Sarasota County Employment Lawyers

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...

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,...

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.

Alexis Rosenberg (aka Litigation Lex®) ’s practice areas include Business Litigation, Employment Law, Healthcare Law and Cannabis Law. She has extensive experience with Federal and state litigation including in the areas of business, racketeering, fraud, healthcare fraud defense, contractual disputes, personal injury. Ms. Rosenberg aka Litigation Lex® regularly appears on Law & Crime, Court TV, ABC7, iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas as a legal commentor. Alexis Rosenberg has successfully advocated for major businesses and corporate clients against claims of fraud and contractual disputes. She also represents individuals who have been wrongfully denied payment by their insurance carriers. Ms. Rosenberg started her...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 &...

An attorney with over 20 years of experience, April S. Goodwin established The Goodwin Firm in 2015. The Goodwin Firm represents businesses throughout the state of Florida in matters related to employment discrimination, retaliation, FMLA, wage & hour, and other employee related legal issues. The Goodwin Firm also helps employers assess their exposure to future litigation for employment and wage related claims and provides them with a plan to reduce that exposure. Also, as a pet owner and attorney, Ms. Goodwin saw that very few, if any, local attorneys were servicing the legal needs of pet owners. This meant that when...

Sean Estes is a founding member of Hoyer Law Group, PLLC. Sean works out of the firm’s Tampa, Florida office where he serves as managing partner. Sean comes to the Hoyer Law Group from James Hoyer, P.A., where he litigated a wide array for employment cases, whistleblower matters, and class actions for more than a decade. He is a Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of employment law, a distinction given to only the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40 in Florida. Sean helped represent one of the largest consumer class actions ever, involving more than 200 million individuals and a...

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...

Mr. Marshall J. Kobrin is an associate at the Aegis Law. Mr. Kobrin focuses his practice on business and corporate transactions, and intellectual property.

Prior to becoming an associate at the Walk Law Firm, Mr. Kobrin graduated from the University of Central Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science in 2014 with minors in general business, sports business management, and legal studies. He was awarded Dean’s List honors multiple semesters throughout his time at UCF. Mr. Kobrin then attended law school at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. During his tenure at the University of...

Heath is a Litigation Attorney at Brandon J. Broderick Law and focuses his practice on personal injury, employment law and commercial litigation. Although most cases settle prior to trial, Heath feels it is important to have the same law firm and attorneys handling each case from beginning through trial. He has shown a willingness to take the tough cases to trial in an effort to obtain the best results for the client. Heath believes in preparing every case as if it were going to trial. This diligent approach to his practice adds value to...

We are a full-service law firm servicing clients in Tampa and throughout the State of Florida.

I have practiced law continuously since 1993, focusing almost exclusively on the employment relationship. I am admitted to practice law in Florida (Florida Bar) and Texas (State Bar of Texas). I am also admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court and numerous federal courts with jurisdiction in Florida and Texas. Since year 2000, I have been Board Certified, Labor & Employment Law, by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I am a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). I attended the University of South Florida, in Tampa, Florida, and graduated with a undergraduate Bachelor of Arts...

Christopher K. Leifer is the founding shareholder of the firm. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin and his Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School. Mr. Leifer is admitted to practice before all Florida state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association and the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Mr. Leifer focuses his practice in the areas of labor and employment law; including unpaid wage issues, unpaid overtime, improper paycheck deductions, retaliatory discharge and non-compete...

Hello. My name is Neil Ognibene, and I’m the head of the Hoyer Law Group’s federal employment practice. I have practiced law and investigated employment matters within the federal government for close to ten years. Before joining the Hoyer Law Group, I managed an investigation firm dedicated to investigating complaints of employment discrimination, harassment, and whistleblower retaliation filed by employees of various federal agencies. After several years of serving as a neutral, third party fact-finder, I had witnessed enough injustice in the federal government that it was time to put my advocacy skills to use and begin fighting for employee...

David Fulleborn is the Senior Employment Counsel at Hoyer Law Group, PLLC. He works closely with partner Dave Scher on employment and whistleblower cases. David comes to Hoyer Law Group after working with Dave Scher at James Hoyer, P.A. where he was an Of Counsel attorney. Prior to joining James Hoyer, P.A., David spent more than seven years working for a prominent national firm where he investigated and prosecuted employment and whistleblower claims on behalf of individuals. His experience varies widely, and includes fighting discrimination under Title VII, the ADA, and FMLA, as well as battling retaliation under state and federal...

Jesse Hoyer is a founding member of Hoyer Law Group, PLLC. Jesse works in the firm's Tampa, Florida office where she oversees the False Claims Act qui tam division, with a focus on education fraud. Jesse comes to Hoyer Law Group after nearly a decade at James Hoyer, P.A., where she also prosecuted numerous qui tam cases in the education fraud arena, earning herself a reputation as one of the leading authorities in for-profit college whistleblower cases. She has successfully guided clients in their battles against these entities, including EDMC, one of the largest for-profit college systems in the country, Corinthian Colleges,...

Will Cantrell is an attorney who has spent his entire career representing businesses and individuals in matters relating to unfair competition, deceptive business practices, employment law and related business disputes. From jury trials and arbitrations, to dispositive motions and bench trials, he has an extraordinary track record. For five years in a row, he has been listed by Florida Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star.” Will completed his undergraduate studies at Mercer University. He received a master’s degree, cum laude, in international economics from Florida State University. He received his law degree, magna cum laude, from Florida State University College of...