Products Liability
Product Liability Group
Jessica LaFaurie is the head of the firm’s Product Liability Group. Lydecker represents a number of manufacturers in various industries defending claims of dangerous, toxic, and defective products.
We regularly represent manufacturers, installers, and retailers in actions involving such products as spray foam insulation, dry wall, furniture, toys, and home goods.
Our cases are state and federal actions, sometimes involved in multi-district litigation, class actions, or complex commercial matters.
Our Product Liability Practice Group is comprised of skilled attorneys with a wide breadth of experience. Because product liability law reaches every corner of commerce, our attorneys are not only well versed in the governing laws, but with the industries affected. The matters which are defended by our Group include allegations related to the design, manufacture or both of children’s toys, scooters, yacht engines, gangways, windows, elevators, surfboards, bicycles, tires and wheels, electronic cigarettes, kitchen appliances and fitness equipment, just to name a few.
In response to all claims presented, the Group takes swift action in responding to time sensitive pre-suit demands, the presentation of defenses at mediation and court proceedings, expert engagement and investigation, as well as all stages of formal litigation. Because each product presents its own unique circumstances, the Group utilizes various tools to develop defenses on behalf of its clients. This may include reliance on local and state statutes, compliance with governmental requirements, safety and due diligence inspections, identifying product safety based upon other similar products in the market, as well as motion practice and limiting available remedies based upon limitations for each theory of liability.
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Products Liability Team
Oluwatomi Ajimatanrareje is an Associate in Lydecker’s San Francisco office. His practice focuses on civil litigation, construction defect, labor and employment, workers’ compensation, with an emphasis on product liability and mass torts.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with an emphasis in Political Theory, from the University of California, Berkeley, before earning his Juris Doctor at Penn State Law.
While in law school, Mr. Ajimatanrareje completed concentrations in Labor and Employment Law; Arbitration, Mediation, and Negotiation; Advocacy and Litigation; and Corporate Law and Practice. He was also an active member of the Black Law Students Association.
Before joining Lydecker, Mr. Ajimatanrareje began his legal career as a law clerk at a civil litigation firm, bringing valuable experience to serve the needs of the firm’s clients.
Susan Ayers is Of Counsel in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. She brings nearly 25 years of civil litigation experience representing clients in construction defect, insurance defense, first party property and hurricane claims, professional liability, personal injury, real estate, environmental matters, and appellate proceedings.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Ayers managed a high volume caseload involving complex insurance defense matters. She previously founded Ayers Law Firm, PLLC, where her practice encompassed civil litigation, real estate, bankruptcy, franchise, and family law matters. She also served as in house counsel to a California real estate development group, representing developers, community associations, and commercial property owners.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Ayers served as a Senior Attorney for the State of Florida, where she developed extensive motion practice and trial experience. During law school, she externed for the Honorable Robert W. Alberts of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California and worked in the tax legal division of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Ayers is a licensed Florida real estate broker.
Jamie Baboolal is a Senior Associate with the firm’s Miami office. Ms. Baboolal’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state civil litigation with a focus on products, premises, and general liability. Ms. Baboolal’s experience includes representing premises owners and operators, local and global manufacturers, major national retailers in numerous areas within the wider tort-based field, such as catastrophic injury, premises liability claims, recalled product claims, as well as defending claims involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials. Her experience includes high exposure injury, wrongful death, and commercial matters.
Ms. Baboolal graduated summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. During law school, Ms. Baboolal received Dean’s List Honors and multiple CALI Excellence for the Future Awards. She was an active member of the Nova Moot Court Society and served as an Articles Editor on the Nova Law Review. Ms. Baboolal also held positions as teaching assistant for Constitutional Law and research assistant for Health Law.
While attending law school, Ms. Baboolal worked as a law clerk at a boutique firm where she gained practical experience handling wills, estates, family law, and real estate transactions. Ms. Baboolal also worked as a legal intern at a securities litigation firm where she gained valuable experience in securities class actions.
Ms. Arlene Barton serves as Of Counsel at Lydecker, where she partners with litigation teams throughout the Firm’s California offices to navigate some complex and high-exposure matters. With more than 25 years of litigation experience, Ms. Barton is regarded as a formidable advocate with a proven record of success across toxic tort, product liability, mass tort, general liability, and complex civil litigation. Her practice is defined by strategic precision, exceptional case management, and an unwavering commitment to advancing client objectives in high-stakes environments.
Throughout her career, Ms. Barton has defended owners, manufacturers, contractors, distributors, and suppliers in litigation involving a broad spectrum of industrial and pharmaceutical products—including chemicals, talc, pesticides/herbicides, and asbestos. She has led numerous trial teams and is known for her sophisticated command of end-to-end litigation, from initial case assessment and discovery through expert work, dispositive motions, trial preparation, and trial. She is equally adept at steering both individual high-exposure cases and complex national litigation portfolios, developing tailored strategies that protect client interests while anticipating long-range legal and factual risks.
Ms. Barton’s litigation experience also includes defending catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. She has represented global manufacturers, national retailers, and major premises operators in cases involving consumer and industrial substances and materials. Her clients rely on her forward-looking guidance on emerging areas of liability, issues of first impression, and proactive measures to mitigate and limit large-scale or anticipated exposure. Her ability to integrate legal analysis with practical business considerations has made her a trusted advisor to companies facing multifaceted and evolving litigation challenges.
From 2012 through 2018, Ms. Barton served as a Judge Pro Tem in the San Francisco Superior Court’s Discovery Department, where she presided over discovery disputes and provided judicial guidance in complex civil matters. This experience deepened her insight into judicial expectations and procedural strategy, further enhancing her effectiveness in navigating discovery battles and pre-trial litigation.
A seasoned strategist, respected litigator, and dedicated leader, Ms. Barton brings exceptional advocacy, foresight, and experience to every matter she handles.
Matthew Biondi is a partner in Lydecker’s New Jersey. New York and Connecticut office and has since established a solid reputation across a broad range of legal fields. His practice areas include construction litigation, general liability, New York Labor Law, professional liability, commercial litigation, and insurance coverage. Matthew is skilled at navigating the complex legal landscapes of both New York, New Jersey and Connecticut where he is fully licensed to practice.
His practice is particularly focused on defending claims arising under New York Labor Law and handling catastrophic personal injury matters. Matthew represents insurers, contractors, and property owners in high exposure cases involving serious injuries and complex liability issues, providing strategic counsel from early case assessment through trial.
Matthew’s commitment to legal excellence is evident in his meticulous approach to case preparation and client advocacy. His analytical skills and comprehensive knowledge have led to successful outcomes in numerous high-stakes cases. He is particularly noted for his strategic use of pre-trial motions, which often result in favorable resolutions for his clients.
Upon earning his law degree, Matthew had the honor of serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Jamie S. Perri, J.S.C., in the Law Division of Monmouth County. This role provided him with invaluable insights into judicial processes and deepened his understanding of civil litigation, directly influencing his practical and thorough approach to legal challenges.
In addition to his courtroom achievements, Matthew is dedicated to the legal community, regularly contributing to legal journals and speaking at conferences focused on his areas of expertise.
Matthew’s professional principles are characterized by a steadfast commitment to justice and integrity, making him a respected figure in the legal profession and a trusted advocate for his clients.
Jane M. Braugh is a partner in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office and received her B.A. in English from the University of Kentucky. She attended law school at the University of Houston, Law Center in Houston, Texas. During law school, Jane M. Braugh studied abroad in Innsbruck Austria and Mexico City, Mexico, where she completed a law internship at Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), Mexico’s state-owned petroleum company.
After obtaining her juris doctorate degree, Jane M. Braugh was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas in the Financial Crimes Division, and practiced in Austin, Texas from May 1995 through December 1999. While an Assistant Attorney General, Jane M. Braugh took her first jury trial to verdict obtaining a judgment for the State of Texas against a nightclub owner in Fort Worth. Ms. Braugh co-authored the Texas County and District Attorney’s Practice Guide on Asset Seizure and Forfeiture, drafted proposed legislation and testified before Legislative committees regarding pending legislation.
Jane M. Braugh then transferred her practice to Southern California in January 2000 where her practice focused on a variety of complex litigation matters involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, product liability, premises liability, vehicular and trucking accidents, aircraft accidents, workplace accidents, labor and employment claims, and a variety of business and commercial disputes. Included in her practice is the participation in the complex courtrooms of Los Angeles County Superior Court, Judicial Council Coordination Proceedings (JCCP) for products liability cases involving auto and tire manufacturers. Such complex coordinated matters included those filed in, In Re Firestone Tires (including a jury trial to judgment in Ramon Moreno Sr., et al. v. ATV, Inc.) and In Re Winston Tires. Jane M. Braugh was part of the trial team that obtained a judgment after jury trial in the products liability case of Mendoza v. Ford Motor Co., in Kern County Superior Court.
Jane M. Braugh is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the State Bar of California. She is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern, and Western Districts of Texas, as well as the Central District of California. Jane M. Braugh is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Jane M. Braugh, a Native American, is also a member of the judiciary. In 2004, Jane M. Braugh was elected District Court Judge of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) of which she is a tribal member, where she served until 2010. On June 26, 2010, Jane M. Braugh was elected Associate Supreme Court Justice of the CPN Supreme Court where she remains serving for multiple consecutive terms.
Samantha Brown is an Associate in the firm’s Boca Raton office. Ms. Brown’s practice involves Catastrophic Injury & Loss Defense, Complex Commercial Litigation, Professional Liability, Municipal Defense, Environmental / Toxic Tort, Premises Liability, Products Liability, and Transportation Liability.
Ms. Brown earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, a minor in Legal Studies, and a Certification in Criminal Profiling and Intelligence and National Security from the University of Central Florida in May 2020.
Ms. Brown earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Upon graduation, Ms. Brown was inducted into the Order of Barristers, a national honor society. During law school, Ms. Brown was part of the honor program and received the Dean’s List award every semester. Ms. Brown served as NSU’s Trial Association’s Vice President of External Operations. She was a national competitor for the NSU Trial Team and NSU’s Moot Court Honor Society. Ms. Brown was a Senior Associate of Nova Law Review and a teaching assistant for criminal law and criminal procedure classes. Ms. Brown was President of NSU’s Federalist Chapter and National Security Society.
Before joining the firm, Ms. Brown was a Judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Weekes. Ms. Brown previously worked at a large defense firm practicing vehicular negligence.
Christopher J. Campbell is a Partner at Lydecker’s Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco offices, serving as lead counsel in state and federal courts, as well as high-stakes arbitration. Mr. Campbell’s practice focuses on defending companies across materials, industrials, utilities, healthcare, information technology, financials, and consumer discretionary sectors. Mr. Campbell prioritizes organizational objectives over legal convenience to secure favorable verdicts, settlements, and dispositive judgments.
As a trial attorney for Lydecker’s EPLI Department, Environmental Mass Tort, Product Liability Department and Professional Liability Department, Mr. Campbell has defended against complaints involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials, class action, mass, and toxic tort litigation, and recalled products claims. Mr. Campbell spearheaded growing nationwide silicosis litigation by bringing its bellwether case to verdict in Los Angeles County. His work with EPLI offers clients invaluable guidance on navigating the complex landscape of employment law. With a focus on defending employers in employment-related claims, Mr. Campbell has experience handling a wide range of workplace issues, including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and wage and hour disputes. Mr. Campbell has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in professional liability cases and is committed to protecting the reputations and careers of his clients. His dedication to delivering tailored solutions and safeguarding his clients’ interests makes him a trusted advocate in professional liability defense.
Finding his roots in the in-house legal department of an international company with over 13,000 employees, Mr. Campbell brings a unique perspective to the courtroom, tailoring litigation strategies to his clients’ executive philosophies and microeconomic constraints to advance long-term organizational goals through a trial-focused approach that forces outcomes on his clients’ terms. This has allowed Mr. Campbell to adopt a proactive methodology in developing internal employment policies and procedures to reduce risks and avoid costly litigation in the first place.
Mr. Campbell’s representative clients are diverse, ranging from multinational corporations, medical device and pharmaceutical companies to local business and municipal governments, as well as global manufacturers, distributors, and major retailers. Mr. Campbell specifically focuses on defending companies against complaints involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials, class action, mass and toxic tort litigation, recalled products claims, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage disputes.
Before joining Lydecker, Mr. Campbell defended businesses operating throughout California, and has acted as lead trial counsel throughout strategic discovery, pre-trial motion practice, and to completion of trial. His prior experience includes a range of manufacturer defect, fraud, employment, and regulatory compliance litigation on a state and federal level. In law school, Mr. Campbell was a Dean’s Merit Scholarship Recipient, and finalist and Best Opening Statement winner in University of California, Irvine School of Law’s Mock Trial competition. Mr. Campbell continues to participate in the development and mentorship of aspiring civil litigators.
Alejandro Candela is an Associate in Lydecker’s Miami office. Mr. Candela’s practice focuses on all aspects of liability and general civil litigation.
Mr. Candela began his legal career in 2018 as a law clerk for various Miami law firms, handling personal injury and real property matters. Most recently, he spent more than three years clerking on first-party property insurance litigation, where he developed a strong foundation in Florida civil litigation practice and procedure.
Mr. Candela earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Florida. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University College of Law in 2026 and was admitted to The Florida Bar that same year. At St. Thomas, he was a founding member of the Golf Law Society, serving first as Treasurer and later as President. He also received the Silver Oar Award in Maritime Law. Mr. Candela is fluent in Spanish.
Amanda Carballo is an associate in Lydecker’s Miami office. Her practice focuses on civil litigation, with an emphasis on toxic tort defense and products liability, and she has a particular interest in appellate practice.
Ms. Carballo earned her J.D. and LL.M. in Entertainment, Arts & Sports Law from the University of Miami School of Law, where she received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Copyright Law. As a member of the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board, she was a Regional Finalist in the National Moot Court Competition and an Octo-Finalist in the John T. Gaubatz Moot Court Competition, and she competed in the Kaufman Securities Moot Court Competition.
During law school, Ms. Carballo served as a judicial intern in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. She also completed a practicum with the in-house legal department of a leading live-entertainment company in Santiago, Chile, where she reviewed and negotiated commercial agreements. Ms. Carballo is fluent in Spanish and has drafted, negotiated, and translated contracts in both English and Spanish.
Peyton Marie Cassatta is an Associate in Lydecker’s Miami office. She primarily focuses her practice on insurance defense, premises liability, product liability, and general civil litigation.
Prior to working at Lydecker, Ms. Cassatta practiced as an Attorney at a prominent full-service law firm based in Miami, Florida, where she gained experience across all phases of litigation and developed a strong foundation in complex case analysis and advocacy.
Ms. Cassatta graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science and a minor in Chemistry. Thereafter, Ms. Cassatta earned her Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law. During her time at FIU Law, Ms. Cassatta was a Staff Member and Senior Staff Member for FIU Law Review, a member of the Sports, Entertainment, Fashion, and Art Law Society (SEFA), and a member of the Intellectual Property Student Association (IPSA). Additionally, she earned medallion honors for her pro bono service, and a Certificate of Intellectual Property for her extensive work in the discipline.
In her free time, Ms. Cassatta enjoys Pilates and walks around Brickell Key, traveling, and experiencing Miami’s music and sports scene.
Christopher Chapaneri is the managing partner for our offices in Texas and Oklahoma and the founding partner of our Dallas office. Christopher is a strategic, results-oriented litigator obtaining favorable settlements where appropriate and trying cases before a judge or jury when needed, including first and second chair jury trial experience in state and federal courts. Christopher intuitively anticipates litigation methods pursued by all parties in a lawsuit, allowing him the ability to engage in “outside the box” strategies where appropriate.
Christopher is experienced in and enjoys practicing in a wide array of cases involving commercial litigation, wrongful death/survivor actions, products liability, premises liability, construction defect, catastrophic injury, transportation matters, employment litigation, commercial landlord-tenant disputes, professional liability for engineers, amusement park law, and environmental law. Moreover, Christopher has handled a variety of appellate matters to the Texas Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Christopher has taught the following Lydecker U courses “Handling Complex Litigation in Amusement Park Industry in Texas” and “Enforcement of Arbitration & Pre-Injury Waivers Against Minors in Texas” for CE/CLE credit.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Laura was a partner at an insurance defense firm in Tampa for 12 years.
After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from the University of The South (Sewanee), Laura returned to her home state of Florida and graduated from Stetson University College of Law.
Mr. Conto is a Partner at the firm’s Boca Raton Office. Mr. Conto began his career in law representing corporations in legal matters concerning maritime law. Mr. Conto then joined a well-known litigation defense firm with offices throughout Florida. There he focused his practice on defending corporations in construction defect matters, premises liability matters and negligent security matters involving claims of wrongful death. He also represented insurance companies in high exposure first-party property disputes.
At Lydecker Mr. Conto is concentrating his practice on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, environmental consultants, product manufacturers and insurance carriers in a variety of contexts arising from the construction and use of real property. Mr. Conto has successfully represented clients in all phases of litigation including trials, summary judgment proceedings and mediations.
Jarmanese K. Davis is an Associate in Lydecker’s Houston office. Ms. Davis’s practice focuses on civil litigation, including commercial and business disputes, employment matters, and general liability claims. Drawing on her prior in-house experience, she approaches litigation with an understanding of both the legal and practical considerations businesses face when navigating disputes, regulatory obligations, and risk.
Ms. Davis also has experience managing and supporting litigation, including developing case strategy, drafting and reviewing pleadings, coordinating with outside counsel, evaluating legal and business risk, and assisting with matters through various stages of litigation and resolution.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Davis served as in-house counsel for companies in the EdTech and oil and gas/energy industries, where she advised business leaders on employment, commercial, regulatory, compliance, and corporate matters. Her experience includes conducting workplace investigations, advising on employment policies and agreements, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and nondisclosure agreements, supporting cross-border transactions and due diligence, and advising on regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
Ms. Davis earned her Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where she served as an Articles Editor for the Louisiana Journal of Civil Law Studies and as a executive board member of the Board of Advocates. She was also inducted into the Order of the Barristers in recognition of her excellence in written and oral advocacy. During law school, Ms. Davis participated in LSU’s Civil Mediation Clinic and competed in national moot court and dispute resolution competitions. Ms. Davis is also a credentialed Texas mediator with advanced training in civil and family law mediation.
Eliz Demren is an Associate in the Products Liability department of Lydecker’s Miami office. Prior to working at Lydecker, Ms. Demren was an associate at a boutique complex civil litigation firm. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the Honors College at Florida International University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.
During law school, Eliz received the Dean’s Certificate of Achievement Award and CALI Excellence for the Future Award for receiving the top grades in her courses. She also competed in Moot Court, interned for Circuit Court Judge Spencer Eig, and externed for Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge John J. O’Sullivan. While earning her Juris Doctor, Eliz completed several internships at various law firms to fully maximize her time in law school before beginning to practice as an attorney.
Christopher Dow is a Partner in Lydecker’s San Francisco office and has over 15 years of defense litigation experience in the areas of environmental law, products liability, mass tort and general liability matters. He also advises clients on compliance with regulations promulgated under many federal and state environmental statutes addressing contaminated soil and water, stormwater runoff and air pollution.
After graduating law school, Chris was Assistant Counsel, and later Associate Counsel, at the New York State Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform where he advised state policymakers on the promulgation and implementation of environmental regulations. In this capacity, he helped oversee the drafting of regulations implementing the stationary source permitting program mandated by Title V of the federal Clean Air Act. He also worked to find common ground between environmental regulators, private industry and environmental advocates in conjunction with pre-permitting of shovel-ready land use development sites in New York State’s successful effort to attract silicon chip manufacturers.
In private practice, Chris specialized in hazardous waste cleanup cost recovery litigation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and has represented public and private clients involved in hazardous waste cleanup efforts projected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. In 2024, Chris wrote and argued a successful cross-motion for summary judgment on behalf of his client based on plaintiff’s failure to adequately follow federal hazardous waste cleanup rules, i.e., the National Contingency Plan.
On behalf of a California county sued by a city for hazardous substances contamination stemming from a former landfill, Chris played a key role in authoring successful demurrers and also a motion for determination of good faith settlement which, combined, allowed the county to entirely escape liability from all of plaintiff’s causes of action, including those brought under California’s Hazardous Substances Account Act and continuing nuisance theory.
Chris has also found success in defending clients in products liability and negligence matters. For example, in 2025, Chris second chaired two trials, one for a retailer of big rig trucks and another for a retailer of big rig truck parts. In the first trial, a strict products liability action involving an exploding truck which injured the plaintiff-driver, his client was found nominally liable with the jury finding the other two defendants collectively liable for 90 percent of plaintiffs’ damages. In the second, a personal injury action in which a deliverer of truck parts suffered injury while unloading a truck trailer, Chris played a key role in achieving a defense verdict.
Chris graduated with honors from Albany Law School in Albany, New York where he was elected to the Justinian Society.
Udhaya Elangovan is an Associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office with approximately a decade of litigation experience. She is licensed to practice law in California and India and brings an international legal perspective to complex civil matters. Her practice spans a broad range of litigation, including products liability, toxic tort, real property disputes, employment matters, accident and personal injury claims, elder abuse, medical malpractice, immigration related issues, unlawful detainer actions, and family law.
Prior to practicing in the United States, Ms. Elangovan practiced at the Law Offices of Justice G.R. Swaminathan before the High Court of Judicature at Madras in India. During this time she handled a diverse docket of civil matters involving real property, employment disputes, accident claims, and family law proceedings. She was also appointed Advocate Commissioner by the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) in a significant labor dispute, where she assisted the court in fact finding and contributed to a resolution that protected the rights of hundreds of employees.
In addition to her litigation experience, Ms. Elangovan previously served as Compliance Counsel on Google’s Legal Investigations Team. In that role she advised an international team on issues involving data security, user privacy, and regulatory compliance, providing legal insight on sensitive and complex matters involving global technology operations.
Ms. Elangovan is deeply committed to serving diverse and immigrant communities and assisting clients through complex and often life changing legal challenges. She approaches her work with a combination of strategic legal analysis, clear communication, and empathy to help clients navigate difficult situations with confidence.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Elangovan served as Secretary of the Women Lawyers Association in India, where she helped organize and lead legal aid initiatives designed to expand access to justice for underserved communities.
Her professional philosophy is influenced by leadership thinkers such as Brené Brown and Simon Sinek, whose work on vulnerability, purpose, and leadership informs her client centered approach to the practice of law.
Naomi Estella is an associate in the firm’s Orlando and Miami offices. Her practice focuses on products liability, premises liability, and general liability matters.
She earned her J.D. from Barry University School of Law, Dwayne O. Andreas, in 2024, and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Estella gained valuable experience as an associate at a general civil litigation practice, focusing on bodily injury defense.
Ms. Franks is a partner in the firm’s Miami office, where she defends local, national, and international organizations, as well as individuals, and tries catastrophic personal injury actions, premises liability matters, professional liability claims, construction defect matters, and medical/substance abuse treatment malpractice claims throughout the State of Florida.
Ms. Franks is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to South Florida in 2002 to study journalism and political science. Prior to pursuing her law degree, Ms. Franks taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami in the Department of Political Science for five years. Her classes included Intro to American National Government, the Legislative Process, and Congressional Representation. Ms. Franks earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011.
Ms. Franks has considerable experience dealing with automobile negligence, professional malpractice, medical malpractice, and premises liability matters involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and extra contractual exposure, including a focus on evidentiary issues, dispositive motion practice, complex liability claims, and damages mitigation.
Ms. Franks earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Miami in 2004. She graduated cum laude with a double-major in journalism and political science. Ms. Franks went on to complete a Master’s degree in Communication at the University of Miami in 2005, also graduating cum laude.
Ms. Franks earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011. At the University of Miami School of Law, Ms. Franks was the recipient of the Hugh L. Wood Scholarship, Outstanding Merit Scholarship, and the Ehrich Scholarship. Ms. Franks served as a research assistant to multiple highly regarded University of Miami School of Law professors in the areas of environmental litigation and legislation, the first amendment, and communication regulation.
Alex Garrett is Of Counsel in Lydecker’s Tampa office and is a former Public Defender with extensive experience in a broad range of civil disputes. Mr. Garrett represents a wide range of clientele, including condominium associations, homeowners associations, small businesses, governmental entities, resorts, restaurants, and other establishments within the hospitality industry.
A Florida Native, Mr. Garrett is a “Double Gator” and received his Bachelor of Science in Finance and his Juris Doctorate at the University of Florida.
Mr. Garrett is committed to staying up to date on new developments in the law and is dedicated to providing his clients exceptional outcomes with a focus on their individual needs.
Mr. Hendricks is the Managing Partner for Lydecker LLP. He practices out of the firm’s Miami and Boca Raton offices where he maintains an active trial and civil litigation practice in the Federal, State, and Appellate Courts throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Hendricks’ areas of practice include general civil litigation and trial practice, commercial litigation, professional liability/malpractice defense, insurance/tort liability defense, and labor and employment. He also serves as lead trial counsel for the firm’s clients and carriers and oversees the firm’s trial teams. He has over 25 years of experience representing clients and has successfully defended clients against multi-million dollar cases as lead trial counsel. He is often called upon to assist clients and carriers on high exposure and large loss claims in his capacity as monitoring counsel or co-counsel.
Upon graduating with Honors from the University of Miami School of Law, Mr. Hendricks began practicing as an associate Greenberg, Traurig, in the environmental litigation and land use department. Looking to further his litigation experience he accepted a position as a practiced commercial litigation associate with Kimbrell & Hamann. In 1990, Mr. Hendricks relocated to Palm Beach County where he spent several years practicing insurance defense and commercial litigation at Walton Lantoff. He subsequently joined the firm of Carman, Beauchamp and Sang as a senior associate and trial attorney. From 1999 thru 2007, Mr. Hendricks was employed as a partner at Panza, Maurer, Maynard & Noel where he served as a senior litigation partner and lead trial attorney for many of the firm’s corporate, institutional and governmental clients.
In law school, Mr. Hendricks was the winner of the University of Miami Law School’s Mock Trial Competition and member of the National Trial Competition Team. He also served as a member of the Inter-American Law Review, member of the Society of Bar & Gavel, Society of Wig and Robe, and was inducted into the school’s Moot Court Board.
Mr. Hendricks’ representative clients include private and public educational institutions, environmental, pollution and toxic tort defense, prison liability, prison healthcare and liability, public and private corporations, municipal governments, state agencies and political subdivisions, insurance companies and self-insured entities. Mr. Hendricks’ trial experience includes Federal, state and appellate proceedings including public procurements and bid protests.
Tyler Hereth is a Senior Associate in Lydecker’s Doylestown, PA office and his practice focuses on personal injury, premises liability, commercial liability, and criminal defense matters. Over the past decade, Tyler has gained extensive courtroom experience across complex criminal and civil litigation.
Prior to transitioning into private practice, Tyler served as a criminal defense attorney with the Defender Association of Philadelphia where he developed his litigation and advocacy skills in demanding courtroom settings. Before law school, Tyler served as a United States Army Cavalry Officer, and served as a platoon leader with the 1st Cavalry Division in Iraq.
Tyler earned his J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland. Tyler is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maine.
While in law school Tyler was a member of the inaugural cohort of mentors in the Philadelphia Court of Common Please MENTOR Program, a founding member of the Drexel University Law and National Security Society, and helped found the Veterans Court Mentor Program Pro Bono Initiative.
Angelique Hernandez is a trial lawyer in Lydecker’s Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami offices, trusted by sophisticated clients to defend their highest-stakes litigation. Her practice spans all aspects of federal and state civil trial litigation, with a concentrated focus on employment, general liability, premises liability, and wrongful-death matters.
Angelique represents multinational corporations, Fortune 25 companies, municipalities, and high-profile “A-list” clients in complex disputes involving FLSA, FEHA, and FMLA claims, as well as wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and wage-and-hour class and representative actions. She has tried more than a dozen cases to verdict and is equally formidable in driving efficient, strategic resolutions outside the courtroom. Known for her disciplined and tailored litigation strategy, Angelique develops case-specific defenses that position her clients for decisive wins, earning her a reputation as a trusted advisor and relentless advocate. Angelique began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender, where she represented more than 1,000 indigent clients and honed the courtroom instincts that define her trial practice today.
Angelique earned her Juris Doctor, with honors, from Florida International University College of Law in May 2021. She served as Director of Coaches for the Moot Court Team, was awarded Best Orator, and was an Emory Civil Rights and Liberties Moot Court Competition Semifinalist. Angelique competed on her law school’s Trial Team and received the award for Outstanding Trial Team Member of the Year, the Tom Gamba Trial Advocate Scholarship, and recognition as an AAJ Student Trial Advocacy Semifinalist. She was also a Senior Staff Editor on the FIU Law Review and held board positions with the Women’s Law Society and the Cuban American Bar Association.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to service, Angelique’s dedication to her community is foundational to her practice. Her pro bono work has earned outstanding service awards, and she has received high recognition from the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office for her “Loyalty, Excellence, and Dedication to the Cause of Justice.” These values continue to define her approach to advocacy and leadership today.
Melissa Hubble is Of Counsel in Lydecker, LLP’s Miami office. Ms. Hubble’s practice involves all aspects of state civil trial litigation with a primary focus in bodily injury, premises liability, general liability, and negligent security. Ms. Hubble also handles construction defect matters, tort liability, officers and directors, insurance coverage, and contractual litigation matters.
Ms. Hubble earned her J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law in May of 2021, graduating with honors. Prior to earning her degree at Ave Maria School of Law, Ms. Hubble attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law. During law school at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, Ms. Hubble was a general editor for the Law of Public Policy Journal and a member of the John Marshall Bar Association.
Brandon L. Iskander is an Associate Attorney in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. He specializes in civil litigation, with a focus on premises liability, product liability, and personal injury defense. Mr. Iskander represents corporate clients, insurance carriers, and property owners, delivering strategic defense strategies from inception through case resolution.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Iskander also practiced family law, where he developed a robust foundation in courtroom advocacy, intensive document discovery, and strategic dispute resolution that he now brings to his civil defense practice. He brings a sharp, analytical focus to every case and builds robust defense strategies tailored to each client’s unique goals.
Elizabeth Joseph is a Senior Associate in Lydecker’s Orlando and Miami offices. Ms. Joseph’s practice focuses on bodily injury, products liability, premises liability, and general liability matters.
Ms. Joseph’s experience spans a broad range of civil litigation, including automobile and commercial motor vehicle collisions, premises liability, insurance disputes, and complex tort claims.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Joseph served as supervising attorney at a plaintiff side personal injury law firm, where she managed a substantial litigation caseload while overseeing the firm’s operations and legal teams. She also has insurance defense experience in complex tort and general liability matters. Having represented both plaintiffs and defendants, she brings a unique perspective to case evaluation and litigation strategy.
Ms. Joseph earned her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law and her Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida.
David B. Kowalski is a partner in the Orlando office of Lydecker. He has extensive experience in the defense of civil disputes. Mr. Kowalski represents a wide range of clientele, including condominium associations, homeowners associations, governmental entities, trucking companies, products manufacturers, resorts, restaurants, and other establishments within the hospitality industry. This diverse background provides him with a unique perspective on the needs of each individual client. He has significant experience in cases of catastrophic personal injury, large settlement negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
While earning his Juris Doctorate, Mr. Kowalski worked as a law clerk with Jacksonville area law firms where he focused on complex commercial litigation. During the course of his clerkships, he gained experience litigating high value cases in state courts as well as the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. His interest in litigation lead him to Lydecker where he now practices a range of topics in civil defense.
Mr. Kowalski earned his Juris Doctorate in 2013 from the Florida State University College of Law where he graduated cum laude. There, he was an active member of the Dispute Resolution Society, Business Law Society, and Estate Planning & Elder Law Society. During the course of his legal education, Mr. Kowalski received numerous merit-based scholarships and was a five time recipient of the Dean’s List award. Prior to law school, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University.
Ms. LaFaurie is a Lydecker Partner overseeing teams throughout the Firm’s Florida and California offices, with extensive experience handling a wide variety of high exposure and complex general liability and personal injury matters. Ms. LaFaurie is the Head of the Firm’s Product Liability Department and the co-chair of the Mass Tort Department. She is one of the firm’s trial attorneys, who regularly handles matters through all phases of litigation, from evidentiary hearings, arbitrations, and through trial, before Local, State and Federal Courts in connection with a wide variety of complex civil and commercial litigation matters.
Ms. LaFaurie’s general liability, product liability, and mass tort litigation experience includes representing premises owners and operators, local and global manufacturers, as well as major national retailers in numerous areas within the wider tort-based field, such as catastrophic injury, premises liability claims, class action, mass and toxic tort litigation, recalled product claims, as well as defending claims involving consumer and commercially available substances and materials. Her experience includes high exposure injury, wrongful death, and commercial matters. Ms. LaFaurie proactively manages and advises her clients on legal and factual matters of first impression, including efforts to mitigate and limit the prospective of emerging and anticipated claims, future class action and large-scale legal exposures.
Ms. LaFaurie is actively involved in leadership and mentorship in several national organizations focused on defense of business owners of all kinds. She sits on several committees with a focus which reflects her practice in civil litigation, product liability and mass tort.
Mr. Lewis is Of Counsel to the firm’s Miami office. Mr. Lewis spent over 35 years as a partner at a well known Miami insurance defense firm. Mr. Lewis concentrates his practice on defense of large corporations and insurance companies in premises liability, negligent security, products liability, legal malpractice and general tort liability.
At Lydecker Mr. Lewis serves as senior trial counsel having tried over 100 jury trials. Mr. Lewis has secured defense verdicts throughout the State of Florida, is AV rated and admitted to practice in all state and Federal Courts in the State of Florida.
Mr. Lieberman is a partner in Lydecker’s Syracuse, New York office and is an accomplished trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience in state and federal courts, trying many cases to verdict. He has practiced extensively in both Upstate and Downstate New York. Mr. Lieberman has expertise in all manner of general liability defense and has litigated a broad spectrum of civil matters throughout his career, with an emphasis on construction, New York Labor Law, motor vehicle accident, premises liability, and products liability cases. When necessary, he has also successfully argued before the New York State Appellate Division for the Third and Fourth Departments.
Mr. Lieberman recognizes the benefit of Alternative Dispute Resolution and has had great success resolving cases in an efficient and cost-effective manner through mediation and arbitration.
In addition to trial work, Mr. Lieberman is a skilled writer and has enjoyed a significant amount of success obtaining early dismissal of cases through motion practice.
Mr. Lieberman is admitted to practice law in New York State, as well as the United States District Courts for the Northern, Western, Southern, and Eastern Districts of New York.
Valentina Lopera is an Associate at the Firm’s Miami office. Valentina’s practice focuses on civil litigation and insurance defense. Valentina has experience defending claims for personal injury sounding in auto negligence, premises liability, product liability, and construction negligence, as well as defending first party property damage claims, civil rights claims, employment-based claims, and workers’ compensation claims.
After graduating cum laude from Florida International University with a degree in Political Science, Valentina obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. While in law school, Valentina was a Junior Associate and Bilingual Translator for the school journal, ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law.
Valentina has a commitment to pro-bono work and received an honorary distinction for completing more than 200 hours of pro-bono services during law school career. Valentina interned with Mission United Veterans Pro Bono Legal Aid Services of Broward County, where she helped low-income veterans appeal their military discharge status and/or their benefits; as well as assisting veterans in various civil matters including evictions and child custody disputes. Valentina also interned at the Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Law Clinic, providing legal assistance services to caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Valentina has experience having interned with the Miami-Dade Public Schools Board of Education. Valentina continues to do pro-bono work.
Andrea is a trial lawyer in Lydecker’s Los Angeles and Newport Beach and concentrates her practice in product liability matters and business litigation. She has served as national counsel for an elevator/escalator manufacturer and a coatings manufacturer and serves as regional counsel for other product manufacturers. She regularly represents clients in high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country and has tried cases to successful verdicts in both state and federal courts.
Andrea utilizes her experience to create strategies to defend the products in catastrophic injury litigation and to convey highly technical issues in an easily understandable manner. Andrea’s ability to understand clients’ businesses and products has made her a trusted advisor to multiple clients who regularly trust her to handle some of their most significant matters.
Since 2018, Andrea has been recognized a number of times as a Rising Star ® by Thomson Reuters. When Andrea is not practicing law, she enjoys surfing and attending Lakers basketball games.
Matthew McElligott is a Partner at Lydecker’s Miami office and is a veteran trial attorney with extensive experience litigating across the legal spectrum. At Lydecker, Mr. McElligott’s practice areas include premises liability, products liability, professional liability, bad faith litigation, complex commercial litigation, construction defect / accident claims, negligent security, and catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.
Mr. McElligott is originally from Virginia and attended George Mason University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in the Administration of Justice. Mr. McElligott then earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law graduating cum laude and receiving book awards in Professional Responsibility and Evidence.
Mr. McElligott began his legal career at the Miami Dade Public Defender’s Office and amassed considerable trial experience representing clients over a wide range of criminal offenses. Since then, Mr. McElligott has represented individuals and companies in a wide range of civil matters as both plaintiffs and defendants with a focus on litigation and courtroom advocacy. Mr. McElligott also has substantial appellate experience having authored several writs and appeals throughout the District Courts of Florida.
Mr. McElligott’s comprehensive litigation experience is an asset to clients in need of zealous, professional, and effective representation.
Daniel Muggeo is an associate in the firm’s Boca Raton office. Mr. Muggeo focuses his practice on civil litigation including the defense of negligence, traumatic bodily injury, wrongful death, and malpractice. Mr. Muggeo is admitted to practice law in Florida state courts. Mr. Muggeo received his Juris Doctorate from the Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University where he was a member of the ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law and the Nova Trial Association. He earned his undergraduate degree from Nova Southeastern University where he received his degree in legal studies.
Bernard Nellari is an Associate Attorney at Lydecker’s San Diego office, where he focuses his practice on general liability litigation matters.
Mr. Nellari graduated from San Jose State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and dual minors in Business Administration and Political Science. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2024. Mr. Nellari was admitted to the California Bar in March 2025.
Mr. Nellari developed a strong foundation in legal research and client advocacy through his academic and professional experiences, such as assisting startups and local small businesses while working at the USD Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic. Following bar admission, Mr. Nellari began his career as an attorney working for a national full service law firm, where he handled a variety of complex civil litigation cases prior to joining Lydecker.
In his free time, Mr. Nellari enjoys hiking, reading, building custom computers, and is an avid basketball fan.
Mr. Norris’s practice primarily involves representing, defending, and counseling business owners regarding a diverse array of legal issues. Mr. Norris has had the privilege of successfully representing hotel operators and other hospitality businesses, medical practices, airlines, MROs, universities, banks, governmental entities, large institutional clients, and small businesses.
Mr. Norris has extensively litigated matters involving labor and employment law, commercial law, professional liability, hospitality law, premises liability, ADA accessibility, real estate, admiralty and maritime, wrongful death, and various types of negligence. Mr. Norris has defended private and public employers in all phases of litigation, from administrative hearings through trial on matters arising under Federal, State and local employment laws.
Mr. Norris also has extensive experience servicing business owners in the preparation and negotiation of contracts, including stock purchase and asset purchase agreements, ensuring compliance with laws, rules, and regulations, and providing guidance to mitigate risk and limit liability.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Norris served as in-house counsel for a successful Real Estate Investment Company that focused on acquiring and re-positioning distressed assets.
Katrina Pacheco is an Associate at Lydecker handling Florida civil litigation matters. Ms. Pacheco has extensive experience in the defense of civil disputes. She maintains a varied practice in insurance defense and commercial litigation, including general bodily injury and casualty, and professional malpractice.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ms. Pacheco was an Associate at a prominent Florida defense firm where she gained significant litigation experience representing numerous insurance carriers in First Party Property matters throughout Florida. While earning her Juris Doctorate, Ms. Pacheco clerked with the Honorable Judge Peter Lopez and also worked as a law clerk with boutique law firms in the Miami area who focused on insurance litigation at both the State and Federal levels.
Mr. Patten is a Partner at Lydecker’s New York and New Jersey offices. He serves in the commercial litigation department where he works on third party insurance defense, including General Liability Defense, Bodily Injury Defense, New York Labor Law Defense, Construction Defect Litigation, Architects & Engineers litigation, Products Liability, and a variety of other civil litigation issues. Mr. Patten has litigated countless cases involving wrongful death and catastrophic accidents/injuries at construction sites, including claims brought under New York Labor Laws section 200, 240, and 241.
In addition, Mr. Patten is an expert in automobile negligence defense. He has been working in the auto negligence industry for the majority of his career and manages complex cases involving multi-vehicle accidents and catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Mr. Patten provides legal guidance on issues involving vicarious liability, indemnity, as well as non-permissive use. He has experience in both trial and arbitration settings, reaching final judgments, verdicts, and beneficial settlements for his auto negligence clients.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Patten was a prosecutor for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office where he obtained extensive trial experience prosecuting criminal misdemeanor and felony level charges. Mr. Patten also prosecuted for the State of Florida Department of Children and Families, where he litigated dependency issues and termination of parental rights cases.
Mr. Patten received his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in the top 3% of his class. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in History, Cum Laude, from St. John’s University in Minnesota.
While in law school, Mr. Patten served as Editor-in-Chief for the St. Thomas Law Review, as well as Student Bar Association President. Mr. Patten also tutored students in property law and worked as an intern for the Honorable Judge John O’Sullivan in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Gabrielle Pepple is an Associate Lydecker’s Boca Raton, Florida office. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Pepple was an associate at insurance defense firms practicing in the areas of condominium/homeowner’s association disputes, premises liability, negligent security, emotional distress claims, defamation claims, and auto-negligence.
She was born and raised in Northern Indiana and has resided in Florida since graduating law school. She earned her Juris Doctor at Ohio Northern University, Claude W. Pettit College of Law in 2021 and her Bachelor of Arts (with focuses in Philosophy and Political Science) from Marian University, Indianapolis in 2018.
Michael Poreda is a partner in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania offices of Lydecker. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and is admitted to practice in five of the federal jurisdictions in those states.
He is an experienced litigator who has practiced widely in the areas of employment discrimination, civil rights, education, health care, personal injury, consumer fraud, and professional malpractice. He has represented a wide variety of clients including school boards, police departments, insurance brokerages, real estate agencies, healthcare facilities, car dealerships, contractors, and law firms. Michael has extensive experience in every aspect of civil litigation, including jury trials and appeals. Michael has a nearly perfect career record on motions for summary judgment. One of the most notable was defeating a plaintiff represented by Boies Schiller seeking $7 million for malicious prosecution after six years of litigation.
Michael clerked for the Honorable Hector R. Velazquez of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Hudson County and for the Honorable William J. Martini of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark.
Michael graduated with highest honors from Rutgers University with a B.A. He has an M.A. from Teachers College – Columbia University. He earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Seton Hall University School of Law where he was a law review editor. Before attending law school, Michael taught high school history in New Jersey and has served as adjunct faculty at Rutgers University. He is a past Chair of the LGBTQ Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. He is on the editorial board of The New Jersey Lawyer, where he has also published several articles on employment and education law. He has also published articles in Seton Hall Law Review and Brigham Young University Education and Law Journal.
Anthony Ricucci is a partner in the firm’s San Francisco office. Mr. Ricucci’s practice involves all aspects of federal and state courts civil trial litigation with a primary focus on toxic torts, products liability and bodily injury litigation.
Mr. Ricucci earned his J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law, where he was the Director of the Moot Court Board Advanced Competitions and served as an intern at the U.S. Attorneys’ Office in both San Francisco and in Washington D.C. He received trial practice training at the Attorney General’s Trial Advocacy Institute in Washington D.C. Prior to that he received his B.A. degree at UCLA, graduating magna cum laude, and serving as a congressional intern in Washington D.C.
Mr. Richardson is an Associate in the Products Liability department of Lydecker’s Miami office. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University) and his Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School.
While earning his Juris Doctor, Jordan was an intern for a legal center for women and children. After finishing law school, he worked as a law clerk, gaining experience in maritime and personal injury law for a firm in Miami.
Ms. Robles is a Partner at Lydecker, where her focus is on Florida civil litigation. She maintains a varied practice in insurance defense and commercial litigation, including general bodily injury and casualty, and first-party property, as well as professional malpractice.
Before joining Lydecker, Ms. Robles was an Associate at Cole, Scott & Kissane in their First-party Property Group, representing carriers throughout South Florida and gaining extensive litigation experience.
Dianera Rodriguez is an Associate in the Products Liability department in the firm’s Miami office. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Rodriguez was an associate at a civil defense litigation firm where she handled premises liability claims, personal injury claims, property damage claims, and workers’ compensation claims.
Ms. Rodriguez earned Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice along with a Minor in Business from Florida International University. During law school, Ms. Rodriguez received the Dean’s Honor Award and CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Criminal Justice.
Kenneth Sisco is a Partner in Lydecker’s Atlanta, Georgia office with more than 30 years of litigation experience defending individuals, businesses, corporations, insurers, self-insured entities, third party administrators, and governmental entities in complex civil litigation. His practice encompasses personal injury, general liability, premises liability, negligent security, transportation, commercial trucking, product liability, construction defect, professional liability, and property damage litigation.
Mr. Sisco’s diverse client experience includes retailers, restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, trucking and transportation companies, contractors, architects, engineers, storage facilities, homeowners’ associations and boards, accountants, professional service providers, governmental entities, insurers, TPAs, and self-insured corporations.
Ken has extensive experience defending claims involving wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, orthopedic injuries, foodborne illness, mold exposure, and other serious bodily injuries. His litigation experience includes slip and falls and premises liability matters, negligent security, automobile accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, FMCSA regulated trucking claims, product liability, and other general negligence matters. He has represented individuals and businesses across numerous industries, including retail, hospitality, restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, construction, transportation, and professional services.
Ken defends property damage claims involving residential and commercial structures, land, and personal property arising from fire, water intrusion, roof and building envelope failures, stormwater runoff, mold, construction defects, and other property losses.
His experience includes representing contractors, construction companies, architects, engineers, and other professionals in matters involving claims of negligent construction, construction defects, negligent design, professional liability, and general negligence. He has also represented governmental entities in property damage matters, particularly claims involving stormwater runoff.
Ken also has substantial experience representing insured and self-insured businesses under a variety of risk management structures. He regularly works with insurance carriers, third party administrators, corporate risk management departments, and clients with significant self-insured retentions. This includes experience representing major corporate clients that administer claims internally within their SIR as well as companies whose claims are managed through TPAs.
Matthew T. Smith is an associate in Lydecker’s Orlando office, where his practice focuses on civil litigation, general liability, commercial litigation, toxic torts, and product liability matters. He has represented both large corporate clients and individuals, having practiced on both the defense and plaintiff sides of litigation. This dual perspective gives him unique insight into opposing strategies, enabling him to craft efficient, cost-conscious, and results-driven solutions for his clients.
Originally from New York, Mr. Smith has spent most of his life in Central Florida. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his J.D., Magna Cum Laude, from Florida A&M University College of Law. While in law school, he earned multiple Dean’s List honors, served as Executive Articles Editor for the Law Review, and completed a judicial internship in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.
Mr. Smith understands the importance of protecting a business’s reputation and bottom line while navigating complex legal disputes. He prides himself on being a well-rounded litigator and trusted advisor, committed to delivering practical, strategic counsel that aligns with each client’s operational and financial goals.
Tolu Sojobi is an Associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. Her practice focuses on Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) and Professional Liability litigation, where she represents businesses and insurers in complex civil matters. She has an extensive background in employment law and defends clients in cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes.
Ms. Sojobi earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and her Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. During law school, she interned at several well-known law firms and gained valuable dispute resolution experience as a volunteer mediator for the San Diego County Small Claims Court.
Ms. Sojobi joined Lydecker in November 2024, bringing a strong foundation in both employment and professional liability defense to the firm.
James Spratt is a partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office and practices in all courts in California. His primary areas of practice include complex commercial litigation, tort practice in products liability, real property and construction defect.
Mr. Spratt earned his Juris Doctor Certificate from University of La Verne and his Bachelor’s degree in History from University of California, Santa Barbara. While in law school, Mr. Spratt has held numerous legal internships, including Office of Legislative Affairs for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. In Mr. Spratt’s practice, he has held various partner positions with national law firms and has worked for national insurance companies, as staff counsel. He has worked defending national insurance companies in professional negligence, commercial trucking negligence, premises liability and habitability claims.
Mr. Spratt has handled the defense of Property Owners, Landlords, Property Managers, and Homeowners Associations in claims arising out of California Habitability Claims pursuant to compliance with statutory duties under California Civil Code Section 1941.1 and California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3. While the defense of these claims is often challenging in the pro-tenant environment of California law, Partner, James Spratt has displayed skill and expertise in navigating the display of substantial compliance with statutory duties in order to minimize exposure to risks. This is often achieved by a careful analysis of the jurisdictional building code and health & safety code records, in order to achieve favorable results in mediation of these claims. Additionally, Mr. Spratt has engaged some of the best experts in the fields of Property Management and Environmental Science to defend these claims, including Toxicologists, Microbiologists and Medical Doctors specializing in California Mycotoxin, Mold and Environmental Diseases.
Mr. Spratt is active in conservation efforts of Santa Monica Mountains Restoration Trust and enjoys snow skiing and swimming in his spare time. He also enjoys spending time with his family and his German Shepard dog. Mr. Spratt is also a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Ryan Stocks is an Associate in Lydecker’s Miami office. His practice involves civil litigation, with a primary focus on environmental law.
Ryan received his B.B.A. in economics and international business as well as a minor in environmental economics and management from the University of Georgia in 2021. He then received his J.D. and certificate in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Land Use Law at Florida State University College of Law in 2024. While in law school, Ryan held several executive board positions, including vice president, in the Environmental Law Society and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Ryan worked as legal intern at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and as a law clerk at a boutique law firm specializing in environmental law. He also previously interned at two other law firms, where he gained experience in residential real estate and personal injury law.
Karen M. Sullivan is a Partner in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. Ms. Sullivan dedicated her practice for over 20 years to defending and managing high-stakes and high-profile litigation in California and the western states, including appearing and arguing in most state and federal courts throughout California. Her litigation defense includes class actions, products liability, environmental (benzene, talc, diacetyl and silica), Prop 65, and food-dietary supplement litigation.
Throughout her career, she has successfully managed and represented companies and business (including Fortune 500 companies) by obtaining favorable rulings on complex dispositive and discovery motions (including the granting of numerous demurrers, discovery motions, and motions for summary judgment) and securing dismissals through creative defense strategies. She has extensive experience with law and motion practice, including appellate work, and the handling of all phases of discovery, including taking lead in 100s and 100s of depositions.
Ms. Sullivan is admitted in all the US District Courts and the Ninth & Tenth Circuit.
Ms. Sullivan was born, raised, received her education, and litigates in the State of California.
Zayd Takiedine is an Associate Attorney in Lydecker’s Doylestown, Pennsylvania office. His practice focuses on professional liability, general liability, automobile liability, commercial litigation, and insurance related disputes. He represents individuals and businesses statewide in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, helping clients navigate a broad range of civil claims and commercial conflicts.
Mr. Takiedine earned his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School, where he obtained a Certificate in Corporate and Business Law. While at Rutgers, he was selected to participate in the Entrepreneurship Clinic, where he assisted in representing local start-up for-profit and non-profit entrepreneurs. During law school, Mr. Takiedine gained valuable in-house transactional and litigation experience as an intern for a Fortune 500 real estate developer and served as a Summer Associate at a prominent suburban Philadelphia law firm.
Prior to joining Lydecker, Mr. Takiedine practiced at a full-service law firm in the Philadelphia area, where he handled a broad range of civil litigation matters and real estate tax assessment appeals.
Rachael Talento is an associate in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. Her practice focuses on General Liability and Employment Practices (EPLI) litigation, where she defends employers, businesses, and insurers in various civil matters including product liability, premises liability, bodily injury, and employment-related claims. Ms. Talento is admitted to practice law in California state courts.
Ms. Talento earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School, where she served as a Production Editor for the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review. She was also a clinical law student with the Youth Justice Education Clinic, where she advocated on behalf of students with disabilities.
Before joining Lydecker, Ms. Talento worked at a plaintiff’s firm focusing on mass torts, representing thousands of clients in wildfire, toxic torts, and sexual abuse cases. She earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Modern Foreign Languages from James Madison University.
Angelia Williams is an Associate in the firm’s Lydecker Miami office. Ms. Williams is an accomplished litigation attorney with over 26 years of experience representing clients in state and federal courts across Florida. She focuses her practice on defending insurers, corporate clients, and commercial vehicle owners in matters involving personal injury, premises liability, product liability, and insurance disputes.
Ms. Williams is known for her strategic approach, thorough preparation, and commitment to achieving favorable results for her clients. She has handled cases from initial pleadings through trial, mediated settlements, and argued dispositive motions with proven success.
Ms. Williams earned her J.D. from Florida State University College of Law and her B.S. in Journalism, cum laude, from Florida A&M University.
Daniel B. Wolfberg is a Partner in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. His practice includes the defense of complex insurance claims involving toxic torts, trucking accidents, premises liability, and catastrophic losses. He has extensive experience handling matters involving substantial damages, policy limits, and excess insurance coverage.
A lifelong resident of Los Angeles County, he has practiced law in Southern California since 1994, representing individuals and businesses in a broad range of disputes.
Mr. Wolfberg has litigated more than 1,000 matters and tried dozens of cases to verdict or decision. He began his jury trial practice at the Compton Courthouse in an automobile collision case and continues to regularly try cases and defend clients throughout California.
Bryan Zaverl is a partner in Lydecker’s Los Angeles office. He has held various positions with national and local law firms handling many different types of litigation. Mr. Zaverl most recently worked for a national insurance company, as staff counsel where he tried multiple cases a year for the past five years. He has worked defending individual policy holders as well as many well-known corporations in personal injury, premises liability, and product liability claims.
Mr. Zaverl, in his spare time, enjoys ice hockey (playing, coaching, watching) and photography. He also enjoys spending time with his children and his chocolate Labrador, Aldo. Mr. Zaverl is also a member of the Ventura County Bar Association.
