oriented strategy that maximizes and leverages his clients’ position. His dedication to this philosophy is exemplified by the results he has achieved for the thousands of clients he has represented over the years.

390 North Orange Ave., Suite 1825, Orlando, FL, 32801 P: 407-426-5757 www.LongwellLawyers.com | Mail@LongwelllLawyers.com

Johnny A. Pineyro, Esq.

Florida Injury Law Firm, P.A.

I learned at a young age that to be successful, you must accept all the challenges that comes your way, and not just the easy ones. I try to share the same values with my children and sacrifice for them just as my parents did for me.

I have a work ethic that is something I take pride in and credit my parents for who both worked hard to give me and my siblings as much as they could. Their sacrifices allowed me to attend great schools and appreciate opportunity. They taught me the importance of benefiting others and giving back.

Throughout my teen years, I spent a great deal of my time playing sports and reading just about everything. I loved to learned and that continued through law school in Pennsylvania. I have now been practicing law for over 25 years with a focus on aviation law. I have gone many directions with my career in law and I am most proud of my ability to fight for victims that cannot fight for themselves.

About 10 years ago I started the Pineyro Education Foundation – a nonprofit organization to help underprivileged youth get access to higher education through scholarships we built and awarded.

I learned to fly over a decade ago and since then have owned pistons, turboprops and turbines. It is only a passion of mine but something I enjoy sharing with others. I have served for many years at the Airport Authority consulting a Board of Commissioners on all matters related to the airport operations. In addition, I have served on multiple boards as a volunteer including Challenge Air, Mercy Flight, Angel Flight and Veterans Air Command. I am proud to continue to lead the Florida Injury Law Firm with a focus in aviation and injury law into 2023. We just celebrated our 14 year anniversary!

After building a private real estate portfolio, my love and passion for real estate led me to become a Realtor in Florida. I joined EXP Realty Brokerage, an innovative and growing publiclytraded company, and became one of their Certified Mentors in a short time.

A few years ago, I launched a real estate company called Surgent Capital – a commercial real estate investment company with offices in Florida and New York. At the same time, I attended the MIT School of Architecture and Planning to learn more about Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investment. This helping me on the residential analysis side and I learned the value of residential investing. I am now working on becoming a licensed Florida General Contractor to learn the real estate development side and allow me to start my own community of residential real estate. I think everyone should look at a home as a place to live but also a potential investment for longterm generational wealth which can sometimes be accomplished through value-add opportunities and ground-up development.

I continue to learn and grow as a person and as a professional. I am active in my local church and community and have proudly served on several not-for-profit boards.

I am also happy to announce that my ohana of six is growing. We will be welcoming our baby boy, Maui, in 2022. I hope to inspire my children to believe in anything is possible through love, hard work and taking measured risks, but most of all to commit and never give up your belief that anything is possible.

8601 Commodity Circle, Orlando, FL 32819 | P: 407-566-2210 | www.FloridaInjuryLawFirm.com

Vikram Saini, JD

Florida Accountable Care Services

As a native Floridian and proud son of the Space Coast, Vikram Saini went to the University of Florida where he dedicated his undergraduate efforts to Political Science, Religious Studies, and Astronomy. Afterwhich, he went on to graduate Law School at UF and started his career in the Criminal Justice System both in the prosecutor’s office as well as his own law firm where he also represented numerous small businesses and physician offices. As his practice gravitated towards Healthcare, Vikram re-enrolled at UF and obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration which propelled him into his current role as a Healthcare Executive and General Counsel for one of the Leading Organizations disrupting the healthcare paradigm today.

During the inception of the Value-Based Care movement, Vikram was recruited by a few entrepreneurial Physicians to form a small but extremely innovative team to spur the creation, development, and operations of multiple Medicare and Commercial Accountable Care Organizations. Together they have grown their enterprise to include over 600 Primary Care providers and roughly 750 Specialty and Ancillary providers across 16 Counties in Florida, that collectively focus their attention on Improving the Healthcare of roughly 100,000 patients while simultaneously reducing their Costs of Care. Their efforts have saved their patients, the Federal & State Governments, and the Commercial Insurance Companies roughly $190 Million over the past 10 years.

Spurred on by their success, Vikram has had the opportunity to engage in multiple other Healthcare Ventures, from the incubation and management of Radiology Centers, Surgery Centers, Urgent Care Clinics, a Radiation Oncology Center, a Multi-Specialty Physician Group Practice, to the largest Independent Cardiology Practice in Central Florida, as well as a Population Health Software Company.

Vikram often shuffles between the day-to-day operations of various healthcare entities, strategic planning and oversight, then back to his duties as General Counsel. Having had the good fortune of working with fantastic, forward-thinking luminaries, Vikram revels in the dynamism of medical business and is happy to be a part of a team that greatly impacts the lives of so many people.

When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, their miniature dachshund, and the rest of his extended family and friends across the I-4 corridor. As a proud Sikh, community service is part of his daily life, and he enjoys working with several local charitable organizations and has a hard time saying no to many more. You might catch him at the beach, at a local farm, working on cars, or snapping a set of grill tongs making bad dad-jokes.

Photo By Kimberly Jefcoat

483 N. Semoran Blvd. Suite 204, Winter Park, FL 32792 | P: 844-624-3277 www.floridaaco.com | vsaini@floridaaco.com

Mary Sherris, Esq.

Sherris Legal, P.A.| Civil Trial Attorney, Civil Rights Litigation, Immigration

“Empowering others to take charge of their own lives again,” has always been part of Mary Sherris’ life mission. As a first generation GreekAmerican, Mary knows firsthand the sacrifices that her parents made so that she could enjoy the rights of being an American. She seeks to use this gift to make a difference by advocating for those that cannot advocate for themselves. Mary is a licensed attorney with the Florida Bar and managing partner of Sherris Legal, P.A. which is celebrating their 18th anniversary this year. Alongside her attorney brother, Jim Sherris, Mary is proud to navigate the complex issues in the areas of Personal Injury, Civil Rights Violations, Immigration Law and Social Security Disability. Sherris Legal, P.A. is a central Florida based law firm that is more committed than ever to fighting for the underdog and those in dire need.

Mary is a civil trial attorney who began her career in central Florida as a criminal prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office fighting for victims of crime. For over 20 years, Mary has been seeking justice for victims of negligence or intentional misconduct; protecting people’s constitutional rights; and helping people realize the American dream through lawful U.S. citizenship. You can expect realistic and honest explanations as you work with Mary, who values transparency to help build a trusting relationship with her clients.

As an avid traveler, she has had the opportunity to see the world and connect with people from many different cultures. Those differences ultimately have led her to one conclusion: we are more alike than we are different. Mary believes that her position as an attorney gives her the opportunity and responsibility of placing control back in the hands of those that have lost it, lifting her clients up from a position of powerless to powerful.

Mary’s love for helping others fuels all her life’s pursuits. She values the time she spends helping others in and outside of work. Her law firm is also a “second chance” employer, as they believe everyone deserves a second chance. This is also why one of her favorite charities is The Sharing Center in Longwood, Florida where she has been serving on the Board of Directors since October 2020. “This is a great organization that provides essential resources to those struggling with poverty and homelessness, many of whom have a tainted record,” says Mary. Their homeless hospitality walk-in center provides access to basic services such as showers, toiletries, laundry, and computer access, including a food pantry and thrift outreach program. Charities such as these are closely tied to her own life mission: “Empowering others through a more satisfying and long-term solution…Empowering others to take charge of their own lives again.”

121 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1270, Orlando, FL 32801 | P: 407-999-9955 | www.sherrislegal.com

Jessylin Polo Wiederhold

POLO WIEDERHOLD LAW, P.A.

Jessylin is a licensed attorney with the Florida Bar and founder of Polo Wiederhold Law, P.A. Jessylin brings her passion for serving others to her clients in the areas of personal injury, estate planning, and commercial tenancy. She has always been an active member in her community with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Jessylin graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Studies with Summa Cum Laude Honors. During her time at UCF, Jessylin was an active member of Delta Epsilon Iota, The National Society of Leadership and Success, and Golden Key International Honour Society. Jessylin went on to earn her Juris Doctor Degree from Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law with Cum Laude Honors. During her time at Barry University, Jessylin received the High Honors Certificate in Litigation and Advocacy and numerous Book Awards, all the while serving her community as Secretary then President of Barry University, School of Law’s Rotaract organization.

She is a member of the Middle District of Florida-Court’s Bar, American Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association, and Florida Justice Association. Jessylin has also served as a pro bono attorney with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association.

In her practice, Jessylin gives her clients one-on-one attention and is truly with them every step of the way. Given the growth of Polo Wiederhold Law, it is quite evident that Jessylin is nothing less than passionate about representing her clients and making a difference in their lives.

3801 Avalon Park East Blvd., 2nd Floor, Orlando, FL 32828 | P: 407-745-0745 www.PoloWiederholdLaw.com | Info@YourLawFirmPWL.com

SPICE IT UP THIS SEASON

Our top picks for luxury living!

JO MALONE

ENGLISH OAK & REDCURRANT HOME CANDLE The forest at dawn. The juicy bite of redcurrant. The zest of green mandarin. The freshness of rose softened with white musk. Enveloped in roasted oak. $65 / Bloomingdales.com

ARTERIORS

JACQUELINE BAR CART Multi-tiered, this antiqued brass bar cart offers extensive opportunities for styling. Perfect for parties, the black glass tray top is removable, taking martinis on the go. $2,199 / Neimanmarcus.com

SFERRA

DORSEY THROW Soft and sumptuous cashmere in a lightly napped watermark weave makes this lightweight fringed throw a luxe addition to any cozy nook. $550 / Nordstrom.com

PORTFOLIO

L U X U R Y L I V I N G & E S T A T E S ©

321-231-6800 Mauro@CFLREPRO.COM

Mauro has been in the real estate business for nearly a decade, but in the relationship business for a lifetime! He makes customer delight his priority... and it shows with over 70% of his business coming from referrals and repeats customers. While working at BMW and Ultimate Escapes, a luxury destination club, Mauro realized the intricacies of luxury sales and the importance of exceeding client expectations. Mauro entered the real estate business in 2007 and has since honed his skills in negotiation, constantly researches the market and, as a result, has produced over 400 million dollars in home sales. Mauro’s dedication to his business and his clients has earned him a spot on the list of “Hot 100 Top Realtors in Orlando” 2015,2021, Top 18 in the Windermere/Dr. Phillips area and one of the top agents at Corcoran Realty. Born in Rio De Janeiro, Mauro is fluent in English and Portuguese, a priceless asset in diverse Central Florida. Mauro knows the market, is accessible 24/7 and is excited to provide you with unforgettable, superior service!

We are in need of Lots in the following zip codes, 32819, 32836, 34786 and 34787. We need at least a 1/4 acre for interior lots and 1 acre for lake front lots. Please contact me directly today if you have a lot that you would like to sell!!! 321-231-6800

OFFERED AT $2,325,000

2517 RESERVE WINDERMERE CT, WINDERMERE, FL 34786

4 bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half bath, 4,032 sq ft, 3 Car Garage, Pool and Summer Kitchen with large lanai, Office, and Game Room.

321-231-6800 HomesOfCentralFlorida.com

OFFERED AT $1,199,900

2012 LAKE FISCHER COVE LANE, GOTHA, FL 34734

4,090 Sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an office, formal living, Formal Dining, a great room plan, a master on the first floor, a three-car garage, and a view of the Lake Fischer.

927 COLIE ALY, WINTER GARDEN, FL 34787

4 bed, 3.5 baths, in the aminitie rich community of Oakland Park

321-231-6800 HomesOfCentralFlorida.com

OFFERED AT $2,650,000

2504 RESERVE WINDERMERE CT, WINDERMERE, FL 34786

4,758 sq ft of A/C living space, 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths, an Open Plan, Game room, Kitchen, Dining, and family room combo, 3-car garage, and a beautiful pool.

OFFERED AT $2,750,000

2511 RESERVE WINDERMERE CT, WINDERMERE, FL 34786

5,175sqft 5beds, 5.5 Baths, Open Plan, Great Room, Office, Gym, Game Room, 3 Car Garage and Pool.

321-231-6800 HomesOfCentralFlorida.com

OFFERED AT 2505 RESERVE WINDERMERE CT, WINDERMERE, FL 34786- THE OAKLAND- LOT 5

$2,454,000 5 Bedrooms, 5 Full and 2 Half Baths | 4,648 Square Feet* | 3 Car Garage | Pool, Spa and Summer Kitchen Above Garage In-Law Suite

OFFERED AT 2516 RESERVE WINDERMERE CT, WINDERMERE, FL 34786 - THE WALKER - LOT 2

$2,542,000 5 Bedroom, 5.1 Baths, 4,956 Sqft, Game Room, Study, 3 Car Garage, Pool, Spa and Summer Kitchen.