Our Attorneys
We pride ourselves in creating a team environment of professionalism and teamwork. Our effort is to ensure that this aspect of our firm is reflected in the work we do for our clients. Please feel free to learn more about each of us individually below.
Brian C. Karsen, Esq.
Brian C. Karsen, Esq. is a partner in Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., having joined the Firm in 2010, and is involved in the day-to-day management and administration of the Firm. Mr. Karsen attended the University of Florida where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a Juris Doctor, and a master’s degree in Business Administration. He began practicing in 1998 and has significant litigation experience in handling both civil and criminal matters, having served as lead counsel in numerous jury and non-jury trials and evidentiary hearings. Mr. Karsen has tried cases before County and Circuit Court Judges and Judges of Compensation Claims throughout the State of Florida and before Federal Administrative...
Samuel S. Frankel, Jr., Esq.
Samuel S. Frankel, Jr., Esq. has been practicing law since 1998. He has significant litigation experience handling civil matters and serving as lead counsel in numerous trials, evidentiary hearings, mediation and arbitration conferences. Prior to joining Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., Mr. Frankel’s practice focused on defending self-insured companies and insurance carriers in their liability and workers’ compensation matters. During this time he had the opportunity to work together with corporate risk managers and insurance adjusters nationwide in all aspects of the claims process, conducted training sessions and seminars, and contributed to industry publications. Since joining Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A...
Ana M. Castro, Esq.
Ana M. Castro is a trial attorney who advocates exclusively for injured workers. Currently, her practice focuses on Longshore Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act and Defense Base Act claims. Ms. Castro is dedicated to working zealously for her clients. Ms. Castro began her career focusing primarily on the representation of claimants, large self- insured employers, Fortune 1000 companies, and insurance companies in the worker’s compensation arena. She has handled all aspects of claims from their inception, up to and most importantly, attending trial. As Ms. Castro has served as first chair on many trials, she has had the opportunity to be exposed to and tackle complex technical cases in her field. She has further pioneered interactive...
Chase Zobec, Esq.
Mr. Chase Zobec was born and raised in Florida. He continued his education in Florida attending the University of South Florida obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. He then attended Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad School of Law and graduated in 2010. Chase has extensive experience in legal claims that arise under the Defense Base Act (DBA), the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), Maritime Law, and the Jones Act, especially representing the defense.
Chase worked as a defense attorney representing insurance companies, their employers...
Ana C. Alvarez, Esq.
Ana C. Alvarez, a lawyer here, was born in Bogota, Colombia, and was later raised in South Florida. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a minor in Legal Studies. Ms. Alvarez went on to attend Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where she received the Nova Merit Scholarship, and graduated with the distinction of Summa cum laude. While attending law school, Ms. Alvarez received the book awards in Bankruptcy, Wills & Trusts, Professional Responsibility, and Negotiable Instruments. She was also selected to serve on the Executive Board of Nova Law Review as an editor. After law school, Ms. Alvarez joined a highly regarded commercial...
Our Founding Members
Meet the visionary founders of Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., David C. Barnett, Esq., and Barry R. Lerner, Esq., whose unparalleled expertise and dedication have shaped our firm's legacy in workers' compensation law.
David C. Barnett, Esq.
David C. Barnett, Esq., co-founder and former managing partner of Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., established the firm in 1995, growing it into a recognized leader with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Washington, D.C. His academic foundation includes two Bachelor degrees from the University of Maryland and a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern Law School. Over his distinguished 30+ year career, Barnett became renowned for his litigation prowess in Defense Base Act, Longshore, Admiralty, and commercial litigation, contributing significantly to the development of workers' compensation law through numerous high-profile cases and published opinions.
Beyond the courtroom, Barnett's influence extended to professional and academic circles, where he was instrumental in founding the National Joint Bar Association and actively contributed to the Workers Injury Law Group and other legal associations. His dedication to legal education and advocacy for injured workers was demonstrated through his leadership roles, numerous lectures, published articles, and contributions to legal texts. Barnett's commitment to excellence was recognized by his invitation to become a Fellow of the College of Worker's Compensation Lawyers, reflecting his high professional and ethical standards. His retirement marks the end of a notable career dedicated to justice for injured workers and the advancement of workers' compensation law.
Barry R. Lerner, Esq.
Barry R. Lerner, Esq., co-founder of Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., brought an extensive background in healthcare management and law to the firm since its inception. After earning his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1983 and an undergraduate degree in Health Care Management, Mr. Lerner distinguished himself not only as an attorney but also as a certified mediator in Florida, specializing in Workers’ Compensation and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation claims. Throughout his career, Mr. Lerner shared his expertise through lectures and contributed significantly to the field with over one hundred appellate briefs and numerous appearances in administrative and jury trials across state and federal jurisdictions.
Licensed to practice in Florida, including the District Court for the Southern District of Florida and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Mr. Lerner's work was marked by a dedication to addressing complex legal challenges in workers' compensation law. His involvement in various Bar associations and his role in educating both lawyers and non-lawyers highlighted his commitment to the legal profession and the rights of injured workers. As Mr. Lerner transitions into retirement, his legacy includes his contributions to legal education and the advocacy for injured workers, having left a lasting impact on the practice and understanding of workers' compensation law.
Lynda Fowler
Lynda Fowler has been a vital part of the Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. team for over 15 years, starting her journey as a receptionist and continually ascending through the ranks to her current position as a paralegal. Her dedication and growth within the firm are exemplified by her critical role in managing attorneys' schedules, coordinating depositions, and organizing various appointments.
Beyond her contributions to the firm's daily operations, Lynda has demonstrated a commitment to personal and professional development by earning two Associate of Science degrees. She achieved her first degree in Criminal Justice from Broward Community College and her second with Honors in Surgical Technology from Keiser University, showcasing her diverse interests and capabilities.
Saray Chavez
Saray Chavez is a dedicated Trial Paralegal at Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., where her expertise in criminal justice and passion for legal support converge. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, she began her legal journey advocating for Broward County's most vulnerable children, honing her skills in investigation, safety assessments, and court reporting, which laid the groundwork for her transition to the legal field.
Saray's career trajectory took her from a Client Systems Processor in foreclosure to a pivotal role within the litigation team, culminating in her current position as a Trial Paralegal. Her responsibilities now include securing witness testimonies, managing trial exhibits, and overseeing pre-trial preparations, directly contributing to the firm's success in trial cases. Saray's progression reflects her unwavering commitment to justice and excellence in legal case preparation, working closely with both clients and attorneys.
Sherri Shirey
Sherri Shirey, a seasoned paralegal at Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., brings over 14 years of specialized litigation experience to the team. Her legal career began in 1994 in Andalusia, Alabama, where she gained invaluable experience working closely with clients, attorneys, judges, and managing intricate aspects of jury selection. Sherri's role evolved through her tenure, reflecting a broad expertise from juror research to comprehensive trial preparation.
After relocating to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in 2003, Sherri expanded her skill set in an insurance defense firm and further developed her paralegal career within Workers’ Compensation and PIP litigation divisions. Her responsibilities encompassed a wide range of legal support tasks, including scheduling, document preparation, and case management, as well as contributing to the firm's efficiency by assisting with administrative reports and training staff. Beyond her professional commitments, Sherri's dedication to philanthropy is evident through her active participation in charities, notably in Covington County's Relay for Life and the Opp Jaycees.
Lori Karsen
Lori Karsen brings a wealth of over thirty years of paralegal experience to her role at Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., complemented by a diverse background in family, bankruptcy, real estate law, and corporate legal support. A U.S. Navy veteran, Lori's journey in law began in Fort Lauderdale, where she developed a foundational expertise that would grow to include licensure as a Florida title agent and significant contributions to corporate legal teams in the hospitality industry, enhancing her skills in office management and event planning.
Outside the office, Lori's passions extend to the great outdoors and creative endeavors, from engaging in various outdoor activities to exploring her artistic side through crafts and DIY projects. Her multifaceted experience and interests not only enrich her professional capabilities but also reflect her dynamic contribution to the firm and its clients.
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