Attorneys & Staff
Meet Our Experienced Team Members
Our Attorneys
At Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., we foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and mutual respect. These values are reflected in the quality of our advocacy and the outcomes we achieve for our clients. We invite you to learn more about each member of our legal team by clicking on the links below.
Brian C. Karsen, Esq.
Mr. Brian C. Karsen joined Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. in 2010 and assumed the role of managing partner in 2021. 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 Law Judges across the United States. While Mr. Karsen’s practice now focuses on the...
Samuel S. Frankel, Jr., Esq.
Mr. Samuel S. Frankel, Jr. has been practicing law since 1998. He has significant litigation experience handling civil matters and serving as lead counsel in numerous trials, evidentiary hearings, mediations, 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.
Ms. Ana M. Castro is a trial attorney who advocates exclusively for injured workers. Her current practice focuses on claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the Defense Base Act. Ms. Castro is dedicated to working zealously for her clients. She began her career representing claimants, large self-insured employers, Fortune 1000 companies, and insurance carriers in the workers’ compensation arena. She has handled all aspects of claims from inception through trial. As first chair in numerous trials, Ms. Castro has tackled complex technical cases in her field. She has also pioneered interactive seminars and workshops for clients on a variety of topics...
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.
Ms. Ana Catalina 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...
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Lynda Fowler
Paralegal
Ms. Lynda Fowler has been an integral member of Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. for over 15 years. She began her tenure as a receptionist and, through consistent dedication and professionalism, rose to her current role as a paralegal. Her responsibilities include managing attorneys’ schedules, coordinating depositions, and organizing a wide range of appointments, tasks she handles with precision and reliability.
In addition to her contributions to the firm’s daily operations, Lynda has pursued personal and professional growth with distinction. She holds two Associate of Science degrees: one in Criminal Justice from Broward Community College, and another, earned with Honors, in Surgical Technology from Keiser University. Her academic achievements reflect both intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence across disciplines.
Saray Chavez
Trial Paralegal
Ms. Saray Chavez serves as a trial paralegal at Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., where she brings a strong foundation in criminal justice and a meticulous approach to litigation support. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and began her career advocating for vulnerable children in Broward County, gaining experience in investigations, safety assessments, and courtroom reporting —skills that seamlessly transitioned into her legal work.
Her professional path has included roles in foreclosure processing and litigation support, culminating in her current position on the firm’s trial team. Saray plays a critical role in preparing cases for trial, including securing witness testimony, organizing exhibits, and managing pre-trial logistics. Her work reflects a deep commitment to justice and precision in case preparation, and she collaborates closely with both attorneys and clients to ensure each matter is handled with care and competence.
Sherri Shirey
Paralegal
Ms. Sherri Shirey is a seasoned paralegal with over 14 years of specialized litigation experience. She began her legal career in 1994 in Andalusia, Alabama, where she worked closely with attorneys, clients, and judges, gaining hands-on experience in jury selection, juror research, and trial preparation.
After relocating to Fort Lauderdale in 2003, Sherri expanded her expertise at an insurance defense firm, later focusing on Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) litigation. Her responsibilities have included scheduling, drafting documents, managing cases, and providing administrative reporting, as well as training new staff, contributing to both the efficiency and professionalism of the legal teams she supports.
Outside the office, Sherri is actively involved in charitable work, including Covington County’s Relay for Life and the Opp Jaycees, reflecting her enduring commitment to service both in and beyond the legal field.
Lori Karsen
Senior Paralegal
Ms. Lori Karsen brings over three decades of paralegal experience to Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., with a background that spans family law, bankruptcy, real estate, and corporate legal support. A U.S. Navy veteran, Lori began her legal career in Fort Lauderdale, where she developed a strong foundation in legal administration and earned licensure as a Florida title agent. Her work with corporate legal teams in the hospitality industry further refined her skills in office management and event coordination.
At the firm, Lori’s broad expertise and disciplined approach enhance the efficiency and precision of case preparation. Her ability to navigate complex legal matters and support attorneys across multiple practice areas makes her an invaluable member of the team.
Outside the office, Lori enjoys outdoor activities and creative projects, from hiking and gardening to crafting and DIY design - interests that reflect her resourcefulness and energy both professionally and personally.
Our Founding Members
David C. Barnett, Esq., and Barry R. Lerner, Esq., originally founded Barnett & Lerner, P.A., in 1995, establishing a firm that would become a recognized leader in U.S. federal workers’ compensation litigation. Through their appellate advocacy and trial work, they helped shape the interpretation and application of the law in this specialized field.
David C. Barnett, Esq.
Mr. Barnett’s influence extended beyond the courtroom into professional and academic circles. He was a founding member of the DOL-Joint Bar Association and an active contributor to the Workers Injury Law Group and other legal organizations. His commitment to legal education was evident in his lectures, published articles, and contributions to authoritative texts on workers’ compensation. In recognition of his professional excellence and ethical standards, Mr. Barnett was invited to join the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers as a Fellow. His retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished career devoted to advancing the rights of injured workers and the development of compensation law.
Barry R. Lerner, Esq.
Mr. Lerner brought a unique background in healthcare management to the firm, which informed his legal practice and mediation work. As a certified mediator in Florida, he specialized in Workers’ Compensation and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation claims. Over the course of his career, Mr. Lerner authored more than one hundred appellate briefs and appeared in numerous administrative and jury trials across both state and federal jurisdictions. He also lectured extensively, sharing his expertise with peers and practitioners. His retirement marks the close of a career defined by rigorous advocacy and a steadfast commitment to justice for injured workers.
News & Articles
Stay informed with the latest firm news, legal insights, and updates on Defense Base Act developments—all designed to educate and empower our clients and community.