Chris works closely with the firm’s employee benefits lawyers on all types of ERISA litigation matters, Department of Labor investigations, and similar issues. He maintains an active commercial practice as well, specializing in financial and banking cases, business torts, and breach of contract actions.

Chris represents clients in courts at the state and federal levels across the country and has successfully tried cases involving a wide range of matters. He also arbitrates cases in domestic and international forums.

Chris has extensive appellate experience including successful appeals before the Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth US Circuit Courts and the Illinois Court of Appeals.

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• Currently representing Maersk, a regional healthcare system, Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors, and others in retirement plan class actions across the country
• Representing Gallagher Benefits Advisors, a large health system, and Aon in emergent voluntary benefits litigation, where plaintiffs allege fiduciary breaches and knowing participation in ERISA violations related to health and welfare plans
• Representing Berkshire Partners, Neil Brozen, Ventura Trust and others in high-profile ESOP litigation matters that involve allegations of fiduciary breach and knowing participation in fiduciary breaches under ERISA
• Secured a complete defense verdict on behalf of Celanese Corporation, a leading producer of chemicals and fibers, against breach of contract and fraud allegations seeking approximately $4 billion in damages
• Obtained a successful trial verdict for SMG, Inc., the exclusive manufacturer and marketer of hot dogs sold under the brand “Nathan’s Famous,” in a case concerning sophisticated financial arrangements and change-of-control provisions, and prevailed on appeal
• Won a federal jury trial and appeal on behalf of Leprino Foods Company, a major food producer, in a $24 million insurance coverage dispute involving an “all risk” policy and a contamination exclusion
• Won significant damages from a three-member arbitration panel for breach of contract and breach of warranty claims relating to a private aircraft
• Represented an individual defendant in a federal jury trial concerning arson and secured a favorable verdict on all arson counts
• Represented current and former executives in a series of high-profile derivative lawsuits in connection to the San Bruno, California pipeline explosion
• Represented clients in confidential ERISA-based Department of Labor investigations involving fiduciary breaches, VEBA registrations, and propriety of investments
• Represented large financial institutions in SEC and FTA matters involving investment selection, share class and payment issues

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• Represented H.I.G. Capital, LLC, in its sale of a manufacturer and distributor of a nationwide trailer manufacturer
• Represented Community Intervention Services, Inc. (CIS), a portfolio company of H.I.G. Growth Partners, with CIS’s acquisition of Northstar Psychological Services, Inc., a leading provider of community-based behavioral health services to individuals and families across Georgia
• Represented Securus Technologies, Inc. (Securus), a portfolio company of ABRY Partners, with Securus’ acquisition of a provider of electronic records systems utilized to expand Securus’ jail management systems

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Recognized by Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America, Alex advises clients across healthcare, food services, business and professional services, industrial / manufacturing, technology, and other industries on complex corporate transactions. In addition, given his longstanding experience within healthcare services, Alex has been heavily involved recently in legal and accounting MSO transactions.

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• Represented Lee Equity Partners LLC, a growth-oriented middle market private equity firm, in connection with several acquisitions and divestitures, including:
  • In its sale of Solaris Health to The Specialty Alliance, Cardinal Health’s multi-specialty management services organization (MSO) platform, for $1.9 billion
  • In its partnership with Cardiovascular Institute of the South, one of the largest independent cardiovascular practices, to launch a national cardiovascular platform, Cardiovascular Logistics, LLC
  • In its acquisition of a majority ownership interest in Bradford Health Services, a leading substance use disorder treatment provider in the southeastern US, from Centre Partners Management LLC, a leading middle market private equity firm
  • In its acquisition of Tri State Urologic Services P.S.C., Inc. and Integrated Medical Professionals, PLLC to form Solaris Health Holdings, LLC
  • In its strategic investment in Marwood Group, a leading healthcare-focused advisory and consulting firm
• Represented Gemspring Capital Management, LLC in connection with several acquisitions and dispositions, including:
  • In its sale of Therma LLC to Blackstone Group, LP
    In its sale of Security101 to Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP)
  • In its acquisition of Airswift, a global workforce solutions provider specializing in temporary and permanent staffing for the technology and engineering sectors
  • In its investment in Comoto, a leading omnichannel platform serving the motorcycle and powersports enthusiast community
  • In its acquisition of Key Line Construction and Palouse Power to create a scaled utility infrastructure services platform serving the Pacific Northwest
  • In its investment in Residence
  • In its acquisition of ROR Partners, a leading data-driven, AI-powered performance marketing firm
  • In its acquisition of Skyline Displays, a leading provider of displays, exhibits and services for trade shows and large corporate events
• Represented Ares Management, a private equity firm, with numerous transactions, including:
  • The formation of a new national cardiovascular platform, US Heart and Vascular, and its acquisition of Pima Heart and Vascular, the largest independent cardiovascular practice in Arizona with more than 40 physicians and 30 locations, including a wholly owned ambulatory surgery center
  • In its strategic investment in Elara Caring, a leading national provider of skilled home health, hospice, behavioral health, and personal care services
• Represented Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, LLC, an operationally focused private equity firm specializing in control investments in lower middle market companies, in connection with several acquisitions and divestitures, including:
  • In its acquisition of Island Pump & Tank Corp., a provider of maintenance, environmental, construction, and alternative energy services to fuel retailers and government agencies in the northeastern US
  • In its acquisition of Rapid Pump & Meter Service Company, LLC and Machinery Services Co., LLC, providers of turnkey construction and pump services for the municipal, industrial, commercial, and transportation sectors
  • In the sales of Stella Environmental Services, LLC to Leonard Green & Partners LP and Cloyes Gear & Products, Inc. to MidOcean Partners
• Represented LightBay Capital in its acquisition of Rancho Family Medical Group, Inc., a multidisciplinary healthcare provider
• Represented Lindsay Goldberg, a private equity firm, in its formation, expansion, and subsequent sale of Refresh Mental Health to Kelso & Company
• Represented Havencrest Healthcare Partners, LP, a healthcare private equity firm, in acquisition and subsequent sale of Paradigm Living Concepts, LLC, a leading provider of hospice and palliative care in 14 counties throughout Indiana (deal value is confidential)
• Represented Lionel Messi in connection with the formation of the Más+ by Messi sports beverage business, an international joint venture between Messi and Mark Anthony Presents
• Represented Harvest Partners Ascend, LP, the lower middle market arm of New York-based private equity investment firm Harvest Partners, LP, in its acquisition of Alumni Healthcare Staffing LLC, a New Jersey-based locum tenens staffing agency that connects healthcare facilities with healthcare professionals
• Represented Eastfield Capital Management in its acquisition of RMW Accounting, LLC, a national certified public accountant and tax advisory firm

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Asra has extensive experience working with experts and company witnesses across scientific and other technical disciplines to position her clients for success, whether the ultimate goal is a taking a case to verdict or achieving a favorable outcome prior to trial. Beyond the courtroom, Asra is adept at counseling clients facing large-scale, multi-plaintiff litigation on multiple jurisdictional fronts, helping them manage liability, coordinate discovery, and implement cohesive litigation management strategies.

Asra serves as the head of the Miami Office Pro Bono Committee and maintains an active pro bono practice. She worked with a team of nationally recognized pro bono organizations and law firms to obtain a benchmark settlement for victims of one of the largest human trafficking schemes in recent US history, obtained a jury award on behalf of a victim of elder abuse, and has represented children and youth in Florida’s foster care system.

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• Defended manufacturer of herbicides and PCBs at trial in St. Louis, Missouri state court against claims brought by four plaintiffs alleging they developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after exposure to weed killer and PCBs.  Trial resolved one week into the presentation of evidence
• Won unanimous defense verdict following a seven-week jury trial in Cook County, Illinois state court against claims brought by four plaintiffs alleging they developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after exposure to weed killer and PCBs
• Won Daubert challenges against two of plaintiffs’ expert witnesses following jury selection in Hawai’i state court, excluding each expert in full, after which plaintiffs’ counsel requested a continuance and stay of the trial
• Defended chemical company at trial against public nuisance claims brought by Oregon Attorney General.  Obtained favorable evidentiary rulings resulting in exclusion of significant categories of plaintiffs’ evidence.  Trial resolved following jury selection
• Defended company against public nuisance claims based on lawful sale of its product brought by various municipal governments.  Litigated cases across multiple jurisdictions through written discovery and depositions prior to class-wide resolution

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Michael regularly advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, joint ventures, and divestitures in various business contexts. He has assisted clients with many international tax issues, including navigating anti-deferral (controlled foreign corporation (CFC) and passive foreign investment company) regimes, foreign tax credit planning, export planning, treaty planning, intellectual property migrations, tax-efficient cash repatriation strategies, and post-acquisition integration and implementation.

Michael also regularly advises entrepreneurial families on strategies for minimizing US income taxation with respect to their closely held businesses and investments, including qualified small business stock planning. Through comments and a presentation, Michael advocated on behalf of The Florida Bar Tax Section for Congress, the Internal Revenue Service, and the US Department of the Treasury to afford the Section 250 deduction to electing Section 962 shareholders that earn Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, as well as reinstating the repeal of Section 958(b)(4) for CFC downward attribution.

He has written numerous articles on international tax planning and frequently submits comments on statutory and regulatory promulgations. As a strong proponent for pro bono legal services, Michael founded the Transactional Equal Justice Program with Legal Services of Greater Miami, which offers free legal advice to nonprofits and low-to-moderate income small business owners to help them launch a business.

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• Represented VB Spine in its acquisition of Stryker’s spine surgery division
• Represented Pango Group in its merger with Total Security
• Represented World Kinect Corporation on the sale of Avinode Group and a portfolio of aviation software to Hearst
• Represented Viscogliosi Brothers in its acquisition of a spinal implant business from Stryker
• Represented Ampersand Capital Partners in its investment in Vivitide and its subsequent merger with Biosynth Carbosynth, a UK-based KKR portfolio company, as well as numerous other cross-border acquisitions and mergers
• Represented Cordis in its acquisition of MedAlliance (Swiss)
• Represented WindRose Health Investors in cross-border business combination of Lykan Bioscience and RoslinCT
• Represented Merck KGaA in its acquisition of Exelead
• Represented W. R. Grace in a spinoff transaction in 40 countries, creating a new NYSE company in the process*
• Represented GCP Applied Technologies Inc. as international counsel on the sale of its Darex division in 32 countries to Henkel GmbH*
• Represented numerous entrepreneurs and co-founders on the divestiture of their businesses
• Represented several Fortune 100 companies in matters related to the digital economy

*Matter handled prior to joining the firm.

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• Miami-Dade Bar, Circle of Excellence in Tax Law, 2025
• Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Star (Tax), 2017–2026
• Daily Business Review, On the Rise, 2024
• Recipient of 2024 Equal Justice Pro Bono Visionary Leader Award, Legal Services of Greater Miami, 2024
• Recipient of Advocates of Pro Bono Commitment Award, Miami Dade County Bar Association, 2016

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Scott is experienced in handling international aspects of tax and estate planning for multi-national families, advising non-US citizens who are considering immigrating to the United States, investing into US financial and real estate markets or transferring wealth to US beneficiaries by gift or inheritance. Scott also advises US clients living or investing abroad and with regard to US expatriation.

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• Florida Tax Institute, Operating Board Member, 2017–present
• Fellow, The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, 2019–present
• Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and Estates, 2015–present
• Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Taxation, 2014–present

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• Represented Comvest Partners in the sale of its portfolio company, Systems Control, a leading manufacturer of end-to-end substation control solutions, to Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB)
• Represented Cordis, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of interventional cardiovascular and endovascular technologies, in its acquisition of MedAlliance, a Swiss-based company at the forefront of transformative drug-eluting balloons
• Represented H.I.G. Capital, LLC in its carve-out acquisition of the bone and spine business division of medical device manufacturer ZimVie Inc. (NKA Highridge Medical)
• Represented H.I.G. Capital, LLC in its acquisition of Barton Associates, a leading national locum tenens physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, certified registered nurse anesthetist, and dentist staffing and recruiting firm
• Represented H.I.G. Capital, LLC in its acquisition of Lipari Foods, a leading specialty food distributor, and subsequent sale to Littlejohn & Co., LLC
• Represented H.I.G. Capital, LLC in its acquisition of Correct Care Solutions, which merged with Correctional Medical Group Companies, Inc. to form Wellpath, a leading provider of healthcare services in correctional environments located across nearly 40 US states
• Represented H.I.G. Capital, LLC in the sale of a majority interest in its portfolio company, Milestone Technologies Inc., to The Halifax Group
• Represented Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, LLC in connection with its carve-out acquisition of Avtron Power Solutions, the global market leader in the design and manufacture of load banks, from Schneider Electric
• Represented Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, LLC in connection with its acquisition of Island Pump & Tank Corp., a provider of maintenance, environmental, construction, and alternative energy services to fuel retailers and government agencies in the northeastern US
• Represented Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, LLC in connection with its acquisition of Inspire Aesthetics Group and subsequent add-ons of Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, Marietta Plastic Surgery, and Shapiro Cosmetic Surgery
• Represented Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, LLC in its sale of Stella Environmental Services, a leading provider of fully outsourced transfer station management services within the municipal solid waste industry, to affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners. L.P.
• Represented Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, LLC in its acquisition of Anchor Danly, a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of critical industrial tooling and related components and provider of metal fabrication services to tool and mold companies and other industrial original equipment manufacturers
• Represented Nautic Partners, LLC in its acquisition of Harrington Industrial Plastics, LLC, a leading US-based distributor of industrial plastic piping products
• Represented WindRose Health Investors, LLC, a leading healthcare-focused private equity firm, in its sale of Trust Healthcare Consulting Services, LLC, a provider of health information management, remote and outsourced coding, and compliance monitoring services, to a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group

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• Represented Center for Sight, Florida–based eye care platform, in the acquisition of Montgomery Eye
• Represented SouthEast Eye Specialists, a leading provider of medical and surgical eye care, in a transaction with Flexpoint Ford
• Represented Center for Sight, Florida-based eye care platform, in their sale to Pamlico Capital, private equity firm
• Represented Ophthalmic Specialists of Michigan (OSM) in their sale to Ridgemont Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina
• Represented Water’s Edge Dermatology, leading provider of comprehensive dermatology services, in their sale to Gryphon Capital, Charlotte-based private equity firm
• Represented DermCare Management, LLC, in connection with an equity investment by Gemini Investors, VI, L.P., and the acquisition of five South Florida dermatology practice management companies
• Represented DermCare Management, LLC in a recapitalization by Hildred Capital Partners, New York-based private equity firm

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