Destin Lawyers

Shawn holds a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from Florida State University, College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in History Education from the University of West Florida. Shawn has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1996, a member of the United States District Court, Northern District of Florida since 1997, and Board Certified as an expert in Juvenile Law since 2017.

Jay Patel is a Former Prosecutor and a Former Law Enforcement Officer with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. After Jay was admitted to the Florida Bar, he served as a prosecutor in Okaloosa and Walton Counties from 2013 to 2017. As an Assistant State Attorney, he spent years prosecuting thousands of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, some punishable by life in prison. Jay achieved success in prosecuting criminal cases that were before a jury, a judge, and the appellate court. Despite his success as a Florida Prosecutor, Jay decided it was time for a change. Thus, in 2017, Jay went...

I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, where I practiced law from 1977. I was a municipal attorney for the first part of my legal career, and then switched to private practice. I conducted a general private law practice, with emphasis in civil litigation and bankruptcy. I also taught several college-level courses relating to various aspects of the law. In 2004, my family and I moved to Florida and have been here ever since. From 2011 to 2015 I worked for another lawyer in Walton County, assisting him in his office, especially with scheduling...

Stephen “Steve” Joseph Ryan was born in the Bronx, where his mother worked as a nurse and his father was an officer with the New York Police Department. In the early ’90s, Steve moved to Tallahassee, Florida to continue his studies at Florida State University’s College of Law, where he met fellow law student and his future law partner, Shawn Risen. In 1995, Steve graduated with honors and received a Juris Doctorate, and one year later, Steve and Shawn Risen established Risen & Ryan, Attorneys at Law.

Jeff founded Burns Firm in 2021 to serve hard-working individuals and small businesses needing legal services to start, grow, and protect their livelihoods and nest eggs. Jeff has experienced thousands of lawsuits as a former commercial litigator and former Circuit Court judge, and he can draw on this wealth of experience to assist his clients with their needs. Jeff concentrates his law practice on business law, real estate law, property law, water law, asset-protection law, and simple estate planning. Before he took the bench as a Circuit Court judge, Jeff concentrated on complex commercial litigation, local government representation, and appellate law....

Clark H. Henderson, originally from Waynesboro, Mississippi, is a 2007 graduate of the University of South Alabama and a 2011 graduate of the Cumberland School of Law, Sam ford University, in Birmingham, Alabama. During law school Clark interned at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and with the Honorable Laura Petro, 10th Judicial Circuit, Criminal Division. He practiced in Birmingham, Alabama before being admitted to the Florida Bar. Clark is licensed to practice in both Florida and Alabama.

Attorney and Founder of Compass Immigration P.A., Caroline Larochelle Nadeau is originally from Quebec, Canada. In 2015 she immigrated to the United States on a K-1 Fiance Visa to be with her husband, a member of the U.S. Military. As an immigrant herself, she has first-hand knowledge of the stress that can be caused by navigating the immigration process. As a military spouse, she has had the privilege of assisting many military members and their families with their immigration needs. Her experiences, both professional and personal, allow her to better prepare and assist her clients through...

Robert A. “Trey” Goodwin III earned his bachelor’s degree in Building Construction from the University of Florida in 2001, and his Juris Doctor degree from the Florida State University School of Law in 2005.

Trey founded the law firm of Robert A. Goodwin III, P.A., and represents clients in the areas of real estate, construction, estate planning, and probate law. Trey also gained significant experience in public service leadership as a member of the Fort Walton Beach City Council (2011 – 2014); and as Okaloosa County Commissioner for District 4 since November 2014.

Trey lives in Fort Walton Beach with his wife,...

Shiraz practices primarily in the areas of bankruptcy (debtor and creditor), estates, trusts, wills, probate litigation, landlord/tenant, business law, and general civil law. For over 35 years, Shiraz has made Lower Alabama his home. After graduating from Niceville Senior High School, Shiraz graduated with distinction from Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Roll Tide) and earned his law degree with honors from Miami (The U). Shiraz has been with ASG since 2001 and is an active member of the All Sports Association, is a participant in the voluntary legal clinic for the Veterans' Stand Down and is a proud uncle of many...

Troy Rafferty is a shareholder with the Levin Papantonio law firm. He litigates mass tort, pharmaceutical, and major personal injury cases throughout the country.

Mr. Rafferty has been recognized as one of the country's top lawyers through inclusion in the publication, The Best Lawyers in America, as well as The Legal 500. He has also been recognized as one of Florida's top lawyers by Florida Super Lawyers.

Mr. Rafferty has been awarded an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell legal directory, the highest rating for competence and ethics issued by that publication, and reserved for attorneys designated as outstanding...

Gary Leuchtman has over 40 years of legal experience. He helps clients with Estate Planning and Probate Law in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Navarre and throughout Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. Mr. Leuchtman has helped clients with Asset Protection, Business Planning, Charitable Planning, Estate Administration, Exempt Organization Representation, Taxes, Trust Litigation and Wills.

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...

I started a Divorce law firm called Good Life Legal. If you can't tell from the name, we are a little bit different. Here's how: 1) We charge flat fees - this means you know exactly what representation will cost on day 1. Would you hire someone to build you a house and pay them by the hour? Neither would we. So, why would you hire an attorney that way? 2) We move quickly. We are motivated to finish just as quickly as you are. 3) We focus on Divorce - this means we spend time on basically one...

United States Immigration Attorney. Voted Elite Lawyer (2022) and Lawyers of Distinction (2022). Born in Whittier, California, Jerry took over the family business (a small construction company) at a young age and successfully ran it for years before relocating to the Gulf Coast. During that same period, he sold real estate in the Los Angeles market by day and went to law school at night, graduating with Moot Court honors (JD). After graduating from the University of Alabama with a Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), 2013, he launched a successful local boutique luxury real estate company to offer his expertise...

Michael John Griffith is a criminal defense attorney in Pensacola, Florida. The Law Office of Michael J. Griffith assists people in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties who have been charged with or accused of a crime. Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience handling criminal cases and have practiced throughout the United States in drug and sex crime cases.

Mike Papantonio is a senior partner with the law firm of Levin Papantonio Rafferty. He has received numerous multi-million dollar verdicts on behalf of victims of corporate malfeasance. His award-winning work handling thousands of mass tort cases throughout the nation has helped make Levin Papantonio Rafferty one of the largest plaintiff law firms in the country. Mr. Papantonio is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. He is a member of The National Trial...

Mr. Farrar is active in the legal community an is serving on the board for: Florida Bar Association, Escarosa Bar Association, Northwest Florida Legal Services, Hearing Officer for the Escambia County School Board. He has served as Special Magistrate in both Escambia and Santa Rosa County. He brings his experience and knowledge to work for all his clients.

The Holman Law Firm has over three decades of experience providing legal advice to clients in a broad range of family law matters, including fathers’ rights, prenuptial agreements, divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, alimony (spousal support), modification of support and custody, domestic violence, and paternity. We will help guide you through this difficult time. We understand that each client is unique. Therefore, we tailor our representation to meet your specific needs. We provide straightforward advice and are committed to helping you obtain solutions to your problems and just compensation for your injuries. Motor Vehicle Accident and Personal Injury Representation: Our personal injury...

Phone: 850-432-3333, I have managed my Law Practice in Pensacola and the Florida Panhandle for over 25 years. I enjoy the challenge of complex cases, designing strategies for success and then fighting through to a great result. I help clients with their legal matters from complex family issuers, and divorce to HURRICANE claims, automobile accidents, and probate issues. I will fight DCF. If you have been turned down by others, don't give up until you give me a call. I help with all family litigation like: divorce, custody, custody by a relative, child support, alimony, military retirement and the...

Kristen Marks, founder of My Pink Lawyer®, has worked with women & families for over 20 years helping them with their Wills, Trusts, Estates & Guardianship needs. Kristen understands that many women often feel intimidated or overwhelmed when it comes to legal matters. Never intimidating nor stuffy, Kristen prides herself on being a lawyer for “wise women.” You don't have to be rich to benefit from practical and effective estate planning, including Wills, Trusts and naming guardians for your kids. EVERYONE has an estate plan whether you know it or not. A written estate plan custom designed for your...

Virginia Buchanan is a shareholder at Levin, Papantonio, Rafferty, Proctor, Buchanan, O’Brian, Barr & Mougey, P.A., having joined the firm in 1989. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida in 1985, and received her Juris Doctorate Degree, with honors, from the University of Florida in 1989. She has served as lead/co-lead counsel in more than 50 jury trials, with results exceeding $500 million. She has a national practice and works extensively in her local Pensacola and surrounding community. She is a member of Florida Super Lawyers and Florida Legal Elite, and listed by Martindale-Hubbell as a Top Rated...

The Fillingim Law Firm, P.A. aggressively defends adults and juveniles who have been accused of crimes. Regina N. Fillingim, Esq. has made Criminal Law the primary focus of her career for over 10 years. She worked as a as a prosecutor in Orlando and Pensacola, Florida, where she was trained to prosecute the State's cases, and where she learned best how to tear them apart. A criminal conviction can cause the loss of your freedom, your job, your property, your spouse and children and can follow you for the rest of your life. If you have been charged with a...

Recognized for excellence, Aaron Watson is an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer. Before graduating law school, Attorney Watson was named a national champion in trial advocacy after he defeated 248 teams from 148 law schools in the American Association for Justice student trial competition. The competing teams were judged by other lawyers and judges on their trial advocacy skills, opening statements, examination of witnesses, use of facts, and closing arguments. During this time, Mr. Watson was also named Who's Who Among American Universities & Colleges. Mr. Watson is involved in the following legal associations: Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association American Bar Association, Member Florida Bar...

Daniel Soloway has been representing social security claimants for over 30 years. His firm will help you with each stage: file your initial application, appeal for reconsideration, request for hearing, file for appeals council review, and file all federal court appeals deemed appropriate. Call Soloway for your Social Security Case.

Pensacola personal injury attorney Austin R. Ward is a Pensacola native and graduate of Washington High School. In 2006, he returned to his hometown and began practicing law in the areas of tax, estate planning, corporate and real estate.

Austin R. Ward graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of West Florida in 2001. He then attended Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, where he received his J.D. in 2004. Following graduation, Austin decided to pursue an advanced legal degree (an L.L.M. in Taxation) at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

In 2008, he decided to...

As the founder of the firm Albert J. Sauline, III Attorney at Law, Panama City attorney Albert J. Sauline, III devotes his practice to the area of criminal defense. Attorney Sauline has been licensed to practice law in 2004, and he has been licensed to practice in multiple jurisdictions. Before founding his current practice, Mr. Sauline was an associate at another firm and a state prosecutor. Attorney Sauline received his Juris Doctor from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He practices multiple kinds of criminal defense cases, such as DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes and many...

David Luther Woodward was educated in the public schools of Alabama, Georgia and Florida, earned his undergraduate and professional law degrees at The Florida State University at Tallahassee, and did post-professional studies at the London School of Economics. A lawyer admitted to practice in Florida, Oklahoma and Texas, he has practiced in each of those states.

A mature practitioner, the biographee, upon his admission to the practice of law, worked for not only the federal government, but also for the governments of two states, where he served not only in professional, but also management capacities. His further experience...

Terence A. Gross

Founder & Managing Partner
The experience of Terence A. Gross provides the background for the emphasis of his practice. With extensive litigation experience, he has earned his client’s trust. In order to stay abreast of emerging changes in the law, Mr. Gross regularly conducts continuing legal education programs, is a frequent speaker at personal injury seminars for the attorneys in the area, teaches at Pensacola State College in the paralegal program and has published articles on Florida insurance laws. Terence Gross has handled thousands of automobile negligence cases and strives to obtain just compensation from insurance companies that are...

Therese is a trial attorney with McKenzie Law Firm, PA - an established law firm in the Florida Panhandle since 1976. For over 40 years, McKenzie Law Firm has protected the rights of people in our community. Therese specializes in the areas of family law, insurance disputes, and personal injury. She also handles appeals.

Therese is a second generation lawyer, born and raised in Sweden. At the age of 16, she moved to Boca Raton, FL with her family where she graduated high school from Boca Raton High School. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in International Business and Trade...

James Barnes has been practicing law in Pensacola and surrounding areas for thirty-two years. His legal expertise is the result of having tried more than 150 jury trials. His defense method has procured proven results due to 9,000+ dismissals, favorable plea dispositions, not guilty verdicts and unmatched trial success rate. One of his cases achieved national attention and was featured on CNN and CourtTV. He has extensive experience resulting from many years, both, representing and defending many types of legal actions. Every county and courthouse has its own way of doing things. Based on James Barnes' experience and diverse involvement in...

Attorney, Gillis E. (Beau) Powell III, has dedicated most of his practice to criminal cases. He began his career by working at the Office of the State Attorney, prosecuting both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. As a former prosecutor, he can evaluate your criminal case from the state's perspective and provide legal insight into what the State can or cannot prove in your case.

Mark concentrates his practice on representing health care providers, insurers and suppliers/manufacturers in regulatory matters before the government. He specializes in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, state licensure and transactional compliance. Mark has 30 years of experience in hospital, physician and managed care regulation and compliance. As a litigator, Mark has tried 49 healthcare cases in administrative, state and federal courts. His transactional practice includes the creation of several of Florida's most complex and comprehensive joint ventures. Mark is one of only 190 attorneys in the country who is board-certified in health law. He has graduate degrees in healthcare...

Nick A. Ortiz is a Pensacola Florida attorney who represents accident victims in car, truck and motorcycle accidents. He also represents disabled claimants in Social Security Disability, SSI, and Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance claims.

Gillis E. (Gill) Powell, Jr.main focus is litigation and trial practice. He handles complex personal injury cases, medical malpractice cases, wrongful death cases, catastrophic injury cases, criminal defense cases, railroad cases, real estate litigation, and commercial litigation. Mr. Powell has tried and won numerous civil trials and he has obtained substantial jury awards for his clients. He is a member of the million dollar advocates club as a result of his jury verdicts. He has also successfully defended many clients in criminal cases, including clients charged with homicide, aggravated battery, sexual battery, drug offenses, driving under the...