Gulfport Lawyers

A true Florida native, Jonathon Douglas graduated from Northeast High School in St. Petersburg before attending the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, both with honors. From there, Mr. Douglas attended Stetson University College of Law where he learned and practiced the art of trial advocacy. Before graduating, Jonathon clerked for the Honorable Shawn Crane and interned at the State Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Office. After graduation, he began his work as an Assistant Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit and then moved on to defending the rights of...

Brandon S. Vesely is the founding member of The Florida Appellate Firm, P.A. in St. Petersburg, Florida. Certified in appellate practice by The Florida Bar since 2009, and rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell for over 20 years, Mr. Vesely has earned a reputation as one of the top appellate attorneys in the state. In 29 years of appellate experience, Mr. Vesely has won hundreds of appeals involving a wide range of legal matters, including personal injury, business litigation, family law, creditors' rights, evictions, and more. Mr. Vesely is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Stetson University College of...

Geoffrey Pfeiffer is a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney with Lopez Law Group. Specializing in personal injury, Geoff has helped injured clients recover life-changing compensation after accidents in Florida. He is known for putting his clients first and doing everything he can to maximize the value of their claims. Geoff has extensive experience in many types of personal injury cases and has practiced this area of law since the very start of his career. He takes great pride in helping his clients stand up to insurance giants and get the money they need to move forward after their accidents. Geoff has...

Kirk earned his undergraduate degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He began his legal career in New York City at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as a legal assistant in the firm's real estate division. Kirk attended Stetson University College of Law and received the highest honor bestowed upon an applicant of the graduate school - a full merit scholarship. While attending law school he earned the William F Blews Pro Bono Service Award and studied abroad at Nankai University located in Tianjin, China. After graduating...

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.

I am an experienced commercial real estate transactions attorney with a practice focused on negotiating and documenting commercial leases (anchor tenant, shopping center, retail store, office, and industrial) and commercial real estate transactions. Throughout my career, I have been committed to applying creative win-win negotiation skills, developing and implementing practical legal and business solutions, and building professional relationships, as you can see on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesilvestri/) and at www.LarryTheLeasingLawyer.com.

About Personal Injury Attorney Mark Perenich Academics Bachelors in Public Administration: Loyola University New Orleans Juris Doctorate: Loyola University New Orleans Mark H. Perenich was born in Clearwater, Florida in 1956 and is the son of firm-founder, Guy N. Perenich, Esquire. Mark Perenich graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a Bachelor of Public Administration in 1981 and a Juris Doctorate in 1984. Following graduation, he joined the firm where he is now a senior partner. Mark received the James Masters Award in 1981 and the American Jurisprudence Award in Wills & Estates and Corporations in 1983. Moot Court Member Taught business and corporate law at St. Petersburg...

Understanding my clients' experiences allows me to represent them on a personal level, which can significantly impact their cases. Seeking challenges in my career, I joined the Brevard County Public Defender's Office after law school, eventually moving to the Pinellas County Public Defender's Office. Working in the public defender's system has been an incredible learning experience, collaborating with brilliant trial attorneys who provide hope for our clients. Having handled thousands of criminal cases, I understand that behind every name and case number is a unique story, enabling me to empathize with my clients and earn their trust for an unwavering...

Safir Injury & Criminal Defense Law, a law firm in St. Petersburg, Florida, is led by attorney Rory Safir. With a focus on DUI defense and a strong background in private practice and as a former Assistant Public Defender, Rory is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals facing DUI charges. As a trial lawyer at heart, Rory brings extensive courtroom experience to every case he handles. He has successfully handled a number of jury trials and possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in DUI defense. His passion for the law and his commitment to protecting his...

Robert J. Healy is a lifelong resident of the St. Petersburg area and a founding partner of Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner. Mr. Healy is an experienced trial lawyer whose passion is helping wrongfully injured clients in Florida.

Vincent R. Pawlowski, Esq. is an exceptional client advocate with more than 20 years experience in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation, automobile accidents and injuries, workers compensation, criminal defense, DUI / DWI, and drug charges. He founded the Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group in 1995 in the heart of Tampa's Ybor City, with satellite offices in Westchase, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Lakeland. As managing partner of the firm, Vincent ensures that every member of his legal team holds the same core values and vigor to defend and fight for our clients case...

Attorney Barker has been handling personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout the Tampa Bay area for 34 years. He has handled thousands of cases; many of which resulted in substantial jury verdicts or settlements.

You should put Attorney Barker's vast experience to work for you. He and his dedicated staff will guide you through each step of what can be a complex and intimidating process; all while giving you the personal service and attention you deserve. No case is too small, and no case is too big.

The consultation is free. All you...

Laurel Marois Ackerman, the granddaughter of Don Anderson, was born and raised in St. Pete and is happy to still call it home today! She went to LCC Day School and graduated from Shorecrest Preparatory School before attending UF and UF Law and becoming a PROUD Double Gator! Laurel joined the family business with extensive criminal law experience. She clerked at the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Tampa, served as a CLI at the 8th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office in Gainesville, and worked at the United States Department of Justice Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section in Washington, D.C. She worked...

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...

Since becoming a member of the Florida Bar, Nick has dedicated his practice solely to criminal defense, earning a reputation as a passionate defender in the courtroom. He believes each case brings unique obstacles, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice from a seasoned defense lawyer capable of recognizing and addressing these challenges.

Betty Marion Whitman resides in Ocala, Marion County, Florida where she began practicing law in Marion County in 1987. Betty started her legal career as a secretary to her father, a general practitioner in Melbourne, Florida. She continued to work as a legal secretary in various cities in Florida and briefly in New York City. She obtained her A.A. degree from Brevard Community College, then went on to the University of Central Florida to obtain her B.A. degree, and then to Law School at the University of Florida. Betty has achieved an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale & Hubbell,...

Summer Goldman is an experienced criminal attorney representing individuals facing criminal charges. Ms. Goldman started her legal career as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County. During her time there, she handled thousands of cases from the initial investigation with law enforcement through sentencing.

Attorney Goldman left her position as a prosecutor in 2004 and started working as a criminal defense attorney. In 2009, she co-founded Goldman Wetzel, a criminal defense law firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As a criminal defense laywer, Ms. Goldman is skilled in Federal and State serious felony charges including sex offenses,...

A native of Florida, Ryan T. Cox graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in criminology before going on to get a master’s degree in criminal justice from UCF and a law degree from UF’s Frederick G. Levin College of law. Following graduation, Ryan represented clients in civil litigation and business transactions before finding his niche defending people against criminal charges.

Now, having returned home after 4 years working in Colorado, Ryan has decided to apply his skills to representing the people of the gulf coast. He joins Carlson Meissner with extensive experience handling all manner of...

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....

A nationally-recognized leader in defending the rights of consumers in all area of legal disputes, with a very intense and dedicated focus to defending and prosecuting foreclosure related issues. The lawyers and staff at WeidnerLaw maintain a very hands on and personal approach to each client relationship and have a state of the art client communication system that ensures clients are kept abreast of all their case developments

Stephen J. Wein is a founding shareholder of the firm. He was previously the Chairman of the Litigation Department of a prominent local firm where he was also a member of its Executive Committee. He is a 1976 graduate of Stetson University College of Law. Steve’s extensive litigation experience is diverse, ranging from Complex Commercial to White Collar Criminal matters on behalf of and against public and private companies, financial institutions, insurance companies and professionals. The representations have dealt with a wide gamut of legal issues involving securities, antitrust, class actions, computers and software, intellectual property, healthcare fraud...

Principal Neilsen Law Group, P.A. www.NeilsenLawGroup.com We are a general practice law firm, with specialties in bankruptcy, family law, immigration, and general civil litigation. Often, more than one area of expertise is required to address a particular matter. With us, there's no need to hire a multitude of attorneys. We can provide you with comprehensive legal support allowing us to advocate for you in many areas of law. We are dedicated legal professionals well-versed in many specialized areas of law, bringing a diverse background to the table. This gives us an edge when dealing with complex legal matters.

Alicia’s life story begins in Westchester County, New York and she moved to Florida when she was relatively young. After high school, she attended Florida State University and obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature. Subsequently, Alicia attended Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida where she concentrated her studies in Trial Advocacy. Prior to forming Seward Law, Alicia worked in the real estate field representing associations and landlords in resolving various real estate matters.

Alicia’s personal hobbies are spending time with her niece, running 5K’s, traveling, and relaxing by the pool. She lives and works in the Tampa, Florida...

De Paz Law offers a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your legal needs for estate planning, guardianship, estate administration and probate issues. We offer flexible payment plans and a flat-fee structure for some probate cases. Our clients stay connected throughout their case and are able to view the progress of their legal issue, including hearings, any time of day through a secure client portal. Our attorneys have a well-respected reputation for our personalized and attentive client service. Our founding attorney, Daniel de Paz, has been recognized for his commitment to clients and his knowledge of the law by his peers. He...

I fight insurance companies, big companies, or a person who is trying to bully and railroad another person into an unfair result. I believe that the Courtroom and the American Jury is the great equalizer in civil justice. I spend my team handling auto wreck, truck accident, and premises liability cases.

At the office I am lucky that one of my law partners is my Wife Nicole, and extremely accomplished trial lawyer. My other law partner is a great friend and accomplished trial lawyer, Lee. Great people make up my team. I am excited to get to work in the morning....

Although bilingual (English and French), Michael typically speaks only one language: advocacy. Through meticulously crafted arguments, Michael has waged battle on behalf of his clients in state and federal courts throughout Florida. If your cause or claim needs a champion, look no further. Michael’s experience includes litigating a variety of personal injury claims, contract breaches, and real estate disputes. In addition to his significant trial practice, Michael has also served as appellate counsel for clients in each of Florida’s five district courts of appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. After receiving his...

Amanda O. Singleton is an AV-Preeminent rated attorney who focuses her practice on estate planning, probate, guardianship, and caregiver advocacy. She writes and speaks nationally as an AARP Family Caregiving Expert. Amanda serves clients in Tampa Bay and throughout the state of Florida.

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...

I was born and raised in northeast Indiana just outside of the small town of Churubusco. I inherited a strong work ethic from my father who had his own construction business. After high school, I attended college at Butler University in Indianapolis. While there I had the honor of serving as a member of the University Judicial Board, as the President of the Latino Student Organization, and as a student liaison on the University Neighborhood Operational Team. During my studies I was also fortunate to study at the Universidad de Alcala de Henares outside of Madrid, Spain. I am fluent...

Matthew Wheeley was born in Haines City, FL and grew up in Clearwater. He and his wife, Dianna, have two grown children who were recently married and live in Tampa. They have two spoiled dogs still living at home. Matt has completed a marathon, half-marathon, and numerous triathlons.

Edward D. Carlson was born in New Jersey. He founded the firm with Paul Meissner in 1971. He has served as a municipal judge for the cities of Belleair and Safety Harbor, Florida. Ed has been married for more than 40 years and has four grown children and five grandchildren.

Nicole has resided in the Tampa Bay area for the last 20 years. She majored in criminology while attending Saint Leo University and interned with the United States Secret Service.

Upon graduation, Nicole attended Stetson University College of Law in Pinellas County, where she concentrated on trial advocacy. While attending school, she interned with the State Attorney’s Office for Pinellas County.

After law school, Nicole became the Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit for Pinellas County. During the three years, she was employed at the State Attorney’s Office, she prosecuted misdemeanors to serious crimes.

Nicole served as a...

Mr. Gallagher graduated from Stetson University College of Law. After graduation he began practice with a large Tampa firm focusing on insurance litigation. Additionally, Mr. Gallagher served as a Federal Judicial Intern for Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich of the U.S. Middle District of Florida. Mr. Gallagher has experience in both litigation and transactional matters. His current practice focuses on insurance litigation, foreclosure defense, real estate litigation, business law and consumer law.

While at Stetson, Mr. Gallagher was the Director of the Legal Writing Clinic, President of the Christian Legal Society, a Teaching Fellow for Legal Research and Writing classes, a...

Lee Pearlman was born and raised in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, a small town just outside of Harrisburg.

He attended college at the University of Maryland, College Park where he received two bachelor of arts degrees and two minors. While in college he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served two years in the Military Police.

After college Lee moved to St. Petersburg where he attended Stetson University College of Law. While there Lee was a member of Stetson's top nationally-ranked Trial Team and Alternative Dispute Resolution Board. He was the recipient of the Ralph Harris Ferrel...

Over 17 years experience practicing criminal law. Former State Prosecutor in Clearwater, FL. Juvenile Criminal Defense is my specialty.

As the founder of Hanlon Law, my number one priority is to protect our clients' future. We have over 20 years of experience in handling criminal defense cases including drug crimes, DUI, violent crimes, domestic violence, and other charges that carry serious penalties. Contact our firm for a free and confidential consultation if you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in Tampa.

I have lived in Tampa since 1968 and practiced law in the Tampa Bay area since 1996. I have conducted over 100 trials and handled thousands of cases. I have the experience to help you with your situation. Call me for your free initial consultation.

Christopher M. Smith currently holds the position of Managing Litigation Attorney with Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, a prestigious personal injury law firm assisting clients across Clearwater, FL, and the rest of the Tampa Bay area. Smith grew up in Clearwater and knew he wanted to practice law from a young age, stating that he “loved the idea of being in court advocating for others.” He obtained his undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 2007 and his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2011. Attorney Smith worked for the Hillsborough County Public Defenders after he graduated...