North Fort Myers Employment Lawyers

Philip Freidin has been practicing law for 50 years and has devoted his life to representing clients who have been seriously injured by the wrongful acts of others. Phil has represented plaintiffs in some of the most significant personal injury and medical malpractice cases in Florida’s history and has earned his status as a pillar in the South Florida legal community. As one federal judge recently wrote, “he is unquestionably among the upper echelons of lawyers in our district.” Phil has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Law since 1989 and recertified three times. Board certification recognizes lawyers’ special knowledge, skills,...

I am a Southwest Florida attorney board certified in labor and employment law by the Florida Bar. My practice focuses on employment law, insurance claims, whistleblower representation, and civil litigation.

Much of my law practice involves the representation of current and former employees denied proper compensation; victimized by discrimination or retaliation in the workplace; or requiring legal assistance with non-compete agreements. I'm also heavily involved with the representation of families and businesses denied appropriate insurance coverage following Hurricane Irma. Additionally, I provide representation for Medicare fraud whistleblowers, sexual abuse victims, and most business litigation matters.

I have...

Experience matters. For well over two decades, Frank W. Piazza has been helping injured workers in Southwest Florida receive the benefits they deserve. Mr. Piazza received his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of South Florida in 1987, followed by his law degree from the University of Florida in 1990. Since May of 1992, he has represented literally thousands of injured workers in Southwest Florida, and has handled all types of cases. “My approach to representing people is perhaps different than others. I actually enjoy meeting with and getting to know each of my clients. In...

Jerome H. Wolfson was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. He went to Valley Forge Christian College and graduated from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Mr. Wolfson came to South Florida in 1960 and attended University of Miami Law School, graduating with a law degree in 1963. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. After law school, he served in the United States Coast Guard and received an Honorable Discharge in 1969. Mr. Wolfson has represented Plaintiffs and Defendants in various areas of the law, including, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Worker’s Compensation, and Labor Employment....

Jason Gunter is an employment law attorney who has been awarded the Florida Bar Labor & Employment Law Section Scholarship for academic excellence in Labor and Employment law. Prior to attending law school, Jason was a Firefighter for the City of Cape Coral Fire Department and a member if its union, IAFF Local 2424. In 1993, he was named Firefighter of the Year for the State of Florida. In 1994, Jason attended Nova Southeastern School of Law, where he excelled academically. After his first year, Jason was appointed to the Editorial Board of the Nova Southeastern Law Review....

Richard Weldon is an experienced civil trial attorney based in Southwest Florida, and the managing member of Weldon & Rothman, PL. Mr. Weldon focuses his practice on personal injury and civil litigation.

In the area of personal injury, Mr. Weldon provides aggressive representation for matters involving auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, boating accidents, slip and falls, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death. Over the past decade, Mr. Weldon has successfully represented hundreds of individuals and families throughout Southwest Florida in personal injury cases. Additionally, Mr. Weldon maintains a general civil litigation practice, handling diverse matters including complex property disputes,...

Attorney Peter Fisher practices in the areas of Business, Construction, Employment and Litigation.

Peter’s mission is to provide his clients with thoughtful, creative, and cost-effective legal solutions for their business-related issues.

Peter has helped numerous homeowners, project owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals with the resolution of construction-related disputes, and with the drafting and negotiation of construction and employment-related contracts.

Peter earned his J.D. from The Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts. Peter is licensed in both Florida and Massachusetts and, prior to relocating to Southwest Florida with his wife and two children, Peter represented clients...

Education: Michigan State University, Bachelor in Philosophy with high honor 1978 Syracuse University College of Law, Juris Doctor, 1981 Bar Admissions: Florida Bar 1982 District of Columbia Bar 1984 United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida 1983 Supreme Court of the United States 1985 United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin 1992 United States Court of Federal Claims 1995 United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida 2001 Former City Attorney City of Cape Coral Former President of the City of Cape Coral Bar Association William M. Powell, Esq. has approximately 30 years of trial experience...

car accidents, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, medical malpractice, wrongful death, birth injures, nursing home, dog bite, slip and fall, product liability, recalls like vaginal mesh or bladder sling, davinci robotic surgery, prozac, mesothelioma, workers compensation

My practice is concentrated in representing employers and entrepreneurs in all aspects of employment and business law including severance, termination issues, non-compete disputes and in issues involving the protection of proprietary information.

I also represents employers in Fair Labor Standards Act disputes, including those with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. I represent clients in complex commercial litigation regarding these issues at both the trial and appellate levels. A significant portion of my litigation experience has been in business breakups, corporate and partnership dissolutions, securities and shareholder disputes, and related valuation issues. My business litigation experience allows me to...

My mission is to work with my clients and limit their legal costs and liability while I zealously represent them on employment law and health law matters. As a solo practitioner, my clients have direct, unfettered access to me as your attorney. This is a different concept than what you will find in larger law firms or even some solo practitioners. I believe that this type of access is something my clients should expect from their lawyer.

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...

Jeff is the Managing Partner of Lieser Skaff Alexander (LSA), a 9-attorney firm with 3 Florida offices. Jeff has concentrated his practice on business law and business litigation.

In 2017 and 2018, Jeff was named to the Florida Legal Elite roster. The select lawyers on this prestigious list represent fewer than 1.5% of active Florida Bar members. Jeff has also been selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® magazine each year from 2013-2017, an honor based upon peer review reserved for the top 2.5% of attorneys under age 40.

Jeff represents clients in complex business and civil litigation cases...

Kevin Sanderson serves your legal needs throughout all of West Central Florida, including Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Bradenton, North Port, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Arcadia, Englewood, and Naples.

Education
Kevin F. Sanderson is a graduate of Boston University (B.A., Psychology) and obtained his juris doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, FL. He continued his education, obtaining his LL.M. (legal laureate masters) in international taxation and offshore finance, also at St. Thomas University School of Law. Kevin was born and raised in New Jersey.

Licenses
Mr. Sanderson is a member of the Florida Bar, a member...

Mr. Lechner is a Florida Bar board certified labor and employment lawyer with years experience representing both employees and employers in all aspects of employment law matters. He was recently selected 2020 Lawyer of the Year, Employment Law - Mgmt., St Petersburg (US News & World Report).

Mr. Lechner’s expert speciality extends to all employment disputes, including wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination including but not limited to age, race, gender, national origin, overtime and wage/hour payment issues, retaliation and whistleblower claims, as well as restrictive covenants, unfair business practices, related state tort and contract issues and other types of employment...

Janet E. Wise is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since 2001, which recognizes her special knowledge, skills and proficiency in labor and employment law, along with her professionalism and ethical standards. As an attorney with the Sass Law Firm, she brings over 29 years of experience to the practice which primarily represents employees from both the private and public sectors in workplace disputes. Ms. Wise speaks frequently on employment law topics, especially in the area of attorney ethics, and serves on various committees, both locally and nationally. Janet has made the Florida Super...

Cynthia N. Sass has been practicing law in Florida over 35 years. She formed the Sass Law Firm in 1993 to exclusively focus on representing public and private sector employees in employment disputes. The mission of her firm is to provide the client with an honest assessment of each case, ensure each client is educated on the options and remedies available to them through the law, and strategize with the client to accomplish his or her goals. In doing so, her firm takes an individual approach to each case, advising clients as to the potential results, costs of litigation and...

Yvette Everhart is a shareholder in Sass Law Firm, has practiced labor and employment law in Florida since graduating from Stetson University College of Law and is an advocate of employee rights. Ms. Everhart is Board Certified in Labor & Employment Law by The Florida Bar with over 15 years of experience, making her well-versed in a wide variety of employment law issues. Over the years, Yvette has served on various committees and is currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the Labor and Employment Law Section of The Florida Bar, as well as a member of its Executive Council. On a...

R. Michael Pierro, Jr. ("Mike") is a Florida Bar Board Certified labor and employment attorney based in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is one of only 5 lawyers in St. Petersburg holding the distinction of Board certification in the area of labor and employment law. He represents both employers and employees. Mike is also a certified Florida circuit civil and federal court mediator. With over 20 years of litigation experience, Mike is well-suited to effectively mediate employment-related disputes. Mike welcomes the opportunity to discuss your employment matter.

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

Jennifer Zumarraga is well-versed in a wide variety of labor and employment law issues and has been with the Sass Law Firm since 2005. Her legal experience and excellent credentials make her a valuable asset. With over 20 years of experience, she has become an integral part of the firm’s success and reputation. Ms. Zumarraga is a staunch advocate of employee rights, and brings a unique and excellent set of skills to the table. In addition to her keen mind, she possesses the rare ability to easily grasp convoluted scenarios and facts, and boil down complex...

I'm Attorney Jim Tanner. I've been a trial attorney for 37 years. I was born and raised right here in Tampa Bay area. My dream was to become a Professional Baseball Player. It came true the very night I graduated from High School I was selected as the third draft choice nationwide by the Detroit Tigers Baseball organization. My Education: I earned my BA from USF in Political Science, and my Juris Doctorate from Boston Suffolk Law School where I served as a Special Prosecutor for the MA Governor's Consumer Boards...

For almost a quarter-century, I have largely dedicated my professional life in service to such victims and, over time, have learned the real value of the hospitality service education and training I received. While providing a high-quality hospitality service experience to someone during their restaurant visit or hotel stay was professionally rewarding to me, I have found no greater professional fulfillment than providing high-quality legal service and achieving corrective results for individuals who have suffered unlawful treatment at the hands of their employers. I have counseled thousands of individuals. I have achieved multiple million-dollar recoveries for my clients. And, while...

Attorney L. Reed Bloodworth, Founder and CEO of Bloodworth Law, PLLC, is a Florida U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyer® in Commercial Litigation Award 2019-22; in Trusts & Estates Litigation 2022; and in Real Estate Litigation 2022. Bloodworth Law is a U.S. News & World Report "Best Law Firm" 2020-22 and has established itself with an office in Orlando and one in Winter Haven. Reed, a 2019-22 Super Lawyer, was named a Florida Trend’s Magazine Florida Legal Elite™ in Civil, Commercial Litigation 2017-19, 2021, a group of less than 1.3% of Florida's attorneys. Reed has been an attorney since 2004...

Timothy W. Weber is Board Certified in Appellate Practice and practices in the areas of appellate law, civil and commercial litigation, business litigation, employment and labor, civil rights and education, land use and real estate, criminal, and family. He represents clients in state and federal courts at both the trial and appeal levels. Before co-founding the firm, Tim was a shareholder at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & Wein, P.A. in St. Petersburg for 16 years. He has been board certified in Appellate Practice since 2004 and has been selected as a SuperLawyer every year since 2014. He has also...

Mr. Klemawesch is an experienced and dedicated Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton. He provides comprehensive representation in both State and Federal Courts. Previously, Mr. Klemawesch worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Pinellas County, Florida. He has extensive jury trial experience in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Klemawesch is committed to diligent advocacy to protect his clients' rights and interests.

Mr. Klemawesch obtained his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his M.B.A. from the University of South Florida. In 2003, he received his J.D. from the University of Florida....

Sean Lopez founded Lopez Law Group Accident Injury Attorneys to provide client-centered legal representation to all accident victims. Mr. Lopez is an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer serving clients throughout South Florida. Mr. Lopez represents victims in all types of personal injury cases involving injuries resulting from the negligent or intentional actions of other parties. He handles claims involving car accidents, product liability, slip & fall accidents, and more. Over his career, he has secured millions of dollars in injury compensation for hundreds of accident victims. Mr. Lopez and Lopez Law Group often accept clients who get turned down by other...

Caitlin Szematowicz is a Partner with the firm, practicing in the areas of Civil & Commercial Litigation, Appeals, and Employment Law. Caitlin joined the firm in August 2012.

Caitlin graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in May 2012. She graduated cum laude from the University of Tampa, Honors Program, in December 2008, where she majored in Writing and received the “Outstanding Graduate in Writing” Award upon graduation.

While in law school, Caitlin worked as an appellate law clerk for a Washington D.C. law firm, extern at the United States Attorney’s Office, and a Certified Legal...

Prior to joining Whittel & Melton, Mr. Sheslow served as an Assistant Public Defender in Manatee County, Florida. Mr. Sheslow accumulated an impressive trial record while with the Public Defender’s Office. He was quickly promoted from a Misdemeanor to Felony case load in less than 10 months. Mr. Sheslow has tried over 20 cases ranging from DUIs and Domestic Batteries to life felonies. He has earned acquittals in serious cases such as firearms offenses and sex offenses. Additionally, Mr. Sheslow completed the National Criminal Defense Lawyers College held at Mercer College of Law in Macon, Georgia, where he learned from...

Patrick W. Harland, Jr. is a seasoned litigator and personal injury attorney having tried cases in both Florida State and Federal Court.

Upon graduating from Stetson University College of Law in 1999, Mr. Harland focused his law practice on defending insurance companies as well as some of the nation’s largest nursing home chains in liability suits relating to patient care. Mr. Harland also defended physicians in correctional healthcare cases brought by inmates alleging civil rights violations due to inadequate healthcare.

Today, Mr. Harland uses that defense background to the advantage of St. Petersburg clients who have been injured by the negligence of...

Todd Parrish was admitted to Florida Bar in 2007. His practice has been devoted to the representation of individuals who have suffered injuries through the negligence of others or while on the job.

Marc Wolfson is a business litigator who came to the law after careers in business and the military, and brings that experience to bear in his work. Litigators often see businesses at their most precarious, when their leadership may face business-crippling financial or legal rulings. As a former entrepreneur, he understands what these consequences mean to you, and he’s committed to finding creative legal solutions that help you not only stay in business, but thrive. He is committed to providing vigorous representation while retaining the personalized service Heller Law strives for. After finishing high school in Hillsborough County, Marc joined the...

Tracee L. Ivins graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. After graduation she worked for the State of Florida as a certified investigator, before deciding to pursue a law degree. As an attorney Ms. Ivins has handled files from inception all the way to a jury verdict. Her experience has included claims involving serious bodily injury, product liability injury and wrongful death arising from auto accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, negligent security, motorcycle and tractor trailer accidents.

Lawsuits including Negligence, Breach of Contract, Negligent Entrustment, Uninsured Motorist Insurance Claims, Under-Insured Motorists Insurance disputes, Wrongful Death, Bad...

After graduating from Harvard, I chose to attend Stetson University, the number one law school for trial advocacy in the country. I was on Stetson’s Law Review, and I also earned a Master’s of Business Administration from Stetson’s School of Business. I worked as a teaching assistant for pretrial practice while in law school, and I began clerking at a prominent law firm in the Tampa area. After law school, I jumped right into trial practice and began handling employment law and personal injury cases. I tried my first jury trial within my first year of graduating law school...

Providing quality legal representation for family law clients and offers fair, flat fee pricing in addition to hourly billing options. Attorney Lauren Wages is an experienced litigation attorney who focuses her work exclusively on family related legal issues including complex divorce litigation. Wages received her Juris Doctor (cum laude) in 2011. Since graduating from law school, Wages has represented businesses and individuals in a variety of civil disputes and litigated complex issues. Wages has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for over a decade. Wages represents clients in dissolutions of marriage, custody disputes, paternity and domestic violence matters.

CHRISTOPHER L. PETRUCCELLI was born in Tampa, Florida on March 8, 1969. Mr. Petruccelli has lived in the Tampa Bay area all of his life with the exception of the time period for his law studies in Lansing, Michigan.

Mr. Petruccelli graduated from the University of South Florida in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology. Following his lifelong ambition, he attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School receiving his Juris Doctor (Cum Laude) in 1996.

Upon his return to the Tampa Bay area in 1996, Mr. Petruccelli joined the law firm of Fox &...

After practicing for more than twenty years and handling well over a thousand employment law cases, I have observed that many of my clients, at some point in the representation, share with me that one of their primary motives in seeking legal assistance is to make sure that what happened to them does not happen to somebody else. As a passionate, competitive trial lawyer who enjoys holding employers accountable for their actions, I help my clients achieve their goal by taking on workplace bullies and not letting go until a reasonable measure of justice has been achieved. Clients often tell...