West Bradenton Lawyers

Laurel Marois Ackerman was born and raised in St. Pete and is happy to still call it home today! Laurel graduated from the University of Florida with her Bachelor’s degree cum laude in 2015, and from UF’s Levin College of Law with her Juris Doctor cum laude in 2018, making her a PROUD Double Gator. In law school, 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....

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....

Dennis Hernandez, Esq. is a fifth-generation native of Tampa, Florida, who started practicing law at 23 years old. Dennis graduated from Duke University at 20 with a bachelor’s in economics. He then graduated eighth in a class of 260 from Florida State College of Law and obtained his Master of Law from Harvard Law School at 24. Additionally, Dennis graduated from the prestigious Trial Lawyers College and is one of only 1,378 attorneys who claim this distinction. In 1996, he started the Florida personal injury firm Dennis Hernandez & Associates, P.A. he has grown to serve accident victims across the state...

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...

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.

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.

With over 20 years of experience, Sarasota injury lawyer Damian Mallard has won several million dollar and multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients and is Board Certified in civil trial law, an accomplishment achieved by less than 2% of attorneys in Florida. Along with his wife, Sara Mallard, and Michael Murphy, the team of personal injury attorneys at the Mallard Law Firm serves as advocates for injury victims throughout Florida and offers free case evaluations.

J. Armando Edmiston is an aggressive, knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer handling a broad range of complex cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death claims. He also handles cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect. If you or a loved one was injured due to another's negligence, don't wait to take legal action. Contact the Tampa office of Armando Personal Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation. ...

Daniel H. Smith is an elder law and estate planning attorney at Advocates in Aging, Law Office of Wiesner Smith PLLC in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Veterans Benefits, Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, Guardianship, and Assisted Living/Nursing Home Issues. Daniel is licensed to practice law in Florida and Virginia. Daniel is also a VA Accredited Attorney, and represents veterans and their families with benefits claims and appeals of VA Benefits decisions. Daniel received his law degree with honors from the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington,...

Born in Providence, RI, grew up in Barrington ,RI and thereafter attended Eckerd College in St Petersburg,Fl, where he majored in Political Science and Economics. He also played varsity baseball and pitched on the 1977 team that reached the finals of the Division II College World Series. He attended Stetson College of Law and graduated in 1982. Upon graduation he accepted a position as an Assistant State Attorney in Pinellas County Florida, and continued in that position until 1997 when he entered private practice with the Clearwater, Florida firm Tew, Zinober,Barnes, Zimmet & Unice....

Carl E. Reynolds III was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. As a native Floridian, he was educated in the Orange County Public School System and was among the first 4-year graduating class from Dr. Phillips High School. Mr. Reynolds earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University and went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate, with Honors, from the University of Florida.

While at the University of Florida, Mr. Reynolds was a member of a Moot Trial Team which traveled to Austria and competed with law schools from across the globe. Mr. Reynolds graduated from UF with...

Ronald W. Chapman is the owner of Chapman Law Group and has been practicing law for over 25 years in Michigan and Florida. He is AV® Rated. Ron is a recognized leader in the legal community and a frequent speaker in the area of medical malpractice and risk management. In 1997 Ron was ranked as one of the top ten speakers for Skillpath, Inc. Ron graduated from California State University, Sacramento (BA, Cum Laude 1979), University of Southern California School of Administration (MPA 1980) and Wayne State Law School (JD 1984). After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air...

James "Jay" Horne, Jr., is an AV Preeminent Rated trial attorney. He focuses his practice on medical malpractice, personal injury and wrongful death matters. He has successfully represented clients from intake through trial in state and federal court.

Jay and his team of medical professionals can handle any complex medical malpractice case. He has handled cases involving Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse (SUPC), misdiagnosis and misreading of MRIs and other diagnostic methods, which resulted in catastrophic injuries to the patient. A new study published by John Hopkins Professor of Surgery, Martin Makary, indicated that Medical errors,...

I am a Florida criminal defense lawyer passionate about helping those charged with serious misdemeanor and felony offenses. My legal background includes several years as an assistant state attorney. Working throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, I bring forth a client-focused legal representation.

I am a Partner in the Law Office of Ayo & Iken PLC, focused on all facets of Family Law. My practice areas include Uncontested and Contested Divorces (Equitable Distribution, Alimony, Time Sharing, Child Support), Paternity (time sharing and child support), Adoptions (Step-parent and relative), Dependency (DCF), and Domestic Violence (DVI).

I received my B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Florida in 2005. My J.D. was completed at Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. For over 10 years, I have been practicing Family Law in Florida.

Confidence in my abilities and a fearlessness in the courtroom set...

Attorney Rachel Drude-Tomori is the Founding Partner of Drude Tomori Law, PA, a St. Petersburg law firm dedicated to providing estate planning legal services to individuals and families in St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. Rachel’s primary areas of focus include Estate Planning and Deferred Sales Trusts, and she frequently assists individuals and business owners in protecting their legacies from government and creditor interference. With over 15 years of legal experience, Rachel has developed estate plans for business owners, corporate executives, wealthy individuals, and professionals and their families with a wide range of estate planning objectives. She also develops estate plans...

Dedicated to helping those injured due to the carelessness or even recklessness of others fight for their rights and a fair and just recovery.

As an International Lawyer (Foreign Legal Consultant) (FLC) in Florida, I Provide. ( Indian law ) Legal advice on Indian law within Florida's jurisdiction. Conduct legal research on Indian and Florida laws. Draft legal documents adhering to Indian and Florida laws. Facilitate cross-border transactions between India and Florida. Ensure legal compliance for Indian clients in Florida. Represent clients in legal proceedings involving Indian law. Act as a liaison between clients, Indian, and Florida authorities. Offer ongoing legal support for complex issues, ensuring client interests' protection.

The Law Office of Ama N. Appiah currently represents those seeking assistance in state appeals, trademark & copyright registration, and entertainment & creative arts law. Ms. Appiah earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the State University of New York College at Buffalo, cum laude. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Appiah worked as a legal assistant and paralegal for the U.S. Small Business Admin. - Disaster Assistance Office in Niagara Falls, NY. The office provided federal loans and grants to those who suffered physical and/or economic damage to their homes and/or businesses as a result of natural...

Alexander Knapp graduated cum laude from Florida State University in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Political Science and Marketing. During his time at Florida State, Alexander was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Following college, Alexander enrolled in the Boston University School of Law. While in law school, Alexander competed in Esdaile Moot Court during his first year in law school, and during his second year competed in Stone Moot Court and judged Esdaile Moot Court. Also, Alexander worked for a Tampa Criminal Defense firm and volunteered with the New England...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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,...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Andrew Tetreault (pronounced Tay-tro) grew up all over the United States, though spending most of his life in the Midwest and the South. Andrew attended college at Ohio Wesleyan University, just outside of Columbus, Ohio, and received a Bachelor's degree as a double major. After college, Andrew enrolled at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the fall of 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused a disaster in New Orleans and Tulane was shut down for the entire fall semester. In order to graduate law school on time, Andrew enrolled as a visiting student at the University of Florida College of...

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...

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...

I am a seasoned attorney in the field of commercial real estate transactions. I focus on negotiating and documenting various types of commercial leases, including anchor tenant, shopping center, retail store, office, and industrial leases, as well as handling other commercial real estate transactions. I also act as the closing agent for commercial and residential purchase and sale transactions. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to applying creative win-win negotiation skills, developing and implementing practical legal and business solutions, and building professional relationships. You can find more about my professional journey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesilvestri/ and my website at...

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

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...

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...

Tampa Insurance Law Attorney

As the founder and managing partner of Germain Law Group, Michael Germain continues to represent insurance policyholders, personal injury victims, consumers, and businesses across Florida.

He is a dedicated advocate for his clients' causes, even if their case takes them against large insurance corporations. His resolve stems from nearly a decade of legal experience, which allows him to confidently fight for his clients' futures inside and outside of the courtroom.

Michael Germain founded Germain Law Group on the foundation of open-communication and a drive to help people gain the justice that they deserve.

With insurance-related matters, individuals, families,...