DeSoto County Lawyers

The Law Office of Jessenia Rosales serves clients throughout Florida in the practice of family law and criminal defense. Attorney Rosales is committed to improving the lives of her clients by understanding their needs and working within the legal system to achieve their goals. Her specific areas of experience include divorce, child custody and support, injunctions, domestic violence, DUI, theft crimes, drug crimes, assault, and other violent crimes. Attorney Rosales has been practicing law in Florida since 2017 and started her own firm, the Law Office of Jessenia Rosales in 2018. She later received the Rising Professional Award from the Federal...

Nicole Lange Goetz (nee Nicole Lange Smith) was born in Virginia and raised in Southwest Florida.

She graduated cum laude from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1993. During her studies at the University of South Florida, she was a member of two national honor societies, earned a perfect grade point average in her major, and was recognized on the Dean’s list every semester that she attended. Ms. Goetz went on to receive high honors and honors multiple times during her legal studies at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and in 1997, she received her Juris Doctor degree...

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...

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.

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.

For almost a quarter-century, I have largely dedicated my professional life in service to such victims and, over time, have learned the real value of the hospitality service education and training I received. While providing a high-quality hospitality service experience to someone during their restaurant visit or hotel stay was professionally rewarding to me, I have found no greater professional fulfillment than providing high-quality legal service and achieving corrective results for individuals who have suffered unlawful treatment at the hands of their employers. I have counseled thousands of individuals. I have achieved multiple million-dollar recoveries for my clients. And, while...

Eric is a Naples Personal Injury Attorney and the founder of Cardinal Law, P.A. Having lived in Southwest Florida since 1991, Eric has deep roots in the community, a love for and understanding of the area, and a passion for helping those in need. Before starting his own firm, Eric was a litigator at the world’s largest law firm — Dentons— and spent almost a decade fighting over complex business, construction, commercial, and real estate disputes.

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. ...

Justin is patent attorney concentrating in patent prosecution with an emphasis on mechanical devices. He also prepares infringement and non-infringement opinions in a multitude of fields, including medical devices and nutraceuticals. Justin has experience with challenging pending patent applications using third-party submissions and issued patents using the Inter Partes Review process. He is also able to discuss foreign filing options and strategy with an eye toward the best protection at the lowest cost. His professional experience was in the field of petrochemicals, particularly liquefied natural gas or LNG. Responsibilities included fire system design, cryogenic butterfly valve vendor selection...

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....

Chase earned his J.D. and M.B.A. degrees at Stetson University College of Law in 2021, where he graduated Valedictorian of his class, with Magna Cum Laude honors. Chase also earned his Business Law Concentration and was a Senior Associate of Stetson Law Review. While in law school Chase earned a 4.0 high grade distinction in the following courses: Property Law, Business Entities, Federal Income Taxation I, Administrative Law, Sales and Leases, and Products Liability. During law school, Chase was a Judicial Intern to the Honorable Edward C. LaRose of the Florida Second District Court of Appeal and clerked with Fisher...

Paul Knudsen was born in New Port Richey, Florida and resided there until eight years old. He then moved to Orlando where he attended Dr. Phillips High School. At 18, he went to The Florida State University on an academic scholarship. While at FSU, Paul received numerous Dean’s List Honors and is still an avid Florida State football fan. After his graduation from Florida State, Paul moved to Jacksonville and began attending Florida Coastal School of Law. In the Spring of his first year, Paul was invited to join the Moot Court Honor Board for his appellate advocacy skills....

Mr. Faro is Boston born and educated. Faro has been a Registered Patent Attorney since 1971; and, since then. has continuously represented inventors (and their companies) in the protection, exploitation and enforcement of intellectual property rights throughout the U. S. Prior to entering private practice Faro was the patent counsel for the Baxter Healthcare three (3) divisions, in Miami, Florida (immuno-diagnostics), and in Costa Mesa, California (clinical chemistry) and in the Stanford, Connecticut (Wappler Endoscopic Instruments) In private practice, Mr. Faro has represented his former employer, Baxter Healthcare, IVAX Inc., C.R. Bard. Polaroid Corp., Meridian Diagnostics, Coulter Diagnostics,...

Geoffrey Pfeiffer is a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney with Lopez Law Group. Specializing in personal injury, Geoff has helped injured clients recover life-changing compensation after accidents in Florida. He is known for putting his clients first and doing everything he can to maximize the value of their claims. Geoff has extensive experience in many types of personal injury cases and has practiced this area of law since the very start of his career. He takes great pride in helping his clients stand up to insurance giants and get the money they need to move forward after their accidents. Geoff has...

Casey Carlson is a long-time Clearwater, Florida, resident who graduated from Keswick Christian High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He joined the firm in 1989 upon graduation from law school. He enjoys boating, fishing, golf, scuba diving, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

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...

Kevin F. Coleman is the founder and principal attorney at the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman, a St. Petersburg law firm handling divorce and other family law matters in St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. Kevin’s experience gives him the confidence to tenaciously pursue your desired outcome. Kevin F. Coleman has over ten years of diverse legal practice, including handling a wide range of Florida family law matters. Over his career, Kevin has handled over 100 family law cases, including taking multiple cases to trial. Kevin’s family law practice includes handling divorces, paternity cases, child custody issues, child support...

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....

Ramil Kaminsky is the first-generation American son of Jewish Uzbek immigrants who fled the Soviet Union (U.S.S.R) under threat of religious persecution. He was raised on Brighton Beach, NY, also known as “Little Moscow”, where he learned not only about the “evils of communism”, but also the value of being an American. Young Ramil was very blessed. Unlike other Jewish parents, who only wanted medical doctors, Ramil’s parents gave him options to either be a medical doctor, a lawyer, or an accountant. Ramil’s parents pursued the American dream from New York to Florida. He moved to the Tampa Bay Area as a Junior...

With over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Abrahamson embraces the practice of working with clients on a contingency basis.

“A system of hiring an attorney on an hourly basis rewards inefficiency, creates delays and commonly creates negative issues between the lawyer and the client. Representing clients on a contingency basis in which the law firm earns a percentage of the settlement, however, is much more rewarding for the client and the attorneys. We have a common goal: to pursue the maximum recovery for the client. If there is no financial recovery (i.e. settlement or jury verdict), the...

Heather Bryan stands as a seasoned trial attorney, wielding extensive knowledge across family law, criminal law, and personal injury law. In 2016, she took a significant step in her legal journey by founding her own law practice, focusing predominantly on family law. In this capacity, Heather has been a guiding force for numerous families, navigating them through the intricacies of the divorce process with compassion and legal acumen. Heather's commitment to the legal profession extends beyond her practice. She has been an integral part of the Polk Association for Women Lawyers since its inception, serving on the Board of Directors and...

Attorney L. Reed Bloodworth, Founder and CEO of Bloodworth Law, PLLC, is a Florida U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyer® in Commercial Litigation Award 2019-22; in Trusts & Estates Litigation 2022; and in Real Estate Litigation 2022. Bloodworth Law is a U.S. News & World Report "Best Law Firm" 2020-22 and has established itself with an office in Orlando and one in Winter Haven. Reed, a 2019-22 Super Lawyer, was named a Florida Trend’s Magazine Florida Legal Elite™ in Civil, Commercial Litigation 2017-19, 2021, a group of less than 1.3% of Florida's attorneys. Reed has been an attorney since 2004...

Army Veteran and former Law Enforcement Officer, Sean decided to continue to serve his community by becoming an Attorney. Sean has a mission to protect the people and started Panther Law, P.A. to do just that. He offers legal help in Litigation, Estate Planning, Probate, Bankruptcy, and Special Needs Law.

Mr. Zoecklein currently focuses his practice on Plaintiff's Civil Litigation. His team is currently litigating cases throughout the State of Florida in the practice areas of probate administration, estate litigation, insurance claims, family law and business law. Brice Zoecklein grew up in Blacksburg Virginia and attended Virginia Tech where he graduated cum laude and obtained a degree in business management. While at Virginia Tech Mr. Zoecklein ran several successful franchises throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Zoecklein then obtained his juris doctorate degree cum luade and a Masters in Business Administration from Stetson University College of Law....

I am Timothy J. Sierra, a bankruptcy attorney with more than 24 years of legal experience. I specialize 100% of my practice in bankruptcy and work with clients in the Tampa Bay, Riverview, and Brandon areas. Visit our website at www.timsierra.com or give me a call today at (813)258-3455 to schedule a free initial consultation.

I have maintained a private law practice for 35 years in the areas of criminal defense, juvenile, dependency, bankruptcy, real estate, corporate, contracts, estate planning, and probate administration. I served the public sector as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Coumbus, Ohio; Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Juvenile Division for Jefferson County, Ohio; Special Agent and Assistant Ohio Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Division; and Service/Safety Director for Reynoldsburg, Ohio. I was also a registered lobbyist and in-house legal counsel for the Ohio Municipal League. I am focusing my practice now on estate planning, business, and probate administration.

Rick is a firm partner. He and his wife Patricia enjoy sailing and spending time at the beach. He is an Angel Tree sponsor and a former police officer. He joined the firm in 2007.

Sean Lopez founded Lopez Law Group Accident Injury Attorneys to provide client-centered legal representation to all accident victims. Mr. Lopez is an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer serving clients throughout South Florida. Mr. Lopez represents victims in all types of personal injury cases involving injuries resulting from the negligent or intentional actions of other parties. He handles claims involving car accidents, product liability, slip & fall accidents, and more. Over his career, he has secured millions of dollars in injury compensation for hundreds of accident victims. Mr. Lopez and Lopez Law Group often accept clients who get turned down by other...

Diane Buerger has over 30 years experience as a Florida Criminal Defense lawyer – with cases ranging from felonies to misdemeanor and traffic cases. Her practice includes representation on both the trial and appellate levels. She handles cases from high-profile to first-time offenders. Her primary practice is criminal law -- in both trial and appellate courts. She's successfully argued before the Florida Supreme Court -- and District Courts of Appeal. She's a Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers -- and also the Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

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...

Frank Fernandez has been practicing law for over 26 years in the Tampa Bay area and Hillsborough County. In 1992 he received his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University, which he attended under a full academic scholarship. He received his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law in 1995 and became a member of he Florida Bar later that year. Frank has appeared on behalf of his clients at the trial and appellate level in Federal and State courts all throughout Florida. He has dedicated his legal career to specialize in Personal Injury and Criminal Defense. As a personal injury lawyer, Frank...

Jennifer Burns work at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett PA. Practice areas Personal injury, Long-term disability and ERISA, Insurance, Business litigation, and Social Security disability. Jennifer Burns was born in Michigan and moved to Punta Gorda, Florida with her family at the age of 10. She studied International Law in Tallinn, Estonia. Jennifer is married to Dale and they have a beautiful daughter. She is an active volunteer with children in the Tampa Bay community, a tutor of elementary students and mentor of teenagers, and a former participant in Great American Teach-in and Teen Court.

Caitlin Szematowicz is a Partner with the firm, practicing in the areas of Civil & Commercial Litigation, Appeals, and Employment Law. Caitlin joined the firm in August 2012.

Caitlin graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in May 2012. She graduated cum laude from the University of Tampa, Honors Program, in December 2008, where she majored in Writing and received the “Outstanding Graduate in Writing” Award upon graduation.

While in law school, Caitlin worked as an appellate law clerk for a Washington D.C. law firm, extern at the United States Attorney’s Office, and a Certified Legal...

As the son of a career Officer in the United States Navy, Ryan Kuhl relocated several times before graduating from High School in the Washington, DC suburb of Rockville, MD. He received his B.A. from the University of Delaware in 1995, where he attended on a football scholarship. Ryan graduated Cum Laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 1999, and was admitted to the Arizona Bar in 1999, the Florida Bar in 2000, and most recently the New York Bar. Mr. Kuhl served as a Prosecuting Attorney in both Phoenix, AZ and Fort...

Brian Palacios Law is a Criminal Defense Firm located in Tampa, Florida. A Criminal Defense Attorney and former State Prosecutor, Mr. Palacios is an experienced Trial Attorney with a deep knowledge base in all areas of Criminal Defense. He personally handles each case, securing favorable outcomes for his clients and tirelessly advocating for the just and fair treatment they deserve. Mr. Palacios has handled thousands of criminal cases across a broad range of practice areas from DUI's to Murder. Mr. Palacios is an experienced and skilled Criminal Defense Attorney, who will advocate on your behalf to secure the best possible...

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...

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.

Lesly Carmen Longa Vaillancourt litigated and defended claims on behalf of individuals against corporations for over 10 years. Today she focuses her practice on wills, estate planning and family mediation. Attorney Longa speaks Spanish, has represented foreign nationals in U.S. Courts, and also handles a variety of international matters for business and estate planning clients. She is a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator who can help divorcing couples file for divorce and negotiate an agreement without attorneys, preserving the family's dignity and empowering folks to decide for themselves what is best for them and their children. ...

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...