Ayala Law is proud to announce that attorneys Orestes Garcia and Luis Quesada have been recognized in the upcoming editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Orestes Garcia has been recognized in Litigation – Real Estate, and Luis Quesada has been recognized in Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Construction in the seventh edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

These recognitions reflect the depth of our business-focused litigation practice and our ability to handle the legal issues that arise across the life of a business.

Business Litigation Beyond the Courtroom

Our practice is centered on business litigation and transactions, but business disputes rarely fit neatly into one category.

Real estate and construction matters are often deeply connected to the commercial interests of our clients, particularly when representing developers, investors, business owners, and companies operating in South Florida and beyond.

Orestes’ recognition in Litigation – Real Estate reflects that perspective. Luis’ recognition in both Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Construction likewise highlights the breadth of experience our clients can draw upon when business disputes involve contracts, development projects, construction, property, or other commercial interests.

Another Recognition of the Work We Do

We are proud of these honors because they provide independent recognition of the quality of our attorneys’ work. They’re also part of a broader year of recognition for Ayala Law, including our place on the 2026 Inc. 5000, recognizing our firm as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies, and our recognition as Best Business Law Firm by the Small Business Awards.

Awards do not replace results, experience, or trust, but they can provide meaningful reassurance when a business is deciding who to trust with an important legal matter.

At Ayala Law, we intend to keep earning that trust.

To learn more about our business litigation and transactional practice, schedule a consultation with our team or call 305-570-2208. best lawyers best lawyers

We have obtained judgment in favor of our client, a contractor, following a dispute over payment for exterior work performed in and around a patio enclosure at the defendant’s Florida property.

Our client was hired to perform work, but after completing the project, thousands of dollars remained unpaid. Rather than paying our client the agreed-upon amount, the Defendant claimed that the project required additional work, despite there being no contractual basis for these alterations.

Our client ultimately recorded a construction lien against the property and pursued claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and enforcement of their lien. Following lengthy litigation, the Court ultimately entered judgment in favor of the contractor for the full amount of the unpaid balance, with applicable interest, as well as granted sanctions arising from the litigation, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

As stated by attorney Eion Oosterbaan, “I am happy with this result for our client. While property owners are entitled to have their work done at their property correctly, when businesses such as our client’s do so, they are entitled to payment for the full amount agreed upon. While enforcement of a construction lien is a serious matter, so is ensuring that our client is made whole.”

For contractors and business owners, the case illustrates the importance of documenting contractual performance and taking decisive action when a counterparty refuses to pay amounts owed.  When a payment dispute escalates into litigation, properly documented agreements, performance, communications, and payment records can become critical evidence in enforcing a client’s rights.

If you need legal help with contractor and subcontractor disputes, construction contract disputes, lien-related matters, and other complex issues involving development projects, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at 305-570-2208. construction construction

You can also contact our team directly at: arianna@ayalalawpa.com

Schedule a case evaluation online here.

[The opinions in this blog are not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with an attorney about the particulars of your case].

A significant commercial dispute involving more than $1 million in unpaid invoices for shipments of limes from Peru is moving forward after we successfully defeated a motion to dismiss filed by the opposing party.

The case involves our client’s claim for payment arising from the shipment and sale of limes imported from Peru. The dispute centers on invoices that remain unpaid, resulting in damages exceeding $1 million.

Motion to Dismiss Defeated

The opposing party sought to have the case dismissed at an early stage. After reviewing the allegations and applicable law, the court rejected that attempt, allowing our client’s claims to proceed.

Defeating a motion to dismiss is an important step in commercial litigation. At this stage, the court is generally determining whether the claims are legally sufficient to move forward—not deciding the ultimate outcome of the dispute.

For our client, the ruling means the case can now advance toward the next stages of litigation.

Protecting Our Client’s Commercial Interests

International business disputes can become particularly complex when they involve commercial transactions, agricultural products, international shipments, and substantial unpaid invoices.

Our team represents businesses in complex commercial disputes, including matters involving international trade, contract disputes, agricultural transactions, and unpaid invoices.

This case is another example of our commitment to pursuing our clients’ interests when significant commercial obligations remain unresolved.

As the litigation progresses, we will continue advocating for our client and pursuing the recovery of the amounts owed.

If your business is facing unpaid invoices, contract disputes, or other issues involving international shipments and trade, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at 305-570-2208.

You can also contact our team directly at: arianna@ayalalawpa.com              

Schedule a case evaluation online here.

[The opinions in this blog are not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with an attorney about the particulars of your case].

Ayala Law has been named on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America—a significant milestone for a firm that has made aggressive, intentional growth part of its long-term vision.

For us, this recognition means more than a number on a list. It reflects what we have been building at Ayala Law for years: a sophisticated, expanding business law firm designed to serve companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and owners operating in an increasingly complex marketplace.

And there is something particularly meaningful about being recognized for business growth when business itself is at the heart of who we are.

We Don’t Just Advise Businesses. We Are Building One.

Ayala Law was founded in 2013 by Eduardo A. Maura, Esq., who came to the United States from Peru with just $500 and built his career from the ground up.

Before becoming a lawyer and founding Ayala Law, Eduardo was an entrepreneur himself. He understands what it means to build something from nothing, make difficult decisions with limited resources, take calculated risks, hire people, manage growth, and ultimately create an organization capable of serving clients at a higher level. That entrepreneurial perspective has always influenced the way Ayala Law operates.

We do not view ourselves simply as lawyers providing legal services. We are building a business with the same mindset that many of our clients bring to their own companies: growth, adaptability, discipline, and a willingness to invest in the future.

That is why the 2026 Inc. 5000 recognition is particularly meaningful to us.

Inc. describes its annual list as a recognition of America’s fastest-growing private companies. The 2026 list recognizes businesses that have demonstrated the ability to grow in a competitive and rapidly changing environment.

For Ayala Law, that growth has been intentional.

“I have always believed that if you want to build a great company, you cannot be afraid to grow. Aggressive growth requires taking calculated risks, surrounding yourself with talented people, and constantly asking how you can do more for the people you serve. That mindset has been part of Ayala Law since day one. I started this firm because I wanted to build something of my own, and that entrepreneurial spirit is still at the core of what we do today,” says founding partner  Eduardo A. Maura

Growth Means Building Greater Capability

Our growth is not simply about adding people or increasing the size of the firm. It is about building capability.

Over the past year alone, Ayala Law has added several attorneys to its team, including veteran trial attorney Jorge Garcia Menocal, who brings more than 20 years of litigation experience including over 100 trials to the firm. As well as Kristen Schlotzhauer with nearly a decade of business litigation experience, including business, real estate and construction disputes.

The addition of these attorneys significantly expands the depth of experience available to our clients, particularly in complex commercial litigation, corporate disputes, and sophisticated business matters. Their arrival is part of a broader strategy: building a team capable of handling increasingly complex legal issues for businesses operating throughout Florida and beyond.

Partner Luis Quesada states, “The growth we are experiencing allows us to build something much more sophisticated than a traditional boutique law firm. We are deliberately adding attorneys with different backgrounds, experiences, and capabilities so that we can take on increasingly complex matters and provide businesses with the depth of legal experience they need. Growth is valuable when it makes the firm better for our clients.”

This is especially important in South Florida, a region that has become a major destination for entrepreneurs, investors, developers, international companies, and established businesses looking to expand. As those businesses grow, their legal needs become more sophisticated, and they need counsel that understands not only the law, but also how businesses actually operate.

Recognition Is Not the Goal. Trust Is.

The Inc. 5000 recognition is the latest in a series of honors that we are proud to receive. Ayala Law has also been recognized as Best Business Law Firm by the Small Business Expo and recognized by Best Lawyers. In the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms, Ayala Law is ranked in Miami, with attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers across multiple practice areas. We are proud of these recognitions, but we do not view them as trophies.

When a business owner, CEO, entrepreneur, investor, or company entrusts a law firm with an important matter, they deserve to know that they are making a sound decision.

Awards and rankings cannot replace results, experience, judgment, or the relationship between a lawyer and a client. But independent recognition can provide another important piece of information: other organizations and professionals have recognized the quality of the work.

That matters.

Our goal is not to brag about being recognized. Our goal is for a prospective client to look at these recognitions and think, “This is a firm I can trust with my business.”

As Ayala Law enters its next chapter, our commitment remains the same: build a stronger firm, develop greater capabilities, and provide the sophisticated legal counsel that growing businesses deserve. Inc. 5000 Inc. 5000 Inc. 5000 Inc. 5000 Inc. 5000 Inc. 5000 Inc. 5000 Inc. 5000

We are proud to announce the addition of Jorge Garcia Menocal to our team of attorneys. With more than two decades of litigation experience and over 100 jury and bench trials handled throughout his career, Jorge’s arrival represents a significant step in the continued growth and evolution of our firm as a leading business litigation and dispute resolution practice in South Florida.

As businesses continue to expand throughout Florida, the demand for sophisticated legal representation continues to grow. South Florida has become a major hub for entrepreneurs, investors, international companies, and growing businesses seeking opportunities in one of the nation’s most dynamic markets. Ayala Law has positioned itself to meet that demand by continuing to build a team of experienced attorneys capable of handling complex commercial disputes, business matters, and international business issues.

Bringing Decades of Litigation Experience

Jorge joins Ayala Law as an experienced trial attorney with a career focused on litigation, corporate disputes, and transactional matters. Throughout his more than twenty years of practice, Jorge has represented clients in a wide range of legal matters, including complex commercial litigation and international commerce transactions.

His courtroom experience includes handling more than one hundred jury and bench trials, giving him a level of practical litigation experience that is invaluable when representing businesses and individuals facing significant legal disputes.

Jorge earned his Juris Doctor degree from Florida State University College of Law in 2005, where he consistently excelled academically and was included on the Dean’s List during multiple semesters. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Criminal Justice from Florida International University in 1998.

He is admitted to practice before The Florida Bar and several federal courts, including the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida, as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

A Strategic Expansion of Our Business Litigation Practice

Jorge’s addition reflects our firm’s broader strategy of continuing to strengthen our litigation capabilities and provide clients with experienced legal counsel.

“Our growth has always been intentional. We are building a firm that can handle increasingly complex matters for businesses, investors, and individuals throughout Florida and beyond,” said founding partner Eduardo A. Maura. “Adding an attorney with Jorge’s level of courtroom experience is a major step forward for our firm. We are not simply growing in size; we are growing in capability.”

Over the last year alone, Ayala Law has added three attorneys to our team, and we anticipate continuing this growth with additional attorney hires before the end of the year. Each attorney we bring into the firm is carefully selected based on experience, legal ability, and the ability to provide meaningful value to our clients.

From a Small Brickell Office to a Growing South Florida Litigation Firm

Our firm’s growth reflects the growth of the businesses and communities we serve.

When the firm was founded in 2013, it began with a single attorney working from a small rented office in Brickell. Today, we operate from our own building in Coral Gables and have grown into a team of attorneys and professionals handling complex litigation and business matters throughout Florida.

This growth has not happened by accident. The firm has taken an aggressive approach to expansion because South Florida’s business landscape continues to evolve. Entrepreneurs, international investors, developers, and established companies are increasingly turning to Florida to build and expand.

Ayala Law is committed to ensuring those businesses have access to experienced legal counsel when disputes arise, and as the firm continues to grow, our focus remains on building a team of skilled attorneys who can provide the level of representation our clients expect.

At Ayala Law, we believe one of the most important rights a client has is the right to decide whether to settle a lawsuit. That principle was recently reinforced when attorney Julia Solivan successfully opposed a Motion to Enforce Settlement in a commercial litigation matter.

The dispute arose just two days before trial, when settlement negotiations intensified between counsel. The opposing party argued that a binding settlement had been reached because our client’s former attorney accepted a settlement proposal. Our client, however, maintained that he never gave his attorney absolute and unequivocal authority to accept those terms.

Florida law is clear on this issue. An attorney’s representation of a client does not, by itself, create implied or apparent authority to settle a case. The party seeking to enforce a settlement must prove that the attorney had the client’s clear, absolute, and unequivocal authorization to do so.

On behalf of our client, Julia Solivan argued that the alleged settlement could not be enforced without first resolving the factual dispute over whether that authority actually existed. The court agreed that the issue could not be decided solely from the written filings and set the matter for an evidentiary hearing, where testimony and evidence will determine whether the client authorized the settlement.

While the ultimate question of settlement authority will be decided at the evidentiary hearing, this ruling is an important procedural victory because it ensures our client has the opportunity to present evidence before being bound by an agreement he contends he never approved.

Attorney Julia had this to say, “This ruling is a crucial step because it ensures our client has the opportunity to be heard before being bound by a settlement he maintains he never approved. That’s exactly what due process is intended to protect.” 

This case also serves as an important reminder for anyone involved in litigation. Although attorneys negotiate on behalf of their clients every day, the decision to settle always belongs to the client. If there is a genuine dispute over whether a client authorized a settlement, Florida courts require that issue to be resolved before enforcing the agreement.

At Ayala Law, we are committed to protecting our clients’ rights at every stage of litigation. Whether we are trying a case before a jury or challenging the enforceability of a settlement agreement, our focus remains the same: ensuring our clients’ interests, and their voices, are fully protected.

If you need legal help, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at 305-570-2208. 

You can also contact our team directly at: arianna@ayalalawpa.com       

Schedule a case evaluation online here.

[The opinions in this blog are not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with an attorney about the particulars of your case].

When a bank freezes your account, you expect the issue to be resolved once its investigation is complete. Unfortunately, that wasn’t what happened to one of our clients.

After a financial institution froze our client’s account over alleged suspicious activity, the bank completed its investigation and found no evidence of wrongdoing. Despite that finding, our client’s $323,057.86 remained inaccessible for nearly two years.

The funds were effectively trapped, preventing our client from accessing money that rightfully belonged to them. That’s when our team stepped in.

A Demand Letter That Changed Everything

Our attorney Orestes Garcia reviewed the matter and determined that the bank had no legal basis to continue withholding the funds after clearing the account during its investigation.

Rather than immediately filing a lawsuit, our firm prepared and served a detailed demand letter outlining the legal issues surrounding the continued hold on the account and demanding that the funds be released.

Just six weeks after receiving our demand, the bank released the entire $323,057.86 to our client. What had remained unresolved for almost two years was resolved in just over a month after we became involved.

Why This Case Matters

Many people assume there is little they can do when a large financial institution freezes or withholds their money. Banks certainly have the authority to investigate suspicious transactions when necessary, but that authority is not unlimited.

Once an investigation is completed and no wrongdoing is found, customers should not have to wait indefinitely to regain access to their own funds.

This matter demonstrates how timely legal intervention can make a significant difference. Sometimes, a carefully prepared legal demand is enough to move a matter that has been sitting unresolved for months or even years.

Attorney Orestes Garcia commented, “Our client had already waited far too long. Once it became clear the bank had completed its investigation without finding any wrongdoing, there was no justification for continuing to withhold the funds. We’re pleased we were able to help bring this matter to a successful resolution without prolonged litigation.”

Helping Clients Resolve Complex Financial Disputes

At Ayala Law, we represent clients in a wide range of business and financial disputes, including matters involving banks, contracts, commercial litigation, and other complex civil claims.

Every case is different, but this result highlights the importance of having experienced legal counsel when a financial institution fails to act after its own investigation has concluded.

If you believe your funds have been wrongfully withheld or you’re involved in a business or banking dispute, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at 305-570-2208. chase chase chase

You can also contact our team directly at: arianna@ayalalawpa.com     

Schedule a case evaluation online here.

[The opinions in this blog are not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with an attorney about the particulars of your case].

We are pleased to announce another successful result for our litigation team. Attorney Eion Oosterbaan successfully defeated the defendant’s motion to vacate default judgment, allowing our client to preserve a hard-earned judgment after the opposing party attempted to reopen the case.

The ruling is an important reminder that Florida courts do not simply set aside default judgments because a defendant decides to participate after the fact. A party asking a court to vacate a default must satisfy a strict legal standard, and in this case, the court determined that standard was not met.

What Is a Default Judgment?

A default judgment may be entered when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit within the time required by law. While some people assume a default automatically ends a case, Florida law allows a defendant to ask the court to set it aside under certain circumstances. However, that relief is not automatic.

To vacate a default judgment, a defendant generally must demonstrate:

• A valid legal reason (known as excusable neglect) for failing to respond.
• A potentially meritorious defense to the claims.
• That they acted promptly after learning about the default.

Failing to establish any one of these elements can result in the motion being denied.

Why the Court Refused to Vacate the Judgment

After reviewing the evidence and legal arguments, the court denied the defendant’s request to undo the default judgment. We argued that the defendant had not met the legal requirements necessary to justify reopening the case, and the court ultimately agreed, allowing the judgment to remain in place.

This outcome reinforces an important principle of Florida civil litigation: court deadlines matter. Parties cannot simply ignore legal proceedings and later expect to restart the case without meeting the requirements established under Florida law.

A Strong Result for Our Client

For our client, this ruling means the judgment they previously obtained remains intact, avoiding unnecessary delay and additional litigation.

Attempts to vacate default judgments can significantly increase the cost and length of a lawsuit. Successfully opposing these motions helps preserve judicial efficiency while protecting clients who have already followed the legal process and secured favorable results.

Attorney Eion Oosterbaan commented, “Florida courts require parties seeking to vacate a default judgment to satisfy specific legal requirements. In this case, we demonstrated that those requirements simply were not met. We’re pleased the court upheld the judgment and protected our client’s rights.”

Get in Touch With Us

At Ayala Law, we represent businesses and individuals in commercial litigation matters throughout Florida, handling disputes from the initial filing through trial, post-judgment proceedings, and appeals when necessary.

If you need help enforcing a judgment, defending against procedural challenges, or navigating complex commercial disputes, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at 305-570-2208. 

You can also contact our team directly at: arianna@ayalalawpa.com  

Schedule a case evaluation online here.

[The opinions in this blog are not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with an attorney about the particulars of your case].

We’re happy to announce that our attorney, Ryan Sawal, Esq., has successfully resolved an ongoing dispute between our client and a towing company which, as alleged in the complaint, wrongfully removed and claimed title to their vehicle, despite failing to provide proper notice.

The lawsuit, which involved claims of civil theft and violation of § 713.78, Fla. Stat., was resolved through a full settlement, including the return of the vehicle to our client.

Regarding the result, attorney Sawal stated, “A priority in this case from the beginning was getting the vehicle back for our client as soon as possible. We are happy to have been able to accomplish that in the early phases of this case, and while also saving our client much of the legal fees involved in a protracted litigation.”

If you or someone you know needs legal assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at 305-570-2208.

You can also contact our team directly at: arianna@ayalalawpa.com       

Schedule a case evaluation online here.

[The opinions in this blog are not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with an attorney about the particulars of your case].

When business disputes become intertwined with real estate and substantial financial investments, the consequences can be devastating. In a recent Miami-Dade County jury trial, our attorneys Eduardo A. Maura and M. Julia Solivan secured a significant victory on behalf of our client, obtaining a $335,000 damages award and a $335,000 equitable lien against a Miami property.

The verdict protects our client’s financial interest in the property and ensures that her investment cannot simply be ignored or erased.

A Dispute Over Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

Our client filed suit after investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the purchase and maintenance of a Miami condominium. According to the lawsuit, although she funded the acquisition and continued paying expenses associated with the property, ownership was ultimately transferred without fair compensation.

Following a jury trial, the court entered final judgment in our client’s favor on two of the case’s most significant claims.

Jury Awards $335,000 for Unjust Enrichment

The jury found in favor of our client on her claim for Unjust Enrichment against one of the defendants.

In practical terms, unjust enrichment prevents someone from unfairly benefiting at another person’s expense. Here, the jury concluded that our client was entitled to recover $335,000 because the defendant received the benefit of her financial contributions without providing fair compensation. The Court entered judgment awarding our client the full $335,000 in damages.

Court Imposes $335,000 Equitable Lien on the Property

One of the most important outcomes of the case was the Court’s decision to also impose a $335,000 equitable lien against the Miami property at the center of the dispute.

An equitable lien is a powerful legal remedy, and rather than simply awarding money, it places a legal claim directly against the property itself. This protects the prevailing party’s interest and prevents the property from being freely transferred without addressing the judgment.

The Court further declared that our client holds a $335,000 equitable lien on the property, with the amount increasing to include applicable interest and recoverable costs. For our client, this provides meaningful security beyond a monetary judgment alone.

Together, these rulings strengthen our client’s ability to enforce the judgment and recover what she is legally entitled to receive.

Attorney M. Julia Solivan stated, “Obtaining both a substantial damages award and an equitable lien provides our client with more than just a wonderful verdict, but also with meaningful protection for her financial interests. We’re grateful the jury carefully considered the evidence and reached a just result.”

If you or someone you know needs legal assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at 305-570-2208.

You can also contact our team directly at: arianna@ayalalawpa.com       

Schedule a case evaluation online here.

[The opinions in this blog are not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with an attorney about the particulars of your case].