FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, January 7, 2015 – The law firm of Becker & Poliakoff today announced that four of its top associates have been elected shareholders in the firm.
Attorneys Michael Schwager (Miami) and Jamie Dokovna (West Palm Beach) focus on representing clients in a wide range of business matters as part of the firm’s Business Litigation Practice group. Ryan Carpenter (Ft. Lauderdale) and Mark Stempler(West Palm Beach), who both hold Board Certification in Construction Law from the Florida Bar, are members of the firm’s nationally recognized Construction Law & Litigation Practice group.
“These attorneys have each demonstrated the work ethic, commitment to the firm’s core values, leadership within and outside the firm, and success in their respective practice areas that have earned them this recognition,” said Gary Rosen, Becker & Poliakoff’s managing shareholder.
“This achievement is not just a milestone for them, but is an important reflection of the kind of dedication to their practice, the profession and the community that brings credit to the firm. I am very proud to call each of them shareholders of the firm.”
About the new shareholders:
Ryan F. Carpenter
Mr. Carpenter is experienced in many facets of construction litigation including lien and surety bond law. He also has significant experience representing general contractors and subcontractors in complex contract drafting matters and pursuing construction delay claims. During law school, Mr. Carpenter served as the Managing Editor of the Florida State University Law Review for two consecutive academic years, and concurrently obtained his Master of Business Administration degree.
Jamie B. Dokovna
Ms. Dokovna focuses on employment law and commercial matters as well as condominium and homeowner association law. She has extensive experience representing employers in various aspects of employment law and litigation including litigating claims for wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and non-compete covenants, as well as claims brought under federal and state statutes. In addition to her litigation experience, she also regularly counsels clients on a wide range of employment and compliance issues. Ms. Dokovna graduated from the University of Miami Law School and earned her undergraduate degree at Ohio State University.
Michael S. Schwager
Mr. Schwager’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, including bank litigation, class actions, consumer fraud, real property disputes, condominium association litigation and general business disputes. He has been recognized three times by Florida Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star.” Mr. Schwager earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law, where he was a member of the University of Miami Law Review and the University of Miami Moot Court Board.
Mark J. Stempler
Mr. Stempler focuses his practice in the areas of construction law and government bid protests. He represents clients in all aspects of the construction industry, including owners, developers, contractors, design professionals and sureties, with a focus on the green building sector. In addition to his Board Certification in Construction Law, he is certified as a LEED Green Associate by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). He is also the Chair of the USGBC’s Palm Beach County branch, serves on the Executive Committee of the USGBC’s Board of Directors for the South Florida Chapter, and is a member of the City of West Palm Beach’s Sustainability Advisory Committee. Mr. Stempler also practices in government procurement, and represents private companies and government agencies during the bidding, negotiation and protest phases. He graduated from Florida International University’s School of Law, cum laude, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami.
About Becker & Poliakoff
Becker & Poliakoff is a multi-practice, multi-state commercial law firm providing strategic counsel to its clients – a diverse array of public, private and nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Established in 1973, the law firm currently includes more than 130 attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals in 17 offices in Florida, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. Our key practice areas include: Business Litigation; Real Estate; Community Association; Construction Law and Litigation; Government Law and Lobbying; and Corporate. Many of the firm’s attorneys are credentialed through industry and legal organizations, including more than 25 who are board certified as experts in their respective areas of law. For more about the firm, visit www.bplegal.com or visit www.bplegal.com/blogs.aspx to access the firm’s issue forums providing perspectives on timely legal and business issues.