Tax Litigation

Mr. Moore is an experienced and aggressive complex litigator, having litigated class actions and other high stakes cases in state and federal courts for more than twenty five years. He is the sole member of the Law Offices of J. Mark Moore and is also Of Counsel to Gallo LLP. After obtaining his J.D. in 1995 from the UCLA School of Law, Mr. Moore spent his early career as an associate, and then a partner, at a national law firm where he defended major corporations in class actions alleging unfair and unlawful business and insurance practices, wage and hour claims and securities claims in California and other states. In 2006, Mr. Moore began representing consumers, borrowers and workers in class actions. He has been a partner in a number of boutique class action firms and, in addition to his solo practice, is presently Of Counsel to Gallo LLP. He sometimes represents hourly clients in business litigation matters on behalf of plaintiffs or defendants. Class action cases in which Mr. Moore served as lead or co-lead counsel for since 2006 have resulted in cash recoveries in excess of $100 million, not including other forms of relief. Mr. Moore is experienced in all aspects of litigation including appeals. He has litigated matters on behalf of individuals and companies, including significant business litigation disputes, and has pursued False Claims Act (“qui tam”) cases on behalf of whistleblowers with knowledge of fraud on the government. One such case, which he filed on behalf of a California online charter school teacher, led to a seven-figure settlement, a substantial whistleblower award and other relief benefiting the schools' students and the State. Mr. Moore obtained his B.A. in Business Economics, with honors, from UC Santa Barbara in 1992, and his J.D. in 1995 from the UCLA School of Law. He is licensed in California and admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and all of California's federal district courts. When not practicing law, Mr. Moore enjoys spending time with his family and traveling to exotic places.

Kevin C. Ambler served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010, representing House District 47 encompassing most of Northwest Hillsborough County. During his 4 consecutive terms in elected office, he served on over 47 legislative councils and committees, including serving as Chairman of the Health Appropriations Committee in which he was responsible for nearly $20 billion dollars in appropriations for more than 3 million Medicaid beneficiaries and 80,000 health care providers and 15,000 health care facilities. During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Rep. Ambler received numerous awards and accolades from professional organizations, boards, and foundations as the top legislator of the year for his outstanding accomplishments for championing numerous important legislative issues. Representative Ambler attended Cornell University on a four-year Air Force ROTC scholarship where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business Administration in 1983. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In 1986, he received his Juris Doctorate degree from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, California. Soon after, he was appointed as an Air Force judge advocate and assigned to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, where he served on active duty for nearly 5 years in several positions including Chief of Claims, Chief of Legal Assistance, Chief of Military Justice and Chief of the Civil Law Divisions. During this same time, he also was appointed by the U.S. Attorney General as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and was responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in federal court against civilians arising on MacDill AFB. Later, his responsibilities expanded to defending the United States in federal court in medical malpractice and personal injury cases arising under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Representative Ambler entered private practice and transferred to the Air Force Reserves in 1991. During his first year as a reservist, he was awarded the Harmon Award by the Air Force Judge Advocate General as the Most Outstanding Reserve Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force. Representative Amblerʼs other military decorations include the Air Force Achievement Medal, two Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Services Medal. He continued to serve as a Judge Advocate in the reserves until 2005. Representative Ambler began his career in private practice as a litigation attorney in 1991. In 1996, Representative Ambler opened his own firm, the Ambler Law Group, focusing in the areas of medical malpractice, products liability, wrongful death and personal injury litigation in both state and federal courts. His firm also handles complex business litigation and transactional matters as well as entertainment and sports law. Representative Ambler is a member of the Florida, Georgia and D.C. Bars and the American Bar Association, Hillsborough County Bar Association and the American Justice Association. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States District Court for the Middle District Court of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. He previously served as the Chair of the Florida Bar Military Affairs Committee (2002-2003) and Chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA) Military Liaison Committee (2002-2003). He has chaired the HCBA Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law Section (1999-2002) and he has been a regular and active participant in the HCBA “Ask A Lawyer” Pro Bono Program from 1995 to 2002. In 2002, he received the HCBA “Have a Heart” award for outstanding pro bono service. Representative Ambler and his firm hold an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell National Law Directory reflecting the highest possible rating for professional competence and ethical conduct. Representative Ambler served as President of the Board of Trustees of the Northdale Special Tax District for 7 years. He was Chairman of the Cornell University Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network Committee for West Central Florida as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Cornell Club of the Suncoast for 5 years. For over 10 years, Representative Ambler served as president and a member of the Board of Directors of the Brentwood Park Homeownerʼs Association. In 2000, Representative Ambler was appointed to and served a one year term on the Hillsborough County Charter Review Board. In his youth, Representative Ambler served on the White House Conference for Children and Youth Task Force and was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement which awarded him the Golden Eagle Award of Excellence as the top student in the United States. Representative Ambler has been an adjunct law professor on the faculty for Stetson University College of Law for the past 8 years.

Sharon T. Diamant has been working as an attorney for over twenty-five years. In October 2000, she became a prosecutor in the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office. She left the state's attorney's office in 2002 and practiced Criminal Law in Hillsborough County, Florida for two years before returning to the state's attorney's office in 2004. Ms. Diamant remained at the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office until 2010, when she opened her own office and went into private practice. While a prosecutor, she handled a wide variety of matters in the District Court Unit, including bad checks, burglary, theft, drunk driving and other traffic offenses, assault, and violations of protective orders (Gazette). In the Juvenile Division, she handled sexual abuse cases involving juvenile offenders. She handled one famous juvenile matter involving a youth who had molested several children in his neighborhood which ultimately led to the first-ever sexual offender legislation which would require juveniles engaged in sexual offenses to register as sex offenders (Washington Post). In 2007, Ms. Diamant joined the white-collar crime team in her office, where she handled the prosecution of a myriad of crimes, including large-scale thefts, embezzlements from employers and the federal government, misappropriations, as well as the investigation of police officer-involved shootings and crimes involving public officials. For the past fifteen years, Sharon has focused her practice on criminal law and domestic law. She appears regularly before Magistrates and Judges on all issues surrounding criminal law and domestic law, to include: contested and uncontested divorce, child custody, child support, peace and protective orders, and post-judgment issues. Sharon also handles cases that cross over between criminal and domestic law. Sharon was featured on WJLA 7 News in a case involving a grandparent's right to custody of a grandchild where the mother is deceased and the father is a convicted criminal. Sharon also handled a case of a woman accused of attempted murder but who never intended to hurt anyone. That client is now receiving mental health treatment, as opposed to being locked up in a jail. Sharon is a client's biggest advocate and at the same time acts as a mentor and friend. She personally answers her phone calls, answers all emails and texts, and is always available to her clients. She is an experienced litigator with 25 years of trial experience, but she also mediates for clients and promotes non-litigation strategies, where appropriate. Sharon is a 1999 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law and is licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland, the State of Florida, and the US District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland. Sharon was also admitted to the US Supreme Court. She has been selected to the Super Lawyers list for the State of Maryland in 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. She is a member of the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Women's Bar Association, the Sobeloff Society, the Collaborative Divorce Law Society, the National College for DUI Defense, the Montgomery County Ethics Committee, the Montgomery County Criminal Law Society, and the Inns of Court. Sharon also sits on Montgomery County's Judicial Nominating Commission and is a board member with the Sobeloff Society. She has won Avvo's Client Choice Award and has a "superb" rating on Avvo.com. We are open 24/7, so give us a call today at 301-560-2685.

Thomas P. Heeney, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1967) and was raised in Doylestown, Buck County, PA where he attended and graduated from Central Bucks High School East (1986). While in high school, Mr. Heeney was a standout cross country and track and field runner. Mr. Heeney is also an Eagle Scout, a recipient of the Union League of Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award and a recipient of the Good Citizenship Award from the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce. Educationally, Mr. Heeney attended Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania where he earned both a Bachelor of Science Degree (1990) and a Master’s Degree (1991) in Public Administration. Thereafter, Mr. Heeney earned his Juris Doctorate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio (1995). Professionally, Thomas P. Heeney, Jr., Esquire is the founder and principal attorney of Heeney & Associates, P.C. (2001). Coining the phrase Get the LEGAL Edge, Attorney Heeney concentrates in the areas of Business Law and Transactions, Tax Law, Real Estate, Zoning, Subdivisions and Land Use, Wills, Estates and Probate, Entertainment Law and Civil Litigation. Mr. Heeney represents several Doylestown area corporations, businesses and nationally recognized music and literary artists. He has also successfully litigated cases involving intellectual property rights in the computer, trademark and copyright areas, as well as those cases involving traditional causes of action such as breach of contract and negligence. Mr. Heeney is a member of the Bucks County Pennsylvania Bar Association, where he participates in the Orphans Court and Civil Litigation Services. Civically, Mr. Heeney currently serves on the Board of Directors and acts as Vice President of Building a Better Boyertown (BBB) based out of Boyertown, Pennsylvania, where he and his family currently reside.

In 2007, Brett Appelman established Appelman Law LLC with the mission of safeguarding and advocating for the rights of individuals accused of crimes. Brett firmly believes that every defendant, regardless of the charges they face, deserves the most exceptional legal defense possible. Brett personally handles a wide array of complex cases at the highest level, including Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, Aggravated Sexual Assault, and individuals charged with multiple DUI offenses. He has consistently achieved successful outcomes for clients facing various criminal charges, such as DUI, Aggravated Battery, Solicitation, Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery, Tax Evasion, and Felony Drug Possession and Delivery. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brett pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan. He then earned a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice before attending law school at the University of Wisconsin. Prior to establishing his own firm, Brett gained valuable experience as an Assistant Public Defender in Kane County, Illinois. During his time there, he defended numerous DUI and Driving While Suspended cases, as well as various misdemeanors. Additionally, Brett served as the defense attorney on the board of the Treatment Alternative Court, Kane County's specialized mental health court. In a remarkable accomplishment in 2016, Brett secured a Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity verdict in a felony trial, sparing his client from potentially facing decades of imprisonment for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. To schedule your free consultation with the Naperville, IL Criminal Defense Attorney, visit online or call 630-717-7801.

Attorney Thomas Brock founded Thomas W. Brock, PC in 1994. An accomplished Mississippi personal injury lawyer, he represents clients who have been injured in car accidents, motorcycle collisions, slip and fall accidents, and railroad accidents, as well as those harmed by dangerous drugs or defective medical devices. Thomas Brock’s legal practice also includes real estate litigation, mass tort representation, Jones Act claims, and tax litigation. Throughout his decades in practice, Thomas Brock has achieved numerous significant results for his clients. He is a passionate advocate for the injured, willing to go the extra mile to recover the maximum compensation his clients are owed. Thomas Brock has received a 4.1/5.0 Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. His areas of practice include litigation, transportation, personal injury, product liability, and negligence, among others. For a free consultation regarding your case, contact Thomas W. Brock, PC today.

Laurel Buchanan is a partner at Decker and Buchanan Law which focuses on Civil matters including Business Law, Real Estate Law, and Personal Injury. The firm also handles Criminal Law and Probate matters in the Inland Empire region. Ms. Buchanan is a Southern California native who has been active in the legal community for many years. While obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management, Ms. Buchanan was chosen to intern for local County Counsel in the Temecula area. After interning for County Counsel in Dependency Court, Ms. Buchanan pursued a Juris Doctorate degree. Ms. Buchanan attended California Southern Law School in the evenings while working as a Law Clerk on civil law matters during the day. After graduating first in her class, she went on to open her own firm. Ms. Buchanan later partnered up with Attorney Jeffrey Decker to form the law firm of Decker and Buchanan. Together they bring experience and expertise, along with compassion and concern, to their legal practice. Ms. Buchanan is aware of the challenges that individuals face when having to deal with legal problems. Ms. Buchanan and her staff enjoy spending the necessary time to educate clients.

Conveniently located mid-Long Island, in Old Bethpage, Akiva Shapiro, Esq. wants to be your personal attorney. Akiva has a wide array of legal and business experience covering areas of personal law, business law, and estate law. He has more than three decades of business operations & development experience. In addition to his law degree, Akiva holds an MBA from Duke University and is the author of a book about Electronic Discovery in New York State and Federal litigation. Akiva has practiced successfully in a diverse range of legal fields – helping clients handle personal and business litigation needs, protect their assets (from business and personal liability, adverse tax consequences, Medicaid spend down and claw back, and unforeseen divorces), file probate matters, litigate probate claims, negotiate leases and contracts, litigate landlord/tenant matters, prosecute lemon law claims, grieve their property taxes, and handle pre- and post-nuptial agreements and divorce matters, to name a few.

Donald L. Bell, born on September 29, 1975, in Montgomery, Alabama, is a dedicated legal professional with a rich background rooted in commitment and service. Raised in Montgomery, Donald completed his secondary education at Carver Sr. High, graduating with top honors which reflected his early dedication to excellence. Inspired by a strong desire to serve his country, Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 1993. His service was marked by the fundamental values of honor, courage, and commitment—principles that he embraces and integrates into his legal practice daily. During his time in the military, Donald pursued higher education, first achieving an Associate of Arts degree with honors from Campbell University in North Carolina in 1996. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, furthering his academic portfolio. After six years of distinguished service, Donald was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. His transition from military to civilian life led him to a pivotal role as a Deputy Clerk at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. It was here that he developed a deep interest in bankruptcy law, a specialty that would define much of his legal career. Donald's commitment to the legal field propelled him to attend law school at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, where he graduated in May 2003. During his law studies, he gained invaluable experience by working closely with a leading Bankruptcy Trustee in Baltimore City for over two years, enriching his understanding and expertise in the field. Donald is a licensed attorney eligible to practice before the Court of Appeals in Maryland, as well as the Federal District Court and the Maryland Federal Bankruptcy Court. His professional affiliations are extensive, including membership in the American Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association, and several other regional bar associations such as the Maryland Federal Bankruptcy Bar Association, the Maryland Consumer Bankruptcy Bar Association, and the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association. Additionally, Donald is actively involved with the Prince George's County Bar Association, Howard County Bar Association, Montgomery County Bar Association, and J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association. Throughout his career, Donald has consistently demonstrated a dedication to providing thoughtful and effective legal counsel, guided by the enduring values he developed early in his life and during his time in the armed forces. His approach to law integrates rigorous legal acumen with a commitment to serve his clients with integrity and respect.

Mr. Novak is the founding partner of our firm. He was born on the great Canadian prairies in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. After a distinguished educational career at the University of Manitoba, he attended the University of North Dakota School of Law. He was named on the academic dean’s list for his entire six semesters of law school and was awarded the degree of Juris Doctor With Distinction. Following graduation from law school, he hung up his hockey skates and moved to the gentler climate of California. Since 1998 Mr. Novak has based his practice of law in the Southern California area. However, he has actively litigated cases throughout the State of California, and the United States. Mr. Novak has established himself as a well-respected trial attorney in the region. In particular, he is renowned for his keen legal mind and aggressive litigation approach. His commitment to fighting for clients’ rights has led to the recovery of in excess of $130,000,000.00 in verdicts or settlements for clients within the past twenty-two years of his practice. Before concentrating his practice on protecting the rights of individuals, Mr. Novak worked for several years as a defense attorney handling primarily large-loss cases on behalf of numerous entertainment production companies, large corporations, and insurance companies. During this time period, he successfully protected clients from exposure to multi-million dollar claims for damages.