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Meet the Unkel Law Team
Founder & Managing Partner
Christina E. Unkel, Esq.
Christina Unkel. Esq. J.D, M.B.A is an entrepreneur, attorney, multi-business owner, and sports tv analyst/journalist. She has over 25 years of experience in the sports industry and over 10 years in litigation and business world. Christina is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic, Stetson MBA Program, and Stetson Law. She’s represented individuals from IMG, US Soccer, MLB, US Track and Field, and CAS.
Christina has received numerous awards for her work, including, Sarasota’s Women of Influence, Best of SRQ Magazine Business Leader and Lawyer, Best of Lawyers in Tampa Bay, Sarasota County Bar’s Presidents Award, PBA’s Top 50 Alumni, and recently 2024 SRQ Elite Top Attorneys in Sports Law. She has held several chair and committee positions in her legal and sports capacities and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Women’s Forum (Suncoast Chapter) and active member of the Women in Sports and Events “WISE” (Tampa Chapter).
Her proudest accomplishment, however is being a mom to a fearless little girl. Christina resides in Sarasota, Florida with her husband, Ted, and daughter, Quinn.
Firm Manager & Paralegal
Erika K. Banfelder
Erika Banfelder is a highly experienced litigation paralegal with over 25 years of expertise in navigating the complexities of legal proceedings. Graduating with honors from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies, Erika has built a distinguished career specializing in mass tort litigation, complex civil cases, arbitrations, and eDiscovery. Her work spans various practice areas, including product liability, personal injury, construction, commercial law, general business, and estates and trusts.
Throughout her career, Erika has been instrumental in collaborating with attorneys to devise strategic approaches for all phases of litigation. Her meticulous attention to detail and extensive knowledge ensure that every case she handles is approached with the utmost precision. Erika has worked closely with Christina Unkel for over nine years, contributing significantly to the establishment of Unkel Law, PLLC in 2023. Her long-standing partnership with Christina underscores her commitment and expertise in the field.
Originally from Miami, Erika has called Sarasota home since 1996. She balances her professional life with a vibrant personal life, being married with two daughters and three beloved cats. In her spare time, Erika enjoys traveling, working on yard projects, and tackling small home improvement tasks.
Legal Secretary
Catherine A. Jeffcoat
Catherine Jeffcoat is the legal secretary for Unkel Law, PLLC and provides all administrative and managerial support for the firm. She was born and raised in Sarasota, FL and has over 10 years of experience in customer service and administrative management with focuses in high end construction and hospitality.
Catherine graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa with a Bachelor's degree in Health Science. With her extensive and well-versed background, Catherine’s strong interpersonal skills, along with her exceptional problem-solving abilities, while effectively managing a team environment, contributes significantly to the overall efficiency and productivity within the firm. She enjoys continuing her education in the field of law and is dedicated to learning the essential fundamentals that contribute to making each case and client successful in their journeys.
Catherine resides in Sarasota with her husband, Sam and daughter, Kennedy.
Of Counsel Attorney
Matthew Miliano, Esq.
Matthew Miliano is an Of Counsel Attorney at Unkel Law, PLLC with his practice focusing on the area of commercial law, including breach of contract and real property disputes, as well as contested estate matters and general civil litigation.
A longtime resident of the Sarasota area, Mr. Miliano earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, and attended law school at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law in Concord, New Hampshire. With experience in both facilitating commercial transactions and resolving complex business disputes, he is uniquely positioned to assist the clients on Unkel Law with the various legal issues encountered by business owners.
