Saint Pete Beach Lawyers

I am the managing attorney of Brick Business Law, P.A. My firm focuses primarily on litigating and resolving business disputes in and around the Tampa Bay Area. Our clients include business organizations of various sizes and in various industries such as manufacturing, services, technology, medical, food, real estate and others. I am an AV-rated attorney with significant trial and courtroom experience (over 100 trials). I have been honored by SuperLawyers as both a Rising Star and Super Lawyer since 2015, and among the Best Business Lawyers in Tampa and St. Petersburg by Expertise.com. I have...

Casey Carlson is a long-time Clearwater, Florida, resident who graduated from Keswick Christian High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He joined the firm in 1989 upon graduation from law school. He enjoys boating, fishing, golf, scuba diving, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Timothy W. Weber is Board Certified in Appellate Practice and practices in the areas of appellate law, civil and commercial litigation, business litigation, employment and labor, civil rights and education, land use and real estate, criminal, and family. He represents clients in state and federal courts at both the trial and appeal levels. Before co-founding the firm, Tim was a shareholder at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & Wein, P.A. in St. Petersburg for 16 years. He has been board certified in Appellate Practice since 2004 and has been selected as a SuperLawyer every year since 2014. He has also...

Daviana Marie Braniff was born in Clearwater, Florida, but primarily grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. After receiving a scholarship for women’s soccer, Daviana attended Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia where she received her degree in Psychology. Daviana then attended the University of Georgia School of Law where she interned with the Office of the Fulton County District Attorney. After graduating, Daviana moved to the sunny state of Florida to be with family and worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit prior to joining the firm. Daviana and her husband Daniel have a lovable dog...

Stephen M. Fernandez received his law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law. While in law school he focused on courses relevant to the field of personal injury and trial practice. Mr. Fernandez was also an active member of the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy. Mr. Fernandez has focused his career on representing accident victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He also represents the victims of wrongful insurance denials. Mr. Fernandez is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Georgia. He is also admitted to practice before...

Suffering a personal injury, whether from a car or motorcycle accident, negligence, faulty workmanship, or any other cause can have a profound impact on your life. That's where Marsalisi Law comes in. While we can't undo the harm caused by the injury, we can provide you with honest and high-quality legal representation. We will work tirelessly to recover the compensation and justice you deserve. At Marsalisi Law, our personal injury lawyers in St. Petersburg will vigorously fight for your rights and ensure that you are compensated for your financial and personal losses. We understand that every personal injury case is unique,...

Jim Dodson spent many years of his long legal career as a partner in a large personal injury law firm, but he had some different ideas about how to practice law. He envisioned a practice centered on the clients’ needs, where he could get to know his clients and be personally involved in their cases. He wanted to create an environment where any client would feel comfortable about calling, where every client with a question about their case could easily get an answer, and where all clients could expect to have their phone calls returned. Jim turned this vision into...

Rick is a firm partner. He and his wife Patricia enjoy sailing and spending time at the beach. He is an Angel Tree sponsor and a former police officer. He joined the firm in 2007.

Caitlin Szematowicz is a Partner with the firm, practicing in the areas of Civil & Commercial Litigation, Appeals, and Employment Law. Caitlin joined the firm in August 2012.

Caitlin graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in May 2012. She graduated cum laude from the University of Tampa, Honors Program, in December 2008, where she majored in Writing and received the “Outstanding Graduate in Writing” Award upon graduation.

While in law school, Caitlin worked as an appellate law clerk for a Washington D.C. law firm, extern at the United States Attorney’s Office, and a Certified Legal...

Patrick W. Harland, Jr. is a seasoned litigator and personal injury attorney having tried cases in both Florida State and Federal Court.

Upon graduating from Stetson University College of Law in 1999, Mr. Harland focused his law practice on defending insurance companies as well as some of the nation’s largest nursing home chains in liability suits relating to patient care. Mr. Harland also defended physicians in correctional healthcare cases brought by inmates alleging civil rights violations due to inadequate healthcare.

Today, Mr. Harland uses that defense background to the advantage of St. Petersburg clients who have been injured by the negligence of...

An AV Rated Civil Trial attorney with more than 30 years of experience, Bernard F. Walsh first began his career protecting the rights of the public as an attorney for the State of Florida. As a trial attorney, Mr. Walsh handled numerous high profile trials concerning serious felony crimes.
Bernie has exclusively practiced personal injury law and helped accident victims in and beyond Sarasota and Manatee Counties in Florida.
Mr. Walsh has won the largest playground recovery (2008-$1,900,000.00), motorcycle recoveries (2006-$6,000,000.00), motor vehicle v commercial truck (2016-$4,700,000), auto accident recovery (2018-$1,050,000.00), and a daycare center recovery (2010-$1,000,000.00) in the State of...

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.

David Goldman is an experienced and accomplished Personal Injury Attorney. He believes that everyone should be treated fairly and is dedicated to bringing justice to all areas of society. David has been fighting for the rights of injured Floridians for 30 years. He is committed to providing aggressive advocacy and pursuing the results that his clients deserve.

David has has been named among the 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. He received a Preeminent Rating, the highest possible, from Martindale-Hubbell. He was also honored with the Legislative Leadership Award from The Academy of...

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,...

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....

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.

Jennifer Burns work at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett PA. Practice areas Personal injury, Long-term disability and ERISA, Insurance, Business litigation, and Social Security disability. Jennifer Burns was born in Michigan and moved to Punta Gorda, Florida with her family at the age of 10. She studied International Law in Tallinn, Estonia. Jennifer is married to Dale and they have a beautiful daughter. She is an active volunteer with children in the Tampa Bay community, a tutor of elementary students and mentor of teenagers, and a former participant in Great American Teach-in and Teen Court.

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

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Kaitlyn Statile attended the University of Georgia where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Sociology. She then went on to earn her juris doctorate from Florida State University, College of Law. While in Tallahassee, she interned at the State Attorney’s Office, beginning her passion for trial law. After graduation she began working at the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County where she conducted over 50 trials and obtained a murder indictment from a grand jury. She then went on to practice civil litigation prior to moving to Costa Rica where she...

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...

J. Kevin Hayslett is a law firm partner at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett. He is a graduate of Clearwater High School. He and his wife, Melisa have three sons. They enjoy playing tennis, baseball and watching seasonal sports. Kevin is an avid tennis player and is currently nationally rated in singles and doubles.

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...

Deborah Moss is a former Pittsburgh native and long time Florida resident who attended Boca Ciega High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is a University of South Florida and a Stetson alumni. Debbie has dedicated her career for over two decades to the practice of Criminal Defense.

Andrew Pardun, LL.M. is an Associate with the firm specializing in the areas of Real Estate Law, Title Insurance, Commercial and Residential Real Estate Closings, Commercial Lending and Borrowing, Foreclosure Matters, Business Law, and Tax Law.

Andrew joined the firm in January of 2016 after completing his Juris Doctorate Degree from Stetson University College of Law and his MBA Degree, with Honors, from Stetson University. Andrew completed his MBA degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honors society. During his first year at the firm, Andrew completed his Master of Laws Degree in...

Have you or a loved one suffered a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence? If so, you have a legal right to financial compensation for the physical and emotional damages you have suffered. St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas are partners at Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A and have recovered financial compensation for victims of negligence throughout St Petersburg and the Southwest Florida area through aggressive legal representation.

As one of the oldest and most prestigious firms in West Florida, for over 60 years, Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A has been providing exceptional legal assistance to...

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...

Prior to joining Whittel & Melton, Mr. Sheslow served as an Assistant Public Defender in Manatee County, Florida. Mr. Sheslow accumulated an impressive trial record while with the Public Defender’s Office. He was quickly promoted from a Misdemeanor to Felony case load in less than 10 months. Mr. Sheslow has tried over 20 cases ranging from DUIs and Domestic Batteries to life felonies. He has earned acquittals in serious cases such as firearms offenses and sex offenses. Additionally, Mr. Sheslow completed the National Criminal Defense Lawyers College held at Mercer College of Law in Macon, Georgia, where he learned from...

Paul Crochet is an Associate with the firm, practicing general Commercial and Civil Litigation and Appellate Practice. Paul attended the University of Central Florida where he received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting. After completing his undergraduate degree, Paul earned his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, where he served as a member to the Moot Court Board. Paul won numerous awards while serving on the Moot Court Board, including winning the National Workers’ Compensation Moot Court Competition. Additionally, Paul represented Stetson in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition held in Vienna, and also in...

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...

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...

Paul A. Meissner was born in New York and moved to Florida with his family as a child. He is a graduate of Clearwater High School. He co-founded the Carlson & Meissner law firm with Edward Carlson in 1971. Paul and his wife Jayne have five children & thirteen grandchildren. They enjoy boating and traveling. In the past, Paul and Jayne have traveled extensively by motorcycle.