Pinellas County Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 &...

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...

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...

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.

Matthew Dolman is the President and Managing Partner of Dolman Law Group, a Clearwater personal injury and civil trial law firm. Mr. Dolman focuses much of his practice on the litigation of catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. In fact he only represents plaintiffs who have been physically injured as a result of the negligence exhibited by an individual or corporation. The Dolman Law Group has not and will not represent the interests of a Florida insurance carrier. Mr. Dolman is a proven fighter for injury victims and has been honored for his many...

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...

Steven C. Ruth is the managing- trial attorney of The Ruth Law Team. For over 35 years he has exclusively represented thousands of families in successfully obtaining compensation for their injuries or wrongful death due to the negligent conduct of individuals, corporations, and insurance companies. He conducts jury trials involving auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents, as well as defective products, elderly abuse, and medical malpractice. He is admitted to practice before all state courts in Florida and Minnesota, the Federal Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, the Federal Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of the United States...

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...

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....

John Richert is a Managing Attorney at Richert Quarles, P.A. He received his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida and a Master’s in Business Administration from Stetson University in Deland, Florida in May 2013. While at Stetson, John participated in Stetson’s pro bono program and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Before attending Stetson, John attended the College of William and Mary located in Williamsburg, Virginia and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration majoring in Finance. John was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 2013. John’s practice is focused...

I am a Trial Attorney licensed to practice in all Florida State Courts and the Unites States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Concentrating on Criminal Defense including all Traffic Court Cases, DUIs, Misdemeanors, and Felonies.

As a former prosecutor, I have the experience and insight to give an honest assessment of your criminal case. I strive to provide the highest standard of legal representation to achieve the best results for my clients.

Specialties: All Felonies, Misdemeanors, Traffic Cases, including Drug Offenses, DUIs, Weapons Offenses, Batteries, Thefts, Violations of Probations, Sealing and Expungments.

Matthew Carney is a Partner at Carey Leisure Carney, focused on advocating for the injured. Prior to joining the team at Carey Leisure Carney, Matthew was an associate at a preeminent insurance defense firm, and was previously a licensed insurance agent and commercial property and casualty underwriter. Building on this experience, he focuses his practice of plaintiff representation on the tactics employed by insurance companies to avoid the fair handling of claims. Matthew values his clients, and believes in educating his clients to make sure they are fully informed when making important decisions regarding their case. He believes...

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!

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....

Attorney Angela Zervos is the President of Zervos & Calta, PLLC. She is a personal injury trial lawyer, having tried both criminal and civil cases before a jury, since 1997. During her career, she has personally obtained settlements and trial verdicts exceeding $80 million.

Ms. Zervos, originally a native of Brooklyn, NY, she has been in the Tampa Bay Area since 1985. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 1992 from USF in Tampa. She graduated from Stetson University College of Law in December, 1996 and was licensed to practice law in...

Dina Arvanitakis graduated from the University of Chicago and completed her Juris Doctorate & Master of Laws degree in International Business and Trade Law at the John Marshal Law School in 1999. Dina is licensed to practice law in Florida, Illinois and Washington D.C. Dina is a member of the Florida Board of Realtors and is a licensed real estate consultant with Real Net Brokerage. Bilingual: English / Greek

Kathy C. George graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in criminology from the University of South Florida in 1996. Ms. George graduated from St. Thomas School of Law in Miami, Florida. Ms. George has practiced exclusively in the Marital and Family Law arena in Pinellas County, Hillsborough County and Pasco County, Florida. As a complement to the Marital and Family Law, Ms. George specializes in Family Law Appeals. Ms. George is a member of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar and a member of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. In 2004,...

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....

Attorneys Don Hendry and Kris Parker are experienced trial attorneys with nearly 100 jury trials between them. They possess the trial experience you should look for in selecting an criminal law attorney or divorce lawyer who WILL fight for your rights.

Don Hendry and Kris Parker will personally handle your case from evaluation until it is resolved. Your case will not be delegated to an associate attorney or a legal assistant, and you can always pick up the phone and call.

If you’re searching for an experienced and affordable criminal defense attorney, family attorney, or need a personal injury lawyer...

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

20 years of court room experience handling criminal, divorce, bankruptcy, family, foreclosure, and injury law cases in Clearwater, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, and all of Tampa Bay, Florida My name is Steve Bartlett and I am an experienced Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney who is not afraid to fight for my clients. Although many lawyers describe themselves as aggressive or fearless, I have a proven documented history of fighting against the powerful. You can read about some of my cases in the news section of this webpage. I have over 20 years of court room...

Joseph A. Corsmeier is an "AV" rated attorney practicing in Clearwater, Florida. He concentrates his practice primarily in the areas of defense of attorney disciplinary matters before The Florida Bar, attorney admission matters before the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, and professional license and disciplinary matters before the Boards of the State of Florida. He provides expert analysis and opinion on conflict of interest and other attorney disqualification and legal malpractice issues and he testified as an expert in the Florida courts. Mr. Corsmeier served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Sixth Judicial Circuit from 1986 to 1990 where...

For over two decades, the Law Offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A./Fighting For Families has helped accident victims and their families in Tampa Bay, in Pinellas County, and throughout Florida take the necessary steps to get their lives back on track. The firm’s founder and lead Florida personal injury attorney Frank Butler is a tireless advocate for those who were injured due to the negligence of others. He and his team also understand how the personal injury claim process works and can effectively present your harms and losses to the at-fault party’s insurance company or attorney.

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...

Charis Campbell was born and raised in New Providence, Bahamas. In 2002, she moved to South Florida with her family to pursue an education that ultimately led to her career in the legal profession. Charis obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, with a major in Criminology and a minor in African Studies.

Charis obtained her Juris Doctor Degree from Stetson University College of Law. While at Stetson, She worked at a full-service real estate firm gaining experience in foreclosure and title curative work assisting with the representation of major lending...

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.

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...

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.