Mr. Boatman is an AV-Preeminent Rated commercial litigator with extensive experience in both federal and state courts. He has handled a broad spectrum of matters including: contract enforcement; foreclosure prosecution/defense; internet wire fraud prosecution; special asset recovery; construction defect litigation; common law tort cases (fraud, defamation, etc.) and many others. As technically capable as Mr….
Ernest A. Ricci is a shareholder with Boatman Ricci and an AV Preeminent–rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, a leading peer recognition for professional ethics and legal ability. With more than a decade of experience, his practice focuses on commercial litigation and estate and trust litigation, including business and contract disputes, construction defect and lien matters, real…
Stephen C. Schahrer grew up in Naples, Florida and has spent most of his life there. Stephen graduated from Gulf Coast High School. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University. Stephen continued his studies at Liberty University School of Law where…
Jonathan Huffman, who heads Boatman Ricci’s Fort Myers office, is an experienced complex commercial litigation attorney who has successfully represented clients in a wide array of business, employment, real estate, and investment disputes, among others, in Florida’s state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings. After earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, all with honors,…
Daniel Buley was born and raised in Connecticut. He graduated from the University of New Haven in 2010 with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies: Dispute Resolution and Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, and a Minor in Psychology. While studying at the University of New Haven, he was an active member on the Trial Team…
Ryan D. Shapot, Esq., is a trial-focused litigation attorney and Firm partner who represents individuals and businesses in complex, high-stakes disputes. He concentrates his practice on civil litigation, with a concentration on personal injury and catastrophic injury cases, as well as commercial and liability disputes. He also handles select criminal defense matters, including defending against…
Neely Wallace is a skilled attorney with a diverse background in personal injury, construction, business litigation, and premises liability. Raised in Amarillo, Texas, Neely graduated from Amarillo High School before pursuing her academic and legal aspirations. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from Texas…
Victoria Wonson is an associate attorney in the Firm’s Naples office. Ms. Wonson is admitted to practice law in Tennessee and Florida. Ms. Wonson obtained her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Pensacola Christian College. She earned her Juris Doctor from Liberty University School of Law in 2022. During law school, Ms. Wonson was a…
Tylan Ricketts grew up in a small farming town in Southwest Kansas. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He went on to attend college at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. While there, he was a member of the Student Government Association and played an…
Alex Rabinowitz is one of Boatman Ricci’s Associate Attorneys, contributing to the firm in its commercial litigation matters. Originally from South New Jersey, outside of Philadelphia, Alex moved down to Fort Myers just before starting Canterbury High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in both International Studies and Spanish from the University of Florida,…
Phil Gendro is one of Boatman Ricci’s Associate Attorneys, contributing to the firm’s commercial litigation matters. Born and raised in Washington State, Phil earned his B.A. in History from the University of Washington in 2021. During college, he worked as a legal assistant at a Washington State firm, where he advanced into a leadership role….
Mark S. Bowers was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Washington & Jefferson College, where he majored in Political Science and earned a minor in Conflict and Resolution Studies. While there, he was a dual-sport athlete competing in both football and lacrosse. His background as a collegiate athlete continues to shape his disciplined…
Melissa B. Boatman, Esq., grew up in Central Florida and remained there until she attended the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she graduated cum laude in 2008. While in law school, Ms. Boatman was an Honors Contract Law Scholar and a published member of the Law Review. Following law school, Ms. Boatman clerked…
Daniel A. Orangio brings a broad civil litigation background to Boatman Ricci, having represented clients in construction defect disputes, motor vehicle negligence cases, personal injury matters, contract disputes, and trust and estate litigation. Daniel approaches every matter with careful preparation and a genuine investment in his clients’ outcomes, tailoring his strategy to each client’s particular…
Jamie Muni is the Office Manager and Director of People and Culture for the Firm and has over 14 years of experience in the legal field. She provides support to the paralegals, attorneys and administrative staff, oversees office services functions, assists in developing and implementing new Firm policies and software, manages day-to-day operations and general office duties. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys spending time with her three children.
Mrs. Thomas was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. She moved to Florida in 2012 and earned her Bachelor of Art in Politics, with a minor in Psychology, from Ave Maria University in 2015. Mrs. Thomas obtained her Juris Doctorate from Ave Maria School of Law in 2022. While attending Ave Maria School of Law, Mrs. Thomas was a Senator for the Student Bar Association and a Board Member for the Ave Maria Moot Court Board. While serving on the Moot Court Board, Mrs. Thomas published an article entitled “Common Criminal or Mentally Ill? The Increased Narrowing of the Defense of Insanity and the Criminalization of the Mentally Ill” in the school’s semi-annual periodical entitled The Gavel. Mrs. Thomas also competed in the UCLA Cyber Law External Competition on behalf of Ave Maria School of Law and placed 3rd as an oral advocate. Mrs. Thomas currently resides in Fort Myers, Florida, with her husband, Scott Thomas, who is a Firefighter in Lehigh Acres. Mrs. Thomas has been a Law Clerk for Boatman Ricci Law Firm since 2021.
Zachary Pearlman was born and raised in Rockland County, New York. He received his Bachelor’s in American studies with a concentration in the Colonial Era from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Before coming to law school he interned in the Chambers of Hon. Sandra Sciortino of the New York Supreme Court, Orange County.
He is currently a 3L at Ave Maria School of Law, where he was awarded the Rewarding Excellence Full Tuition Scholarship. He also serves as the Managing Editor of the school’s Law Review and received the Spring 2024 CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Trial Advocacy. Additionally, he serves as the president of the Saint Thomas More Society and the Vice President of the Legion of Mary. He enjoys reading, watching movies, exercising, and bible study.
Falynne Miller, a native of Tennessee, was raised in Naples where she earned her Associate of Arts degree, with honors, in 2010. She is a Florida Registered Paralegal. Falynne’s background in travel assistance and the hospitality industry honed her administrative and customer service skills while her interest in the law motivated her to join the Firm in 2009.
Falynne manages the firm’s legal accounting software and provides technical support for each of the Firm’s attorneys and paralegals; her responsibilities also include scheduling court appearances and client meetings, facilitating client communication, and assisting with the drafting of legal documents. In her free time, Falynne enjoys creative writing and has authored numerous short stories and plays.
Lauren was born and raised in Naples, Florida. She is Boatman Ricci’s Lead Paralegal and has been in the legal field since 2012. Lauren received her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Edison State College in 2009. After receiving her Associates Degree, she attended Florida Gulf Coast University where she studied hospitality and marketing. While attending FGCU, Lauren worked for a local magazine publication during the day and at a local steak house at night in pursuit of obtaining her bachelor’s degree. She has always been intrigued and passionate about law and the legal system, and while taking a break from school accepted an entry level position as a file clerk with another law firm. Over the years, Lauren has worked her way up from file clerk to legal assistant to now Lead Paralegal. In her spare time, she enjoys boating and fishing with her husband and three children.
Nicole is a paralegal with Boatman Ricci and has been with the firm since January 2023. She began her career in the legal field after earning her Associate’s Degree in Law Clerk from St. Clair College. Since then, Nicole has worked in Business/Corporate Law, Real Estate and Estate Planning/Probate, Bankruptcy, and Personal Injury Law. She has extensive knowledge of both Plaintiff and Defense procedures. She moved to Florida in 2006 from Canada where she was born and raised. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her daughter, animals, and crafting.
Diana Freund is a litigation paralegal at Boatman Ricci. Originally from Colombia, Diana made her way to the United States in 2008 to pursue her academic and professional goals. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government from Hamilton College in 2021 on a full-tuition Posse scholarship. During her time at Hamilton, Diana served as class president and gained practical experience through legal internships with for-profit organizations, non-profits, and the Department of Justice. Beginning her legal career with a focus on Asset Protection and Estate Planning, Diana later joined Boatman Ricci, where she continues to grow and refine her expertise as a paralegal. Outside of work, Diana enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and dog, often going on boat trips or leisurely walks.
Ally is a Paralegal at Boatman Ricci, bringing a strong background in Personal Injury Law and Insurance Defense to the firm’s litigation team. Born and raised in Davie, Florida, she earned her Associate of Science degree in Crime Scene Investigation in 2015. She later transferred to Florida Gulf Coast University, where she discovered her passion for law and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies in 2017, graduating with Dean’s List honors.
Ally began her legal career in 2017 as a client coordinator at a personal injury firm and became a Florida Registered Paralegal in 2018. Since then, she has built a successful career supporting attorneys through all phases of litigation. Outside the office, Ally enjoys boating, spending time at the lake or beach and unwinding with true crime shows and a good book.
Devon is the Director of Client Impressions at Boatman Ricci, where she leads the firm’s client experience strategy and oversees engagement with both prospective and current clients. She works closely with attorneys and staff to ensure every interaction reflects the firm’s commitment to professionalism, responsiveness, and exceptional service, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen client relationships and support the firm’s continued growth.
Devon earned her Bachelor of Science in Resort and Hospitality Management from Florida Gulf Coast University and began her career in hospitality management; quickly advancing into leadership roles before conducting undercover audits for luxury resorts and hotels across the United States. These experiences built a strong foundation in operations, service standards, and client engagement.
In 2022, Devon transitioned into the legal field, beginning in Trusts and Estates, where she developed a strong understanding of legal processes and client needs. She now combines her hospitality leadership background with legal industry experience to enhance client service, strengthen firm relationships, and support strategic growth initiatives at Boatman Ricci. Outside of work, Devon enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with family, and watching true crime shows.
Rachel Woodland is a Legal Assistant and Scheduler at Boatman Ricci. A Naples native, she began her professional career in the restaurant industry, where working closely with people in fast-paced environments sparked her interest in organization, problem-solving, and client support. She later transitioned into an administrative role at a public insurance adjusting firm, where she was introduced to the legal field and discovered a passion for the behind the scenes work that helps guide clients through complex processes. Rachel values clear communication and thoughtful coordination, and she enjoys being part of work that supports others during important moments. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.
James “Bo” Boatman is the marketing manager with Boatman Ricci, responsible for producing and managing content for the firm’s social media accounts as well as maintaining the firm website. He is also responsible for the collegiate end of the firm’s recruiting initiative.
A Florida native, Bo graduated in 2025 with honors from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Major in Political Science, and is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. In his free time, Bo enjoys reading, photography, watching and collecting films, and spending time with his friends.
Claudia Leon is an Administrative Assistant and the Receptionist for the Naples office. With over a decade in customer service experience, she is dedicated to enhancing client satisfaction and operational efficiency. She began her professional journey as an environmental engineer before relocating from Bolivia 15 years ago; since then she has worked primarily in customer service which has allowed her to develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the capacity to better foster positive client relationships. In her personal time she enjoys cooking for her family and connecting with the ones she loves.
Sofia Garcia is Boatman Ricci’s client satisfaction associate, responsible for managing the intake of all new clients. Sofia is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Management at Florida Gulf Coast University, with a focus in International Business. She began her career by launching two small businesses during and after high school, experiences that strengthened her problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and customer-focused mindset. She later expanded her background in hospitality through event catering and an operations internship with the Hyatt Vacation Club, where she developed a deeper understanding of guest services and resort operations. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she enjoys traveling to her mother’s homeland of Costa Rica, spending quality time with her loved ones, and studying holistic medicine.
Matthew Orozco is the Litigation AI Analyst at Boatman Ricci, where he leads the firm’s adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technology. He built the firm’s first AI infrastructure and now guides its use across the firm’s attorneys and staff. Working alongside the litigation team, he designs and maintains the systems that support case management and document workflows on the firm’s active matters.
Born and raised in Naples, Matt earned bachelor’s degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice and in Psychology from Florida State University, graduating cum laude. His path to the firm ran through criminal defense, where he served as an investigative intern with the Office of the Public Defender for Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit, and through a U.S. Senator’s district office, where he worked directly with constituents. He also holds a Florida real estate license and has represented clients through several residential transactions. Matt plans to attend law school and practice at the intersection of law and emerging technology as those technologies reshape the profession. Outside the office, he is an avid runner, a discipline of small gains repeated over long stretches. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he travels often to visit extended family in Colombia.
Shannon Lenahan is a law clerk at Boatman Ricci, where she supports the firm’s commercial and construction litigation teams with legal research, case analysis, and drafting. Drawn to the law by a lifelong instinct for fairness and to Southwest Florida by family and its natural beauty, she is a Juris Doctor candidate at Ave Maria School of Law, expected December 2026, attending on the St. Thomas More Full-Tuition Scholarship.
Before law school, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music from Dartmouth College, training that instilled the attention to detail and disciplined practice she now brings to legal writing. She serves as an Associate Editor of the Ave Maria Law Review and earned CALI Excellence for the Future Awards (top grade in the class) in Evidence and in Legal Research and Writing III. As a Business Law Fellow, she competed in Duke Law’s 2026 Interscholastic Transactional Law Competition, where her team placed second overall and first in the written portion while negotiating a complex corporate buy-sell agreement.
Her commitment to fairness, detail, and quality work is a natural fit for a firm that is Truth Guided and Relationship Driven. Outside the office, Shannon enjoys the beauty of Southwest Florida: beaches, sunsets, flora and fauna, great food, and the arts.
Rachel Rose Kogan was born and raised in New York and is a first-generation American whose family initially hailed from Odessa, Ukraine during the time of the Soviet Union. She is fluent in Russian. Ms. Kogan earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (Magna Cum Laude) and her Master of Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude) from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is currently a J.D. candidate at the Ave Maria School of Law, where she is a recipient of the St. Thomas More Full-Tuition Scholarship and received the Spring 2026 CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Electronic Discovery/Digital Evidence/Information Governance. Prior to joining Boatman Ricci, Ms. Kogan served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Judge Christopher Brown in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Currently a resident of Naples, Florida, Ms. Kogan has been a Law Clerk for Boatman Ricci since May 2026, where she analyzes and drafts complaints, demand letters, motions, and objections on active civil litigation matters, and conducts legal research and drafts memos on case law and statutory issues for client consultations. She is an active member of the Collier County Bar Association, Collier County Women’s Bar Association, Florida Association for Women Lawyers, and Young Professionals of Naples, while also serving as a Board Member for the FGCU Naples Alumni Association and the Solidarity with Israel Coalition (SWIC). In her spare time, she enjoys older movies and music, spending time on the beach with family and friends, playing tennis, and stand-up comedy.
Hailey Karr is a paralegal at Boatman Ricci, where she supports the firm’s civil litigation practice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida Gulf Coast University and is a Florida Registered Paralegal. Hailey began her legal career in 2021, initially focusing on personal injury litigation before expanding into broader civil litigation matters.
Hailey supports attorneys through all phases of litigation, including discovery, case management, trial preparation, and drafting. She is also committed to providing attentive, responsive service to clients throughout the litigation process.
Originally from Rhode Island, Hailey has called Southwest Florida home for the past decade. Away from the office, she keeps active through exercise and has a passion for sports and travel.
Raised in Naples, Florida, Jacob has long felt drawn to serving his home state. While attending Florida Southern College, he conducted legal and medical research at a respected personal injury and medical malpractice firm, an experience that solidified his interest in law as a means of helping people through difficult circumstances. After graduating summa cum laude in May 2026, Jacob sought out a firm with a similar commitment to securing just outcomes for its clients, and found that fit at Boatman Ricci. Though a recent addition to the team, Jacob has taken on every part of his role with enthusiasm, from managing scheduling to drafting and filing court documents in support of smooth operations across the firm. He hopes to one day practice as a civil litigator.
Jacob is a published author, with a piece featured in Cantilevers Journal of the Arts. Outside the office, he enjoys reading, writing, and target shooting, along with excursions into the Everglades — whether solo, with his girlfriend, or with friends hunting invasive pythons.
Sydney Hatcher is a Legal Assistant and Scheduler at Boatman Ricci. A Fort Myers native, she attended Bishop Verot High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida Gulf Coast University. Sydney’s professional background is rooted primarily in the restaurant industry, where a strong emphasis on customer service shaped her communication and problem-solving abilities. These skills, along with her longstanding interest in the legal field, are what drew her toward working at Boatman Ricci. In her free time, Sydney enjoys listening to music, socializing with friends, going to the beach, and spending time with her dog, Poppy.