Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ABlawg SearchSocial Media
Marc J. Soss
Lakewood Ranch, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 32 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning
University of Miami School of Law and Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
For the past four (4) decades I have been providing legal services to individuals in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Asset Protection, Probate & Trust Administration and Litigation, and Probate Avoidance. I have also represented Florida corporate entities, shareholders, LLC members, and partners in business transactions, contract drafting, succession planning, mergers & acquisitions, and business disputes.
My clients include opposite-sex and same-sex couples, business owners, individuals looking to protect their assets from creditor claims, retirees, family members needing guidance in the administration of a Florida probate estate or an inheritance dispute, and relatives of individuals who need to...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Mary King
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate and Tax
Stetson University College of Law
As a dedicated IRS Tax defense attorney Mary has been helping clients get tax debt relief by negotiating currently non-collectible status, offers in compromise, installment agreements, innocent spouse relief, audits, removing levies, releasing liens, and negotiating penalty abatement.
Mary's career as a IRS tax attorney began in 1993 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree in 1988 and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Wake Forest University, Babcock Graduate School of Management in 1990.
Her career in tax law...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Daniel Hooper Smith
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 8 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Elder and Probate
George Mason University School of Law
Daniel H. Smith is an elder law and estate planning attorney at Advocates in Aging, Law Office of Wiesner Smith PLLC in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Veterans Benefits, Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, Guardianship, and Assisted Living/Nursing Home Issues. Daniel is licensed to practice law in Florida and Virginia. Daniel is also a VA Accredited Attorney, and represents veterans and their families with benefits claims and appeals of VA Benefits decisions.
Daniel received his law degree with honors from the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington,...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Christopher Douglas Smith
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 23 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury and Real Estate
Georgetown University Law Center
Christopher D. Smith received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) and his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.). A long-time resident of Florida, Mr. Smith also graduated from Pine View School in Sarasota. He is a member of the bars of Florida, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and is admitted to practice in the Middle, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida. Christopher is also certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification.
Christopher started his career with the international law firm of Dechert LLP in 2001, working as an associate in the securities law...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Christopher Kennedy Caswell
Lakewood Ranch, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 41 years of experience
(941) 907-9022
8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite 206
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Estate Planning, Business, IP and Probate
Florida State University College of Law
I have guided and advised clients through their personal and commercial transactions in business and real estate, through their simple and complex estate planning situations and also through all forms of estate administration and probate.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Gregory A Kaiser
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 29 years of experience
(941) 914-9145
6751 Professional Parkway West
Suite 104
Sarasota, FL 34240
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Elder and Probate
St. Thomas University School of Law
We handle almost all aspects of Retirement and Estate Planning. We assist you with planning for Medicaid qualification so that you can obtain payment for assisted living or long-term nursing care without depleting your assets. We create all types of trusts depending on the nature of your property and your plans for it. We draft documents that provide for end-of-life care to be exactly according to your wishes. Florida law is complex and there are specific rules and regulations we carefully follow to be sure your documents are all in legal compliance.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Dana Laganella Gerling
Bradenton, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 23 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Elder
Originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dana Laganella practices in Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration and Elder Law. She attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut and graduated Cum Laude. She was awarded the Best Advocate of the Northeast Region and was voted Best Attorney in East Manatee County by Living Out East Magazine. It is Dana’s commitment to providing quality, affordable legal services that has won her respect and acclaim from both her peers and her clients. She truly enjoys her work. Her passion for helping people in her community is evident in...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Neil R. Covert
Lakewood Ranch, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 47 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Probate
The John Marshall Law School
Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, Business Planning and Corporate Legal Counsel
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Rodney Gerling
Bradenton, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Elder
Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Rodney Gerling is the firm’s Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration Attorney. He attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut. He has been admitted to the Florida Bar and the Federal Bar. Rodney is also a member of the Manatee County and Sarasota County Bar Associations in addition to the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. He began his legal career at the Sarasota County Public Defender’s Office where he handled thousands of cases, served as Lead Attorney on over 50 Jury Trials, and became...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Bart Scovill
Bradenton, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 31 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Probate
University of Florida
Bart Scovill was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Florida in 1993. Prior to Law School, he served four years in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1985. Since admission to the bar, he has handled a wide variety of legal issues including business law, transactional law, construction law, and guardianships. His primary focus is on Estate Planning, Probate Administration, and Business Law. He is married and has two beautiful daughters. Outside of the office, he enjoys snow skiing with his family, both teaching and training in Karate, and playing and coaching volleyball.
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Elizabeth Ann Walch
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 29 years of experience
Estate Planning, Divorce, Family and Workers' Comp
Stetson University
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Erin Ann Itts
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 19 years of experience
Estate Planning, Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family
Capital University Law School
Claimed Lawyer Profile
David Keith Cahoone
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 39 years of experience
(941) 951-0707
David K. Cahoone, PA, Of Counsel
One North Tuttle Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34237
Estate Planning, Business and Tax
Western New England University School of Law
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Gregory Anthony Zitani
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 40 years of experience
Estate Planning, Business, Employment and Family
California Western School of Law
Claimed Lawyer Profile
John West
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 28 years of experience
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Bruce P Chapnick
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Attorney
Estate Planning, Business and Securities
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
James W. Martin
Pinellas County, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 50 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Probate
Stetson University College of Law
I practice in the areas of wills, trusts, and probate law across the Tampa St. Petersburg Area, including Pinellas County and Hillsborough County, Florida, and throughout the Tampa Bay Area. I am proud to have received the highest lawyer ratings on platforms such as Justia, Super Lawyers, Martindale, and Avvo. My commitment to this field is further demonstrated by my six years of service on the Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee and serving twice as Chair of the St. Petersburg Bar Association Probate Law Section.
In addition to my probate law practice, I serve as an Adjunct Professor of Law...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Jennifer Mantoni
Port Charlotte, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 10 years of experience
Estate Planning, Arbitration & Mediation, Landlord Tenant and Probate
Florida Coastal School of Law
Mantoni Legal offers an exceptionally dedicated personal approach to our clients and their cases. We provide the commitment you deserve, with a unique and in-depth understanding of the defenses and rights available to Landlords and Property Owners. Mantoni Legal will provide you efficient and reliable service, and take the time to give your case the personalized attention it deserves. Clients will receive unparalleled transparency through regular case updates and direct attorney contact to assure you that we are diligently handling your matter. With our modernized, better fee arrangements, to include flat fee evictions and multi-unit discounts, we will ease your...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
D. Rep DeLoach
Sun City Center, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 25 years of experience
Estate Planning, Elder and Probate
Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law
I give families peace of mind by helping them create estate plans that make sure their family is protected upon their death of incapacity. I also help families in difficult times when their elder is no longer to safely stay home due to the aging or disease process by helping protect assets and apply for Medicaid and VA benefits.
I was fortunate to grow up in Pinellas County with my father being a well-known and respected attorney. With my father’s encouragement and my own passion for helping others, I knew that estate planning and elder law was the career path for...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ABlawg SearchSocial Media
Shiobhan Olivero
Brandon, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 14 years of experience
Estate Planning, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Family
Stetson University College of Law
Shiobhan Olivero was born in Plant City, Florida, and as a native Floridian, has lived in the Tampa Bay area her entire life. She enjoys spending time with her family. She is an active scuba diver, and enjoys traveling to local and distant sites to dive.
Shiobhan earned as Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Hillsborough Community College. She worked for approximately ten years as a paralegal for criminal attorneys in the Tampa Bay area prior to, and during law school. She then earned her undergraduate degree from St. Leo University receiving a B.A. degree in Criminal...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Kevin Sanderson
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 22 years of experience
Estate Planning, Bankruptcy, Employment and Probate
St. Thomas University School of Law
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...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Allan Baily
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 26 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Criminal Defense, Juvenile and Probate
Nova Southeastern University
Experience, Respect and Reputation in the community for over 19 years. Dedicated and Aggressive Trial Defense, Criminal Defense, Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence, Family Law/Divorce, Probate, Estate Planning and Guardianship cases. Member United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, July 17, 1998 Member United States Middle District of Florida, August 14, 1998 Member of Sarasota County Bar Association, 1998-2017 Founding Member and Board of Directors of the Collaborative Family Law Professionals of Sarasota/Manatee Graduated Nova Southeastern University, Juris Doctor, January 31, 1998 Associate Editor for Nova Southeastern University Journal of International & Comparative...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Cheyenne Whitfield
Tampa, FL Estate Planning Attorney
Estate Planning, Criminal Defense, Immigration and Probate
Ave Maria School of Law
A Queens, New York native graduating from the State University of New York (SUNY) Albany in Political Science, History and a minor in Criminal Justice in 2010.
Ms. Whitfield graduated Ave Maria School of Law, in Naples, FL in 2013 and became a member of the Florida Bar in 2015. She has established a practice in the Tampa Bay area where she lives and works.
Having established several areas of practice including Estate Planning, Probate, Immigration, Criminal Defense, and Business Law matters.
Her passion is to help those in her community through the court system with their legal issues and...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Javier Centonzio
Largo, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 12 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Military, Nursing Home and Personal Injury
Stetson University College of Law and Stetson University College of Law
I decided to become a lawyer in honor of my friend, Sgt. Jessie Davila, who was killed in action while we were deployed to Iraq. My initial focus in the law was to help other Veterans navigate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability system as a Veterans lawyer. However, I discovered that many of the Veterans I was helping obtain VA disability benefits also needed help with estate planning and elder law concerns.
This realization led me back to law school, where I earned my Masters in Law (LL.M.) in Elder journey in the legal profession started with internships...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Anne Sheffler Douglass
Bradenton, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 47 years of experience
Estate Planning, Elder and Probate
Loyola University New Orleans
Anne grew up in Manatee County, Florida and has always served those in her community. She has witnessed the devastation caused by failure of families to plan for long term care, disabilities and end of life. Her goal is to make these life challenges easier to negotiate for the Senior as well as for the Senior’s family. Having practiced law here since 1977, she practices Elder Law which includes probate and estates, estate planning, guardianships, wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives, Medicaid planning and Special Needs Trusts. In addition to her professional associations, Anne...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
John Matthew Hemenway
Valrico, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Estate Planning, Business, Probate and Real Estate
University of Florida
John M. Hemenway is a founding partner of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. John serves as a trusted legal advisor to business owners, real estate investors, and families seeking to preserve and pass down their wealth and values. His practice focuses on estate planning and probate, small and closely held businesses, and real estate, combining experience in each of these areas to provide a comprehensive approach to transactions and planning.
John earned his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida. John regularly presents at legal education seminars on both probate and estate planning topics, and is published on estate planning...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Steven Alexander Culbreath
St. Petersburg, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 22 years of experience
(727) 456-6463
111 - 2nd Avenue NE
Plaza Tower, Suite 360
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Estate Planning, Business and Immigration
Stetson University College of Law
The overwhelming majority of my immigration law practice derives from repeat business and a very strong referral base of “happy customers” and a large supporting professional network. As such, it is important to me that my clients report back to me frequently with feedback. To me, there is no substitute for a happy referral by my clients and contacts to others who may need my services or advice. I welcome all referrals. While there is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting with me, in order for you to decide if I am the right lawyer for you,...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Craig A. Epifanio
Tampa, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 27 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI and Juvenile
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
An Experienced and Aggressive Legal Advocate
Providing Attentive and Caring Client Service Along Florida's Gulf Coast
Lawyer Craig A. Epifanio began his practice of law solely defending those accused of a crime. He gained considerable experience aggressively pursuing justice for those accused of all levels of crime, to the point that in 2005 he was elected as President of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) for that year. He now uses his natural ability to listen and empathize in order to gain a clear picture of the events leading up to a client's arrest, assess each individual legal issue...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Aaron W Saoud
Tampa, FL Estate Planning Lawyer
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Probate
Stetson University College of Law
Attorney Aaron W. Saoud is the owner of the AWS Law Firm, which practices Probate, Estate Planning, Guardianships, and other related areas of law in Florida. The AWS Law Firm is based out of Tampa, Florida, and serves the majority of the state, from Jacksonville down to Miami, including Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. The AWS Law Firm currently is comprised of eight upstanding professionals: four lawyers and four support staff to assist them.
Attorney Saoud is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Stetson College of Law, and is licensed to practice law in Florida, Michigan, and Illinois...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
William George Mayhew
St. Petersburg, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 49 years of experience
Estate Planning, Business and Juvenile
Capital University
I have maintained a private law practice for 35 years in the areas of criminal defense, juvenile, dependency, bankruptcy, real estate, corporate, contracts, estate planning, and probate administration. I served the public sector as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Coumbus, Ohio; Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Juvenile Division for Jefferson County, Ohio; Special Agent and Assistant Ohio Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Division; and Service/Safety Director for Reynoldsburg, Ohio. I was also a registered lobbyist and in-house legal counsel for the Ohio Municipal League. I am focusing my practice now on estate planning, business, and probate administration.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
John Richert
Clearwater, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 11 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Business and Probate
Stetson University College of Law
John Richert is a Managing Attorney at Richert Quarles, P.A. He received his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida and a Master’s in Business Administration from Stetson University in Deland, Florida in May 2013. While at Stetson, John participated in Stetson’s pro bono program and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Before attending Stetson, John attended the College of William and Mary located in Williamsburg, Virginia and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration majoring in Finance. John was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 2013. John’s practice is focused...
Claimed Lawyer Profile
Lesly Carmen Longa
Tampa, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 19 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and International
Boston University School of Law
Lesly Carmen Longa Vaillancourt litigated and defended claims on behalf of individuals against corporations for over 10 years. Today she focuses her practice on wills, estate planning and family mediation. Attorney Longa speaks Spanish, has represented foreign nationals in U.S. Courts, and also handles a variety of international matters for business and estate planning clients. She is a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator who can help divorcing couples file for divorce and negotiate an agreement without attorneys, preserving the family's dignity and empowering folks to decide for themselves what is best for them and their children. ...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Natalia Ouellette
Tampa, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 15 years of experience
Estate Planning and Business
Stetson University College of Law
Attorney Natalia Ouellette-Grice’s real estate, business, and estate planning practice focuses on helping families and business owners who choose to protect their loved ones from the State’s plan for their business, death and incapacitation.
With her expert guidance, Natalia and her team ensure that clients create specific, intentional, and planned actions from running their business to their death and incapacitation based on what the Client wants to happen with their family, assets, and businesses.
Everyone is born with an Estate Plan and a Business Plan, the State’s Plan! The default State Plan is expensive, time-consuming, public, and on a...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial Media
Timothy C Martin
Tampa, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 13 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Animal, Business and Probate
Barry University
Timothy C. Martin is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. As the owner/attorney of Martin Law Office, P.A., he serves the Tampa Bay and Central Florida areas and beyond in matters relating to animal law, estate planning and probate, real estate/real property including landlord/tenant matters, corporate law, business organizations and transactions, LGBT issues, and limited family law matters.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Brice Zoecklein
Sarasota, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 14 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Foreclosure Defense, Insurance Claims and Probate
Stetson University College of Law
Mr. Zoecklein currently focuses his practice on Plaintiff's Civil Litigation. His team is currently litigating cases throughout the State of Florida in the practice areas of probate administration, estate litigation, insurance claims, family law and business law. Brice Zoecklein grew up in Blacksburg Virginia and attended Virginia Tech where he graduated cum laude and obtained a degree in business management. While at Virginia Tech Mr. Zoecklein ran several successful franchises throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Zoecklein then obtained his juris doctorate degree cum luade and a Masters in Business Administration from Stetson University College of Law....
Claimed Lawyer ProfileResponsive Law
Jeffrey S. Goethe
Bradenton, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 34 years of experience
Estate Planning and Probate
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
JEFFREY S. GOETHE is a partner with Barnes Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea, & Robinson, PLLC. The firm's main office is in Bradenton, with appointments available in the firm's Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch and Parrish offices. Mr. Goethe is a graduate of Maryville College and the University of Tennessee College of Law and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1990. He is board certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in wills, trusts and estates law and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Mr. Goethe is a member of the Florida Bar’s Real...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Sean White
Brandon, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 1 year of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Bankruptcy, Consumer and Probate
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Army Veteran and former Law Enforcement Officer, Sean decided to continue to serve his community by becoming an Attorney. Sean has a mission to protect the people and started Panther Law, P.A. to do just that. He offers legal help in Litigation, Estate Planning, Probate, Bankruptcy, and Special Needs Law.
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Rachel Drude-Tomori
St. Petersburg, FL Estate Planning Attorney with 15 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Elder and Probate
University of Miami School of Law
Rachel Drude-Tomori is a named partner with the firm specializing in the areas of Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law. She consistently has been named as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Estate Planning by Super Lawyers Magazine, a distinction received by only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida. Among numerous honors, Rachel has served as Chair for the Probate Section for the St. Petersburg Bar Association and was awarded the 2019 Rockin’ Chair award for her leadership and fundraising achievements. Recently, she was appointed to the Executive Committee for the St. Petersburg Bar Association.
Rachel frequently assists individuals and business owners...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Cynthia I. Waisman
Tampa, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 25 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning, Immigration and Probate
University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
Representing clients with compassion and professionalism. We handle cases worldwide for greencards, naturalization, asylum, removal, deportation, family based petitions, fiancé visas, VAWA visas and more. We assist clients with estate planning; estate and trust administration; probate litigation; and guardianship matters in the State of Florida.
At the Law Office of Cynthia I. Waisman, P.A. we devote our practice to immigration, estates and guardianship matters. Our firm takes pride in providing quality legal services. We prioritize our clients' needs and best interests. We recognize that our clients need the best possible legal representation, provided with the right amount of comparison, creativity and...
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Kevin A Fuller
Tampa, FL Estate Planning Lawyer with 32 years of experience
Free ConsultationEstate Planning and Family
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
Attorney Kevin A. Fuller has been representing injured victims and defending the accused since 1992. If you have been injured or accused of committing a crime, please call the office to ask questions and get answers. Benefit from more than 25 years of courtroom experience.