Laurel Lawyers

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...

Tampa Bay Criminal Defense and DUI Attorney Ajay Pallegar -
Former State Prosecutor with over 50 criminal jury trials, 50 bench trials, and extensive DUI training and experience.

Mr. Pallegar is a graduate from the University of South Florida and Stetson University College of Law. He is a Former Pinellas County Assistant State Attorney and has over tried over 100 criminal trials to verdict. As a prosecutor, he received specialized training in domestic violence cases by being appointed to the domestic violence division of the Pinellas County State Attorneys Office, specifically battery, assault and domestic violence injunctions. Mr. Pallegar has also...

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

Matt Erjavec is a native Floridian who graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Business Management and received his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, Matt returned home to Florida and began practicing as a personal injury attorney at a high volume law firm in Tampa, Florida. During this time, Matt gained invaluable experience handling all aspects of personal injury cases while representing thousands of injury victims. However, this experience also exposed Matt to the shortcomings of high volume law firms - namely, that many times...

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...

For the past four (4) decades I have been providing legal services to individuals in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Asset Protection, Probate & Trust Administration and Litigation, and Probate Avoidance. I have also represented Florida corporate entities, shareholders, LLC members, and partners in business transactions, contract drafting, succession planning, mergers & acquisitions, and business disputes. My clients include opposite-sex and same-sex couples, business owners, individuals looking to protect their assets from creditor claims, retirees, family members needing guidance in the administration of a Florida probate estate or an inheritance dispute, and relatives of individuals who need to...

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 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,...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

As the founder at the Law Offices of Rick Arcaro, Sarasota lawyer Rick Arcaro offers legal counsel to injury victims. He has more than four decades of personal legal experience, and he has been in solo practice since 1990. In 2012, Sarasota Magazine named him as a Top Lawyer. His peers have recognized Mr. Arcaro with the distinction of the AV Preeminent® recognition from Martindale-Hubbell®. He is a lifetime member of the multi million dollar advocates forum.Attorney Arcaro is a member of the Florida Justice Association and Sarasota County Bar Association. Mr. Arcaro has extensive litigation and trial experience...

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...

Christina focuses her practice primarily upon plaintiff’s Personal Injury, which encompasses, but is not limited to, car crashes, slip/trip-and-fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, homeowner negligence, and other negligent injury claims. Christina also handles Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Litigation on behalf of doctors who have been unfairly denied payment by insurance carriers, and has also represented those who are disabled in Social Security Disability cases.

Her heart is in plaintiff's work, and she is dedicated to representing the injured who have been the victims of other's negligence. As a former insurance defense lawyer, Christina saw how "big...

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...

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.

Born in Kentucky and raised in Ohio, Matt graduated Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing). He received his law degree, Cum Laude, and his Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Stetson University. While in law school, Matt completed internships with the Chief Judge for the US District Court, Middle District of Florida, the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, and the 12th Judicial Circuit's Office of the State Attorney in Florida. Matt also earned Book Awards in Evidence, Criminal Procedure II,...

Originally from Buffalo, New York with an NY bar license still in effect, I have been living in Sarasota for the last 25 years. My Florida Bar license was obtained in 1978 and I have been practicing since then in the fields of personal injury and family law. I believe in settling cases with mediation when possible and saving clients both time and money whenever possible. I am a member of the Florida Justice Association and believe my motto of "Talk to a lawyer who cares " should be followed. My web page is www.divorcelawyersarasota.com where additional information including client...

If you have been injured by no fault of your own, LeavenLaw Injury Lawyers can help. With several litigators experienced in both state and federal court, LeavenLaw’s trial litigators have the experience needed to appropriately represent your interests and maximize your recovery. Sometimes that representation involves trial, sometimes that involves maximizing recovery faster through strategic settlement. LeavenLaw is well versed and experienced at both. If injured and you need counsel, contact our firm today! 800-526-1949

Bradford M. Gucciardo is an experienced attorney whose work is devoted almost exclusively to the representation of stock market investors who have been victims of stockbroker and brokerage firm misconduct. Specifically, Mr. Gucciardo helps brokerage firm customers recover stock market losses, most often of retirement savings, that they sustained as the result of mishandling of their brokerage accounts. After he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in the study of English literature, creative writing and criminology from the University of South Florida, Mr. Gucciardo, a native New Yorker, returned to New York to attend St. John’s University School of...

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...

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.

Ron has achieved received a significant number of notable high-profile acquittals and dismissals for physicians and health care entities facing allegations of improper prescribing and health care fraud.

Ron is the managing shareholder of Chapman Law Group’s Michigan Office and represents clients nationally in the areas of health care fraud and abuse, federal investigations, DEA registration matters, and physician licensing defense. As a former prosecutor, Ron also has a significant amount of experience dealing with state and federal agencies during high-level criminal investigations, criminal trials, and administrative proceedings.

In his most recent trial, United States v. Dr. A, two physicians were...

Tampa Insurance Law Attorney

As the founder and managing partner of Germain Law Group, Michael Germain continues to represent insurance policyholders, personal injury victims, consumers, and businesses across Florida.

He is a dedicated advocate for his clients' causes, even if their case takes them against large insurance corporations. His resolve stems from nearly a decade of legal experience, which allows him to confidently fight for his clients' futures inside and outside of the courtroom.

Michael Germain founded Germain Law Group on the foundation of open-communication and a drive to help people gain the justice that they deserve.

With insurance-related matters, individuals, families,...

Jonathan S. Corchnoy has been practicing law for over 40 years in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and now has opened an office in Sarasota, Florida. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, is a member of The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). Prior to coming to the Philadelphia area after graduating from law school, he clerked with the United States Department of Justice, Tax division. He is a 1981 graduate of American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., and Allegheny College, in Meadville, PA. He spent his youth growing up...

Christopher D. Smith received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) and his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.). A long-time resident of Florida, Mr. Smith also graduated from Pine View School in Sarasota. He is a member of the bars of Florida, Virginia and Washington, D.C., and is admitted to practice in the Middle, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida. Christopher is also certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification.


Christopher started his career with the international law firm of Dechert LLP in 2001, working as an associate in the securities law...

Over the years many of my clients have asked why I became a lawyer. My choice was sparked by an injustice suffered by a family member. I was in grade school when my dad was hit by a drunk driver who was from a wealthy family. It appeared that she received preferential treatment because of her wealth.

From that day my passion for justice was ignited. Over the years it was fueled by meeting individuals who were not treated fairly in the civil or criminal justice system. Before going to law school I listened to people who had been wronged in...

Whitney C. Coyne received his Juris Doctorate from The Florida State University College of Law in 2001. He has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2002 and during that time has had the opportunity to litigate thousands of cases.Coyne Law, P.A. is dedicated to zealously advocating on behalf of our clients. Attorney Whitney Coyne has been practicing in the Sarasota/Bradenton area for over 15 years. During that time, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge to assist his clients with any situation or need that has arisen due to their legal issues. Mr. Coyne began his career as...

The Law Office of Adam B. Portnow, P.L. is an Intellectual Property & General Law practice providing competent, cost-effective representation for clients throughout the State of Florida. Adam Portnow is a graduate of St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, Florida. Prior to completing law school, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida College of Computer Information Sciences and Engineering.

I am a 1991 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, and have an undergraduate degree in public administration from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. I worked as a prosecutor after graduating from law school, and have been in private practice since 1996. I handle all types of criminal cases, primarily in the Sarasota and Manatee county areas.

After law school I was a prosecuting attorney for the State of Florida. This provided invaluable preparation for my future career in litigation. While working as a prosecutor, I recognized a need for attorneys with real litigation experience in Family Law.

I often represent clients that are having their first legal experience through a divorce. I am dedicated to client education as the first step towards achieving a successful outcome. By providing information and legal knowledge, our clients can then be active participants in their cases.

I have represented hundreds of clients with divorce and family law needs. Clients benefit from clear...

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,...

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.

We handle almost all aspects of Retirement and Estate Planning. We assist you with planning for Medicaid qualification so that you can obtain payment for assisted living or long-term nursing care without depleting your assets. We create all types of trusts depending on the nature of your property and your plans for it. We draft documents that provide for end-of-life care to be exactly according to your wishes. Florida law is complex and there are specific rules and regulations we carefully follow to be sure your documents are all in legal compliance.

Marc Falco has 27 years of experience practicing personal injury trial law on the west coast of Florida. He practices in all State Courts, Middle District of Florida Federal Court and the State Supreme Court. He has collected multiple million dollar awards for his clients. He is also a motorcycle enthusiast who is regarded as one of the premier motorcycle accident lawyers on the west coast of Florida.

Sara is a health care attorney for Chapman Law Group’s Sarasota Of?ce. She is dedicated to the defense of individual health care practitioners as well as health care entities.

Prior to joining the Firm, Sara worked for the Board of Governors of the State of Florida University System under the University of Florida J. Hillis Miller Health Center Self-Insurance Program defending participating health care providers. She worked on an array of topics related to trial preparation and alternative dispute resolution for malpractice defense cases.

Her passion for health care law brought her to work for the University of Florida Health System and...