Cortez Lawyers

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

James has built his reputation as a relentless trial lawyer for his work ethic and thorough preparation for trial.

James Holliday has been selected and named as one of the “Best Attorney” Lifetime Charter Members in Florida. Less than one percent (1%) of the attorneys of America have been invited to be a member. Membership is extremely selective, carefully screened, and limited to the most qualified and accomplished attorneys in the United States. Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America invites lawyers to become a “BEST ATTORNEY” after that attorney has been endorsed by a Charter Member, Nominated by a Member of...

I am a personal injury attorney with Farah and Farah.

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...

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...

Vincent R. Pawlowski, Esq. is an exceptional client advocate with more than 20 years experience in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation, automobile accidents and injuries, workers compensation, criminal defense, DUI / DWI, and drug charges. He founded the Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group in 1995 in the heart of Tampa's Ybor City, with satellite offices in Westchase, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Lakeland. As managing partner of the firm, Vincent ensures that every member of his legal team holds the same core values and vigor to defend and fight for our clients case...

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....

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 &...

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...

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...

R. Michael Pierro, Jr. ("Mike") is a Florida Bar Board Certified labor and employment attorney based in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is one of only 5 lawyers in St. Petersburg holding the distinction of Board certification in the area of labor and employment law. He represents both employers and employees. Mike is also a certified Florida circuit civil and federal court mediator. With over 20 years of litigation experience, Mike is well-suited to effectively mediate employment-related disputes. Mike welcomes the opportunity to discuss your employment matter.

Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing. Her experience as a former prosecutor along with her years of experience as a private criminal defense attorney allows her to effectively represent her clients charged with a wide range of criminal offenses. Extensive Criminal Law Experience While a felony prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Ms. Morris prosecuted thousands of criminal...

The overwhelming majority of my immigration law practice derives from repeat business and a very strong referral base of “happy customers” and a large supporting professional network. As such, it is important to me that my clients report back to me frequently with feedback. To me, there is no substitute for a happy referral by my clients and contacts to others who may need my services or advice. I welcome all referrals. While there is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting with me, in order for you to decide if I am the right lawyer for you,...

Brandon S. Vesely is the founding member of The Florida Appellate Firm, P.A. in St. Petersburg, Florida. Certified in appellate practice by The Florida Bar since 2009, and rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell for over 20 years, Mr. Vesely has earned a reputation as one of the top appellate attorneys in the state. In 29 years of appellate experience, Mr. Vesely has won hundreds of appeals involving a wide range of legal matters, including personal injury, business litigation, family law, creditors' rights, evictions, and more. Mr. Vesely is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Stetson University College of...

Helping people is what I enjoy most about being a lawyer. I began practicing law after earning a Juris Doctorate, with honors, from Stetson University College of Law in 1994. I received my bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida. I am a native of Long Island, New York.

I am the firm's trial attorney. I represent clients who have been injured, and the families of those who have been killed, due to the fault of another. I have had the privilege of representing thousands of clients throughout Florida since 1994. I never represent insurance companies.

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...

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...

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.

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 have accumulated years of experience in civil trial practice, focusing on litigation and arbitrations. I earned my B.S. in 1976 and my J.D. in 1979, both from Stetson University. My primary practice area involves defending medical malpractice cases, where I represent both physicians and hospitals in litigation, arbitration, and Department of Health investigations. Additionally, I manage the defense of premises liability and product liability cases for major grocery store chains, as well as for physician practice locations and a hospital. My experience also extends to handling the defense of automobile, bad faith, PIP/UM, and general insurance litigation. I have...

Helbert Lopez believes that helping to solve legal problems doesn’t just mean looking for solutions. It’s also about finding opportunities for clients to move ahead confidently with their lives following a divorce, an immigration matter, an auto accident, or a personal bankruptcy. In his role as CEO of Florida Law Advisers, P.A., Helbert uses his broad range of legal savvy and business wisdom to give Tampa, Orlando, and Central Florida citizens the guidance they need. “My diverse work experience and education provide a solid foundation to solve any issues faced by my clients,” Helbert proudly proclaims. “In these capacities, I have gathered...

Maj: pronounced like the first syllable of "Magic" Vasigh: pronounced "Va-sigh" Most people go through life thinking they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. And many of them never will. But sometimes, a regular, decent, professional person - a teacher, college student, nurse, or fellow lawyer - will find themselves in a situation they never thought they'd be in. That's when they call Maj Vasigh, a criminal defense attorney in Tampa who is an expert in criminal defense litigation. Though he represents people from all walks of life the majority of his clientele aren't the type of "hard criminals"...

I represent clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout the Tampa Bay area. I am a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). I graduated with Honors from the University of Florida College of Law in Gainesville, Florida, in 1999, and served as Vice Chair on the Executive Board for the UF Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board. I completed internships at the State Attorney's Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit prosecuting cases in the felony division, and the United States Attorney's...

Michael D. Fluke, P.A. is an A.V. rated law firm low volume practice handling serious Divorce and Family Law and matters. When you are dealing with matters of Custody, Alimony or Equitable Distribution, you may need to fight for your rights. Michael D. Fluke, P.A. is always ready to help you fight. Receive the personal attention you deserve!

Family Diplomacy is dedicated to helping clients restructure their families privately and respectfully. We practice exclusively in out-of-court dispute resolution, with a focus on collaborative divorce and family law, mediation, direct negotiations, and unbundled legal services. We maintain this out-of-court practice because we strongly believe that family disputes should be resolved in a private conference room, not in a hostile and public courtroom environment. This unique perspective on family law stems back to Adam B. Cordover’s experience studying International Affairs in Washington, D.C., and abroad. Adam had the rare opportunity to work closely with...

Robert advises clients in the areas of cybersecurity, privacy, data protection, cyber insurance, e-discovery and emerging technologies.

I'm Attorney Jim Tanner. I've been a trial attorney for 37 years. I was born and raised right here in Tampa Bay area. My dream was to become a Professional Baseball Player. It came true the very night I graduated from High School I was selected as the third draft choice nationwide by the Detroit Tigers Baseball organization. My Education: I earned my BA from USF in Political Science, and my Juris Doctorate from Boston Suffolk Law School where I served as a Special Prosecutor for the MA Governor's Consumer Boards...

Ryan began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, where he tried over 50 jury trials (and over 200 non-jury trials) at both the felony and misdemeanor levels. He then went on to practice law for a prominent insurance defense firm until the fall of 2007, when he joined the Plaintiff’s side and began helping Injury victims. He now represents plaintiffs’ rights in personal injury and wrongful death claims. In the past Ryan has defended insurance companies and their insureds, which provides him with a unique insight into the inner workings of...

Paul W. Rebein has a passion for helping people. His 26 years of experience and deep understanding of the law empower him to fight for justice for his clients. Paul has won and favorably settled thousands of personal injury, auto accident and slip and fall cases. Driven by his faith and a profound empathy for the people he serves, Paul is known for winning cases and and negotiating substantial settlements on his clients’ behalf. A graduate of the University of Virginia Law School and a Tampa resident for years, Paul is 20 years, Paul is at...

Ms. Elvington is an AV-Rated criminal appellate and post-conviction attorney handling cases throughout the State of Florida. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and then graduated from Penn State Law, cum laude. Ms. Elvington began her legal career working in civil litigation with a large Tampa firm; however, within a short period of time pursued a career in criminal defense. Ms. Elvington was a criminal trial attorney who tried cases in both State and Federal Court, including the Nation's first Patriot Act case tried in Tampa, Florida....