BRYAN AYLSTOCK

FOUNDING PARTNER, AYLSTOCK WITKIN KRIES & OVERHOLTZ, PENSACOLA

Representing thousands of veterans, this Panhandle law firm sued 3M for defective earplugs and sued Iran for its terrorist activities that maimed or killed American troops in the Middle East. Founded in 2001, AWKO specializes in mass torts, class actions and products liability. The firm has nearly 400 employees and 36 attorneys. Partnering with the University of West Florida, it created the AWKO Center for Leadership, which trains veterans for the civilian workforce.

EDUCATION: University of North Florida (BA), University of Florida's Levin College of Law (JD)

NEXT BIG FOCUS: I was recently appointed co-lead counsel in a national litigation against Roblox, Discord and others related to how those games and platforms fail to protect children from sexual predators. These companies are trying to force these child victims into a secret arbitration instead of making their defenses in open court. This is unfair and a travesty, and I hope that our efforts can lead to real reforms that will better protect our children.

PERSONAL RESET: In law, there are winners and losers, and any attorney who claims to have never lost a case does not try a lot of cases or isn't being forthright. But I just tell myself to go on and learn from that experience. That and a couple hours of physical activity to clear my mind, and I can usually reset quickly.

IN MY DOWNTIME: I still play soccer as much as I possibly can.