Chipley Lawyers

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...

Jacqlyn joined Perenich, Caufield, Avril & Noyes as an associate attorney in 2012 and became a partner at the firm in 2018. She focuses her practice on personal injury claims, including Workers Compensation. Jacqlyn has tried cases in both Circuit Civil jury trials and Workers Compensation bench trial.

While in law school, Jacqlyn received an award in trial advocacy for Best Advocate in a Preliminary Round in the American Association for Justice, Civil Trial Competition. She also received the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award, Who’s Who Among American Colleges & Universities, the Book Award (Highest Grade) in Race &...

Michael Perenich is a third-generation personal injury lawyer. Guy Perenich, his grandfather, founded a personal injury law firm in Clearwater, Florida, in 1955, and Michael's father Mark Perenich is a personal injury lawyer as well. Born in Clearwater and raised in Tarpon Springs, Michael currently resides in Palm Harbor. He went on to complete his philosophy degree at the University of South Florida. Following his graduation from USF, Michael, like his father, enrolled in Loyola University's New Orleans College of Law. Michael interned as a law student for Honorable Judge Robert Morris of the Second District Court of Appeals. In addition, he participated in...

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...

Attorney Devon Workman is an accomplished personal injury lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale and the broader Florida community. As the founder of Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, Attorney Workman has built his practice on a foundation of experience, professionalism, and a commitment to securing justice for his clients. Over the course of his career, he has handled more than 1,000 cases, recovering over $30 million in settlements and verdicts. Attorney Workman began his legal journey at one of Florida’s largest and most prominent law firms, where he gained insight into handling complex personal injury cases. While his time there provided...

Mr. Thomas is board certified by the Florida Bar in the area of Labor and Employment law and he served as a member of the Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law Certification Committee for six years from 2002 to 2008. Mr. Thomas has over thirty-five (35) years legal experience.

He is listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest attorney rating awarded. Mr. Thomas is a Master in the Chester Bedell Inns of Court.

He has been a faculty member of the Stetson University College of Law Employment Trial...

Travis J. McMillen – Personal Injury & Auto Accident Attorney Serving Orlando Travis J. McMillen leverages more than two decades of litigation and trial experience to secure full compensation for Floridians injured in car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, and slip-and-fall accidents, as well as wrongful-death cases. After graduating from Florida State University College of Law—where he earned Moot Court honors, Order of Barristers, and completed exchange study at Oxford University and Charles University—Travis spent 16 years defending major insurers in complex claims statewide, achieving an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Today he uses that insider knowledge to anticipate insurance tactics and...

Born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, Richard Ellis graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 1976 and received his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1979. Mr. Ellis has served on the City of Sarasota Planning Board, City of Sarasota Board of Adjustment, and currently serves as Special Magistrate for the City of Sarasota, a position he has held since 1999.

Mr. Ellis has filed in excess of 5,000 Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases over the past three decades and has handled hundreds of family law matters since beginning practice in 1979.

Mr. Ellis spends his...

Nicholas "Nick" A. Norden, co-founder and partner at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law, has devoted more than ten years to championing the rights of the injured in personal injury lawsuits. His journey commenced in 2011, marking a pivotal shift from defending insurance companies and large corporations to advocating for accident victims. This transition was fueled by his profound desire to aid those profoundly affected by negligence. With a robust educational foundation encompassing a BSBA in Finance and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, Nick possesses a deep understanding of both legal and financial facets critical to his practice....

David McLaughlin is a dedicated Orlando personal injury attorney with over 18 years of legal experience at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law, representing clients in both state and federal courts at trial and appellate levels. His diverse professional background includes information technology, real estate, employee benefits and compensation, and education. Additionally, as a Florida licensed construction contractor, he has hands-on experience working with some of the nation’s most prominent developers and has served as corporate counsel for private contractors. This unique combination of legal and practical experience enables him to relate well to individuals from all walks of life....

Zachary Leacox is an Orlando personal injury attorney at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law, a distinction achieved by less than 7% of Florida's legal practitioners. This certification, independently granted by the Florida Bar, signifies the legal community’s official recognition of a lawyer's proficiency within a specific legal area. It represents expertise, attesting to peers' recognition of a lawyer's skill and experience in their field. Having initially represented insurance companies and major corporations, Leacox gained invaluable firsthand insight into their strategies for minimizing their liability for injury claims. Now, he exclusively...

Michael E. Zmijewski is an attorney in Morgan & Morgan's Orlando office. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Michael graduated Magna Cum Laude from Temple University's Fox School of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Following his undergraduate studies, Michael went on to attend Oklahoma City University School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor with high honors. While in law school, he was honored by being inducted into Phi Delata Phi International Honor Society for his commitment to scholastic achievement. In 2002, following his graduation from law school, Michael moved to Orlando, Florida to...

As an entrepreneurial lawyer, I understand the challenges that small business owners face each day. We deal with vendors, customers, employees, taxes, and regulations all the time. Each one of these relationships creates legal risks that you must address in a cost-effective manner, before trouble strikes. Relying on my experience in trying business law cases, I have developed a three-step legal strategy that every small business owner should implement. In its most basic form, this strategy employs contracts, insurance coverage, and an operating company-management company-holding company format for the organization, to help control the common risks that can tank...

Attorney M. David Shapiro is an AV-rated civil trial lawyer, the highest rating awarded to litigation attorneys. He is also board certified by the Florida Bar. Shapiro is an experienced trial lawyer who has earned the respect of his peers in the legal community. He has successfully litigated civil rights cases involving access to courts and rights under the Rehabilitation Act to the United States Supreme Court. He is admitted to practice in all of the Florida State Courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States Court of Appeal for the Eleventh...

I have 25 years experience in the legal field as a law clerk, judicial clerk, legal intern and attorney. Since 2000, I've had my own private law practice which has been a general law practice in the past. In the last several years, I have limited my practice areas to certain legal fields. Now approximately 95% of my practice is focused on divorce and family law.

I am a Southwest Florida attorney board certified in labor and employment law by the Florida Bar. My practice focuses on employment law, insurance claims, whistleblower representation, and civil litigation.

Much of my law practice involves the representation of current and former employees denied proper compensation; victimized by discrimination or retaliation in the workplace; or requiring legal assistance with non-compete agreements. I'm also heavily involved with the representation of families and businesses denied appropriate insurance coverage following Hurricane Irma. Additionally, I provide representation for Medicare fraud whistleblowers, sexual abuse victims, and most business litigation matters.

I have...

Bill's practice is focused on providing his clients with the "second chance" they deserve. As a personal injury and criminal defense attorney, Bill has dedicated his practice to helping his clients begin their journey towards a new and better life - a life they can begin as masters of their own destiny, not merely as victims of circumstance.

Bill has helped numerous people, who have been caught making mistakes and found themselves entrenched in the Criminal Justice system, get a second chance by getting their charges dropped, reduced, or potential sentences mitigated. In many cases, he also has given them the...

Ms. Loftus offers a concierge approach to her clients. She begins with the assumption that each case calls for special handling, since no two family law cases are alike. After the initial consultation, she works with her clients closely, to provide them with a basic understanding of Florida family law proceedings. Ms. Loftus and the client are then able to work together to ensure that there are articulated, agreed-upon, legitimate and realistic goals. After the goals are established, Ms. Loftus provides her clients with a range of options designed to meet those objectives. She reviews the advantages and disadvantages of...

Anthony G. Ryan is one of a select group of criminal defense attorneys in Florida who are Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar. This certification recognizes his proven expertise in the courtroom and his thorough grasp of Florida’s criminal justice system. Mr. Ryan has a proven track record of success defending clients in high-stakes cases ranging from DUI and drug charges to serious felonies and complex allegations. He handles each case personally—never passing it off to an associate—so you always know who’s standing beside you in court. Clients value his direct approach, thorough preparation, and commitment to achieving...

Naji has represented thousands of injury victims and recovered millions of dollars for his clients since 2003. He has dedicated his legal career to seeking justice by fighting insurance companies and big corporations to protect the rights of individuals and their families across the State of Florida. Naji has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his legal career and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator.

Over 20 years ago, Naji was involved in a serious car accident that left him with permanent injuries, and thousands of dollars in medical expenses. He relied on advertising and hired a big...

Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, 10/10 Rating from Avvo.com. Former Prosecutor with experience in more than 100 civil and criminal jury trials. Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Injunctions and Family Law cases. Graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law with High Distinction in Trial Advocacy, Order of Barristers. Bachelor's Degree from the University of Miami School of Business.

Paul M. McDermott, Esq., practices exclusively in the area of Marital and Family Law. He has experience in litigation, mediation, and collaboration. After practicing law in Virginia for many years as a trial lawyer, he relocated to Florida and founded McDermott Law Offices, PLLC and now practices exclusively in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which includes Manatee County and Sarasota County.

Mr. McDermott is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. He is also trained in Collaborative Divorce Law, an emerging field within the Alternative Dispute Resolution realm focused on resolving cases with a "team" approach...

Tonmiel Rodriguez is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer, a distinction few Florida attorneys achieve. He is an experienced litigator, having tried over 56 criminal trials, conducted hundreds of depositions, and litigated numerous motion and evidentiary hearings. Tonmiel was inducted into the National Trial Lawyers list of "Top 40 under 40" Florida Criminal Trial Lawyers. He has been published three times in The Defender, a publication of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). In 2015, Attorney Tonmiel Rodriguez was awarded the FACDL's James T. Miller Scholar Award.

In 2005, Attorney Tonmiel Rodriguez received his Political Science Degree, with Honors,...

Carol Avard is a member of the Medical Malpractice, Social Security, Federal Torts, and Motor Vehicle Collision sections of the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America). She is also a member of the Bad Faith, Disability Law, Employment Law, ERISA Litigation, Insurance Law, Medical Negligence, Nursing Home, PI/Wrongful Death, Products Liability, Professional Negligence, and Social Security Disability Law sections of The Florida Association for Justice. Additionally, she is an Accredited Veterans Disability Attorney. Carol is a member of the NOSSCR Board of Directors – a professional association of Social Security Disability practitioners.

Jeff Luhrsen is a personal injury attorney, with more than 15 years of proven success. Licensed in both Florida and Virginia, The Liquor Law Center operates in Sarasota, Florida, yet also consults clients in any of Florida's 67 counties. As an advocate for people who have experienced wrongful accidents, Florida attorney Jeffrey Luhrsen combines his understanding of the law with a strong desire to help his clients.A graduate of The University of Tampa, Jeffrey Luhrsen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Following his undergraduate work, Jeffrey Luhrsen received his Juris Doctor, graduating Cum Laude from Stetson...

Before founding my own law firm, I gained valuable experience working in-house for legal departments and at a boutique law firm concentrating on commercial litigation. During this time, I managed a variety of business disputes. This background in litigation equipped me with a thorough understanding of the critical components that agreements must include to withstand legal challenges and how to effectively safeguard my clients' rights. My background in business has been crucial in integrating legal counsel with business strategies. Being a small business owner myself, I am committed to assisting other entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses while reducing risks and addressing...

Attorney John L. Calcagni, III from the Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III is a highly skilled, aggressive, and experienced criminal defense trial attorney. He is a former military prosecutor in the U.S. Army JAG Corps where he prosecuted hundreds of complex felony cases in the United States and abroad. Attorney John L. Calcagni, III also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney with U.S. Attorney's Office in New York. As a prosecutor, attorney John L. Calcagni, III never lost a single case. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York,...

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.

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...

Ethan F. Kominsky is a veteran of over 65 trials in Florida and Illinois. Ethan has practiced insurance defense, representing the same side he now fights daily. His experience working for the other side has given Ethan valuable insight into their tactics and methods. He uses this knowledge to the advantage of his clients.

He began representing injured individuals and their families when he moved to Florida, having been recruited by a name partner at one of South Florida’s largest injury law firms. Ethan has a passion for representing the underserved and underrepresented members of society. He has seen firsthand how...

Juris Doctorate, 4 Clinical Service Practices, Seattle University School of Law
Judicial Externship
Bachelors of Science, cum laude, high honors, University of Oregon

Licensure
Washington State Bar Association:
WSBA.org License No. 31068
In good standing, no bar disciplinary sanctions
Former drafter for WSBA Special Disciplinary Counsel

John Abrams’ lifetime mentorship began early as the son of a public interest trial lawyer, Sol. A. Abrams, whose constitutional law precedents include the case that established the fourth amendment bedrock law of The Fruits of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine, and was portrayed by Christian Slater in the Hollywood movie Murder in the First (Warner Bros. 1995, starring Christian Slater and Kevin...

John M. Hemenway is a founding partner of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. John serves as a trusted legal advisor to business owners, real estate investors, and families seeking to preserve and pass down their wealth and values. His practice focuses on estate planning and probate, small and closely held businesses, and real estate, combining experience in each of these areas to provide a comprehensive approach to transactions and planning.

John earned his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida. John regularly presents at legal education seminars on both probate and estate planning topics, and is published on estate planning...

Jonah Wolfson, Esq. was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He attended high school locally and graduated from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, majoring in English. To earn money in college, Mr. Wolfson worked on a commercial fishing boat in Gloucester, Massachusetts. After graduating from Boston College, he spent time hiking on the Appalachian Trail for roughly five months. After this, he enrolled in law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law. In law school, Mr. Wolfson was an intern at the Cook County Office of the Public Defender where he tried a number of cases to verdict. He also...

I am an AV rated attorney. That places me in the top 5% of all lawyers in Florida. I am dedicated to helping the injured or sick secure justice when it comes to a personal injury case, workers compensation case or social security disability claim. My track record speaks for itself. Feel free to look at my client reviews on AVVO.com. Se habla Espanol

Aboubakr Maaroufi – Personal Injury Attorney Serving Kissimmee & St. Cloud Aboubakr Maaroufi advocates for injury victims in Central Florida, drawing on eight years of experience defending one of the nation’s largest insurers to anticipate and counter insurance tactics. A dual citizen born in Casablanca and fluent in multiple cultural perspectives, Aboubakr represents clients in auto, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, and slip-and-fall accidents, as well as premises liability and wrongful-death claims. He earned his J.D. from Barry University School of Law (2013) after completing a B.A. in Legal Studies at the University of Central Florida, and is admitted to practice in...

Attorney Roberto Vazquez is a south Florida native. After moving to Orlando, FL, he attended the University of Central Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Mr. Vazquez earned his Juris Doctorate from the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. As a volunteer with the Guardian Advocacy Program during his undergraduate studies, Mr. Vazquez took a keen interest in helping those who had been civilly committed. His desire to help others carried over into his law school career. Mr. Vazquez has been with the Morey Law Firm, P.A. since 2010. Mr. Vazquez's practice focuses on civil litigation....

Ms. Mitchell graduated from Florida State University with a major in History and Economics. Upon graduation, Ms. Mitchell was hired by the premier South Florida personal injury law firm of Bogani & Robes, PLLC. Witnessing quality legal service promoting justice, and bettering the lives of their clients, she decided to attend law school at St. Thomas University School of Law.

As a merit scholarship recipient, Ms. Mitchell excelled academically earning placement on the Dean’s List every semester, named Articles Editor of Law Review, and participated in Moot Court as both a competitor and coach. Ms. Mitchell was site coordinator for the...

Mr. Cressman was born in Lake Worth, Florida in 1962. Before entering college, Mark served in the U. S. Army Infantry. Mark was stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington and Wiesbaden, Germany and was a member of the “Black Knights” of the 3rd Squadron, 5th Calvary. He earned his A.A. degree from Palm Beach Community College in 1985 and his B.A. from the University of Florida in 1988. In 1994, Mr. Cressman earned his law degree cum laude from Nova Southeastern University. There, during his third year, Mr. Cressman was an Acting Attorney General, prosecuting crimes in the...

Mr. Wells has been a member of the Florida Bar for over 30 years and has represented both insurers and their insureds over the course of his career. Mr. Wells handles bodily injury cases and insurance coverage claims, including first party property matters (fire, sinkhole, hurricane, windstorm, and water damage claims), other insurance claims (life, disability and other direct actions against insurers), bad faith claims (claims against an insurer for improper claim handling), and insurance agent negligence cases, in both the state and federal courts. Mr. Wells is an experienced litigator, having litigated matters statewide, including the...

Attorney John Morey is a native of Tampa, Florida. After moving to New York he attended the State University of New York College at Brockport where he earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology. Mr. Morey earned his Juris Doctorate from the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law where he graduated in the top 25% percentile of his class.



Mr. Morey has been dedicated to being a zealous advocate for his clients since the first time he stepped into a courtroom as a certified legal intern for the Seminole County Legal Aid Society, Inc. The experience he gained...