Astatula Lawyers

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Justin earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville in 2019 before moving to Orlando to pursue his legal education. He attended Barry University School of Law, where he was an active member of the school’s prestigious Trial Team. Today, Justin gives back to that same program as a coach, helping train and mentor the next generation of trial advocates. Justin joined Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A. in 2023, bringing with him a strong commitment to client advocacy and community engagement. He is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, including its...

Mr. Persad has worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his Juris Doctor degree and his Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Akron in 1993 and 1994, respectively. He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a diploma in paralegal studies from New York University. Mr. Persad's experience in the legal field...

Matthew Sean Tucker is a Registered Patent Attorney holding a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Furthermore, Matthew received his J.D. at the University Of Baltimore School Of Law with a dual concentration in intellectual property law and business law. He is also a member of the Florida Bar, and an inventor of several patent pending inventions.

Brian D. Tadros, Esquire is a long-time Florida resident. He was raised in Jacksonville, FL, which will always be his home. He graduated from the University of North Florida in 2000 before attending law school at Florida Coastal School of Law. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2004.

Before even attending law school, Mr. Tadros worked as a legal assistant for a plaintiff firm in Jacksonville, Florida handling nothing but workers’ compensation cases. In 2006, he relocated to the Central Florida area and began working for a regional, multi-state defense firm doing nothing but defending...

Dylan Cappello is the managing attorney at Cappello Legal's office in his hometown of Winter Haven practicing in the area of personal injury, first party property claims, and family law.
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Mr. Cappello obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Government and World Affairs with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Tampa. While continuing his education full-time, Dylan also continued to work in several personal injury firms throughout the Bay area. While in undergraduate, Mr. Cappello was also a member of UT's Moot Court Board where he competed in national competitions.
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After graduation, Mr. Cappello immediately attended Stetson University College of Law...

Heather M. Meglino serves as General Counsel for Quality One Wireless and is the chief legal officer for the organization. She has broad experience counseling clients in areas spanning every aspect of business and commercial law, including contracts, complex business litigation, fraud-misrepresentation, employment law, intellectual property, and licensing. Heather was previously Founder at Meglino Law, a law firm focused on business and commercial law. Additionally, Heather litigated cases including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, overtime and unpaid wages, FMLA leave and disability issues, employment contracts, whistleblower and other employment law claims under various state and federal laws. She is licensed...

Jeffrey S. Kaufman was born in Miami, Florida and he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 1991 from Florida State University. He also obtained a second Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications from the University of Florida in 1993. Mr. Kaufman went on to attend law school at The University of Tulsa where he completed his Juris Doctorate in 1996. He is currently licensed to practice law in Florida and seventeen other states including: Oklahoma, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Michigan, Maryland, New York, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, Connecticut, Ohio, West Virginia, Arizona, and Minnesota.

Mrs. Rivas is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Ben. They live in Tampa, Florida with their beautiful children, Trey and Bella, and their beloved Boxer dog, Chino. Mrs. Rivas is passionate about all families and does not take lightly her role, as mother and wife, in shaping the future generation.

The founding attorney of Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, Attorney Bill Allen has been practicing personal injury law in North Central Florida for twenty-three years. He graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law after playing college football for the University of Florida Gators in Gainesville. At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, Bill utilizes his experience and legal training to “even the playing field” for the firm’s clients. Bill attended the University of Florida on a football scholarship. He graduated with high honors in 1983 while lettering for the Gator football team. During the next six years,...

Jessica Foster is a personal injury attorney with Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, serving Gainesville, FL, and Ocala, FL. She has almost a decade of experience helping victims of motor vehicle accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents; as well as other personal injury cases, such as premises liability, slip and falls, construction accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, product defects, and other accidents. A “double Gator,” attorney Jessica earned her Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. During law school, she completed extensive studies in intellectual property law. She also worked as a research...

Growing up in Central Florida, Mr. Bailey decided to stay local when pursuing a higher education. Attending the University of Central Florida, Mr. Bailey obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2012. While completing this degree and afterwards, Mr. Bailey worked for a large firm handling Bankruptcy cases for those who had fallen on hard times, especially those caused by the mortgage crisis. Mr. Bailey was inspired to go to law school by the work and dedication of the attorneys he worked with for years. Mr. Bailey obtained his Juris Doctorate in December 2016.
Mr. Bailey focuses his...

Shawn Clark graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville with a Bachelor’s degree in 2007. He furthered his education at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 2011. His academic excellence was recognized when he was inducted into the prestigious Order of the Coif, a national honor society for law graduates ranking in the top 10% of their class. Shawn began his legal career as an associate attorney at an employment law firm in Jacksonville Beach, where he honed his skills in litigation strategy and complex legal research. In 2013, he returned to Gainesville...

Victor is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum whose membership is limited to trial lawyers who have achieved verdicts or settlements or in excess of $1,000,000. In 2011, Victor was selected by Florida Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite. He has been a member of the Florida Justice Association (formerly the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers) for 25 years and an Eagle member for over 20 years. Victor is a longtime member of Florida Workers’ Advocates which is an organization designed to protect and defend the workers of this state, particularly those that are injured. He is a member of...

Attorney Pichardo-Riestra is the Owner and Managing Attorney of Pichardo-Riestra Law. She is a former psychologist who has worked with children, juveniles, and adults. As a Psychologist Specialist working for the Department of Corrections, Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra provided Mental Health services to incarcerated females housed in General Population, Closed Management, and Death Row.

After years in psychology, Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra decided to pursue a career in Law. She attended Florida A&M University where she concentrated on Criminal Defense while participating at the FAMU Criminal Defense Clinic. Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra also interned with the Public Defender's Office for the Fifth Circuit in...

DeLand Attorney Richard "Jake" Jackson has been in private practice in Volusia County, Florida since 1985. Practice areas include Criminal Law, Adoptions, Juvenile & Family Law, Civil Cases, Estate Planning and Probate. CRIMINAL LAW: As a criminal defense lawyer with over 25 years experience in State and Federal Court, Jake Jackson has extensive experience handling drug cases, DUI's, violent crimes, property crimes, and sex offenses. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. ADOPTIONS: As an adoption attorney and intermediary, Jake Jackson provides professional and compassionate service to birth mothers and adoptive families for both...

Former State Prosecutor Serving Tampa Bay and Pasco County areas

Firm Profile The Reeves Law Firm, P.A. is dedicated to representing the Disabled. The focus of the Reeves Law Firm is on Social Security Disability.

Ryan graduated with a B.S. in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida. A Florida Bright Futures Scholarship recipient and Dean’s List honoree, he then began a career in business and sales management. Having a strong desire to advocate and continue with his legal career, he attended Barry College of Law in Orlando, Florida. While attending law school on an academic scholarship, Ryan worked as a law clerk in an established criminal defense firm. He additionally participated in an internship with the Osceola County Attorney’s Office and a judicial externship under Circuit Judge Jenifer M....

I have worked for Finra, a financial regulator; LeClairRyan; and the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia. I have been recognized as a Technology Litigation Fellow by the Center for Legal and Court Technology, in Williamsburg, Virginia and was selected to participate in the Center’s annual lab trial. I focus on corporate law and estate planning for the small business owner. During my time at Finra, I worked in Registration and Disclosure, developing policies relating to past criminal sanctions, as well as assisting in decisions regarding expungment of customer complaints against registered brokers. While at LeClairRyan, I...

Experience: • More than 30 years experience • Former Prosceutor for Orange and Osceola County • Handled Capitol Cases involving the Death Penalty • Handled Thousands of Criminal Cases • Handled Thousands of DUI and Traffic Cases Licensed To Practice: • United States Supreme Court • United States District Court Middle District Florida • All Florida State Courts

Kimberly LaSure has practiced law for several years, all in the central Florida area. Primarily a criminal defense attorney, Ms. LaSure has handled many high profile cases. Ms. LaSure started her career working under Thomas Egan where she gained valuable experience defending teachers charged with criminal offenses. Ms. LaSure then moved to the Office of the Public Defender, 9th Judicial Circuit. At the Public Defenders Office, Ms. LaSure handled hundreds of serious criminal cases. These cases included, Sexual Battery, Drug Trafficking, Aggravated Battery, Grand Theft and Murder. Ms. LaSure has been practicing criminal defense law the past...

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

LITIGATED / ARBITRATED / MEDIATED 1,000+ Contract Law Cases.

CONDUCTED several dozen business MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

COUNSELED DEALERSHIP and FRANCHISE clients from Florida to Hawaii and over half the states in between.

ADMITTED to practice law in FLORIDA and represents clients outside of the state through association with local attorneys.

MEMBER of the American Bar Association, the ABA Forum on Franchising, and the Florida Bar Association.

Allan Ziffra has been a personal injury attorney since 1988. His entire legal career has been representing victims of serious personal injury claims. Allan handles motorcycle accidents, auto accidents, truck accidents, aviation crashes, train accidents and other serious personal injury claims.

Tracee L. Ivins graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. After graduation she worked for the State of Florida as a certified investigator, before deciding to pursue a law degree. As an attorney Ms. Ivins has handled files from inception all the way to a jury verdict. Her experience has included claims involving serious bodily injury, product liability injury and wrongful death arising from auto accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, negligent security, motorcycle and tractor trailer accidents.

Lawsuits including Negligence, Breach of Contract, Negligent Entrustment, Uninsured Motorist Insurance Claims, Under-Insured Motorists Insurance disputes, Wrongful Death, Bad...

Winter Park, Florida attorney Eric A. Lanigan has provided clients aggressive and experienced legal representation in real estate, business and civil, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and securities and investment losses law in Central Florida since 1976. Eric Lanigan has a strong history in securities law and the financial industry. He provides clients with the complex legal advice and counsel that family, individual and businesses need to get through legal issues. There’s not much I haven’t litigated from basic employment contract disputes to suits for defending for non-performance, to collecting damages in class-action suits,” Lanigan said. He has...

Paige L. Carlos devotes the majority of her practice to Real Estate Law. She also has ample experience practicing Family Law and handling dissolutions of marriage, child support issues, child custody disputes and mediations. She takes her work very seriously and enjoys being able to help her clients through difficult times. Paige has a real passion for people and she strives to put forth her best effort to serve those who cannot serve themselves. Paige grew up in Southern Connecticut. In 2009 Paige received her Bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York where she majored in Africana...

Attorney Richard Troutman was raised in Orlando and has lived in the area his entire life. He has been practicing law for over 30 years, establishing himself as one of the leading personal injury attorneys in Florida. He personally handles every aspect of his cases and offers his clients rare accessibility and availability at all times.

Attorney Petrochko was born in Pennsylvania. After earning a bachelors of science degree from Penn State University he decided to trade his snow shovel in for beach blankets and jurisprudence. Keith was awarded a Juris Doctor degree from Florida A&M University College of Law. While pursuing this degree, he was involved in several academic and civil organizations including leading the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund. It was during this time that Keith developed a passion for civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Keith primarily focuses his efforts on labor and employment law and personal injury cases. He enjoys being...

A native of Venezuela, Attorney Daniela Alvarado immigrated to the United States with her family at a young age. While she was not aware of it at the time, this move would shape her life and put her on the path to assisting future immigrants with their own journeys. As she grew, she displayed increasing interest in all things international, attending an international magnet program at a local high school and obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Rollins College, where she graduated summa cum laude and as a member of the school’s Honors Program.

Daniela then went on...

Michael D. Cerasa was born and raised in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. He relocated to Central Florida following his graduation from The Florida State University College of Law. Recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer and member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Michael is sought out by clients nationwide for his expertise in handling a wide range of Plaintiffs injury, product liability and insurance claims. Michael’s approach to the representation of his clients is aggressive, but measured. He takes his role as both attorney, and as counselor, seriously. “My duty to my clients is to diligently fight for their best interests above all...

The Alvarez Law Firm a Professional Association is a private firm owned by Rachel M. Alvarez. Her practice focuses on financial matters. Rachel’s vision is to aggressively represent her clients in any financial stage for individuals of any walk of life. She is committed to building ongoing relationships with her clients to facilitate their success. Rachel attended the University Of Central Florida where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. Upon graduating she pursued her dream to be an attorney at Regent University School of Law. At the tender age of five Rachel decided to be...

I was born and raised in Tampa, where I attended Thomas Jefferson High School and earned a certificate from the International Academy of Law and Criminal Justice. My academic journey led me to Florida State University, where I pursued an undergraduate degree in Communications. During my time at FSU, I was actively involved in the Black Student Union Political Action Committee, Golden Key Honor Society, National Society for Collegiate Scholars, and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. After completing my degree, I attended Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. There, I studied various areas of law, including bankruptcy, family law,...

Thomas P. Schmitt is an Expert Personal Injury Trial Specialist Attorney who obtained, among many other tremendous jury verdicts, the second largest motorcycle verdict ever in the state of Florida.

Below, are just a few honorable mentions of Mr. Schmitt’s superior achievements:

National Law Journal’s Top 50 Verdicts of 2014.

National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts of 2014.

Lifetime Membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Lifetime Membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, “The Top Trial Lawyers in America”.

Lifetime Induction into the National Order of Barristers, “for Excellence and High Honors in the Art of Courtroom

Advocacy,” evidences recognition of Mr. Schmitt’s superiority as...

Paul's practice is focused on providing his clients with "good judgment" and Paul prides himself on working hard to see that his clients move towards fixing problems and preparing for a better future. Paul concentrates on matters involving business law, entertainment law, replevin law, real estate, landlord-tenant, probate, wills, estates, and trust law. Paul has been appointed several times by Florida Courts as personal representative and attorney ad litem in complex and sensitive litigation matters involving probate and wrongful death, as well as in representing unknown parties and historic landmarks in real estate foreclosure and eminent domain...

Founded in 2001 by Amir A. Ladan, The Ladan Law Firm, P.A. is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to our clients. We handle criminal matters, injunctions and infractions in courthouses throughout Central Florida and have earned an exceptional reputation as experienced, effective advocates for our clients.

Our legal team is available seven days a week to assist our clients and potential clients with their legal needs. With three offices and phone and virtual appointments available, we make meeting with one of our lawyers simple and convenient. For a free, confidential consultation, simply call our office...