Big Pine Key Lawyers

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...

Daniel A. McGowan is a Trial Lawyer and Litigation Counsel for individuals, families, foundations, endowments, and institutions. Practice exclusively in the area of advising fiduciaries and individuals in all aspects of trust administration and related court proceedings, including will and trust contests, actions to construe, modify and reform wills and trusts, breach of fiduciary duty claims, elder abuse, as well as proceedings to remove and surcharge fiduciaries. Mr. McGowan is a member of the Florida Probate Rules Committee (2020 Term); Florida Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section; Estate and Trust Law Section of the Ohio Bar; Probate and Trust...

Dawn Richards has been practicing law since 2008 when she opened her own practice in Pottsville, PA and served the community by providing general law including: estates, real estate, tax, probate, collections, guardianships, family law and business law. She has practiced in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Florida for 16 years. In addition to her legal experience she has over 25 years experience in business and health care. She graduated with a BS in Accounting in 1991, a Masters in Business Administration in 1995 and a Juris Doctor in 2008. Her business acumen includes: compliance...

Jared Chaykin has spent a decade representing clients in divorce and family law matters, whether through successfully negotiating amicable agreements or by zealously litigating high-stakes, contested Florida divorce and family law matters. Though he always aims to help his clients reach a peaceful, amicable resolution, Jared is realistic and ready to litigate when necessary. If his clients want a yes-man, he tells them to keep looking; that’s not him. He will zealously defend his clients, but he always begins with an honest assessment of the client's facts and circumstances, the law, and the real-world effects of his legal advice. Jared, a...

Richard S. Lehman, Esq., a graduate of Georgetown Law School and obtained his Master’s degree in taxation from New York University. He has served as a law clerk to the Honorable William M. Fay, U.S. Tax Court and as Senior Attorney of the Interpretative Division in the Chief Counsel’s Office of the Internal Revenue Service in Washington D.C., the IRS’s internal law firm. Mr. Lehman has been practicing in South Florida for nearly 50 years. During his career his tax practice has caused him to be involved in an extremely wide array of commercial transactions involving an international and domestic...

Grant J. Gisondo, Esquire, is the founder of Grant J. Gisondo, P.A., located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Mr. Gisondo’s practice focuses exclusively on marital and family law. Mr. Gisondo is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center in Davie, Florida. Mr. Gisondo also holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Finance from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. Mr. Gisondo was admitted into The Florida Bar in 2011, the Washington D.C. Bar in 2012, and the New York State Bar in 2018. Mr. Gisondo’s extensive knowledge in business and finance makes...

Mediation versus Litigation I am here to help you with your Uncontested, Pre-suit, Pro se Divorce Mediation. It is a voluntary process chosen by couples that have decided to divorce, but who want to avoid the financial and emotional costs associated with retaining attorneys and litigating their disputes. With a deep appreciation for the nuances of civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution, I promise to mediate your case with integrity and compassion. I am a Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil Circuit Mediator, Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, and Qualified Advanced Arbitrator, among other certifications. Licensed to practice law for almost...

My legal practice has always involved the representation of stock market participants, including investors, financial professionals and firms, nationwide. My work includes representation of in connection with FINRA Examinations and Enforcement Proceedings, as well as SEC investigations. I also represent individual brokers from virtually every major firm in their contract negotiations, employment termination, U-4 and U-5 issues. In specialized situations where the facts or law present novel issues, I also represent investors. I have appeared before arbitration panels and regulators in 24 states, have written legal columns for a number of industry publications, been a...

Bill is one of the only lawyers in the state of Michigan who is also a 15 year experienced leader in the non-profit community, with extensive counseling and public relations experience. His years of experience outside the courtroom and results inside of the courtroom give him respect and a skill set that many other defense attorneys do not possess. Furthermore, it makes him more relatable to clients, better at negotiating with prosecutors and city attorneys, and skilled in making an argument to a judge or jury. Bill is also a former academic, which translates to excellent written skills when...

Wilnar Julmiste is a highly experienced Personal Injury and Maritime Law Attorney representing clients throughout the state of Florida. She is an experienced litigator and tough negotiator. She has been passionately representing personal injury clients since 2008. Prior to opening Julmiste Legal, Wilnar spent many years representing large companies that were defending themselves from claims. During that time, Wilnar gained valuable insight into the world of defense litigation strategy and understands what motivates insurance companies and large corporations to properly resolve claims. In addition to personal injury, Wilnar also concentrates her practice on maritime law, the body of law governing the...

Joshua Brownlee is a trial lawyer and partner of JT Law Firm. Mr. Brownlee has tried several jury trials in which he has obtained favorable verdicts in favor of his clients. Mr. Brownlee has represented hundreds of policy holders in both Commercial and Residential Property Insurance claims. Mr. Brownlee is a Partner at JT Law Firm where he serves clients, protect their interests, and helps them recover from their insurance company. Throughout his career Mr. Brownlee has earned over $2.5 million in settlements for his clients. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Brownlee graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a...

Monica Balyasny is a licensed attorney in the States of Florida and New York. She is fluent in both English and Russian.

Mrs. Balyasny graduated from John Jay College with a Bachelors in Science in Criminal Justice in 2012. After graduation, she moved to South Florida to attend Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2018. While in law school, Mrs. Balyasny received her concentration in Health Law while actively participating in extracurricular activities at Nova. She was a representative for the Jewish Law Society Association and a member of the “Pulse” Health...

John Tolley is a former Prosecutor & Insurance Defense lawyer licensed in the States of New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Tolley has tried over 45 criminal and civil jury trials. He is the co-owner and a partner in JT Law Firm where he represents clients in disputes regarding homeowner's insurance claims and criminal defense. Mr. Tolley attended Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2014. While in law school, Mr. Tolley was an active member of the Nova Trial Association and the Moot Court Society, representing his law school in...

Preston J. Scheiner joined Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured as a trial attorney in 2007. Today, Preston Scheiner works side-by-side with his father Bruce L. Scheiner, where he aspires to continue the firm's legacy of compassionate and dedicated service to clients who have been injured by the carelessness or recklessness of others.

Preston Scheiner has been recognized for his trial and negotiating skills and has brought numerous cases to resolution through mediation and trial on behalf of the firm and its clients. He is licensed to practice law in all state courts in Florida, as well as...

The Williams Firm, P.A. is a small firm practice with a big firm mindset. My primary goal is to help my clients achieve their business goals in the most efficient manner. I help individuals and companies protect their most valuable asset, their brand. I create and implement strategies that protect your most valuable business assets, your trademarks and copyrights. I work for you and with you to provide experienced guidance throughout the entire registration process and am a skilled trial lawyer who can help you protect your brand through litigation.

While the entire trademark registration process...

It's about you. You want your problem solved? Want to be a name and not a number? Need a lawyer that is passionate, caring, truthful and prepared? I help people solve their problems. I keep my caseload small so I can take better care of my clients. I only practice criminal defense and personal injury. I have a passion for sticking up for the little guy - the accused and the injured victim. You won't see me on billboards or the backs of buses. You will see me trying cases at...

As a dedicated IRS Tax defense attorney Mary has been helping clients get tax debt relief by negotiating currently non-collectible status, offers in compromise, installment agreements, innocent spouse relief, audits, removing levies, releasing liens, and negotiating penalty abatement. Mary's career as a IRS tax attorney began in 1993 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree in 1988 and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Wake Forest University, Babcock Graduate School of Management in 1990. Her career in tax law...

I am Cheryl Fletcher, and I started my law firm to serve people and protect their rights. When faced with a legal issue, many people feel overwhelmed because they do not fully understand their rights and how to protect them. I provide a clear head, exceptional research skills, and complete preparedness to help you through these difficult times. I started my career as a legal researcher at one of the largest universities in Florida. I have also worked in different law firms, writing legal briefs, drafting motions, affidavits and legal memorandums, creating case plans, conducting depositions, and representing people before the...

Craig Stein has been practicing law for 15 years. He has handled over 850 employment and consumer related securities matters and also represented over 400 brokers who transferred billions of dollars in assets under management from one brokerage firm to another. Mr. Stein is the Chair of the Palm Beach County Bar Association Securities Law Committee.

Former Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Prosecutor; 27 years experience in criminal law; “high rate of acquittals/dismissals” for domestic violence cases. Nationally recognized for her work in domestic violence defense, and has obtained acquittals/dismissals in several high profile sex assault cases. Listed in: Who’s Who in Top U.S. Criminal Defense Attorneys; Who’s Who in American Criminal Lawyers. Book award, Trial Workshop, (Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Dec. 1996); book award, Advanced Trial Workshop, (Thomas M. Cooley Law School, May 1997). Referenced by SEC in development of new regulations, “Money Laundering in the Securities Industry,”. Published dissertation Georgetown...

“As an Assistant State Attorney, I spent years in the courtroom prosecuting those who took financial advantage of senior citizens. While it was incredibly rewarding to see justice served, I always wished I could have done something to help prevent the exploitation in the first place. Now, as an elder law attorney, I help my clients strategize and plan the best way to protect their assets from theft and fraud."

Kathryn N. Lewis earned her bachelor’s degree in 2004 from the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University and her juris doctorate, cum laude, from Stetson University...

Arrested? Call a former prosecutor that is ready to fight for you. Cameron is a Tampa Bay area native who received his law degree Florida State University where he specialized in Criminal Law. Prior to working as a defense attorney, Cameron worked as a prosecutor and handled countless cases and every type of crime from DUI to Murder.

Manny is a graduate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (1990) and was admitted to the Florida Bar in May of 1990, as well as the United States Middle District Federal Court. He is a certified Circuit Civil Mediator performing numerous private meditations in the area of Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury in West Central Florida. Mr. Franco is a member of the Florida Bar Workers’ Compensation Section, Florida Workers Advocates, as well as the Hillsborough County Bar Workers’ Compensation Section. He has lectured on the topic of workers’ compensation mediation. He is a member of the Hillsborough County Bar...

Attorney Aaron W. Saoud is the owner of the AWS Law Firm, which practices Probate, Estate Planning, Guardianships, and other related areas of law in Florida. The AWS Law Firm is based out of Tampa, Florida, and serves the majority of the state, from Jacksonville down to Miami, including Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. The AWS Law Firm currently is comprised of eight upstanding professionals: four lawyers and four support staff to assist them. Attorney Saoud is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Stetson College of Law, and is licensed to practice law in Florida, Michigan, and Illinois...

As one of the co-founders of the Family Law Advocates and Plog & Stein P.C., Stephen J. Plog is a highly skilled divorce lawyer who truly cares about helping his clients successfully resolve family law issues. The Chicago native has handled cases in all the district courts of the Denver metropolitan area, which has allowed him to gain unique and invaluable experience in regards to how judges tend to rule on certain matters. If you need help with a family law case, he is the kind of lawyer you want advocating on your behalf. He is admitted to practice in...

Chris Beardslee is an experienced criminal defense attorney based in Tampa, FL, with a diverse background in handling various criminal cases, including DUIs, drug charges, assault and battery, theft, criminal traffic offenses, sealings and expungements, veterans treatment court, juvenile defense, and more. As a former US Navy Petty Officer, he brings a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges veterans may face. His extensive knowledge of criminal procedure and case law has resulted in numerous dismissals and reduced charges on serious offenses, making him a trusted advocate for his clients.

I am a personal injury attorney with Farah and Farah.

An Experienced and Aggressive Legal Advocate Providing Attentive and Caring Client Service Along Florida's Gulf Coast Lawyer Craig A. Epifanio began his practice of law solely defending those accused of a crime. He gained considerable experience aggressively pursuing justice for those accused of all levels of crime, to the point that in 2005 he was elected as President of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) for that year. He now uses his natural ability to listen and empathize in order to gain a clear picture of the events leading up to a client's arrest, assess each individual legal issue...

Attorney John DeGirolamo has experience handling high-profile cases, and the focus of his practice is in the areas of Divorce and Family Law For Men and Personal Injury. For 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Attorney John DeGirolamo was selected by The National Trial Lawyers of America as a Top 40 under 40 in Florida! According to the National Trial Lawyers of America, “membership into the Top 40 under 40 association is by invitation only and is extended exclusively to those individuals who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as a young trial lawyer.”

Jennifer Zumarraga is well-versed in a wide variety of labor and employment law issues and has been with the Sass Law Firm since 2005. Her legal experience and excellent credentials make her a valuable asset. With over 20 years of experience, she has become an integral part of the firm’s success and reputation. Ms. Zumarraga is a staunch advocate of employee rights, and brings a unique and excellent set of skills to the table. In addition to her keen mind, she possesses the rare ability to easily grasp convoluted scenarios and facts, and boil down complex...

YOU'VE BEEN ARRESTED OR YOU ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. WHERE DO YOU TURN? CALL ME NOW. Before I became a criminal defense attorney, I investigated, filed, and litigated thousands of cases as an Assistant State Attorney. My tenure as a prosecutor can aid your criminal defense case because I understand how the police, judges and prosecutors will view the circumstances of your charges. I have earned the respect of the judges and prosecutors in my area, and my work as an attorney has earned me an AV Preeminent* rating from Martindale-Hubbell, their highest available rating. Knowing how both sides of a...

I am attorney Donald J. Kilfin. I own and operate The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C., a St. Petersburg area criminal defense and DUI firm representing clients throughout the Tampa Bay area.
I earned a four year Honor's Bachelor's degree from Trent University, one of Canada's top undergraduate institutions. From there, I relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida to attend law school at Stetson University. It was my first choice, among many options across the United States, based on its national reputation for trial advocacy and legal writing. I graduated in 2000 with a juris doctor degree and...

Since establishing The Law Firm for Family Law in 2005, Attorney Gary E. Williams has handled over 1,800 family law cases. He is a board certified specialist in marital and family law, and has earned an AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. Whether you are filing for divorce or need assistance with a matter involving child custody or alimony, you can count on the professional service Attorney Williams will provide you with. To learn more about the representation offered by a Clearwater family lawyer, be sure to contact The Law Firm for Family Law.

John R. Frazier J.D., LL.M., MBA is an experienced Medicaid planning attorney who has helped well over 3,000 clients qualify for nursing home or assisted living coverage with Medicaid. People just like you. He understands the problems facing seniors today and he knows how to use the current laws to help solve your Elder Law issues. Attorney Frazier also can help with Veterans Benefits for Aid & Attendance. Based in Largo, Florida, Attorney Frazier can help anyone in the state of Florida with no in-person office visit required. Attorney Frazier has free audios, videos, eBooks, etc. on...

I’m a forward-thinking attorney with a passion for resolving complex legal matters and developing lasting strategies for clients. I love a challenge and I am known for being proactive, attentive, and responsive. I became a lawyer because I could never find an attorney who genuinely cared about me or my businesses. As an entrepreneur who has started, developed, managed, sold, and participated in just about every aspect of operating a business, I understand what an exceptional attorney should be. As your attorney, it’s my responsibility to be more than just a legal advocate or advisor of the law. I am a champion...

Attorney Cheryl Ward will meet your legal needs and exceed your expectations. Mrs. Ward is a Florida Bar licensed attorney practicing throughout the state of Florida. It is her mantra that client satisfaction comes first.

Kris became a member of the Florida Bar in 2008 and is a graduate of Marshall University and Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was member of its award-winning moot court team. After graduation, Kris worked as a staff attorney for the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and assisted domestic violence victims in securing domestic violence injunctions.

In 2009, Kris was hired as an Assistant State Attorney with Florida's Sixth Judicial Circuit which is located in the Clearwater/Saint Petersburg area. As a state prosecutor, Kris tried 42 jury trials, hundreds of evidentiary motions, and a handful of appeals....

Walt Shurden is a Florida Board Certifed Elder Law Attorney and a former Georgia CPA who used to audit nursing homes and hopitals for a Medicare contractor. Now he represents families who seek Medicaid and VA eligibility because they need help paying for the high cost of long term care. He devises estate plans and asset protection plans for his clients. He also serves as fiduciary, and represents other fiduciaries in probate and trust administration proceedings. All four staff members are experienced and have been with the firm for over 10 years.

Since 1991, Claire Hancock has helped Tampa injury victims get back their lives after accidents involving wrongful death, auto accidents and slip-and-fall injury cases. As a wife and mother of two young adult daughters, Claire brings a compassionate perspective to exceeding the expectations of our clients. • Licensed to practice law in Florida and Washington, D.C. • Florida Bar: Editorial Board of Florida Bar News and Florida Bar Journal • North Tampa Bar Association • Carrollwood Area Business Association • Florida Justice Association, Women’s Caucus • Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association • Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Mattie Belle Davis Society • Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers • North Tampa Chamber of Commerce • Hernando County Chamber of Commerce • Hernando...