West Melbourne Employment Lawyers

Mr. Baker has been a first and second chair litigator for over 20 years. He has litigated a wide variety of employment law claims in state and federal courts involving Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1866. He has also litigated retaliation and whistleblower claims under various state and federal laws. Mr. Baker has extensive experience in the drafting and review of employment contracts,...

Biographical Summary: Susan C. Smith was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1999, after graduating as Valedictorian from Stetson University, College of Law. She served as a Law Clerk for Justice Peggy A. Quince at the Florida Supreme Court before entering the private practice of law. She has extensive experience in administrative law, health care law, civil litigation and criminal law. Susan is also an “AV” rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell.

Education: B.A., Rollins College, Winter Park, FL.; J.D. Stetson University, College of Law, Valedictorian

Key Practice Areas: Administrative Law; Health Care; Certificate of Need (CON),...

Before establishing my own law firm, I worked in-house for legal departments and at a boutique law firm that focused on commercial litigation, where I handled various business disputes. This experience in litigation provided me with a deep understanding of the essential elements that agreements must contain to endure legal scrutiny and how to protect my clients' rights efficiently. My business background has been instrumental in merging legal advice with business strategies. As a small business owner myself, I am dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs grow their businesses while minimizing risks and tackling potential legal issues. I founded my own firm...

I sue abusive debt collectors who violate the law when it comes to attempting to collect past due debts. I also am a plaintiff's attorney for employees who have had their Title 7 rights violated. I have and will occasionally now accept defense work for those who have been sued for collection of a debt by a debt collector or original creditor of a credit card debt.

Dedicated to representing victims of civil rights violations, unlawful discrimination and harassment of all types, our overriding goal at Tietig & Tietig is to always achieve the best possible outcome that is in our client's best interest, and we will fight fervently to see that outcome achieved. We represent people who are violated by law enforcement agencies and officers, including police officers unlawfully harmed by their own employers. We fight against false arrest, excessive force, lack of probable cause, unlawful profiling, suppression of free speech, and other Fourth Amendment violations. Tietig & Tietig also represents whistleblowers and victims...

Mr. Miklas practices all types of labor and employment law exclusively representing management (employers), including both private employers, as well as Florida municipalities and school districts. He has authored hundreds of articles, has co-authored a LexisNexis Expert Commentary in his field of work and, for the past seventeen years, he has been a contributing author and editor for two leading labor and employment law hornbooks. Mr. Miklas has been listed in Florida Super Lawyers for nine years and he is a frequent employment law presenter and is a nationally recognized speaker and an invited guest lecturer...

Matthew is a native of Florida and Brevard County and was raised locally in Merritt Island. Matthew has an extensive and diverse education which includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in taxation, and a law degree. Prior to practicing law Matthew acquired his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and worked in public and private accounting for several years before entering law school. Matthew’s unique background in law, accounting, and taxation provide a unique perspective that is unmatched by most attorneys. Matthew has been located in the same office in Cocoa for the past 15 years practicing...

John W. Bolanovich is a Partner at the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. He specializes in Business Law, Employment Law, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Civil Litigation. Cases he has handled include Wrongful Termination, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Discrimination, Real Estate Closings, and Formal Bid Protests.

Mr. Bolanovich has a distinguished career in several fields, including teaching and hospitality. He received his M.S. degree in Hotel and Food Service Management in 1987, leading to executive-level positions with several top hotel corporations. He received his J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in...

Heather M. Meglino serves as General Counsel for Quality One Wireless and is the chief legal officer for the organization. She has broad experience counseling clients in areas spanning every aspect of business and commercial law, including contracts, complex business litigation, fraud-misrepresentation, employment law, intellectual property, and licensing. Heather was previously Founder at Meglino Law, a law firm focused on business and commercial law. Additionally, Heather litigated cases including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, overtime and unpaid wages, FMLA leave and disability issues, employment contracts, whistleblower and other employment law claims under various state and federal laws. She is licensed...

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...

George F. Indest III is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, based in Orlando. Mr. Indest is board certified by the Florida Bar in the legal specialty of Health Law. He is also board certified as a health care risk manager by the American Board of Risk Management, Inc. His practice encompasses all aspects of business, corporate, transactional, regulatory and administrative health law practice, and he represents physicians, nurses, hospitals, home health agencies, long term care facilities and other health care providers. His practice also includes the litigation of professional licensing cases and business litigation, defense...

Venus Caruso is a Florida-based attorney who has been practicing law for nearly two decades. Her professional experience includes serving as the lead in-house legal counsel for two different companies spanning over 7 years. Prior to that, Venus was a Partner at the national law firm of Akerman where she represented large and mid-size companies in complex commercial litigation cases, including breach of contract, fraud, healthcare fraud and abuse, and other tort-based claims arising from business disputes and practices. At the same time, Venus counseled business owners, small and large, as well as professionals on various legal matters, including business...

As an entrepreneurial lawyer, I understand the challenges that small business owners face each day. We deal with vendors, customers, employees, taxes, and regulations all the time. Each one of these relationships creates legal risks that you must address in a cost-effective manner, before trouble strikes. Relying on my experience in trying business law cases, I have developed a three-step legal strategy that every small business owner should implement. In its most basic form, this strategy employs contracts, insurance coverage, and an operating company-management company-holding company format for the organization, to help control the common risks that can tank...

The Law Office of Annette Newman, PLLC is a professional full-service law firm dedicated to providing quality legal services at an affordable price throughout the State of Florida. Attorney Newman practices primarily in employment/labor law claims, including discrimination claims based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, religion and/or disability; sexual harassment claims, unpaid wages and/or overtime, whistle blower claims, unemployment hearings and appeals, housing discrimination and public accomodation discrimination as well as other civil rights issues. Attorney Newman also handles matters dealing with all types of employment agreements, including independent contractor, non-compete, severance, non-disclosure, non-solicitation...

Matthew C. Shapiro is a seasoned attorney concentrating in wills, trusts, estates, and civil litigation. Mr. Shapiro graduated with honors from Florida International University, ranking in the top ten of his class. His distinguished academic background laid a strong foundation for his legal career, where he has consistently demonstrated expertise and excellence. During his career, Mr. Shapiro has provided comprehensive estate planning services to thousands of clients, expertly drafting crucial documents such as revocable living trusts of varying complexities, wills, powers of attorney, health care surrogates, living wills, enhanced life estate deeds, trust amendments, and codicils. Having served as the lead or...

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...

Joseph C. Shoemaker is a shareholder with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns, working primarily out of the firm's Leesburg office.

He specializes in Commercial Litigation, Employment & Labor Law, Business Law, and Commercial Real Estate. He practices many areas of law, including Internet Law, Sexual Harassment, Civil Litigation, and Wrongful Termination.

Joseph Shoemaker spent six years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an Avionics Technician and served in Operation Desert Storm. During his time in the Corps he traveled to Asia and Europe.

After his time in the military, he pursued his B.A. degree from the...

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....

Greg founded Sconzo Law Office, P.A. in 2017. While he now focuses exclusively on Employment Law and Disability Rights matters, Greg has had diverse legal career which has included representing individuals, businesses, and associations in a wide variety of legal matters. The one constant has always been Greg’s focus on righting injustices through civil litigation. Prior to opening his opening of Sconzo Law Office, P.A., Greg spent the prior five years at Kaplan & Sconzo, P.A., where he handled a heavy caseload of civil litigation, discrimination, civil rights, and personal injury cases. Greg has been involved in thousands of federal and state...

Mr. Adams received his Juris Doctorate from the Shepard Broad Law Center, Nova Southeastern University, graduating in the top 5% of his class. In law school, Mr. Adams was a member of Law Review, as well as, the Chief Advocate for the Moot Court Honor Society. He attended law school as a Dean Fellow Scholarship recipient. While in law school, Mr. Adams received the "Book Award" (highest grade) in Corporations, Tax, and Appellate Practice. Prior to seeking higher education, Mr. Adams served in the United States Army and the New Jersey Army National Guard. He is a veteran of the...

Theodore W. Small Jr. ("Ted Small") has over 30 years of legal experience, formerly with the large law firm of Holland & Knight LLP in its Tampa, Washington DC, and Orlando offices and currently as a small firm practitioner in Volusia County, Florida. Attorney Small brings the training and experience from his large firm experience to a small firm setting with the goal of pursuing cost-effective solutions for businesses, employers and elder law clients. Attorney Small also has experience as a mediator and NAM arbitrator and is available to serve as a professional neutral to resolve commercial and...

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...

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...

Nathan Ryan LaBar grew up in Central Florida. He attended the University of Florida and received a degree in Psychology and in Economics. Following undergraduate work, he attended the University of Florida Law School. While studying in Gainesville, he worked for a prestigious personal injury law firm and learned firsthand what it takes to represent people in disadvantaged situations. He used this knowledge, along with his experience as an attorney representing large insurance companies, to effectively represent his present day clients that are now fighting against those same insurance companies. Mr. LaBar represents all men, women, and children...

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.

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...

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...

Bilingual Attorney and Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP). Attorney Santiago has been practicing law since 2009, and possesses 25 years of combined professional experience in the legal & human resources fields and vast functional experience in consulting services & project management. Her law firm provides legal representation on immigration matters to individuals and businesses. Also, consulting services for businesses on matters related to compliance with employment laws & regulations and HR practices. Santiago Law Services focuses in providing a quality and personalized service to clients in the United States and Latin America. Services...

Ronnie Bitman continues to demonstrate why he is one of Orlando's most promising young lawyers. Having been named to Florida Trend's 2010 "Up & Comers" and Super Lawyers' "Rising Stars" 2012, Ronnie litigates a range of complex and novel matters. Ronnie is well-versed in complex litigation, including class actions, consumer protection matters, contract and employment disputes, trade secret, unfair and deceptive practices, personal injury, and various other consumer and commercial-related matters. Some of his recent important cases include the settlement of Virgilio v. Ryland Group, Inc. and the prosecution of eight related class action law suits stemming from a homebuilder's...

The Young Law Firm of Florida, LLC provides companies, non-profit organizations, families, and individuals with the legal representation they need to resolve the critical issues impacting their lives and businesses. We will guide you through your concerns and help you find the right solution. You deserve legal counsel who puts your welfare first while providing aggressive advocacy, sound advice, and protection of your rights. At the Young Law Firm of Florida, we provide individualized service to ensure your needs are met. All of our clients meet with Attorney Andre T. Young and are supported by a competent team of highly...

Mr. Persad has worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his Juris Doctor degree and his Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Akron in 1993 and 1994, respectively. He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a diploma in paralegal studies from New York University. Mr. Persad's experience in the legal field...

Andrew Peter Zesinger is a senior associate with NeJame Law, P.A. Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Zesinger earned his Bachelor’s degree in Health Policy Administration from The Pennsylvania State University in 1999. He created a summer externship in the business administration department that emphasized and analyzed universal health care coverage. Mr. Zesinger earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Mr. Zesinger began his career as a judicial clerk for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Attorney Andrew Zesinger focuses his practice in civil litigation throughout the state of Florida. Mr. Zesinger also handles...

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...