North Palm Beach Lawyers

Florida personal injury lawyer Christopher Speed joined Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA as a Shareholder in 1994 after representing plaintiffs in Virginia for 20 years. He has spent his entire career pursuing justice for victims of personal injury, medical and legal negligence, aviation accidents and defective products.

MATTHEW K. SCHWENCKE began his legal practice as a defense attorney, where he gained experience in all facets of civil litigation. Defending hospitals and healthcare providers against multi-million dollar claims has given him insight into defense strategies and tactics, especially in medical malpractice litigation. Mr. Schwencke earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law, where he was a member of Stetsons award-winning Moot Court Board. While in law school, he served as intern to a federal magistrate judge, and prosecuted misdemeanor criminal offenses as a Certified Legal Intern for the Pinellas County State Attorney’s office. As an undergraduate,...

LINDSAY M. REINHART has concentrated her practice on tobacco litigation, first as a law clerk in Searcy Denney’s tobacco litigation department and then as an Associate attorney with the firm since 2018. She is admitted to practice in the State of Florida in all jurisdictions and is a member of the Florida Justice Association, the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and the American Association for Justice.

Tony DiTocco earned his Juris Doctorate and his Master's Degree in Accounting in 1988 from the University of Florida. In addition to his Bankruptcy practice, he has served as CEO of a $30 million Construction / Development firm and as lead consultant in the closeout of 500+ distressed condominium units.

JORDAN A. DULCIE began his legal career in medical malpractice defense at a boutique firm in Palm Beach Gardens, followed by broader civil litigation practice at a larger civil defense firm in Florida. His practice areas include not only medical malpractice, but automotive accidents and nursing home and assisted living cases. In 2019, 2020 and 2021 he was selected by Palm Beach Illustrated magazine as a top lawyer in the area of medical malpractice, and Florida Super Lawyers Magazine lists him as a 2021 “Rising Star.” As an attorney with Searcy Denney, Mr. Dulcie shares the firm’s...

T. HARDEE BASS III earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law and his undergraduate degree from The Florida State University. Prior to joining Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA, Mr. Bass served as a felony prosecutor in the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office. During his tenure, he handled nearly 50 jury trials to verdict, prosecuting crimes ranging from Driving Under the Influence to first degree felonies punishable by life in prison. Currently, Mr. Bass works with C. Calvin Warriner and David J. Sales. He is a member of The Florida Bar and the Palm...

ELISE SHERR ALLISON joined Searcy Denney in 2019 after clerking for The Honorable Jose E. Martinez, United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida, and then working with a complex commercial litigation and personal injury firm in Miami. At Searcy Denney, she represents clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases resulting from medical malpractice, defective products, motor vehicle accidents and unsafe premises.

Michael Katz is a highly respected Florida attorney and the founder of Katz & Associates Law Firm, serving clients in Stuart, Treasure Coast, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. Originally from New Jersey, Michael has over 19 years of experience across estate planning, probate, real estate, business, and entertainment law. Known for his negotiation skills and preventive approach, he’s dedicated to safeguarding his clients’ interests and achieving their goals. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Stockton University of New Jersey and began his career in New York City’s banking industry. He then earned his law degree...

The Attorneys at Glenn and Phanco, P.A., practice solely in the area of Marital and Family Law and pride themselves on their mission to drive and change the legal industry, while providing first class service they know each client truly deserves. The Attorneys at Glenn and Phanco, P.A., understand the emotional turmoil and life changing circumstances surrounded in each family law case and are both passionate and compassionate in navigating through the legal processes that are tailored to meet each client's needs. If you are looking to hire an Attorney who genuinely cares about your legal affairs and will fight...

Brendon focuses on managing high-stakes and high-conflict family disputes, encompassing divorces involving assets totaling nine figures or more. His caseload extends to matters with intricate child-related issues or allegations of misconduct by one of the parties. He extends his legal services to selective cases throughout Florida and nationwide. Demonstrating astuteness and strategic acumen, Brendon initiates trial preparations right from the initial consultation. Recognizing the potential efficacy of building a robust trial case to facilitate settlements, he diligently explores every avenue to achieve an amicable resolution. In cases where a favorable settlement is not attainable, Brendon is committed to pursuing the matter...

William E. Johnson is a highly successful civil trial lawyer who began practicing in his native West Palm Beach in 1983. He is the third generation of his family to practice law in West Palm Beach. Mr. Johnson's grandfather was one of the early pioneers of West Palm Beach. His father, Thomas H. Johnson, was a long time circuit court judge in Palm Beach County, who also served in the Florida Senate and as the State Attorney for Palm Beach County. Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Florida State University, where he received his B.A. degree in 1980. He...

Attorney, James N. Brown is well versed in the law practice of both commercial and residential real estate transactions. He has a wide range of experience in real estate transactions, including construction, land development, and commercial matters. He graduated second in his class, Summa Cum Laude, with a full scholarship and is the founder of Title Leap. Jim has dedicated his entire life to real estate from General Contractor to veteran attorney, and has helped 1000’s of realtors, buyers and sellers over the past 30 years.

Nicole Hewitt specializes in Estate Planning and Administration, Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, Business Planning, and Real Estate Transactions, with a particular focus on tax implications. She provides expert legal guidance to individuals, business owners, young families, retirees, and the elderly, helping them achieve their estate, tax, and medical assistance planning goals. Additionally, Nicole has extensive experience working with individuals and families with special needs, including the establishment of trusts and adult guardianships. Before co-founding HWK Law Group, Nicole built a robust career that included roles as a senior tax associate with two Big 5 accounting firms, an associate at a...

Lawyer Lindsey Wagner is a partner at Scott • Wagner and Associates Ms. Wagner practices at the firm in the following areas:

Breach of Contract
Class and Collective Actions
Civil Rights
Discrimination
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC, FEHA, and FCHR)
Employment Law (Employee/Employer)
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Harassment
Misclassification
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Non-Compete Agreements
Public Employee Rights
Retaliation
Severance Agreements
Unemployment Appeals (DEO and EDD)
Union Activity
Unpaid wages, minimum wages, and overtime (FLSA)
Whistleblowing Activities
Wrongful Discharge
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
Ms. Wagner is experienced in matters of litigation, arbitration, and administrative hearings, and is admitted to practice in Florida and California state courts, as well as the United States District Court for...

Mr. Halvorson is a Shareholder and Partner of the firm. He is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in the areas of Personal Injury and Wrongful Death and has successfully prosecuted numerous high profile cases. His practice is devoted 100% to litigation and he has specialized in the areas of motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, personal injury, products liability and wrongful death since 1977.

I have been practicing business litigation and appellate practice in West Palm Beach since 1997. Prior to going in to private practice, I was a law clerk at the Third District Court of Appeal in Miami. From 1997 to 2014, I was a shareholder in a business litigation boutique handling all manner of complex civil and business related disputes, including matters in arbitration, state court, federal court, and on appeal. In 2014, I joined this firm as a shareholder, adding my business litigation cases and appellate work to the firm's thriving probate litigation practice. I routinely...

Mr. Shafran has dedicated his legal career to zealously advocating for victims and seeking justice for others. Mr. Shafran grew up in Parkland, Florida until he attended Florida State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. In 2012, he received his Juris Doctor in law at Nova Southeastern University College of Law.

Upon graduating law school, Mr. Shafran worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County, prosecuting those accused of committing crimes and representing victims of crimes. As a prosecutor, Mr. Shafran handled thousands of cases ranging from minor offenses like misdemeanors, all the way...

Michael Mirer is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Miami-Dade, Florida. His firm, the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A., handles all types of misdemeanor, felony, and federal charges. Michael earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and was licensed by the Florida State Bar in 1997. Michael served as a Miami-Dade County Assistant State Attorney before entering into private practice. His experience on both sides of the courtroom helps him build comprehensive defenses and seek the best possible results for each client. Michael has defended a number of high profile cases...

Susan Winston has been practicing law since October 2004 when she was admitted to the Florida Bar. She came to Florida from Virginia after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the College of William and Mary in 2001. Susan then went to the University of Miami School of Law and received her Juris Doctor in 2004. Susan began her legal career at the Office of the Public Defender for the 15th Judicial Circuit in 2004. In over six years at the Office of the Public Defender, Susan represented the indigent accused in...

James S. Cunha, Esq. is the Managing Attorney at the Law Offices of James S. Cunha, P.A. Mr. Cunha primarily focuses his practice on family and marital law. As a result of his background in Finance and Economics, Mr. Cunha has become a highly sought-after divorce and family law attorney in South Florida particularly in complex or high asset divorce cases involving asset valuation and alimony issues. Since the inception of his firm, Mr. Cunha has represented corporate executive officers, professional athletes, business owners, medical, legal and financial professionals, homemakers, working men and women–(or their spouses)–in divorce cases,...

Michael “Mike” Celeste, Jr. was born and raised in Milford, Mass. He received his B.A. in American Studies at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut in 1975, where he also played varsity football and lacrosse – with Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots. Mike graduated with honors from Nova Law School in 1986, where he was the president of the student chapter of ATLA (American Trial Lawyers Association) and represented Nova Law in the Southern Regional Mock Trial Competitions. While attending Nova Law, Mike was the recipient of the first Krupnick & Campbell, P.A. award, which was...

I provide quality legal representation and advocate for the rights and best interests of my clients. I keep clients informed of processes and proceedings and cater to client’s emotions during and throughout litigation.

I was born and raised in Miami, Florida to Cuban parents. From a young age, they instilled in me the importance of education and hard work. I admire their sacrifice and it is my drive in helping others. I received my law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law and I am licensed in Florida at both the State and Federal levels. Before attending law school, I received my Bachelors from the University of Miami where I focused my studies in Finance and the Spanish language.

After graduation, I worked as an associate attorney at a prominent South Florida law...

ADAM HECHT, a veteran of more than 75 felony and misdemeanor jury trials as an Assistant State Attorney, now works with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. handling medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death and products liability cases.

Donnie Goodwin is a member of the Florida Bar and is licensed to practice in the state of Florida. He is also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Currently he is General Counsel and Comptroller at TurnpikeInfo.com.

KAREN E. TERRY is a shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley in West Palm Beach, and has been with the firm for 14 years. She recently received the highest honor of being chosen by the Daily Business Review as the "Most Effective Lawyer" in the State of Florida for products liability, along with Chris Searcy. She also was selected as one of The Best Lawyers in America. Ms. Terry has tried many big cases, but in August of 2007, Ms. Terry received a jury verdict of over 25 million dollars in Polk County, Florida against Walgreens for misfilling...

KATHERINE A. KIZIAH is an attorney with Searcy Denney’s pharmaceutical and medical device mass torts litigation unit.

Stuart R. Morris, Esq., CPA, B.C.S - Founding Partner
Board Certified In Wills, Trusts & Estates
Admitted in Florida and District of Columbia

Stuart R. Morris founded Morris Law Group, in 1991. Mr. Morris practices in the following areas of Law: Estate and Gift Tax Planning; Wills and Trusts; Business Structuring and Succession Planning; Asset Preservation Planning; Domestic and International Tax Planning; Probate and Trust Administration; and Special Needs Planning.

Mr.Morris graduated with Honors from the University of Florida, where he received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Accounting, and his degree in Law. In addition to being Board Certified by The Florida Bar...

MARA RITCHIE PONCY HATFIELD, who holds dual degrees in environmental law, began consulting with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley on issues related to environmental and entertainment law in 2006 before becoming an associate with the firm in 2012. Since then, she has assisted the firm’s clients in obtaining recoveries for injuries arising out of environmental contamination, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, catastrophic automobile crashes, defective products and premises liability (including but not limited to slip and falls). She continues to work on intellectual property and consumer-based class action lawsuits as well.