2025 YLS Election

Brandon Arzabe, Lytal Reiter Smith Ivey & Fronrath

I’m a trial lawyer at Lytal Reiter Smith Ivey & Fronrath here in Fort Lauderdale. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals and their families in cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, defective products, and other forms of negligence. I first became a member of the Broward County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section while in law school at Nova Southeastern University, and I’ve been actively involved ever since.

In 2024, I was proud to be elected to the Board of Directors for the Young Lawyers Section. Serving on the Board has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to help organize and support a wide range of meaningful initiatives. As a Board, we’ve raised significant funds for local charitable organizations, donated our time and services to schools and community groups, and hosted engaging networking events to help law students and young lawyers build lasting connections. These experiences have deepened my commitment to service and to strengthening the legal profession here in Broward County.

If elected again, I promise to continue working hard to support these efforts and further our impact. It would be an honor to continue that service and represent you for a second term. I’d truly appreciate your vote.

Alina Avalos, State Attorney’s Office 17th Judicial Circuit

It has been such a privilege to serve on the YLS Board for the last three years. During my time on the Board, I assisted in coordinating as well as attending and participating in our many events.

Being on the Board has taught me that there is so much more to just being an attorney. The impact we can make on our community through our service makes a difference. From monetary donations to our time and effort, I have seen how much we can do and how far we can go. It would be an honor to remain on the board and continue to serve.

Cameron Beilly, Kopelowitz Ostrow

My name is Cameron Beilly and I am an Associate in Kopelowitz Ostrow’s litigation department. I devote most of my practice to various areas of commercial litigation, including business and employment law. I also represent clients in the equine sports industry, notably horse trainers and horsemen’s groups involved in thoroughbred and standardbred horse racing. My equine practice focuses on the regulatory process at the state and federal levels, as well as on disputes between parties involved in the industry.

I earned my B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida. Following my undergraduate studies, I pursued and received a Master of Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University. While pursuing my MPA, I worked in private political consulting, political campaigns, and government administration. I subsequently graduated cum laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. During law school, I served as Research Editor of the Florida Law Review and was a member of the Honor Committee. Before joining KO, I worked at a large insurance defense firm in South Florida, where I represented contractors and developers in construction defect claims. I then moved to a boutique firm focusing on legal malpractice and premises liability.

I have served on the Board of Directors of the Broward Bar Young Lawyers Section for the past three years. In addition to attending events and activities, I organize YLS’ Lawyers for Literacy program, through which attorneys attend elementary school events in which we read to students and teach about the basics of law. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as a board member for the past three years and look forward to continuing that work if elected.

Reginald Janvier, Akerman LLP

My name is Reggie Janvier, and I am currently a seventh-year associate at Akerman LLP in the Fort Lauderdale office, where I focus on commercial litigation. My experience spans a variety of areas, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, securities fraud claims under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Exchange Act of 1934, as well as class action

I am eager to continue contributing to the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) board to help foster more networking opportunities for young attorneys in Broward County. The post-COVID environment has presented unique challenges for young lawyers, particularly in creating meaningful and consistent connections with their peers and potential mentors. I believe these interactions are crucial for professional growth, and by serving on the board, I hope to continue helping to bridge that gap. My goal is to create pathways for young lawyers to cultivate relationships, which in turn will support their career development.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving as a member of the YLS board.

Joshua Lida, Attorneys Jo Ann Hoffman & Associates P.A.

I am excited about the opportunity to be re-elected and to serve on the Board of the Young Lawyers Section of the Broward County Bar Association.  My time on the Board over the last three years has shown me the power of community and collaboration in developing a vibrant young legal community in Broward to inspire the next generation of legal leaders.  Over my time with the Board and having been active with the Young Lawyers Section prior to my election, I have witnessed the value of having access to supportive peers, professional development opportunities, and ways to give back.

I am eager to and always make time for younger attorneys to ask questions and to speak with them about our profession while encouraging them to participate with us to create meaningful programs, foster connections, and ensure that young lawyers in Broward are engaged in our community.  I will be honored to continue bringing my unique perspective to the board.

Jeffrey Popoviz, Kelley | Uustal

I’d be thrilled to continue my service on the Board of Directors of the Young Lawyers Section.

A little bit about me: I’m an associate at Kelley Uustal in Fort Lauderdale. I graduated, with honors, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. (I grew up in Northeast Philly.) Before moving to Broward County, I served as a judicial law clerk in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. I was also a research assistant for an Associate Reporter of the Restatement (Third) of Torts.

If given the opportunity to continue on the Board, I’d do my best to help my colleagues organize meaningful opportunities for members and the broader community. And, just as importantly, I’d come prepared to events with a smile and an eagerness to contribute. Thank you.

Maxwell Sawyer, Berger Singerman

Maxwell Sawyer is an attorney in Berger Singerman’s Fort Lauderdale office. He is a member of the firm’s Dispute Resolution Team, where he litigates high-stakes business disputes. Max has prosecuted and defended complex lawsuits, including matters involving fraud, RICO, deceptive trade practices, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, privacy and data breaches, and products liability.

With experience at the trial and appellate level in both state and federal court, Max adds value to his clients by identifying and executing effective legal strategies from the outset of the case. He has participated in several jury trials, including a Top 50 Verdict in Florida in 2019.  Max began his career as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Melanie G. May in Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal, where reviewed appellate briefs and trial records, conducted extensive legal research, and drafted written recommendations to judicial panels on a wide variety of procedural and substantive legal issues.

Max graduated summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, where he received the “book award” for earning the highest grade in ten courses and was selected by his peers to be the student commencement speaker at graduation.  After law school, as a result of his high achievement on the Florida Bar Exam, Max was selected and honored to speak on behalf of the newly admitted lawyers at the Fourth District Court of Appeal Induction Ceremony to the Florida Bar.

Lindsey S. Stadnik, Kelley Kronenberg

I am an Attorney at Kelley Kronenberg handling matters related to first-party property insurance defense.   Prior to joining the firm, I worked as a Legal Intern with the Broward County Public Defender’s Office where I conducted research on Fourth Amendment issues and assisted clients through the legal process. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, in Political Science with Minors in Criminal Justice, International Relations and Religious Studies from Florida International University. I also received a Certificate in Law, Ethics and Society and was awarded the Rebecca M. Salokar Scholarship.  I received my Juris Doctor degree from Florida International University College of Law. While attending law school, I interned with the FIU Embrace Clinic where I assisted clients in maintaining guardianships by aiding in the application and renewal process. I am a graduate of the Practice-Ready Ethics and Professionalism (PREP) program and served as the Social Media Chair of the Environmental Law Society.

As a current member of the 2024-2025 board, I can say that this past year was amazing and I truly appreciate each opportunity I was afforded to collaborate with my fellow board members to put on engaging fundraisers and social events. In the beginning of this year, to engage with the local law students at Nova Southeastern University, I coordinated with my firm to host a Nova Law School Happy Hour. About 25 students attended and, while socializing with the lawyers present, the students used the opportunity to gather knowledge about the various, different legal fields and the expectations to have as they prepare to become young lawyers. I am proud of this event knowing that it assisted the students in networking/building relationships with individuals in the legal community, and I would like to continue to be involved in the Broward legal community this upcoming year as a board member of YLS.

Zackary Weiss, Nelson Mullins

My name is Zackary Weiss, and I am a third-year associate at Nelson Mullins in the Fort Lauderdale office primarily focusing on business litigation. I am born and raised in Parkland, Florida, and am a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas. I attended Florida State for undergraduate studies, where I majored in Finance. At Florida State I was actively involved as the head of financial recruitment for Relay for Life, President of TAMID (an Israeli startup funding club), and treasurer of my Fraternity. After Florida State, I relocated back to south Florida where I attended the University of Miami School of Law. At the University of Miami I was a student intern for the Investor Rights Clinic, a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman, and worked part time at Nelson Mullins. After Graduating Cum Laude, I began working at Nelson Mullins where I handle a variety of contract disputes, security and fraud actions, real estate foreclosures, and insurance coverage disputes. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family (all of which are locals of Broward County), working out, golfing, traveling, and playing with my dog Bubba.

This past year as a YLS Board Director, I offered a team work oriented mentality, creative ideas, and a constant helping hand. I have strong roots and ties to Broward County and plan to use my growing network to encourage involvement by my peers, especially recent graduates. I have enjoyed my time working on the social committee this past year and plan to continue to support outreach and a creative planning for happy hours and social events.  My experience working with non-profit organizations, religious, and legal organizations, would bring a wide range of ideas for planning Broward Bar events. In my time as an attorney in Broward County, I have been actively involved in the community. I am currently a member of the Justice Unit and the Broward Jewish Federation. I currently volunteer with the Broward Legal Aid Help Line, helping locals without means for their own counsel with small legal issues. As a re-elected Director of the YLS Board I will bring together and collaborate with other local organizations I am involved with. I am ready to continue building a foundation as a leader in Broward County and I am ready for the commitment to my community!

Luis A. Duran​​​​, Tripp Scott

I’m an associate at Tripp Scott, where I focus my practice on construction litigation, complex commercial and civil litigation, business disputes, and employment litigation. I earned my J.D. from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and hold a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston College.

I was born and raised in Hialeah, Florida, but recently made the move to Davie—and I’ll be the first to tell you, I prefer Broward over Dade, and it’s not even close. I’m proudly of Cuban descent and grew up speaking Spanish. Fun fact: as a kid, I regularly appeared on the internationally syndicated Spanish-language TV show Sábado Gigante, connecting with audiences across Latin America and the U.S.

Before joining Tripp Scott as an attorney, I served as a summer associate and law clerk for the firm. I’ve also interned for a U.S. Senator, worked in the corporate offices of one of Florida’s largest automotive distributors, and worked for one of the nation’s leading legal research companies.

I’m running for a position on the Board of the Young Lawyers Section of the Broward County Bar Association because I genuinely enjoy attending YLS events and am passionate about helping young lawyers grow their networks. If elected, I’ll bring energy, charisma, a strong work ethic—and good vibes—to support the Section in every way I can.

Dante Ficarelli, Boies Schiller Flexner LLP

I was born and raised in South Florida, graduated from UCF in 2020 and UF Law in 2023, and then clerked for a federal judge in Jacksonville.  Now I’m back in South Florida as a second-year associate practicing civil litigation—doing exactly what I hoped to do when I started this path. 

I’m running for the YLS Board because I want to help make those first few years of practice feel less overwhelming and more connected.  Whether it’s through events, mentorship, or just creating opportunities to learn from each other, I want to help build the kind of supportive community I know I have appreciated as a new lawyer.

Kyle M. Morgan, Brinkley Morgan

I’m a family law attorney at Brinkley Morgan, where I focus on all aspects of marital and family law, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, paternity, and dissolution of marriage cases. I’m originally from Fort Lauderdale and plan to continue building my career here, which is why I’m excited to run for a Board of Directors position with the Broward County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (YLS).

Brinkley Morgan has offices in both Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. While our Boca attorneys are very active in the Palm Beach Bar Association, our Broward attorneys haven’t historically been as engaged with the Broward Bar. I’d like to change that by becoming more involved in YLS and helping strengthen our firm’s presence in the local legal community.

I believe I’d be a great fit for the YLS Board because of my strong ties to the Broward legal community. I attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School, the University of Florida, and Nova Southeastern for law school. Like many others who’ve been part of one or more of these schools, I’ve built lasting personal and professional relationships in Fort Lauderdale. Many of my classmates and colleagues now practice here in Broward, and I’ve maintained those connections over the years.

After attending several YLS events, I’ve come to really appreciate the energy, professionalism, and sense of community the section fosters. As a family law attorney, I bring a unique perspective that could help broaden YLS’s reach. I also hope to leverage my firm’s long-standing roots in Fort Lauderdale, especially as Brinkley Morgan celebrates its 50th anniversary this year—to support YLS’s continued growth and outreach.

I’d be honored to serve on the Board and contribute fresh ideas to the great work already being done. Thank you for your consideration.

Jose E. Paez, Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney, 17th Judicial Circuit

I’m running for the Board of Directors because I believe in the power of connection, mentorship, and advocacy in our legal community. I want to help create opportunities for young attorneys to grow—professionally, personally, and together.

Through service on the board, I will support initiatives that strengthen our network, foster inclusion, and make our organization a true resource for the next generation of legal leaders. I am a South Floridian—I grew up in Dade County and have been living in Broward for the past four years. I am a UM Law grad, prosecutor, and civil servant at heart.

Matthew Rabinowitz, Morgan & Morgan

I was born and raised in Plantation, FL, and have always felt a deep connection to Broward County. A proud graduate of Cooper City High School, I continued my academic journey at Florida State University, where I earned a degree in Political Science, along with minors in Chinese Language and Entrepreneurship. After completing my studies at FSU, I pursued my law degree at New York Law School, where I had the privilege of being a member of the Moot Court team and was later inducted to the Order of Barristers.

I am licensed to practice law in Florida, New Jersey, and New York. My career began at New York’s leading personal injury firm, but I eventually made the decision to return to Fort Lauderdale. I now work at Morgan & Morgan, advocating for individuals who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others.

Community involvement has always been a priority for me, and I’ve strived to not just participate, but to lead. From serving as the Recording Secretary of my high school class to being elected Treasurer of my law school, I’ve always sought ways to contribute and make an impact. Now, I’m eager to take that same passion and leadership to the next level by joining the board of the Young Lawyers Section. I’m committed to giving back to the next generation of lawyers, and I believe I can offer valuable insights and creative ideas, as well as foster effective communication among young attorneys.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

Drew Sarangoulis, Burr & Forman

Drew Sarangoulis is a commercial litigation associate in the Ft. Lauderdale office of Burr & Forman LLP. Outside of the practice of law, Drew values giving back to and engaging with his local community.

He currently serves on the Boards of the Broward Public Library Foundation and the Advocate Program. Prior to moving to Broward for work, Drew also served as a member of the Miami-Dade Bar Association Young Lawyer Section Board, where he actively contributed to membership initiatives, programming, and event planning.

Drew understands the needs, struggles, and benefits that young lawyers face/have and seeks to bring his experiences to the Broward Bar YLS Board to help young lawyers integrate into and thrive in their new chosen field of work.

Jacob Wander, Justice for Kids/Kelley Kronenberg

My name is Jacob Wander and I’m an attorney at Justice for kids, a division of Kelley Kronenberg. I graduated from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. As a passionate and dedicated attorney with a strong foundation in representing children, I have developed a deep understanding of the legal field and a commitment to fostering positive change within the legal community. My experiences have allowed me to work alongside a diverse range of people while cultivating a strong network both inside and out of the South Florida legal community. I am particularly driven by the desire to give back to the legal community that has shaped my professional growth and development. As a member of the Broward Bar’s Young Lawyers Section, I see an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of our next generation of lawyers and continue the tradition of excellence that YLS has established.

I am eager to serve on the YLS Board to help create meaningful initiatives that support young lawyers in their career development and promote networking and mentorship opportunities. With my background previously being apart of the Nova Law Review, Moot Court and Nova Trial advocacy organizations as well as being on the Broward Host Committee for Florida Children’s First, I believe I can offer valuable insights and a fresh perspective to the Board. I am passionate about fostering a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth, inclusivity, and service to our community. By working alongside other dedicated young lawyers, I am confident that I can help drive impactful initiatives that benefit both the Section and the broader legal community.

Jordan B. Wright, Hersh Kirtman Injury Law

I’m Jordan Wright, an attorney at Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, with a focus on personal injury cases. I found a purpose helping people whose lives are turned upside down by something they didn’t see coming. Before moving to Florida, I worked on complex litigation and got a lot of hands-on experience in and out of the courtroom. I’ve always tried to stay involved in the legal community wherever I am.

I’m looking to join the YLS Board because I think community matters, and especially for young lawyers. I believe in keeping things real, keeping things moving, and finding better ways to connect and support each other. I bring creativity, energy, and I’m not afraid to jump in and help wherever I’m needed. So, whether that’s putting together events, working on outreach, or just making sure newer lawyers don’t feel like they’re figuring it all out alone, I’ll give it my best and I’m excited for this year.