Fort Myers Beach Lawyers

Bradenton personal injury attorney Steven G. Lavely is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who is considered a specialist in civil trial law. Less than two-percent of Florida lawyers can claim this distinction. He is also one of the less than five-percent of Florida lawyers named a Florida Super Lawyer. Mr. Lavely is rated the highest possible rating on AVVO—a 10 out of 10—and is a proud member of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America.

“I am very proud of the honors and distinctions I have achieved, as they are either earned from advanced testing by independent agencies...

I give families peace of mind by helping them create estate plans that make sure their family is protected upon their death of incapacity. I also help families in difficult times when their elder is no longer to safely stay home due to the aging or disease process by helping protect assets and apply for Medicaid and VA benefits.

I was fortunate to grow up in Pinellas County with my father being a well-known and respected attorney. With my father’s encouragement and my own passion for helping others, I knew that estate planning and elder law was the career path for...

While I have experience handling catastrophic injury cases of all types, I focus my practice on medical malpractice cases. I became the youngest partner at Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen, P.A., before starting McArdle Law, P.A.

Over my career, I have gone to trial in malpractice cases in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties. I have fought in deposition, mediation, and trial for clients robbed of their health by negligent healthcare providers, helping clients obtain million-dollar results multiple times through settlement and trial. I have dealt with cases involving amputations, blindness, brain damage, serious burns, misdiagnosed cancer, spinal-cord injury, and wrongful death.

In these...

As a trial lawyer, I see people at a time when they are in their greatest need. Unfortunately, it's not easy to choose the right lawyer for your case. If you choose a lawyer who will never go to court, you are destined to settle your case for too little. Lawyers who never go to court by definition always take the last best offer to settle. Insurance companies know which lawyers will always talk their clients into a settlement.

I am Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial. I'm proud to go to trial when necessary to...

I am a seasoned criminal defense attorney with 25 years of courtroom experience. My background as a former prosecutor and law enforcement academy instructor gives me unique insight into defending the rights of the accused, which I am passionate about. I graduated from the University of Miami Honors Program and received my Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University. My legal journey began in insurance defense, but I quickly transitioned to criminal defense to advocate for clients daily. With over 200 trials under my belt, I have successfully handled a wide range of criminal cases, including homicide, drug trafficking, and DUI. My...

An AV Rated Civil Trial attorney with more than 30 years of experience, Bernard F. Walsh first began his career protecting the rights of the public as an attorney for the State of Florida. As a trial attorney, Mr. Walsh handled numerous high profile trials concerning serious felony crimes.
Bernie has exclusively practiced personal injury law and helped accident victims in and beyond Sarasota and Manatee Counties in Florida.
Mr. Walsh has won the largest playground recovery (2008-$1,900,000.00), motorcycle recoveries (2006-$6,000,000.00), motor vehicle v commercial truck (2016-$4,700,000), auto accident recovery (2018-$1,050,000.00), and a daycare center recovery (2010-$1,000,000.00) in the State of...

Experience, Respect and Reputation in the community for over 19 years. Dedicated and Aggressive Trial Defense, Criminal Defense, Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence, Family Law/Divorce, Probate, Estate Planning and Guardianship cases. Member United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, July 17, 1998 Member United States Middle District of Florida, August 14, 1998 Member of Sarasota County Bar Association, 1998-2017 Founding Member and Board of Directors of the Collaborative Family Law Professionals of Sarasota/Manatee Graduated Nova Southeastern University, Juris Doctor, January 31, 1998 Associate Editor for Nova Southeastern University Journal of International & Comparative...

I am a practicing attorney with over twenty-seven years experience in Florida and New York. I currently actively litigating family law cases including modification of alimony, domestication of a foreign decree and dissolution of marriage cases. Additionally, I am appearing as local counsel for Plaintiff’s in debt collection, mortgage foreclosure and insurance subrogation cases. I previously served as a Child Support Hearing Officer/Magistrate for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Bradenton, Florida.

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...

Attorney Sherri L. Johnson provides discreet, compassionate counsel to clients in the Sarasota and Bradenton area who are experiencing financial difficulties and are considering a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing. Ms. Johnson personally handles each client's bankruptcy case from start to finish, including attendance at the Meeting of Creditors.

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...

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...

Michael Waddington is a criminal defense lawyer and bestselling author specializing in serious felonies, military crimes, sexual assault, military sex crimes, court martial cases, and war crimes. Contact him at 1-866-969-9860 or www.ucmjdefense.com. Mr. Waddington has been reported on and quoted by hundreds of major media sources worldwide and has provided consultation services to CNN Investigative Reports, 60 Minutes, Katie Couric, ABC Nightline, the BBC, German Public Television, CNN, CBS, the 2010-212 Golden Globe winning TV series “The Good Wife” and other various international media outlets. He appeared in a major CNN Documentary, the 2009 “Killings at the...

Kaplan Employment Law is a Florida-based law firm dedicated to fighting for employee rights. Led by Attorney Brett Daniel Kaplan, we specialize in wrongful termination, sexual harassment, retaliation, whistleblower cases, severance agreement negotiation, unpaid overtime, and employment law litigation. Our commitment to excellence is backed by outstanding client reviews. If you've faced sexual harassment, been fired for reporting illegal activity, are owed unpaid overtime wages, or received a severance agreement, contact us for a free consultation.

I am Brian C. Malone, a forward-thinking and dedicated immigration attorney with a comprehensive background in various immigration law disciplines. I began pursuing a certificate in Immigration and Citizenship Law and Practice in 2014, which I earned in 2017. Since then, I have handled a diverse and unique set of immigration cases. I consistently go above and beyond in family-based cases, appeals, and representation before various court systems, USCIS, ICE, and CBP. I am committed to building partnerships based on trust, respect, and honesty, truly embodying a 'client-first' approach with a real-time case management portal that fosters transparency and efficient communication....

Anne grew up in Manatee County, Florida and has always served those in her community. She has witnessed the devastation caused by failure of families to plan for long term care, disabilities and end of life. Her goal is to make these life challenges easier to negotiate for the Senior as well as for the Senior’s family. Having practiced law here since 1977, she practices Elder Law which includes probate and estates, estate planning, guardianships, wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives, Medicaid planning and Special Needs Trusts. In addition to her professional associations, Anne...

Don Cahall prides himself on being extremely passionate about every one of his clients’ cases no matter whether the damages involved are small or large. Don’s clients are victims who have been harmed by others’ negligent or intentional wrongdoing. To obtain justice for his clients, Don’s objective is to attempt to recover his clients’ financial damages as quickly as possible. It has been said that the wheels of justice turn slowly. The culpable parties often seek to obstruct and delay justice and courts are regularly inundated with heavy caseloads. Thus, to meet his objective, Don utilizes an aggressive approach to...

Yohan is the Attorney of Center for U.S. Services (CFUIS) Bradenton Office. With about 60 years of combined experience in Immigration law, CFUIS provides immigration services to families and businesses. Yohan’ s goal is to help clients realize their dream of living in the United States. Yohan speaks Spanish, Portuguese, French and Creole. His ability to speak various languages enables him to effectively assist immigrants from diverse background. Yohan is from the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe and came to the U.S. as a student. He went through the immigration processes and personally knows how the immigration process can be very stressful,...

Kirk earned his undergraduate degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He began his legal career in New York City at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as a legal assistant in the firm's real estate division. Kirk attended Stetson University College of Law and received the highest honor bestowed upon an applicant of the graduate school - a full merit scholarship. While attending law school he earned the William F Blews Pro Bono Service Award and studied abroad at Nankai University located in Tianjin, China. After graduating...

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 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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

David Goldman is an experienced and accomplished Personal Injury Attorney. He believes that everyone should be treated fairly and is dedicated to bringing justice to all areas of society. David has been fighting for the rights of injured Floridians for 30 years. He is committed to providing aggressive advocacy and pursuing the results that his clients deserve.

David has has been named among the 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. He received a Preeminent Rating, the highest possible, from Martindale-Hubbell. He was also honored with the Legislative Leadership Award from The Academy of...

I am a Partner in the Law Office of Ayo & Iken PLC, focused on all facets of Family Law. My practice areas include Uncontested and Contested Divorces (Equitable Distribution, Alimony, Time Sharing, Child Support), Paternity (time sharing and child support), Adoptions (Step-parent and relative), Dependency (DCF), and Domestic Violence (DVI).

I received my B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Florida in 2005. My J.D. was completed at Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. For over 10 years, I have been practicing Family Law in Florida.

Confidence in my abilities and a fearlessness in the courtroom set...

JEFFREY S. GOETHE is a partner with Barnes Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea, & Robinson, PLLC. The firm's main office is in Bradenton, with appointments available in the firm's Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch and Parrish offices. Mr. Goethe is a graduate of Maryville College and the University of Tennessee College of Law and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1990. He is board certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in wills, trusts and estates law and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Mr. Goethe is a member of the Florida Bar’s Real...

Summer Goldman is an experienced criminal attorney representing individuals facing criminal charges. Ms. Goldman started her legal career as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County. During her time there, she handled thousands of cases from the initial investigation with law enforcement through sentencing.

Attorney Goldman left her position as a prosecutor in 2004 and started working as a criminal defense attorney. In 2009, she co-founded Goldman Wetzel, a criminal defense law firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As a criminal defense laywer, Ms. Goldman is skilled in Federal and State serious felony charges including sex offenses,...

Terri Cromley is a managing partner of the firm. She was born and raised in Ohio. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys cheering on our hometown Bradenton Marauders. She also attends as many Lightning games as possible. She is active in the Bradenton community and actively supports and organizes charitable fundraisers.

Jason Reid began his career in Florida in 2006 with the Office of the Public Defender for the Ninth Circuit. Jason Reid moved to the Tampa Bay area joining a local lawyer firm in 2012. Jason Reid decided to take his dedication to his client's cases with a hands on approach at The Reid Firm in 2019.

Jason Reid is Board Certified Criminal Trial, Appellate, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation lawyer with experience in all areas going back to at least 2012.

The Reid Firm is located in Bradenton, and handles cases frequently in Sarasota and Tampa. We are a...

Attorney Kevin Humphries attended Stetson University College of Law before he started off his legal career serving as a felony prosecutor for the state attorney’s office of the 10th Judicial Circuit. His history includes a widely diverse track record at both county and circuit court and in the state courts of the following counties: Dade, Hardee, Hillsborough, Highlands, Osceola, Pinellas, and Polk. Mr. Humphries has also litigated cases in federal court in the United States Middle District Court for Florida in Tampa. Kevin Humphries has served as a partner in private practice for more than a decade. He opened Lopez &...

James "Jay" Horne, Jr., is an AV Preeminent Rated trial attorney. He focuses his practice on medical malpractice, personal injury and wrongful death matters. He has successfully represented clients from intake through trial in state and federal court.

Jay and his team of medical professionals can handle any complex medical malpractice case. He has handled cases involving Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse (SUPC), misdiagnosis and misreading of MRIs and other diagnostic methods, which resulted in catastrophic injuries to the patient. A new study published by John Hopkins Professor of Surgery, Martin Makary, indicated that Medical errors,...

James A. Fowler Jr. is the co-founder and managing partner of Fowler Law Group. James draws upon his diverse criminal law experiences to defend adults and juveniles involved in all types of criminal law matters, including federal and state crimes, DUI offenses, driver’s license suspensions and traffic cases. He is a native of Sarasota County and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida.

With over 20 years of experience, Sarasota injury lawyer Damian Mallard has won several million dollar and multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients and is Board Certified in civil trial law, an accomplishment achieved by less than 2% of attorneys in Florida. Along with his wife, Sara Mallard, and Michael Murphy, the team of personal injury attorneys at the Mallard Law Firm serves as advocates for injury victims throughout Florida and offers free case evaluations.

Dedicated to helping those injured due to the carelessness or even recklessness of others fight for their rights and a fair and just recovery.

Daniel H. Smith is an elder law and estate planning attorney at Advocates in Aging, Law Office of Wiesner Smith PLLC in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Veterans Benefits, Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, Guardianship, and Assisted Living/Nursing Home Issues. Daniel is licensed to practice law in Florida and Virginia. Daniel is also a VA Accredited Attorney, and represents veterans and their families with benefits claims and appeals of VA Benefits decisions. Daniel received his law degree with honors from the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington,...

I am a Florida criminal defense lawyer passionate about helping those charged with serious misdemeanor and felony offenses. My legal background includes several years as an assistant state attorney. Working throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, I bring forth a client-focused legal representation.