Highlands County Lawyers

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...

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,...

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...

Attorney Michael Throneberry has been pursuing cases on behalf of mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer victims for nearly two decades. He is involved in every case the Firm takes on and is involved preparing clients for depositions, directing discovery, and negotiating the best outcome for the clients. Attorney Throneberry began practicing law at a large firm in St. Louis where he focused on commercial litigation litigating cases on behalf of individuals, small businesses and multi-national companies. After losing his father-in-law to mesothelioma, Attorney Throneberry began to focus exclusively on helping the victims of asbestos exposure, which primarily...

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,...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Anthony G. Ryan provides aggressive criminal defese in State and Federal Courts throughout the state of Florida. He is a board certified criminal trial attorney with over twenty years of experience. Call him today: 941-954-7132

Hi, I'm Alina. I grew up in Lakeland, Florida, as the youngest of three children in a family of Cuban refugees. From a young age, my parents taught me the value of community, education, and the opportunities available in this country. My family has always been my greatest support and the most precious part of my life. Their support is why I am committed to being a reliable advisor to my clients and a leader in my community. It's an honor and privilege to offer guidance and advice that enhances the stability and comfort of families. With over 25 years of experience...

Christopher Mossallati concentrates his practice representing clients in Workers’ Compensation cases and other related Labor and Employment Law matters. Mr. Mossallati received his Bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2011 and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2015. He is a member of the Florida and West Virginia state bars. Mr. Mossallati has lectured at various workers’ compensation seminars. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Lee County Bar Association, and the Florida Bar (Workers’ Compensation and Labor Section). Prior to joining Morgan & Morgan, Mr. Mossallati worked in...

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...

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...

Through his broad experience in the government and private sectors, Jesse knows how to navigate the labyrinth of compliance, risk management, and strategic planning. Jesse served as assistant attorney general for the State of Florida. In this capacity, he handled a range of civil litigation, from prisoners’ civil rights complaints to challenges about the adequacy of funding for Florida’s public universities. Jesse also served as assistant general counsel for the Florida Department of Financial Services, where he handled matters relating to workers’ compensation compliance, bankruptcy, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). His experience representing the government as both a regulator...

Moses DeWitt is a native Floridian and has lived in Central Florida since 1985. After graduating from Winter Park High School, he went on to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia to receive his undergraduate degree in Political Science and to Florida State University College of Law to receive his Juris Doctor. Mr. DeWitt is a regular commentator for the News Junkie on Real Radio 104.1. Although Mr. DeWitt has a wide array of legal experience, today he limits his practice primarily to domestic, commercial, personal injury, and real estate litigation. Additionally, Mr. DeWitt handles appellate matters and has prevailed for...

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...

O'Brien Hatfield, PA is a criminal defense law firm that focuses on nationwide federal criminal defense and statewide criminal defense and criminal appeals. Attorney Mark J. O'Brien is the firm's founder and managing partner. He handles federal criminal cases in federal criminal courts statewide and in federal criminal courts throughout the United States. Formerly a Miami prosecutor, Mark is now widely lauded by federal judges and federal prosecutors as one of the best federal defense attorneys in the country. Mark is so in demand that his office is often an airplane with a WiFi connection. Despite reaching such great heights, Mark...

Mr. Lampley is a Southwest Florida native. Prior to attending law school at Barry University, he attended Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers. Prior to embarking on his legal career, Mr. Lampley worked as an athletic trainer. His training career included being the head trainer for multiple teams who earned births in the NCAA playoffs, as well as an assistant trainer for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. Looking to change careers and move closer to his Lee County roots, he decided to attend law school at Barry University. While in law school he competed on...

Larry Sandefer has handled well over 5,000 criminal cases. Over 250 of these have resulted in jury trials of from one day to several weeks in length. These trials have included numerous first degree murder cases, multi-jurisdictional drug and homicide conspiracies, drug trafficking, sales and possessions, sexual battery, lewdness and exposure charges, arson, white collar crimes including trade secrets and fraud, robbery, theft, assault and battery, domestic violence, traffic deaths, DUI, resisting arrest, shoplifting, abuse allegations of children and the elderly, embezzlement, insurance fraud, burglary, kidnaping, and many other criminal charges. Mr. Sandefer has been honored with the...

As a Partner of the Law Offices of Russo Pelletier & Sullivan, I limit my practice of law to represent only those clients charged with criminal offenses and DUIs. Both I and my partner Tim Sullivan are former state prosecutors. My experience as an Assistant State Attorney with the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida has given me invaluable legal knowledge and insight into the strategies and tactics often used by prosecutors in trying criminal cases. This experience allows myself and Mr. Sullivan to develop unique, creative strategies in an effort to obtain the best possible outcome in each and every...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Free consultation Real Estate Law, Foreclosures, Quit Claim Deed, Bankruptcy, Debt Collection, Last Will and Testament, Mortgage Loan Modifications, Time Share Cancellation, Estate Planning Tampa Office: 813-514-8186 Jupiter Office: 561-510-2821 www.Rokusek-Law.com www.AbogadaClara.com

ADMITTED -Florida and U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1974 EDUCATION -Florida State University -B.S., 1972 -J.D., with Honors, 1974 -Law Clerk to the Industrial Relations Commission, 1973 PUBLICATIONS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS -Author: “Evaluating Job Searches and Earnings in a Self-Employment Setting,” News and 440 Report (Summer 1988) -“Wage Loss Under the New Worker’s Compensation Statute,” 63 Florida Bar Journal 10 (November 1989) -Guest Speaker, “The 1989 Legislative Changes Concerning Workers’ Compensation,” South Florida Risk and Insurance Management Society (February 1990) -Instructor, State of Florida approved for Adjuster Continuing Legal Education, 1991 MEMBERSHIPS -Orange County Bar Association -American Bar Association -The Florida Bar -Member, Worker’s Compensation Section -The Association of Trial Lawyers of America -Board Certified Workers’...

For the past twelve (12) years, Riley has been named one of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America by Lawdragon Magazine, whose extensive research covers all areas of the law in attempting to identify, from more than 1 million nationwide, the leading 500 lawyers in the country. In 2017, he was named a Lawdragon Legend, reserved for those lawyers named one of the 500 Leading Lawyers for 10 years in a row. He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, one of the highest and most coveted ratings possible for legal ability and ethical standards, and is identified in its Bar Register of...

Jerrold E. Slutzky, J.D., CFP® is a Florida-licensed Attorney at Law and owner of The Slutzky Law Firm, which focuses primarily on Estate Planning Services ( wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care surrogate designations, living wills, probate, guardianships, etc.) and Small Business Legal Services (start-ups, buy-sell agreements, drafting of legal documents, contract negotiations, succession planning, and general business law, counseling, and advice. Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Illinois ( Champaign -Urbana ), and a Juris Doctor Degree in Law from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois

Ken Pugliese is an accomplished attorney who began his journey in personal injury law after completing his undergraduate degree in Public Administration from Barry University. He was admitted into Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Orlando, Florida and obtained his Juris Doctorate.

Throughout his studies, Mr. Pugliese clerked for the Seminole County Bar Association where he worked on tenant eviction claims, custody battles, divorce and domestic violence cases. After obtaining his Juris Doctor degree, he gained experience in litigating on behalf of plaintiffs all across the state, as well as practicing with multinational and fortune 1000 corporations.

Ken Pugliese...

Attorney Gwen J. Cryer has been representing clients throughout Central Florida in the area of family law for over 20 years.

Mr. Klemawesch is an experienced and dedicated Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton. He provides comprehensive representation in both State and Federal Courts. Previously, Mr. Klemawesch worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Pinellas County, Florida. He has extensive jury trial experience in both criminal and civil cases. Mr. Klemawesch is committed to diligent advocacy to protect his clients' rights and interests.

Mr. Klemawesch obtained his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his M.B.A. from the University of South Florida. In 2003, he received his J.D. from the University of Florida....

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.

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...

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.