We recently filed a lawsuit in South Florida involving allegations of unpaid real estate commissions, business interference, and improper handling of funds connected to multiple real estate transactions.

The case, filed by attorneys Ryan Sawal and Kristen Schlotzhauer, centers around allegations that a real estate professional helped generate and close numerous transactions, but was allegedly denied compensation tied to those deals.

According to the complaint, more than $80,000 in commissions remain unpaid. The lawsuit outlines allegations involving brokerage operations, title and escrow activity, commission disbursements, and the transfer of ongoing business relationships tied to real estate transactions throughout South Florida. The complaint alleges that commissions generated through multiple closings were improperly withheld, despite the successful completion of the underlying transactions. It further alleges that after internal disputes arose, business operations and transaction streams were redirected in a manner that interfered with existing professional relationships and compensation structures.

According to the filing, the dispute involves numerous residential real estate transactions, business accounts, commission payments, and brokerage-related activities spanning several months.

The claims asserted in the lawsuit include:

• Breach of contract
• Conversion
• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Civil conspiracy
• Equitable accounting
• Alleged violations of Florida real estate law

This lawsuit also seeks damages, an accounting of funds, and additional relief through the court.

Attorney Kristen Schlotzhauer stated, “Cases involving overlapping business entities and financial transactions require careful investigation and aggressive litigation strategy. We are committed to pursuing accountability and protecting our client’s rights through every stage of this case.” 

If you need representation in complex business litigation and real estate litigation matters throughout Florida, contact one of our experienced attorneys in South Florida at 305-570-2208.  Commissions

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 proud to share a recent update on a case handled by our attorneys Ryan Sawal and Eion Oosterbaan, in which we successfully obtained a $366,621.84 judgment on behalf of our client in a commercial dispute involving breach of contract and misrepresentations related to specialized equipment.

What Happened in This Case?

This case centered around a commercial equipment lease agreement involving high-value machinery. Our client suffered substantial losses after the opposing parties failed to meet their contractual obligations and made misleading representations regarding the equipment.

As the litigation progressed towards dispositive motions and trial, the defendants failed to properly participate in the case, even after being given multiple opportunities by the court to do so. This ultimately led to a default being entered against them, which is a serious legal consequence when a party does not comply with court orders or defend itself.

What Is a Default Judgment and Why Does It Matter?

In simple terms, a default judgment happens when one side does not respond or fails to follow court requirements. When that happens, the court can accept the other side’s claims as true and award damages accordingly. That’s exactly what happened here.

Because the defendants did not comply with court orders or secure new legal representation in time, the court proceeded to enter a final judgment in favor of our client.

Breaking Down the $366K Judgment

The court awarded damages based on clear, documented losses, including:

• Lost rental income tied to the lease agreement
• The value of the equipment that was not returned or properly accounted for
• Attorneys’ fees and litigation costs, as allowed under the contract
• Pre-judgment interest

In total, the court entered a judgment of $366,621.84, plus ongoing interest. This wasn’t speculative, but based on well-supported, liquidated damages, meaning the amounts could be calculated directly from the agreement and evidence presented.

Final Thoughts

This $366K judgment is more than just a number, it’s a reflection of what can be achieved with the right legal team, the right strategy, and a commitment to seeing the case through.

If you’re facing a similar situation, contact one of our experienced attorneys in South Florida at 305-570-2208. contract contract contract contract contract contract

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 proud to share that three of our law clerks are stepping away to prepare for the Summer 2026 Florida Bar Exam. It’s a big milestone, and one we take seriously as a firm that invests in the long-term development of its people.

Who Is Sitting for the Bar Exam This Summer?

Gabriel, Anamarie, and Matthew have each brought a strong work ethic and real curiosity to their time with us.

Matthew Hernandez, a Miami native and University of Miami School of Law student, came in with experience from a federal judicial internship with Judge Adalberto Jordan at the Eleventh Circuit. He’s been especially sharp on contract and appellate issues.

Gabriel Sierra, currently at FIU College of Law, gained early exposure to the federal system through his internship at the Southern District of Florida. He’s drawn to corporate litigation and has approached assignments here with a practical, business-minded lens.

Anamarie Del Amo, also at the University of Miami School of Law, has a background in business and hands-on experience in both private firm litigation and a judicial externship. She’s been focused, organized, and thoughtful in her approach to client work.

What We Focus On With Our Law Clerks

We don’t treat clerks as observers, but as an important part of the work that we do. That means exposure to real cases, real deadlines, and real client issues across the board. 

Over the past year, we’ve also made a point to stay connected to the next generation of lawyers, hosting a law student reception with more than 55 students from the University of Miami, FIU, and St. Thomas. We also participated in the University of Miami School of Law’s Small + Mid-Size Firm Meet & Greet. The goal is simple, and that’s to give students a clear look at how litigation actually works, and give them a fair shot to prove themselves.

Growth at Ayala Law Means Opportunity

Our firm has grown, and we’ve done it by being intentional about who we bring in and how we develop them. Ryan Sawal started with us early in his career and is now a partner. This kind of progression doesn’t happen by accident, but through consistent work and a firm culture that rewards it.

Eduardo A. Maura, our founding partner, put it plainly, “We built this firm by investing in people who want to do the work and do it well. Gabriel, Anamarie, and Matthew have each shown that. The Bar Exam is just the next step.”

Partner Ryan Sawal added, “I remember being in their position. It’s a demanding process, but it’s also an opportunity to prove to yourself what you’re capable of. They’re ready for it.”

What Comes Next

This isn’t a goodbye, but a pause for something important. We expect to see them back, continuing the work they started here—this time as attorneys.

To Gabriel, Anamarie, and Matthew: good luck on the Florida Bar Exam. Stay focused, trust your preparation, and take it one step at a time.

As Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. once said, “The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience.” This is part of that experience, and it’s just the beginning of what comes next. law clerks law clerks law clerks law clerks law clerks law clerks law clerks law clerks law clerks law clerks 

We recently filed a complaint on behalf of the purchasers of luxury residential real estate. The dispute centers around the sellers’ breach of clear contractual representations that all improvements were properly permitted and that no material defects were concealed. Shortly after the closing of the property, our clients learned, through a dangerous chemical leak, that such representations were not true. Most prevalently, the sellers had recently arranged for the removal and replacement of a water heater shortly before the closing without any disclosure. The situation was further exacerbated by a deficient home inspection, which resulted in our clients’ lives being endangered.

Within hours of moving into their new home, our clients were forced to evacuate after experiencing abnormal conditions and discovering dangerous levels of carbon monoxide inside the property. Emergency responders confirmed that the improperly installed water heater was the source of the hazard, exposing our clients and their child to serious health risks and requiring medical attention.

Primary counsel on the case, Kristen Shlotzhauer, had this to say, “This is an unfortunate situation for everyone involved. Our clients wanted to live happily in their new home, but were put in unmistakable danger, and now can’t trust several other representations that were made during the sale.”

Our firm regularly represents clients in complex real estate and business disputes, including property ownership disputes, construction litigation, and material defects.

If you are involved in a dispute concerning real estate ownership, business entities, or contractual authority, contact one of our experienced attorneys in South Florida at 305-570-2208.

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

Schedule a case evaluation online here. dispute dispute dispute

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