Laurel Lawyers

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...

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney, Ben Stechschulte, is a board-certified expert in criminal trial law. He has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 15 years and has tried over 60 cases to verdict.  His experience is both varied and comprehensive, which makes him uniquely qualified to aggressively and effectively defend his clients who are facing criminal charges or have been injured in an accident. Ben attended Stetson University College of Law, which is recognized as one of the top law schools in the country for trial advocacy.  After graduating in 2005, Ben served as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County.  Ben...

Attorney Jackson Hilliard has lived in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area for the past ten years. Mr. Hilliard received his Bachelor’s degree in 1988 from the University of Central Florida. He earned his law degree in 2006 from Stetson College of Law. He is a member of multiple associations, including the Florida Bar, Clearwater Bar, St. Petersburg Bar, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer. Mr. Hilliard is the leading attorney at his Clearwater law firm, Hilliard Law, P.L. At the firm, he provides Florida residents with criminal and DUI...

Born and raised in Tampa, Drew attended Tampa Preparatory High School and then graduated from New College of Florida, The State’s Honors College, in Sarasota. During Law School at the University of Florida, Drew interned as a student law clerk for both State and Federal Judges in Tampa and worked as a certified legal intern at the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.

At the State, Drew was able to conduct voir dire (jury selection) and prosecute criminal jury trials before he graduated from law school. It was during this later experience that he came to understand the invaluable...

Justin is patent attorney concentrating in patent prosecution with an emphasis on mechanical devices. He also prepares infringement and non-infringement opinions in a multitude of fields, including medical devices and nutraceuticals. Justin has experience with challenging pending patent applications using third-party submissions and issued patents using the Inter Partes Review process. He is also able to discuss foreign filing options and strategy with an eye toward the best protection at the lowest cost. His professional experience was in the field of petrochemicals, particularly liquefied natural gas or LNG. Responsibilities included fire system design, cryogenic butterfly valve vendor selection...

Patent attorney concentrating in patent, trademark, and copyright litigation, including Trademark Trial and Appeal Board proceedings and domain name disputes. Nathan is board certified in intellectual property law by the Florida Bar. He has met the Florida Bar’s highest standards for special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in intellectual property law and professionalism and ethics in the practice of law.

I have been dedicated to the practice of Criminal Law for over 30 years, with more than 100 jury trials to my credit. I have extensive experience in representing individuals charged or under investigation for State and Federal criminal charges as well as appeals. I am also admitted to practice in the State of Massachusetts in both the State and Federal Courts as well as the 11th and 1st Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. I am a Certified Circuit Court and Federal Court Mediator. My practice areas include the Middle District...

While growing up, I had the pleasure to spend many summers in Florida were I developed an appreciation for boating Florida's waterways. These positive experiences influenced my decision to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a federal service academy. While at the Academy, I had the opportunity to work on container ships, boom ships, and a LASH ship. Upon graduating and receiving a USCG license, I gained valuable experience working as a marine engineer aboard research vessels, ATBs and tug boats. I also had the privilege to serve as an officer in the US Navy Reserve. After...

Founded in 1994, our firm has been providing effective, affordable, and often untraditional legal solutions to our clients over the last 26 years.

Attorney Martin B. Schwartz specializes in processing family immigration petitions, applications for permanent residence, U.S. Citizenship, and visas; in addition to removal defense and criminal defense. Martin has successfully represented foreign nationals and family members for the past 26 years and has filed Habeas Corpus actions before District Courts and direct federal appeals. The Law Offices of Martin Schwartz also handle personal injury, auto accident, traffic, DUI, and family cases with compassion.

Martin is a...

David Pittman is a personal injury lawyer in Southwest Florida. Having personal experience with the after-affects of an injury, Mr. Pittman knows the financial and emotional toll an accident can have on an individual and their family. He has pursued excellence his whole life, graduating on the Honor Committee at The Citadel, Military College, and now, as a member of the Multi-million Dollar Advocates Forum. Attorney Pittman has successfully represented clients for car accident injuries, class action cases, B.P. Oil Spill Claims, defective products, and many other injury claims. If you or a loved one has been injured because of...

Matthew Trail has represented hundreds of children and parents across the state of Florida in IEP meetings, discipline referrals and due process complaints. As a former legal aid attorney, judicial clerk and Peace Corps volunteer, Matthew had dedicated his career to ensuring justice for those most in need. Matthew grew up in Tennessee and received his undergraduate degree in 1999 in communications-journalism from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He worked for two years as a journalist in Texas and North Carolina before returning to Tennessee for law school. After graduating law school from the University of Tennessee College of Law in...

I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with bachelors degrees in Finance and Economics. Following undergrad, I attended law school at Barry University's Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Orlando, Florida where I graduated cum laude.

I began my legal career primary representing consumers in bankruptcy and debt collection matters. However, my business background took hold and I have extended my practice to include business transactions.

I live in the Fort Myers area with my wife and two children.

I have been practicing law since 1992 when I began as a Assistant State Attorney in the Tampabay area, In 1996 I entered private practice in an effort to share my experience with clients seeking legal help. My background includes 10 years of law enforcement experience as a patrolmen, K-9 officer and organized crime detective. I was trained by the DEA in narcotics investigations and worked on local and Federal task force. My experience includes investigating fatal traffic crashes, K-9 handler, covert investigations, state prosecution and extensive criminal defense including traffic and serious felony trials. I have represented injured families...

Steven J. Gibbs leads a team of professionals who help retirees, business owners, investors and growing families protect the American dream. Promoting freedom, protecting individual rights and empowering people to protect themselves are values that influence the team in every area of service. Steven's areas of influence include teaching, coaching and writing in various forums to train consumers how to protect family and business assets. Steven J. Gibbs founded the Gibbs Law Office in 2008 with a mission to provide unparalleled wealth-protection legal services spanning the full range of estate planning and asset protection....

Jeremiah graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, minoring in Biological Anthropology. While studying at UNM, Jeremiah enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and also coached his former high school’s Speech and Debate Team.

Jeremiah enrolled at California Western School of Law in San Diego, California in June of 2013. As a student at CWSL, he became a member of the school’s Appellate Moot Court Competition Team, participating in three national-level competitions and receiving recognition as an outstanding speaker while continuing to develop his oral and written advocacy skills. Jeremiah was...

"Our client's lives have been irreparably changed due to the negligence of another person. As an attorney with Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, it is my honor and privilege to ensure all of our clients receive the utmost respect and admiration for the hardships they endure. When I think I have done enough for my clients, I will do more." – Diana Dawn Maselli Diana Dawn graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies Magna Cum Laude in 2009. In 2012, Diana Dawn graduated Ave Maria School...

Bruce L. Scheiner moved to Fort Myers, Florida after graduating from the University of Miami School of Law in 1970. After almost 40 years representing the injured, Bruce L. Scheiner is one of the most experienced and longest-serving personal injury lawyers in South Florida. Today, with his wife Cheryl, who runs the office, and son Preston, who is an associate attorney, Bruce L. Scheiner hand selects each case the firm represents and partners with one or more of his associate attorneys to provide each client with tough, experienced and aggressive representation, both in the negotiating room ... and in the courtroom.

I have been serving clients in Personal Injury and Social Security Disability related matters for over 23 years. As a senior partner at the Law Offices of Russo & Russo, I have vast experience in dealing with various personal injury cases involving slip and fall accidents, motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, brain injuries, wrongful death accidents, accidents involving children, and all other kinds of injuries suffered by individuals as a result of the negligence of others. I understand the longterm physical and financial consequences that result from these kinds of accidents, and I am fully committed to providing my clients...

I have been practicing law in the Fort Myers area for over 30 years (licensed since 1982). My practice focuses in the areas of real estate, association law, construction, business, probate and civil litigation. I have been Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Real Estate since 1996 and in August 2013 I became Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Business Litigation. In addition, in January 2014 I received the AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale Hubbell. I am highly experienced in both bench and jury trials, however, my preference is to settle the case whenever possible....

John Carter has more that 25 years in the financial services industry. He runs a law office in St. Petersburg. Until recently, John served as Chairman, President, and CEO of a $50 billion asset management company consisting of approximately 120 funds and 35 investment sub-advisers. He has a vast amount of experience, which includes working for a law firm (Skadden Arps), a federal regulator (SEC), and leading companies (Franklin Templeton, Citigroup, and Transamerica). He is licensed as an attorney in Florida, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. John currently is obtaining a Master of Theology from Saint Leo University, Dade...

Jason Herman is an insurance claim lawyer who represents policyholders against their insurance companies. He handles claims and lawsuits involving property damage insurance claims. Jason also provides clients with insurance advice, represents insureds at examinations under oath, and litigates declaratory judgment actions involving whether coverage is owed under liability insurance policies.

Experience Unrivaled Service in the Immigration Law Field! The story of the American Dream Law Office PLLC starts with the dream of a young Lebanese man coming to the United States to become an attorney. This young man persevered against long odds. He attended Stetson University and received the best education one could receive. In 2011, he became a member of the Florida Bar, opening the door to helping immigrants like himself achieve their lifelong dreams of becoming Americans. That young man experienced what it is like to be away from his family. The young man’s name was Ahmad Yakzan,...

Ashley Ivanov's professional history includes working for a large international law firm and small to mid-size law firms, as well as clerking within a division of the Executive Office of the United States President. She has represented plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of causes of action, including but not limited to matters related to breach of contract, deceptive and unfair trade practices, construction defect, foreclosure, guardianship, breach of fiduciary responsibilities, and real estate. She currently focuses her practice primarily on probate and estate planning. Ashley uses her acute negotiating skills and meticulous attention to detail to zealously advocate for...

Alfonso “Alfie” Leon was born, raised, and educated in Miami. He is a two-time graduate from Florida International University where he received a B.A. in Sociology & Anthropology and attended FIU Law. During law school Mr. Leon served as member of the Board of Advocates, the Health Law & Policy Clinic, and received the Public Service Award upon graduating. After law school Mr. Leon served as a Chief Policy Advisor at the City of Miami overseeing legislation which impacted; land use, zoning, procurement, and quality of life decisions. Mr. Leon handles cases against insurance companies and focuses primarily on Personal...

Jason devotes his legal career to helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of U.S. and international tax laws and regulations. His commitment is to provide the most sophisticated and highest quality tax services which has enabled him to build meaningful and lasting relationships with clients.

Jason has over 8 years of tax experience advising individuals and global organizations on tax issues related to domestic reporting and compliance, and international tax issues involving tax treaties, transfer pricing, and cross-border investments and business operations. He also represents individuals and businesses faced with IRS notices and audits, and can assist with...

Since 1991, I have been assisting people get out of debt and helping them rebuild their credit. This is a very enjoyable way of practicing law. I am proud to say we have helped over 8,000 families get out of debt, save their homes and cars and start over. I became Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy about 10 or so years ago to make sure I learned what I needed to properly assist my clients. Our firm has a total of 4 lawyers and 20 assistants who are all great and...

Michael Haworth's legal journey began at the State Attorney's Office in Pinellas County. Since 2017, he has managed a wide array of cases, from misdemeanors to capital offenses. His outstanding performance in court was recognized in 2018 when he received the Sixth Circuit State Attorney's Office Golden Tie Award for the highest number of trial victories. Michael is known in Pinellas County for his effective courtroom advocacy. His extensive experience in jury trials has honed his ability to defend cases effectively. Michael has dedicated years to identifying evidence issues, inconsistencies in police reports, and inaccuracies in witness accounts. With years of...

Daniel J. Fernandez defends individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses throughout the Tampa Bay area and the State of Florida. With more than 30 years experience as a criminal defense attorney and hundreds of jury trials, Daniel earned tremendous accolades from judges, other lawyers, defendants and even jurors. Daniel started his legal career as a state prosecutor and became the chief of the Narcotics division before opening his own law practice in 1985. Daniel and members of his staff are fluent in Spanish and are available to answer questions you may have regarding a recent injury or...

Attorney Peter Catania co-founded Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers in 1992 to help injury victims get their lives back on track after an accident. He has helped recover over $500 million for individuals and families in Tampa when they needed it most. Mr. Catania graduated from the University of Florida and earned a Doctor of Juris Prudence from Loyola University in 1989. Following law school, he worked as a defense attorney for insurance providers and their clients. This experience gave him crucial insight into the methods insurance companies use to challenge injury claims, minimize claimants’ damages, and shift...

Samantha Dammer is an attorney licensed in Florida and Illinois, concentrating her practice in general business law, bankruptcy law, real estate litigation, foreclosure solutions, family law, as well as comprehensive asset protection and debt restructuring. A tenacious, compassionate and experienced attorney in Tampa Bay, Ms. Dammer provides a holistic approach to clients who are seeking relief from real estate related financial distress, foreclosure or pre-foreclosure issues.

Robert Pollick was raised in Palm Harbor, Florida and graduated from East Lake High School. Robert continued his education at the University of Florida and graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. While at the University of Florida, Robert was actively involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters where he was president of Students for Big Brothers Big Sisters and served on the Executive Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid-Florida as the Student Liaison. Robert also was an active member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Upon graduation, Robert attended University of Florida’s Levin College of Law where he graduated with...

Areas of practice Medical negligence Products liability Premises liability Personal injury Civil litigation Nursing home abuse Education South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2001 Stetson University College of Law, 2000-2001 Loyola University, B.A. Psychology, 1997 Memberships Florida Bar Association Hillsborough County Bar Association American Bar Association Florida Justice Association (formerly Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers) American Association for Justice (formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America)—Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association

Stephanie Koether is the founder and principal attorney at Koether Law, P.A., a Brandon family law firm helping families in the Bay Area with divorce, child custody and related matters as well as other important legal needs such as personal injury and estate planning. Ms. Koether completed her undergraduate studies at Fordham University in the Bronx, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. These studies have helped Ms. Koether understand the emotional and mental health challenges her clients are going through as they deal with a contested divorce or child custody dispute and other difficult matters. Upon completing her undergraduate degree,...

Ekecia Grayson, Esq. is a second-generation Tampa native who is eager to assist members of her community in navigating the bankruptcy landscape. Ms. Grayson brings to the table a unique and varied skillset developed over the course of her legal career and a desire to uplift those who seek her services. She is adept at working with people from various backgrounds and evaluating issues from many perspectives.

She gained experience in financial matters while serving as the Assistant General Counsel for the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. As a key attorney in the Division of Consumer Finance, she represented the agency...

We are a law firm based in the heart of Tampa with expertise in Family Law, Discrimination and Business Litigation. Our lawyers have collective experience of over 35 years handling cases just like yours. We are a boutique law firm focused on your rights and making sure that those rights are taken care of.

Our attorneys are able to provide the skills and expertise that may be found at larger firms without the overhead expenses many of these larger law firms typically pass on to its clients. We are passionate about helping to build our community and its businesses and work...

I am a healthcare lawyer with a specialization in Qui Tam matters. I represent whistle blowers under The False Claims Act.

David Hoffman was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, where he currently lives with his wife and three dogs. Mr. Hoffman graduated from the University of South Florida, where he received a B.A. in Spanish Literature. He earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida.

Mr. Hoffman spent two years working as a collections attorney for a large Tampa firm, representing banks and other lenders in lawsuits over credit cards, vehicle loans, and home equity loans, as well as representing small businesses in the collection of outstanding invoices and judgments.

He then joined a smaller,...