Hardee County Lawyers

I practice civil litigation and criminal defense. I began my legal career in the Washington, D.C. office of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, a New York-based international law firm, where I was a member of the business fraud litigation group. In 2010, I returned to Sarasota, where I was born a raised, to practice law with my father, a board certified civil trial lawyer with over 40 years of experience, and his law partner, Elliott Metcalfe, an AV rated former public defender with over 30 years and thousands of trials worth of experience. I have experience representing commercial...

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,...

The law firm of Feldman & Roback focuses on real estate matters (such as the purchase, sale, and mortgage financing of real estate, title insurance, and closings), including the formation of limited liability companies and Florida land trusts as entities of choice for property transactions. We provide real estate closing services, including title insurance at competitive rates. We have been title agents for Old Republic Title Insurance Company and its predecessor, Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund, for more than thirty-five years, and are also agents for Alliant National Title Insurance Company. As real estate lawyers, we can expertly advise and help...

Mr. Eisenberg is one of only a handful of criminal defense attorneys (seven, to be exact) in all of Sarasota County who has been recognized by the Florida Bar as a Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert. There's a reason why there are so few board certified criminal defense attorneys. That's because the Florida Bar's requirements for board certification are so difficult to achieve! Only lawyers who have been recognized by the Florida Bar as "Board Certified" are legally entitled to call themselves an "Expert" or "Specialist" in their area of the law. It is the highest...

I am a seasoned criminal defense attorney born and raised in Manatee County. I hold degrees from the University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University. My career began as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward and Hillsborough Counties, where I dedicated myself to defending the accused. I have served as the President of the Manatee County Bar Association and am a member of the Sarasota County Bar Association, roles in which I am recognized as a respected leader and relentless advocate within the regional legal community. Throughout my career, I have successfully defended clients charged with serious offenses, securing Not Guilty...

I have been practicing criminal law in Central Florida and the Gulf Coast area for nearly 33 years, with a broad range of experience in both Federal and State Courts across Florida. Over the years, I have successfully litigated various crimes, including but not limited to Sexual Battery, Possession of Child Pornography, and Travelling to Meet a Minor in both State and Federal courts. I firmly believe that diligent work and thorough preparation are crucial in providing excellent representation for my clients. I also recognize the significant impact that being charged with a criminal offense can have on my clients'...

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.

I have been a resident of the Sarasota area for most of my life, attended Pine View School, and am fluent in Spanish. Upon obtaining my law degree, I knew I wanted to return to the Sarasota County area and started work immediately as an Assistant State Attorney in Sarasota County, where I worked as a misdemeanor and juvenile prosecutor for several years. Since leaving the prosecutor’s office, I have practiced in the areas of civil litigation, insurance defense, family law, domestic violence and criminal defense. My practice is focused on all aspects of the firm’s...

Mr. Gil was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, prior to entering the United States Navy in 2003 as Master at Arms/Military Police Office. Mr. Gil served two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom attached to Joint Task Force Guantanamo from 2005 until 2007. Following his service, Mr. Gil relocated to Cape Coral, Florida to be closer to family. Mr. Gil attended Southwest Florida College to pursue his BS in Criminal Justice to further his career in Public Service. Mr. Gil was inspired to become an attorney during his internship with the Office of the State Attorney 20th Judicial...

A native Floridian who was raised in the Tampa Bay area, Mrs. Joyner is an alumnus of Plant City High School. She continued her education at Florida Gulf Coast University, graduating summa cum laude. Thereafter, she earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Florida A&M University College of Law graduating cum laude while maintaining full-time employment, actively participating in the Cherry Chapter of the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Alpha Delta, and volunteering at her son’s elementary school and cub scout den.

Mrs. Joyner is admitted to practice in all Florida courts as well as the United States...

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.

I have devoted my legal career to assisting average men and women who were injured or disabled. My started my law practice in my home town of Anderson, Indiana in 1978. Since 1987 I have practiced primarily in the Tampa Bay area. However, I have handled jury trials and disability hearings throughout Florida and other states.

I served in the U.S. Air Force from 1969 - 1973. As a veteran of the Vietnam era I have a good understanding of the medical and emotional damage that war causes those who serve and have helped a great number of...

Mr. Friedland is currently licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family, Appellate, and Circuit Civil Mediator. Mr. Friedland graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1972 and from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1975. Mr. Friedland practiced in Connecticut from 1975 through 1988 when he relocated his practice to Sarasota, Florida. He is a member of the Family Law, Alternate Dispute Resolution Section, and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections of the Florida Bar, Sarasota County Bar Association, and American...

Attorney Andrew John Manie was born in Queens, New York, to a family with roots in Trinidad and Tobago. Raised in the Virgin Islands and later settling in North Lauderdale, Florida, Mr. Manie’s diverse upbringing has provided him with a unique perspective on life and the law. He graduated from Boyd Anderson High School, and soon after, he answered the call to serve his country. The day after his 18th birthday, Mr. Manie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a communications repairman with an infantry battalion. His military service included a deployment to Iraq, where he...

Attorney Anthony "Tony" Olson obtained his law degree from Tulane University. He has been practicing in all areas of employment and family-based immigration law since 2000. Tony has lived and studied in Europe for extensive periods of time, and he has gained a solid understanding of other cultures and immigrants' hopes for a successful future in the United States. He is actively participating in lobbying efforts by legal, community-based, and business organizations that promote comprehensive immigration reform and expanded opportunities for legal immigration.

Tony is fluent in English, German, and Czech, and conversant in Swedish, Hungarian, Russian, and Spanish.

Pete was raised in Hardee County and graduated from Hardee Senior High School in 2003. He then went on to get his bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Florida State University with a focus on Middle Eastern Studies. He received his law degree with honors from Tulane University Law School in New Orleans in 2010 and was a Notes and Comments Editor for the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law. After law school, Pete worked as a prosecutor mostly in Hardee and Highlands Counties, and briefly in Polk County in the Economic Crimes Division. Pete then worked for William Fletcher...

I am a trial attorney with more than nineteen years of courtroom experience helping individuals, couples, and families in Polk and Hardee Counties. I hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability. Due to the nature of my practice, I appear before the judges in the Family Law division practically every day of the week. Through my years of trial work I have grown to recognize which cases may ultimately have to be tried and which cases may be resolved without going to court. By focusing on solutions to my client’s problems rather than...

Attorney Nora Leto is a civil trial attorney with approximately 31 years of legal experience, including approximately 17 years of experience with Social Security disability and workers’ compensation claims. Ms. Leto has prior professional legal experience working for Florida State Hospital Office of Patient Legal Services as a Staff Attorney and with Florida Rural Legal Services as a Farm Worker Advocate. She is also fluent in Spanish. Ms. Leto received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Florida State University in 1978. She also received her Juris Doctor, or law degree, from Florida State University in 1981 and was admitted...

Shawn graduated from the Thomas M. Cooley College of Law in December of 2002 with honors. During law school, Shawn was an editor of the Law Review, a member of the 60+ elder law clinic, and participated in the mock trial and moot court programs and competitions. After graduation, Shawn moved to Central Florida and began his legal career working as a criminal defense attorney in Bartow, FL. Shawn represented clients charged with misdemeanors, DUI, felonies, including, life felonies, and murder. After two years, Shawn stopped working as a criminal defense attorney and started working at a local personal injury law...

I was born and raised in Polk County. I was a prosecutor in Bartow for three years before I went into private practice. I have tried over 75 jury trials. I am a married father of three and I live in Winter Haven. I also serve on the Lake Region Lakes Management District.

Christopher S. Ison, an aviation attorney from Lakeland, Florida, has been a licensed airman since 2014. Passionate about aviation since childhood, he combines this interest with his legal expertise. Christopher's early career focused on jury trial litigation, both in criminal and personal injury cases. He is recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 – Civil Plaintiff. Christopher began his legal education at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center in 2006, after earning an English degree from Florida Southern College. He graduated in the top 20 percent of his...

A native of Florida, Timothy H. David earned his J.D. from Nova Law School in 1985 and his B.S. from the University of Central Florida in 1981. He is admitted to practice law in Florida bar and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Mr. David started his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Orange County, Florida. Mr. David worked as a Felony Prosecutor where he gained considerable trial experience. He then joined a large insurance defense firm. At this firm he continued his trial practice defending various insurance companies and governmental agencies against...

I am a native Floridian and Cuban-American, born and raised in the vibrant state of Florida. In 2015, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration at the University of Central Florida. Before stepping into the legal field, I was deeply involved in coordinating healthcare services for injured workers within Florida’s workers’ compensation system. This role provided me with invaluable experience in navigating complex regulations and advocating for those who were injured. In 2017, I moved to Saint Petersburg to pursue my legal studies at Stetson University College of Law. During my time in law school, I sharpened my skills as...

Rafael was born and raised in Polk County, Florida, and graduated from Auburndale High School in 1984. Rafael received his B.A. degree from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1997. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in April of 1998, and initially served as an Assistant Public Defender, handling a variety of cases. After just a few months as a misdemeanor attorney, Rafael was quickly promoted to Felony, where he was responsible for cases ranging from drug possession to murder. Rafael soon established...

I am an entrepreneur at heart and went to college to study business. While in college I began working at a law firm, where I discovered my passion for the law. While in law school, I focused my studies on business law, and wills, trusts and estates. I graduated from law school in May of 1996 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 1996.

My first job out of law school was working for a sole practitioner representing businesses in workers compensation cases. Soon thereafter I took a job with an international law firm managing a satellite office in...

Mr. Russo is a personal injury, car accident, and medical malpractice attorney located in Lakeland, Florida. Mr. Russo's office is located across from Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center on Lakeland Hills Boulevard.

He handles lawsuits involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, slip and fall, product liability, and medical malpractice. A consultation with Mr. Russo is free. Accident and injury cases are free unless you win.

Mr. Russo is originally from Lakeland, Florida and attended Lake Gibson High School. He went to the United State Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the University of Central Florida in...

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...

Mr. David A. Faulkner received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice/criminology from Florida State University. He later attended law school at FSU and received his Juris Doctorate with honors. Mr. Faulkner has practiced law for over 21 years. He focuses in the areas of criminal law and family law. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Faulkner is also a Florida Class C Licensed Private Investigator as well as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.

Laurie Ohall is a Florida Board Certified Elder law attorney who has been practicing law since 1994. She concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning and elder law which includes the related fields of asset protection planning, probate, special needs planning, guardianship advocacy and trust administration. Ms. Ohall is also licensed in Ohio and is Of Counsel at the Ohio law firm of Browning & Meyer Co., LPA. In 2015, Ms. Ohall was nominated by her peers and selected to the Florida Super Lawyers list for two years in a row (2015 & 2016). ...

Over the years many of my clients have asked why I became a lawyer. My choice was sparked by an injustice suffered by a family member. I was in grade school when my dad was hit by a drunk driver who was from a wealthy family. It appeared that she received preferential treatment because of her wealth.

From that day my passion for justice was ignited. Over the years it was fueled by meeting individuals who were not treated fairly in the civil or criminal justice system. Before going to law school I listened to people who had been wronged in...

Dually-licensed Attorney-CPA serving the tax planning & compliance, business law & planning, and accounting needs of domestic and foreign businesses, including their entrepreneurial owners. Currently owns and operates a multidisciplinary practice since 2012. Prior to 2012, spent over 10 years' professional experience within the "Big 4" global firms, including the Washington National Tax Office of one "Big 4" firm and the New York M&A-Transactions practice of another "Big 4" firm, having significant Director/Senior Manager-level experience. Licensed as both an Attorney (DC) and CPA (DC, FL, LA).

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.

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.

Joe was born and raised in Seminole, Florida. Joe a graduate of Largo High School and attended Florida State University earning both a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Social Science Education and Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. While earning his Master's Degree, Joe interned with the Florida Senate’s Community Affairs Committee. Following this internship, I spent several years working for the Florida Department of Community Affairs as a Community Planner. It was these professional experiences that facilitated his passion for a career as a real estate attorney. To further his ability to assist others with real estate-related issues,...

Ms. Hooglander attended Cleveland Marshall College of Law and Cleveland State University after graduating from the University of Florida. She not only graduated with her juris doctor but also a master of public administration degree. Shortly after graduation, she began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office. During her tenure there, she progressed from a county prosecutor to a top felony prosecutor. She gained the experience of over 25 jury trials and a wide array of bench trials during this time. In 2001 Ms. Hooglander began as...