12 Aug 2026
Gunster Welcomes Four New Associates to Private Wealth Services and Real Property Practices
"Gunster adds four associates to its Private Wealth Services and Real Property practices across its Miami, West Palm Beach and Boca offices."
Samuel N. Bazylenko has joined Gunster’s Private Wealth Services practice in Miami as an associate. He advises domestic and international individuals, families and closely held businesses on a broad range of U.S. federal income, gift and estate tax matters arising from cross-border investments, business operations and wealth planning objectives. Samuel earned an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center, a J.D. from St. Thomas University College of Law and a B.A. from Florida International University.
Benjamin S. Kennedy III has joined Gunster’s Miami office as an associate in the Real Property practice. He represents clients in a wide range of real estate transactions, including acquisition, financing, construction, development, leasing and disposition of commercial and residential properties. Benjamin began his legal career at Gunster in 2021 before relocating to New York City to work for 3650 Capital, a commercial real estate lending and investment firm. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Miami and a Master of Science in Real Estate and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida.
Karina N. Leon has joined Gunster’s Private Wealth Services practice in West Palm Beach as an associate. She counsels high-net-worth individuals and families on sophisticated estate planning matters, with an emphasis on tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies and lifetime gifting techniques, and develops customized estate plans tailored to clients’ personal, family and financial objectives. Karina earned her J.D., cum laude, from Florida State University College of Law and a B.S., magna cum laude, from Florida State University.
Thomas Pudas has joined Gunster’s Private Wealth Services practice in the West Palm Beach office as an associate. He advises individuals and families on estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, trusts and complex tax matters; drawing on a background in tax law and prior experience with KPMG, he helps clients navigate sophisticated planning opportunities designed to preserve and transfer wealth efficiently. Thomas earned both a J.D. and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Miami School of Law, a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. from the University of South Florida.